Ctg students protest demanding abolition of quota system in medical, university admissions
They said in the latest medical entrance exams, the proportion of seats reserved under quotas increased from 3% to 6%
Students from various educational institutions in Chattogram has demanded the immediate abolition of the quota system in medical and university admissions.
They made the demand during a human chain and protest rally, organised by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, in front of the Chattogram Press Club this morning (20 January).
Expressing frustration over the quota system, they described it as outdated and discriminatory.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
They pointed out that the issue of quota reform has been a longstanding demand of students across the country, recalling how the controversial quota system led to widespread protests during the previous government's tenure.
Ridwan Siddique, Chattogram unit coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, highlighted the recent increase in quota allocations in medical college admissions. "This is unfair."
The student leader noted that in the latest medical entrance exams, the proportion of seats reserved under quotas increased from 3% to 6%.
"This allowed many candidates with minimum marks to gain admission to medical colleges, depriving more qualified students of their rightful opportunities," he said.
Ridwan demanded immediate cancellation of the current medical admission results and a reevaluation of the process.
He also called for an end to the "unjust quota policy" that undermines merit-based competition.
Also speaking on the occasion, Russel Ahmed, another coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, raised concerns about the quota system in universities, particularly at Chattogram University, where the "family quota" remains a contentious issue.
He pointed out that despite long-standing protests demanding the abolition of the family quota, the university administration has yet to take action, even after repeated assurances.
Calling for an end to the quota system in all education institutions, Russel warned that "failure to do so would lead to intensified nationwide protests".
He declared that the Anti-Discrimination Student Novement would return to the streets if their demands were not addressed promptly.
The rally was also addressed by Anti-Discrimination Student Movement leaders including Saifur Rahman Khan, Nila Afroz, Sonia Afroz Afia, Sadia Afrin and Abdul Baset Nayeen, among others.
