The Dhaka University campus and Shahbagh intersection were reminiscent of the 2018 anti-quota protests, as students once again took to the streets on Sunday.

The previous protests were quelled by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's assurance to remove quotas, culminating in a government circular abolishing the system.

However, recent events have reignited student demonstrations. The High Court's reinstatement of the 30% quota for families of freedom fighters has sparked concerns among students about discrimination in competitive public exams, leading them to resume their protests.

As part of their "Bangla Blockade" protest against the reinstatement of the quota system in government jobs, students blocked the Shahbagh intersection this afternoon.

The demonstration began with a gathering of hundreds of students in front of the Dhaka University Central Library around 3:00pm, followed by a procession through the campus.

Students from various institutions, including Dhaka University and Dhaka College, also blocked the Karwan Bazar intersection, halting traffic for several hours.

Overcoming a police barricade, the protesting students expanded their demonstration to encompass the area leading up to the Hotel Intercontinental intersection.

Additionally, they established a presence in front of Rajasik Bhaskarjya, near Paribag and Hotel Intercontinental.

Vehicular movement in Karwan Bazar and Banglamotor intersections resumed around 6:50pm and 7:00pm respectively, after students lifted the blockades.

Throughout the blockade, students kept their spirits high by singing patriotic songs, chanting slogans against the quota system, and even playing impromptu games of football on the empty road.

Protest will resume tomorrow

At the conclusion of today's "Bangla Blockade," Nahid Islam, a coordinator of the movement, announced their intention to continue protesting with a single, focused demand: the abolition of quotas in all grades of government jobs through parliamentary legislation.

He outlined their upcoming plans, including a gathering tomorrow at 3:30pm in front of Dhaka University's central library, followed by a blockade at Shahbagh intersection.

Additionally, he stated that the ongoing class and exam boycott will continue indefinitely until their demand is met, and the "Bangla Blockade" program will be expanded to include the Farmgate area tomorrow.

Nahid emphasized their determination, stating, "If our demands are not met, our efforts will intensify further."

In a direct address to the prime minister, Nahid Islam invoked the 2018 quota movement, highlighting its constitutional basis in guaranteeing equal opportunity for all citizens.

He asserted that the students' fight is rooted in upholding the constitution and dismissed any reference to the court as futile.

Nahid reminded the prime minister of her past support in abolishing the quota system in 2018, urging her to once again champion the students' cause against quota discrimination.

He stressed the urgency of the matter, stating that students cannot wait for court decisions and have exhausted all other options.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has advised the protesting students to discontinue their demonstrations and return to their studies. In response, Sargis Alam, a coordinator of the quota movement, stated that they will continue to protest while also resuming their studies.

Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury meanwhile said that the quota issue is currently being adjudicated.

He emphasized the importance of respecting the rule of law and noted that since the matter is still pending in the High Court, a conclusive decision will be provided by the Supreme Court.

Therefore, he cautioned against making any comments on the issue that could be deemed as contempt of court until the final verdict is delivered.

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