Bangladesh Suspends Job Reservations After Student Protests

Bangladesh’s top court has temporarily suspended a quota system that reserves government jobs for specific groups, including children of liberation heroes, after thousands of students protested against what they call a discriminatory system. The quota system, which was reinstated in June, has been a major point of contention among students who demand a merit-based system.

The quota system, which was abolished in 2018, reserves more than half of the well-paid and over-subscribed civil service posts for specific groups, including children of those who fought for Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, women, and residents of specific districts. However, students are demanding that only quotas for disabled and minority groups remain, and that the system be abolished.

The protests, which began earlier this month, have been ongoing, with students blocking highways and railway lines, bringing traffic to a halt in major cities, including the capital Dhaka. Despite a call from the Chief Justice to return to class, students continued to protest, demanding a permanent executive order from the government to abolish the quota system.

The quota system has been criticized for benefiting children of pro-government groups, who back Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was Bangladesh’s founding leader, and critics accuse the courts of rubber-stamping decisions made by her government.

Students argue that the system is unfair and creates obstacles for talented individuals, including women, who are no longer lagging behind. “Women are marching ahead with their talents, but the quota system is snatching our rights,” said Meena Rani Das, a 22-year-old female student.

The protests have been met with criticism from Prime Minister Hasina, who has condemned the movement, saying the matter has been settled by the court. However, students remain determined to continue their fight, with thousands of students blocking key intersections and major highways.

The suspension of the quota system is a temporary measure, and students are demanding a permanent solution. “We want a permanent executive order from the government, saying that the quotas are abolished, except for some quotas for the disabled and minorities,” said Parvez Mosharraf, a student at Dhaka University.

The protests have also highlighted the issue of limited job opportunities, with students saying that only a limited number of jobs are available. “Brilliant students no longer get the jobs they want because of this quota system,” said Halimatuz Sadia, a protester and physics student at Chittagong University.

The student protests have brought attention to the issue of job reservations in Bangladesh, and the need for a more merit-based system. The suspension of the quota system is a significant development, and students are hopeful that it will pave the way for a more fair and transparent system.

Key Points:

• Bangladesh’s top court has temporarily suspended a quota system that reserves government jobs for specific groups.
• The quota system was reinstated in June and has been a major point of contention among students.
• Students are demanding a merit-based system and the abolition of the quota system.
• The protests have been ongoing, with students blocking highways and railway lines.
• The quota system has been criticized for benefiting children of pro-government groups.
• Students argue that the system is unfair and creates obstacles for talented individuals.
• The suspension of the quota system is a temporary measure, and students are demanding a permanent solution.
• The protests have highlighted the issue of limited job opportunities in Bangladesh.

Historical Context:

Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan in 1971 after a bloody war, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who later became the country’s first president. The country has a complex history of political turmoil, military coups, and authoritarian rule. In 2018, the quota system was abolished, but it was reinstated in June 2023, sparking widespread protests among students. The quota system has been a contentious issue in Bangladesh, with critics accusing the government of favoring certain groups and creating a system that is unfair and discriminatory.

Article Summary:

• Bangladesh’s top court has temporarily suspended a quota system that reserves government jobs for specific groups, including children of liberation heroes, women, and residents of specific districts. • The quota system was reinstated in June and has been a major point of contention among students, who demand a merit-based system. • Thousands of students have been protesting, blocking highways and railway lines, and demanding a permanent executive order from the government to abolish the quota system. • The quota system has been criticized for benefiting children of pro-government groups and creating obstacles for talented individuals, including women. • Students argue that the system is unfair and creates obstacles for talented individuals, including women, who are no longer lagging behind. • The suspension of the quota system is a temporary measure, and students are demanding a permanent solution. • The protests have highlighted the issue of limited job opportunities in Bangladesh, with students saying that only a limited number of jobs are available. • The student protests have brought attention to the issue of job reservations in Bangladesh and the need for a more merit-based system.

Key Points:

• Bangladesh’s top court has temporarily suspended a quota system that reserves government jobs for specific groups. • The quota system was reinstated in June and has been a major point of contention among students. • Students are demanding a merit-based system and the abolition of the quota system. • The protests have been ongoing, with students blocking highways and railway lines. • The quota system has been criticized for benefiting children of pro-government groups. • Students argue that the system is unfair and creates obstacles for talented individuals. • The suspension of the quota system is a temporary measure, and students are demanding a permanent solution. • The protests have highlighted the issue of limited job opportunities in Bangladesh.