Rajshahi University administration abolished the ward quota last night, 12 hours after the students locked the university's administrative building.

The ward quota reserves seats for children of the university's employees.

RU Vice-Chancellor Saleh Hasan Naqib announced this at an emergency press conference around 10:00pm yesterday.

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RU scraps ward quota following student protest

He said despite facing many ups and downs, the admissions sub-committee kept 1 percent of the quota for the children of third- and fourth-class employees. However, the students did not accept this.

"I do not support even the 1 percent ward quota. I am committed to completely abolishing the ward quota at Rajshahi University through the proper process. As long as I am in this position, this quota will not return. I will not delay this decision by even a moment," the VC added.

During this time, two pro-vice-chancellors, the public relations officer, and about a hundred other officials and staff members were confined inside the administrative building.

Students took position in front of the building around 10:00am, locking university officials inside.

Following months-long protests, RU administration decreased the ward quota from three percent to one percent following a meeting yesterday.

Meanwhile, the university's Officers' Association has announced that they will go on strike on January 8 if the 5 percent ward quota is not reinstated.