The students of Jahangirnagar University (JU) formed a human chain protesting the move to restore freedom fighters' quota in government jobs after a High Court verdict declared illegal the 2018 circular that abolished the quota system.

They formed the human chain on the road adjacent to Shaheed Minar of the university on Friday for the 2nd consecutive day.

The protesters termed the quota system as 'discriminatory' and conflicting with the motto of the Liberation War, and called for the elimination of this system immediately.

Hafizur Rahman, a student of the English Department said, whenever something happens against the interests of general students, they protest. In 1971 these general students played a major role. A vested quarter is working here against the interest of common students. To make this movement successful, everyone must be in the field."

Arif Sohail, a student of the International Relations Department, said, "We want an end to this discriminatory system. All over the world quotas are kept for backward communities. In the name of freedom fighters in Bangladesh, quotas were introduced and robbery was done. Our freedom fighters risked their lives for freedom. They did not compromise with any lure of money or wealth. We do not want these discriminatory measures. Quota provision should not be kept to implement the ideals and principles of the liberation war."

Earlier, the students of the university held a protest march and blocked the Dhaka-Aricha highway last Thursday after the High Court verdict.

Following the High Court verdict, students from Dhaka University and other institutions, along with frontliners and activists of the 2018 Quota Reformation Movement, staged human chains under various banners at Dhaka University.

Former activists of Chhatra Odikhar Parishad, under the banner of agitated students, formed a human chain in front of Raju's sculpture at Dhaka University at 11:30 am on Thursday.

The High Court on Wednesday ordered for retaining 30% freedom fighter quota in government jobs declaring illegal the circular issued on October 4, 2018 cancelling the quota system.

END/UNB/Corr/FH/1253 Hrs