Bonikbarta Exclusive

The demand for quota reform movement, which began in June, gained momentum in July, with Shahbagh serving as its epicenter. Notably, a significant number of female students were at the forefront of the processions and meetings in Shahbagh, often leading the protest meetings with their slogans.

This time, female activists also took a strong stance against women's quotas. They were seen holding placards with messages such as 'Where women progress, quotas are ridiculous.' This sentiment was not confined to Shahbagh but resonated in almost every university across the country.

According to Dr Sayeed Ferdous, a professor in the Anthropology Department at Jahangirnagar University (JU), this movement has once again demonstrated the crucial role women can play in decision-making on state policies.

He told Bonik Barta, "For the past few years, we have seen that female students are performing better academically. This progress has likely given them the confidence that they can advance without quotas. Women have always had their own perspectives and opinions on important societal and state issues. However, this movement has strongly demonstrated their courage and advancement. The police, society or the state can no longer afford to underestimate women."

According to the 49th Annual Report of the University Grants Commission (UGC) published this year, the rate of female students in higher education is 46.55 percent. Currently, the total number of university students is 4.76 million, comprising 2.54 million male students and 2.21 million female students. Among them, 2.11 million are enrolled in public universities, and 158,583 are in private universities. A significant portion of these female students played an active role in this year's movement.

In mid-July, the quota movement intensified nationwide. On July 15, there was an attack on students protesting at Dhaka University (DU). On that day, female students were on the front lines, and the initial attacks were directed at them. Shima Akter, a student from the Department of Music at DU, recounted the events to Bonik Barta. She said, "We were at the front lines that day, and our main concern was to ensure nothing happened to our brothers. We believed that by being at the front, no one would dare to attack them. However, on that day, we were brutally attacked. We were beaten severely. I was hit on the head with a brick. Although I barely survived, I sustained serious facial injuries. There were nearly a hundred students around me in the VC area that day, most of whom were women."

She further said, "Women are becoming more educated now. They are increasingly aware and self-respecting. Especially for our generation, we have long been conscious of our rights and responsibilities. We were involved in street protests during our school and college days. This movement has made us aware of our rights and responsibilities as citizens. We strive to advance as conscious citizens beyond any divisions. This is why we were at the forefront of the quota reform movement, fighting against discrimination to ensure our rights."

Education experts believe that the participation of women in the quota reform movement played a crucial role in advancing the cause. Dr Shamima Sultana, a professor in the Department of Bangla at Jahangirnagar University (JU), told Bonik Barta, "Women have shown courageous roles in various movements before. This movement has once again demonstrated that they are no longer marginalized. They are confident in their abilities and seek to advance through equal competition, not through sympathy. The involvement of female students, and even mothers, in this movement, has inspired everyone with the courage to protest against discrimination."

She further added, "When women stand at the forefront of a movement, they not only fight for their rights but also protect their brothers as sisters. However, the brutality shown towards women in this movement, the indiscriminate killing of students, children, and ordinary people, is unprecedented in the country's history. Furthermore, the arbitrary arrest of students is also without precedent globally. We demand the release of all detained students, including Arif Sohel (a student of JU and one of the coordinators of the central committee of the quota reform movement), and justice for all the killings. This movement is no longer just about quota reform; what we need now is state reform."

Several protest activities in the quota reform movement were initially led by female students. On the night of July 16, students from Ruqayyah Hall of DU were the first to break out of their hall, armed with steel plates, spoons, and ladles. They used these items to make noise, accompanied by slogans. The area became filled with their chants. After news of the Ruqayyah Hall students' protest spread, students from other halls began to emerge. That night, female students from other halls also gathered in front of the Anti-Terrorism Raju Memorial Sculpture, raising their voices in protest. This movement then spread to other campuses across the country. At that time, on most campuses, female students participated in the protests by breaking out of their halls and joining the demonstrations, showing a remarkable unity among them.

A student from Ruqayyah Hall recounted the events of that day to Bonik Barta. Requesting anonymity, she told Bonik Barta, "Those of us who have reached university have overcome many obstacles. We knew that if someone took the first step with courage, others would follow. From that perspective, a few of us decided that we would be the first to start the protest. Then we spoke with a few others, and they agreed."

In this regard, Professor Dr Tanzimuddin Khan from the Department of International Relations at Dhaka University told Bonik Barta, "Student organizations have less control over female hostels compared to male hostels. In this context, the administration of female hostels can play a much greater role in administrative activities, which is largely absent in male hostels except for a few exceptions. As a result, it is easier for women to mobilize politically, which is not the case for men. Additionally, if we look at the male-to-female ratio at the university, it is evident that the number of female students has increased. In some cases, women even outperform men. It is noteworthy that as women go through political mobilization, this might become the mainstream in the future. The nature of women's participation will likely differ from the present, and women may take a leading role in decision-making."

After the public universities were closed, students from private universities, schools, and colleges advanced the movement. During this period, the participation of female students was notable. A student from North South University (NSU), who requested anonymity, told Bonik Barta, "After the brutal attacks on our brothers and sisters, there was no option to stay at home out of a sense of conscience. Women have progressed significantly. We have demonstrated in this movement that women are no longer a burden but can be a source of courage and stand equally by others in times of crisis."

Outside Dhaka, women have also played an active role in the movements at Jahangirnagar University, Rajshahi University, Chittagong University, Comilla University, Barisal University, and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University.

Nadia Haque Mithu, a Department of Mass Communication and Journalism student at Rajshahi University who participated in the movement, said, "We have been part of every movement for rights, and we will continue to be in the future. We want to show the nation our indomitable courage."

Salim Reza Newton, an Associate Professor in the same department at Rajshahi University, views this role of women as something to be proud of. He said, "Women are no longer marginalized. The courage they have shown in the quota reform movement is truly commendable. However, we must first address the obstacles to women's progress, provide them with free space, and liberate them from existing political barriers. Only then will they be able to advance."