July 1, 2024: The Movement Finds Its Name

The deadline passed. The government offered no response. On this day, a sustained, organized protest began under a new name: the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.

Students issued a series of clear, reasoned demands. First, the immediate reinstatement of the 2018 circular on quota reform. Second, a commitment that no future changes would be made without forming a commission. Third, the elimination of unjust and discriminatory quotas across all grades of government service. They also called for protections for marginalized communities as enshrined in the Constitution, an end to the repeated use of quota privileges in exams, and merit-based appointments when no eligible quota candidates were found. At its core, the demand was for a civil service that is fair, corruption-free, and built on competence.

That evening, following a large march, a rally was held at the Raju Sculpture. From that stage, Nahid Islam called on the government to resolve the matter legally and conclusively by July 4. Until then, students across the country would boycott all classes and exams. A three-day series of nationwide actions was announced.