RU employees observing full-day work stoppage

Officials and staff at Rajshahi University are observing a full-day work stoppage in demand for the reinstatement of the ward quota.

The work stoppage began at 9am on Wednesday morning (8 January) and will continue until 4pm.

During this time, the officials and staff gathered in front of the university's administration building.

"Employees from six departments — transportation, electricity, medical services, examinations, water, and security — are exempt from this full-day work stoppage as they are considered emergency services," said Muktar Hossain, acting president of Rajshahi University's Officers' Association.

He said all other officials and staff are participating in the stoppage.

Muktar said, "We are against the term 'quota'. We just want institutional benefits to be provided for our children. These benefits are offered in all governmental institutions across the country.

"We are observing a full-day work stoppage today. We will hold a meeting with the representatives of all organisations on Thursday (9 January) and announce our next course of action."

On 2 January, the university administration was compelled to cancel the designated ward quota for teachers, officials, and staff in the face of student protests. This led to significant resentment among the RU staff.

Following this, the RU officials and staff observed a two-hour sit-in yesterday (7 January) and a one-hour human chain program on Monday (6 January).