“Enough Is Enough!” DU Erupts as Students Demand End to ‘Privilege Quota’

A coalition of students under the banner “Abolish Offspring Quota Movement, DU” has staged a prolonged sit-in at Dhaka University, intensifying the long-standing debate surrounding the fairness and transparency of university admissions in Bangladesh. The demonstration began at around 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and continued until 1:00 p.m., drawing attention to what students describe as an “unjust and outdated” preferential quota system that allegedly benefits children of university officials and privileged groups.

The protest took place directly in front of the Vice-Chancellor’s residence, a symbolic choice intended to underscore what organisers describe as the administration’s silence and inaction. The demonstrators chanted slogans such as, “No seats by parental influence, only seats by merit!” and “If the quota remains, what is the role of the DUCSU?” These chants reflected broader frustrations with student leadership bodies and administrative processes that protesters say have failed to uphold meritocracy.

Md Rakib, one of the organisers of the movement, expressed disappointment over what he described as a lack of administrative engagement. He explained that the platform had already submitted formal memoranda to the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU), hall unions, and the central administration. “Despite repeated appeals, we have yet to witness any effective or meaningful response,” he said.

Rakib further argued that maintaining an offspring quota at a public university funded by taxpayers amounts to a “mockery of fairness.” He emphasised that a public higher-education institution should set an example of equity and inclusivity. “Our core demand is simple: from the academic year 2025–26, not a single student should gain admission under the offspring quota. Admission must be based solely on merit,” he declared.

Participants at the sit-in voiced their belief that the quota system undermines equal opportunity, fosters class-based privilege, and erodes trust in the academic system. Some students argued that the quota not only affects fairness but also damages the university’s reputation as the nation’s premier intellectual institution. Others highlighted that a modern university system must prioritise competency, transparency, and equal opportunity over inherited benefits.

The movement has gained momentum on social media, where activists are sharing images from the demonstration, urging more students to join in the coming days. Many expressed concern that if the administration does not address the issue promptly, the situation may escalate into a broader campus-wide movement.

As of now, Dhaka University authorities have not issued an official response to the demands, neither confirming nor denying any potential policy review. While the administration maintains that quotas are historically rooted in institutional practices, the growing public pressure may compel a re-evaluation.

The demonstrators have vowed to continue their activities if necessary, insisting that the fight for a merit-based admission system will carry on until concrete reforms are enacted.