Dhaka University students against the quota system in government jobs left Shahbagh intersection lifting their blockade after six hours. They left the Shahbagh intersection at 6:00pm on Thursday (July 4). Before leaving, the agitating students announced countrywide demonstration at 3:00pm on Saturday.

Besides, the protestors announced online and offline publicity of their demands on Friday and boycott of classes and examinations at all colleges and universities across the country.

Earlier, around 12 noon, students from Dhaka University (DU) halls and other areas gathered at Shahbagh, blocking the intersection to demand lifting the quota system in government jobs.

They gathers after the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the High Court's verdict that declared the decision to cancel the quota system, including the first and second-class freedom fighter quota in government jobs, illegal.

Following the top court's decision, Dhaka University unit of Chhatra League  prevented the students from joining protests against the reinstatement of the quota system.

It was also seen that the collapsible gates of Masterda' Surja Sen Hall and Kabi Jasimuddin Hall were locked by the leaders and activists of the DU unit of BCL.

They were allegedly guarding the halls' entrances with motorcycles.

During the protest at Shahbagh intersection on Thursday, the agitating students chanted slogans and briefly spoke. Thursday's protest ended without any untoward incident between students and police.

At about 6:00pm, the protesters got dispersed, announcing their future plans. Hasnat Abdullah, one of the frontliners of the protest, outlined their upcoming activities: "Tomorrow (Friday), we will campaign through online and social media platforms to rally more students. The next day, we will hold demonstrations at 3:00pm across the country. On Sunday, students from public colleges and universities will boycott all classes and exams."

On June 5, the High Court declared illegal the circular that cancelled the quotas, including those for freedom fighters, in first and second-class government jobs.

As a result, the 30% quota for freedom fighters in government jobs (grades 9 to 13) will remain in place.

On October 4, 2018, the Ministry of Public Administration issued a circular to implement the cabinet's decision to abolish the existing quota system for direct recruitment to first and second-class posts in government jobs.

The Ministry of Public Administration issued the circular a day after the decision of the Cabinet to cancel the quota.

The government decided to remove the 45% quota for recruitment in government jobs from ninth to thirteenth grade, opting for merit-based recruitment after a prolonged student movement demanding quota reform.

The quota review committee's recommendations led to this decision, approved during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on October 3, 2018.