Bangladesh Quota Protests: Supreme Court Reduces Job Reservation

DHAKA, Bangladesh – July 21, 2024 – In a landmark decision, the Bangladesh Supreme Court has scaled back the controversial government job quota system, a move that comes in the wake of violent nationwide protests. The unrest, which resulted in several injuries and significant public disruption, was triggered by the reinstatement of the quota system by the High Court last month.

The Supreme Court has ruled that 93 percent of government jobs will now be allocated based on merit. The remaining 7 percent of jobs will be reserved as follows: 5 percent for relatives of freedom fighters and 2 percent for ethnic minorities, transgender individuals, and people with disabilities.

The student protests were primarily fueled by demands to abolish the 30 percent job quota reserved for descendants of the 1971 liberation war veterans. The students argued that this quota was unjust and hindered equal job opportunities for all. The situation escalated last week when protests turned violent. The unrest intensified after ruling party supporters clashed with the protesting students, leading to widespread condemnation and calls for action.

The controversy began when the High Court reinstated the job quota system last month, which had been a point of contention for years. The decision to reinstate the quota system sparked immediate backlash from student groups and civil society. The 30 percent job reservation for freedom fighters’ descendants has been a long-standing policy in Bangladesh, aimed at honoring those who fought for the country’s independence in 1971. However, many argue that the policy is outdated and unfair in the current context.

The government has expressed its commitment to implementing the Supreme Court’s decision and ensuring a fair and transparent recruitment process. The reduction in job quotas has been met with mixed reactions. While many students and activists have welcomed the decision, some freedom fighters’ families and supporters of the original quota system have expressed disappointment.

The Supreme Court’s decision marks a significant shift in Bangladesh’s employment policy. As the country moves towards a more merit-based system, it remains to be seen how the new quota allocations will be implemented and what impact they will have on job seekers across the nation. The government and civil society must work together to ensure that the transition is smooth and that the rights of all citizens, including minorities and disadvantaged groups, are protected.