Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir has expressed deep concern over the recent tensions between students and faculty at Rajshahi University (RU) following the reinstatement of the dependent quota and incidents of alleged teacher harassment.

In a joint statement on Tuesday, central President Zahidul Islam and Secretary General Nurul Islam Saddam said the university administration reinstated the quota just before the upcoming Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) elections, despite students’ long-standing demands for its cancellation.

The leaders said clashes between students and faculty during protests, including arguments and instances of harassment of respected teachers, were “regrettable” and “threaten the integrity of the RUCSU election process.”

They condemned the recent incidents, including setting fire to tires, blocking the Pro-VC’s residence, and other acts that diverted the movement from its peaceful and constructive goals. The statement emphasised that such behaviour cannot be part of a legitimate student protest.

The Shibir leaders also highlighted that the quota system is a major obstacle to merit-based education and noted that the quota had been abolished in 2024 after long student struggles and sacrifices. They said the recent reinstatement of the quota contradicts the sacrifices of the students who fought for equality.

The statement called for the formation of an impartial investigation committee to identify those responsible and take appropriate action. It also urged the university to hold RUCSU elections on time and resolve the current crisis through fair and peaceful means.