During the second day of their planned "Bangla Blockade," university students across the country disrupted transportation, demanding the removal of what they consider unfair quotas in government jobs.

This protest follows a High Court decision on June 5 that reinstated the 30% quota for freedom fighters and overturned a previous decision to cancel the quota system.

Protesters escalated their demonstrations by blocking multiple key intersections in Dhaka today. Students from Amar Ekushey Hall and Sheikh Burhan Uddin College obstructed the Chankharpul crossing and nearby flyover ramp around 4:30 pm, causing significant traffic disruption.

At the same time, students from Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah Hall and Fazlul Haque Muslim Hall blocked the Paltan crossing and Sikkha Chottor, further intensifying the protest's impact.

In addition to the major blockades, Dhaka University students targeted key intersections like Shahbagh, InterContinental hotel, Paribagh, Bangla Motor, and Karwan Bazar, further worsening traffic congestion.

Students from various institutions joined the protests, with Dhaka College and neighboring institutions blocking the Science Lab intersection, while students from Eden Women's College and Home Economics College occupied the Nilkhet intersection.

The protests extended beyond Dhaka University, with East West University students and their peers blocking the Rampura-Badda road. Students from Govt Titumir College blocked the Farmgate intersection, and those from Sher-e-Bangla Agriculture University obstructed the Agargaon crossing.

Nahid Islam, a student at Dhaka University and one of the organizers of the protests, stated that they would coordinate with students nationwide to escalate the movement on Wednesday.

He emphasized that the student strike would continue and clarified that the blockades had not been withdrawn, but were instead being prepared for a full-scale implementation.

Details of the Wednesday program would be announced soon, he added.

Law Minister Anisul Huq meanwhile stated on Monday that the government is unable to decide on the quota system for government jobs because the issue is currently before the Supreme Court.

He encouraged the students protesting the quota system to present their arguments through lawyers to the Appellate Division.

Huq pointed out that during the High Court hearings, the protesters did not have legal representation to present their case.

However, now that the case is with the Appellate Division, they have the opportunity to have their arguments heard by the court, which will then make a fair decision, said the Law Minister.

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