Rajshahi University (RU) student leaders have put a temporary stop to their anti-discrimination movement and given the authorities 30 days to address their eight demands. On Thursday, July 25, at 4 pm, a press conference was held in front of the university's central library to announce the decision.
The student leaders called on the government to take responsibility for the families of those injured and killed during the recent quota reform protests. They emphasised that while one of their demands has been satisfactorily resolved, there are still several outstanding issues that need urgent attention.
Mokarram Hossain, a prominent figure in the movement from RU, addressed the press conference, stating, "We are pleased that our primary demand has been met, which has brought satisfaction to students across the country. However, our movement had eight critical demands, some of which are still pending. A notification regarding quotas has been issued, and the Law Minister has assured us that cases against ordinary students will be addressed. Curfews are being relaxed, and internet services are gradually being restored. Nevertheless, we need the administration to ensure the safety of students involved in the anti-discrimination movement and to reopen the university as soon as possible."
Hossain outlined several specific demands includes: law and order forces should be stationed only at the campus entrances, university residence halls should only accommodate valid students, compensation and employment opportunities must be provided to the families of deceased and affected students, a prompt investigation report should be submitted on those responsible for the deaths during the agitation.
He warned, "If our demands are not met within the next 30 days, we will resume our agitation in solidarity with the general student body."
Regarding the legal cases filed by the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) against the RU students, Hossain commented, "I am not aware of any cases against us yet. If any such cases exist, they should be withdrawn immediately. The common students were not involved in violent activities, and as assured by the law minister, these cases should be dropped. Should this not happen, we will be compelled to start a movement."
The coordinators also affirmed their agreement with the eight-point demands set forth by their counterparts in Dhaka. They expressed that while progress is being made, it is essential for the government to meet these demands. The movement will be on hold for 30 days, during which time the university administration must ensure that general students are accommodated in Rabi halls without undue interference from the Chhatra League. They also emphasised that no student should face harassment or legal action related to these issues.
If the authorities fail to meet their demands within the given timeframe, the student leaders have vowed to resume their protest activities.
