Decision to reinstatement pet quota stirs up RU campus

Rajshahi University (RU) students staged protests against the reinstatement of the “pet quota” for children of teachers, officers, and employees.

The demonstration began at Shaheed Shamsujoha Square on Thursday (September 18), and moved toward the Vice-Chancellor’s residence along Paris Road, with students chanting slogans such as “Quota Noi, Medha Chai” and “Action Action, Direct Action.”

The admission sub-committee of RU has reinstated the “pet quota” for children of teachers, officers, and employees, effective from the 2024-25 academic year.

Professor Akhtar Hossain Majumder, administrator of the university’s public relations department, confirmed the decision on Thursday evening (September 18).

Under the quota, a maximum of two students per department can be admitted if they meet the minimum pass mark of 40.

Al Shahria Shuvo, general secretary of the RU branch Student Rights Council, criticized the decision, saying the administration had “shamelessly returned the pet quota” and alleging it was aimed at influencing the upcoming RUCSU elections.

Master’s student Ripon Islam warned that students would oppose the quota even “at the cost of life.”

The admission sub-committee clarified that only children of university staff are eligible, with minimum qualifications and pass marks applicable. Admissions under the quota will be additional to regular seats, with a maximum of two per department. Teachers and officials cannot admit children to their own departments, and violations may result in cancellation of the student’s enrollment.

RU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Md. Main Uddin said, "The decision was conditional and assured that the admission process would follow the prescribed rules."