Rajshahi University (RU) authorities have suspended the ‘Ward Quota’ in the face of protests and criticism from the students.

The announcement was made early Sunday (21 September) through the university’s official Facebook page.

The statement said that admission process with institutional benefits had been suspended due to the prevailing unstable situation on campus. It also noted that an emergency syndicate meeting would be held on Sunday to review the overall situation.

The move came at a time when thousands of students gathered outside the vice chancellor’s residence, chanting slogans in support of two demands: one is for suspension of the “Ward Quota” notification and another for holding the RUCSU election on 25 September.

Following the announcement, many students returned to their dormitories after 1 am, while others remained, pointing out that the authorities had only suspended the quota rather than canceling it. They said the final decision would be made at Sunday’s syndicate meeting.