Students across the country rallied on Monday to demand the abolition of the quota system in educational institutions and the re-evaluation of recent medical admission test results. The protest, held at the Central Shaheed Minar, drew participants from various academic levels, including Dhaka Medical College. Doctors, students, and student representatives addressed the gathering.
Prof. Dr. Major (Retd.) Abdul Wahab criticized the current system, stating, "This year, individuals with scores as low as 40 or 41 were admitted, while many with double those marks were denied. Isn't this clear discrimination?" He further alleged that authoritarian practices within the administration have led to such discrepancies, urging the abolition of quotas and demanding that results be reissued by Monday.
Abir Hossain, a student from Sir Salimullah Medical College, pointed out, “Previously, quotas allowed minor relaxation, but this year candidates with marks significantly below the cut-off were admitted under the system. This is unacceptable.” Fellow student Nuha added, “Doctors must be competent to ensure patient safety. Admitting under qualified individuals through quotas jeopardizes lives.”
Nadeem Mahmud Shuvo, central coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, announced plans to submit a memorandum demanding a reevaluation of the results. "If our demands are not met, we will escalate our protests," he warned.
Protesters chanted slogans such as “No Quota, Only Talent” and “Justice for Merit,” emphasizing their commitment to meritocracy.
Bd-pratidin/ Jisan
