Despite student protests, dependent quota persists in universities
Educationists argue that there is no longer any justification for retaining such quotas
Dependent quota in universities per session:
- Chittagong University: 1 dependent per department
- Jahangirnagar University: Max 40 dependents, limited to children
- Dhaka University: Number not specified, admitted only after regular seats filled
- Comilla University: 1 seat per department
Although at least two universities have announced the abolition of dependent quotas under pressure from student protests, they remain in place under the guise of "institutional privilege."
Some universities have reduced the number of dependent quota seats and imposed conditions in an attempt to appease students. However, educationists argue that there is no longer any justification for retaining such quotas.
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According to sources, in the 2024–25 academic year, at least 26 students were admitted under the dependent quota at Jahangirnagar University, and five at Comilla University. Dhaka University authorities stated that admissions under the quota generally remain limited to between 30 and 50 seats.
At Chittagong University, one dependent admission per department is allowed across 54 departments, though authorities said not all departments applied it this year.
As a result of student protests, some institutions, including Jahangirnagar University, imposed conditions on dependent admissions, ending the previous scope for "unlimited" enrolment.
On 2 January this year, Rajshahi University announced the abolition of dependent quotas under pressure from students, but later reintroduced them under the label of "institutional privilege," following the example of other universities.
Students again launched protests on 19 September opposing the decision to allow up to two dependent admissions per department. In response, the university syndicate suspended dependent admissions on 21 September.
RU Vice-Chancellor Dr Saleh Hasan Naqib told TBS, "Since students have taken a strong position, their views carry weight. Even though we gave them references from other universities, we have suspended dependent admissions in light of their demands."
He added, "Initially, we decided to allow the quota only for third- and fourth-class employees, but even that was rejected by the students." He said further decisions would be taken through discussions.
On the question of maintaining quotas in admissions, he said, "There is no denying that the student movement against discrimination brought about changes in July. However, as other universities retain dependent admissions, our teachers and staff feel they too should not be deprived."
He cited the example of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology reinstating its dependent quota.
Dr Manzoor Ahmed, Professor Emeritus and Senior Adviser at BRAC University's Institute of Educational Development (BRACU-IED), told TBS, "There is no need for such quotas at this stage. Instead, teachers and staff could be given an education allowance to spend on their children's studies."
He also advised bringing underprivileged groups into competition not through quotas, but through special training and preparation.
At JU, a maximum of 40 dependents, limited to children only
Amid protests, Jahangirnagar University abolished the dependent quota in February this year. But recently, under the label of "institutional privilege," it reinstated limited dependent admissions with new conditions.
A press release from the university's public relations office on 14 August stated that the admissions committee had decided on 13 August to allow dependent admissions on a conditional basis.
Students alleged this was deception and betrayal. The administration, however, claimed it had not reintroduced a dependent quota; only a limited opportunity for children of teachers, officers, and staff.
JU Deputy Registrar Ali Reza told TBS, "Based on discussions with students, we allowed dependent admissions, but now capped at 40 in total, with no more than four per department. While the pass mark is 28 for general students, it is 32 for dependents."
Registrar's office sources said only children will be eligible; siblings and spouses are no longer covered. An employee may use the facility for only one child, and not in their own department.
No fixed seats for dependents at DU
The Dhaka University admission circular for 2024–25 allows applications under quotas for children and spouses of teachers, officers, and staff, as well as for freedom fighters' children, ethnic minorities, Harijon and Dalit communities, persons with disabilities, transgender applicants, and athletes. However, it does not specify seat numbers for dependents or athletes.
Professor Dr Mostafizur Rahman, convener of the online admissions committee, told TBS, "Dependent admissions do not take away anyone's rights. They are made only after the regular seats are filled."
"A maximum of two students per department may be admitted as dependents. Generally, we allow one, but if there are additional cases, we may allow two. Usually, the total remains between 30 and 50 seats."
Committee sources said simply passing the test is not enough; dependent candidates must meet the subject-specific qualifications or marks required.
According to the circular, 1% of seats are reserved for ethnic minorities, Dalit, and disabled applicants, and 5% for children of freedom fighters. If unfilled, seats are reassigned from the merit list.
From this year, a change has been made in the freedom fighter quota for undergraduate programs: whereas grandchildren of freedom fighters were previously eligible, from 2024–25 only their children are.
Under the athlete quota, subject allocation will be determined through a written test, and only for students from the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishthan (BKSP). Members of the transgender community will receive special consideration in admissions.
At Comilla University, the previous 38 dependent seats (two per department across 19 departments) have been halved, with only one seat per department from the current academic year.
TBS DU, JU and CU correspondents contributed to this report.
