At Rajshahi University (RU), syndicate members convened an emergency meeting on Sunday to address the ongoing controversy surrounding the reinstatement of the dormitory quota system. The meeting, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Saleh Hasan Naqib, began at 3:00 pm at the Vice-Chancellor’s residence. University sources confirmed that the syndicate intends to reach a final decision regarding the dormitory quota following recent unrest and confrontations on campus.

The controversy erupted after an urgent academic meeting held by the university administration on Thursday evening reinstated the dormitory quota. This decision immediately drew protests from ordinary students, former coordinators, and leaders of political student organizations. Demonstrations continued late into the night, with students maintaining a visible presence on campus until around 11:00 pm. On Friday, the protests intensified following Friday prayers, when students organized another demonstration, demanding the permanent cancellation of the dormitory quota.

The situation escalated as a few students initiated a sit-in hunger strike to press their demands. By mid-afternoon, students had surrounded the Vice-Chancellor’s residence, obstructing the entry of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Main Uddin Khan. During the standoff, students reportedly intercepted his vehicle and threw money at it in a symbolic act of protest. They subsequently locked the residence of Professor Main Uddin Khan, preventing him from entering his own home. Efforts by the Proctor, Mahbubur Rahman, and other university officials to access the administrative building in Juberi were also thwarted by the protesting students.

During these confrontations, scuffles broke out between university officials, teachers, staff, and the students. Reports indicate that both students and journalists covering the incident sustained injuries. Several senior officials, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), the Registrar Iftekhar Alam Masud, Proctor Mahbubur Rahman, and RU Central Students’ Union Chief Election Commissioner Professor Enamul Haque, were effectively held inside their offices for several hours due to the blockade.

The protests reflect long-standing tensions at the university regarding the dormitory quota system. Students argue that the reinstatement disproportionately favors certain groups, while opponents within the administration and teaching staff have stressed the need for institutional fairness. The syndicate meeting is expected to address these concerns and potentially chart a path toward resolving the conflict.

Officials at Rajshahi University have expressed concern over the escalation of violence and property damage associated with the protests. They emphasized that while student activism is a vital part of campus life, obstructing administrative operations and engaging in physical confrontations crosses established boundaries. University authorities have urged students to engage in dialogue rather than resorting to disruptive actions.

The emergency syndicate session aims not only to determine the future of the dormitory quota system but also to restore normalcy on campus after days of unrest. The university administration faces the dual challenge of balancing student demands with institutional regulations while ensuring the safety and security of all staff, teachers, and students.

As the situation develops, the broader academic community and political student organizations are closely monitoring the decisions of the syndicate. The outcome of Sunday’s meeting is expected to influence campus governance and may set a precedent for handling similar disputes in the future.

Rajshahi University, one of the country’s leading public institutions, has historically witnessed student movements advocating for administrative reforms, equity, and transparency. The current dormitory quota issue has once again brought these underlying tensions to the forefront, highlighting the complexities of managing student expectations alongside institutional policy decisions.