Staff Reporter :
On July 3, 2024, Bangladesh stood at a boiling point as discontent spilled onto the streets from classrooms and faculty lounges across the nation. University teachers protested against the government’s newly introduced universal pension scheme, while students marched in defiance of a controversial court ruling restoring quotas in government jobs.
From Dhaka to Chattogram, highways were blocked, campuses ignited with chants, and traffic came to a standstill—marking the day as a powerful expression of public frustration and a pivotal moment in the country’s ongoing struggle for justice and accountability.
In the capital and across major cities, tensions ran high. Roads were blocked, traffic was brought to a standstill, and public suffering intensified as demonstrators demanded policy reversals and justice.
At the heart of the protest, students from Dhaka University began their march from the Central Library, calling for the abolition of the quota system in government jobs. The protest gained momentum rapidly, with students from Jahangirnagar University, Rajshahi University, Chittagong University, and other public institutions joining in solidarity.
Hundreds of students from Jahangirnagar University blocked the Dhaka-Aricha highway for the second consecutive day, halting traffic from 3:45pm to 4:15pm. Only ambulances were allowed to pass through the human barricade. Similar protests were held in Rajshahi and Chattogram, where students formed human chains and shouted slogans rejecting the quota reinstatement.
Meanwhile, public university teachers organized demonstrations against the Prottoy Scheme, a newly introduced government pension program that they argue is unfair and was imposed without consultation. Teachers demanded its withdrawal and threatened to escalate their movement if ignored.
Adding to the day’s tension, criticism mounted from across the political spectrum as opposition parties condemned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s planned visit to China, questioning the timing of her foreign trip amid growing domestic turmoil.
“The government is ignoring the people’s voice. Both the pension scheme and the quota policy are examples of top-down imposition,” said Nahid Islam, coordinator of the Students Movement Against Discrimination. He announced that the students would continue occupying areas near DU’s Central Public Library until their demands were met.
In Bagura, Khulna, and Sylhet, scattered protests were also reported, creating long tailbacks on highways and rail routes. Frustration grew among ordinary citizens caught in the gridlock, as many were unable to reach workplaces, hospitals, or schools.
As evening fell, traffic slowly resumed after protesters began dispersing. However, student leaders warned that the agitation would intensify in the coming days if the government failed to respond.
With political and social pressure mounting, July 3 marked a significant flashpoint in Bangladesh’s ongoing debate over fairness, inclusivity, and state accountability a day that saw streets filled with anger, campuses filled with chants, and a country demanding answers.
