QUOTA REFORM Protesters to observe two-hour strike today

Protesters rallying for quota reforms will observe two-hour strike today as the government did not publish the gazette abolishing the controversial quota system in public services within their 24-hour ultimatum.
The strike will be observed from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the all public universities and colleges while they would also hold protest rally on the campuses at the same time.
Bangladesh Sadharan Chhatra Adhikar Sangrakkhan Parishad’s convener Hasan Al Mamun announced the fresh programme at a press briefing held in front of Dhaka University central library on Saturday morning.
Earlier, on Wednesday, the platform issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the government for publication of gazette.
While reading out the written statement at the press conference, Hasan Al Mamun also alleged that the miscreants, law enforcer agencies and different university administration harassed their fellow activists and members of their families frequently.
Mamun also warned that they would wage tougher movements if case of any further harassment.
He said that though already thirty-one days elapsed after prime minister’s declaration in parliament abolishing quota, there was no visible development, which caused frustration among general students.
Nurul Huq Nur, another joint convener of the platform, said that they would not accept any further drama regarding quota reform as there was no scope for hesitation after premier‘s clear announcement in this regarding. 
In the face of protests across the country, prime minister Sheikh Hasina announced in parliament on April 11 that the quota system in government jobs would be abolished.
Asked whether there was any progress in issuance of the gazette notification, cabinet secretary Mohammad Shafiul Alam on Monday said that there was no progress so far and he did not get any 
instruction over the matter as yet.
Earlier on April 26, the protesters warned that they would resume agitation if a gazette notification was not published by April and then they also gave time to the government till May 7.
The protesters took to the streets on April 8 and continued the protests for five-point demands, including reduction of quota in public service recruitment to 10 per cent from the existing 56 per cent.
The protesters also demanded withdrawal of cases as at least five cases were filed against unnamed people with Ramna and Shahbagh police over violence and vandalism during the movement on the DU campus.
Meanwhile, public administration ministry has initiated a move to form a committee to be led by the cabinet secretary in keeping with the prime minister’s directive for abolishing the quota system in government jobs.

News Courtesy: www.newagebd.net