Dhaka, July 22: In a significant legal and political development, Bangladesh’s Supreme Court has curtailed the controversial government job quotas that ignited deadly student-led protests. On Sunday, the court overturned a previous ruling that had reserved 30% of civil service positions for veterans and their families from the 1971 war of Independence. The new ruling reduces this quota to 5% for descendants of freedom fighters and 2% for ethnic minorities and individuals with disabilities, with the remainder of positions open to merit-based selection.
The reintroduction of quotas had sparked widespread unrest, with protests initially starting on university campuses but escalating into violence. Over 100 people have been reported killed in clashes between students and pro-government groups, with thousands injured. The unrest included attacks on state media offices and the release of prisoners.
The government has imposed a strict curfew and a communications blackout in response to the ongoing violence. Arrests have been made, and protesters continue to demand justice for those killed and reforms in government practices.
Student leaders, despite the court’s decision, vow to continue their protests until further demands are met, including the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and an overhaul of university administration where violence occurred.