Dhaka, July 12: Bangladesh’s Supreme Court has temporarily suspended government job quotas following extensive student protests against what they deem a discriminatory system. The quota system, which reserves more than half of coveted civil service positions for specific groups, including children of liberation heroes, has sparked nationwide demonstrations demanding a shift to a merit-based selection process.
The protests, which intensified after the High Court reinstated the quota system in June, have seen students blocking highways and railway lines across major cities like Dhaka. Protest leaders insist they will not relent until their demand for a merit-based system is met, rejecting temporary court orders and calling for a permanent executive decision.
Critics of the quota system argue it limits opportunities for talented individuals and benefits certain political factions. Despite calls from authorities to return to classes, students remain steadfast, asserting that quotas should only remain for minorities and the disabled, reflecting evolving societal needs.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose administration faces scrutiny over the handling of the issue, has criticized the protests, maintaining that the court’s decision should be respected. However, students continue to assert their rights, underscoring the broader socio-political tensions surrounding job allocation policies in Bangladesh.