The decision to reinstate the controversial ward quota at Rajshahi University has sparked fresh protests, with many students and student leaders calling it a deliberate ploy to disrupt the long-awaited Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) elections, scheduled for September 25; first in 35 years.

On Thursday, the university’s admission sub-committee decided to reinstate the ward quota under 10 conditions, granting special admission privileges to children of university teachers, officers and staff.

This decision, released through an official press statement later that night, triggered immediate backlash on campus.

Students took to the streets once again, demanding the cancellation of the quota, which had previously been scrapped in January 2024 after massive protests.

The protesting students are accusing the university administration of reigniting a settled issue only days before the student union election, viewing it as an attempt to sabotage the democratic process.

They argue that this sudden move undermines the spirit of the upcoming elections, which students hope to see conducted in a festive, participatory environment.

By Friday evening, demonstrators, including candidates from various panels contesting the RUCSU elections, gathered near the Vice-Chancellor`s residence after marching from Shaheed Shamsuzzoha Square.

Protesters; including activists from Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Shibir and other student groups, raised slogans like “Direct action against ward quota,” and “Cancel the quota or vacate VC’s seat.”

Chhatra Dal-backed VP candidate Sheikh Nur Uddin warned the administration that using ward quota as a distraction before the election would not succeed.

“If you don’t cancel this quota, VC must step down. You think there’s division among student groups, but we will stand united against this injustice,” he said.

Chhatra Shibir’s Rajshahi University secretary Mujahid Faisal echoed similar sentiments, calling the decision an "unjust and rejected move.”

He pointed out that 2024-25 admission circular had already excluded the quota and based on that, students were admitted and are currently attending classes.

Reintroducing it now, just before the RUCSU elections, is being seen as a clear attempt to derail the democratic process.

However, some activists are critical of the involvement of Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir in the protests, labeling it a move to gain credit ahead of elections.

Salauddin Ammar, one of the early organizers of anti-quota movement and now a GS candidate from "Anti-Domination Unity" panel, called the current protest a “credit-grabbing” effort.

He questioned why the groups now protesting had not pressured the authorities earlier when the quota was reinstated.

Ammar emphasized that their original anti-quota movement was never politically affiliated, stating, “We’re not with BNP, Jamaat or Awami League. This is a political game over the ward quota and we will not let it succeed.”

Fuad Ratul, leader of Socialist Student Front, also criticized the reinstatement, saying it was done to derail the “festive atmosphere” of RUCSU election.

He alleged that the same teacher and staff lobbies connected to student political groups had pressured the administration to bring the quota back.

Mahadi Maruf, President of Chhatra Odhikar Parishad, reaffirmed that the ward quota was previously scrapped only due to student pressure.

“Now, on the eve of RUCSU elections, it’s being reinstated; not because of necessity, but because of politics,” he said, accusing groups like Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir of jumping in late for electoral gain.

Despite the differing narratives, one thing is clear: the ward quota issue has reignited tensions on campus and cast a shadow over the long-awaited RUCSU elections.

Students across political lines seem prepared to continue protests until the quota is once again withdrawn.