On July 3, 2025, Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology (RUET) witnessed a major protest. Students and teachers gathered to demand the cancellation of the existing diploma engineering quota in government engineering positions. The demonstration took place at the university campus and continued to nearby areas.
Protest Details
The protest began at 11:00 AM in front of the Central Library of RUET. Hundreds of students joined the movement spontaneously. They started the program with slogans like “Quota or merit? Merit, merit!” and “Justice for engineers, end unfair quotas!”.
Later, the demonstrators marched to the RUET main gate and then to Talaimari intersection in Rajshahi city. Carrying banners and placards, they expressed their dissatisfaction against what they called an unjust system that blocks opportunities for deserving candidates.
The protest was peaceful, but it sent a clear message to policymakers. Protesters stated that their demand was not against any specific group but aimed at ensuring fairness in the engineering profession.
What People and Experts Said
RUET Student Welfare Director, Professor Dr. Md. Robiul Islam Sarkar, expressed his support for the students. He said, “This is not just a protest of students but of the entire engineering community. The quota system is harming the profession and forcing students to come onto the streets.”
He added that it is now time to raise an organized and disciplined protest against this unfair system.
Professor H.M. Russell, Director of the Planning and Development Department at RUET, also voiced his opinion. He mentioned, “If merit is given importance, the country will produce more skilled engineers. This demand is directly connected to national development.”
The teachers stood beside the students, believing that this movement would lead to a positive change for the future of the engineering profession in Bangladesh.
Related Past Incidents
This is not the first time that protests have taken place regarding the quota system in Bangladesh. In 2018, a nationwide quota reform movement was held by students from different universities. Although some quotas were canceled after that, specific sectors like engineering still retained certain quotas, including for diploma engineers.
The protesters argued that while quotas were necessary in the past to promote equality, it is now creating reverse discrimination. Many students with higher qualifications are being deprived of government engineering jobs, while others secure positions through quota privilege.
The protesters believe that recruitment in technical positions should be strictly merit-based to ensure efficiency and fairness in public engineering services.
Future Updates and Expectations
The demonstrators presented three main demands during the protest:
- For engineering jobs in 9th grade positions like Assistant Engineer or equivalent, everyone should compete through the same exam and possess a BSc engineering degree. No promotion through quota or any alternative titles should be allowed.
- For technical 10th-grade positions like Sub-Assistant Engineer, both diploma and BSc degree holders should be allowed to take part in the exam.
- A law should be passed stating that no one without a BSc engineering degree can use the title ‘Engineer’. This law should be officially published in the government gazette.
The protesters announced that their movement will continue until their demands are met. They also plan to raise nationwide awareness and stage similar protests at other engineering universities.
If authorities fail to address their concerns, the students and teachers warned of tougher action in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
The July 3 protest at RUET highlights growing frustration among engineering students and teachers over the existing quota system. Both students and experts believe that it is time to reform the system and prioritize merit in government engineering jobs. The movement reflects a larger demand for fairness and recognition of skills in Bangladesh’s engineering profession.
Source References:
- Statement from Professor Dr. Md. Robiul Islam Sarkar, Director of Student Welfare, RUET
- Statement from Professor H.M. Russell, Director of Planning and Development, RUET
- Local news coverage, Rajshahi (July 3, 2025)
Disclaimer
This article was written based on reliable sources and verified statements from university officials and local media reports as of July 3, 2025. The situation may develop further, and readers are encouraged to follow official government updates for the latest information.
