Why Bangladesh Students Protesting Against Job Quotas?

Context: Recently, students protested against quotas for government jobs in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s top court scales back jobs quota after protests

• Reduction of Veterans’ Quota: The Supreme Court has cut the quota for war veterans from 30% to 5%.
• Merit-Based Allocation: Now, 93% of government jobs are allocated based on merit.
• Reservations for Other Groups: The remaining 2% is reserved for ethnic minorities, transgender individuals, and people with disabilities.

Background of Reservation Policy in Bangladesh

• Original Notification (1972): On September 5, 1972, a system reserving 30% of government and semi-government posts for freedom fighters, and 10% for women, was established.
• Post-Assassination Freeze: Following the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in August 1975, these quotas were frozen until 1996.
• Extension to Descendants: When Hasina became Prime Minister in 1996, benefits of the freedom fighters’ quota were extended to their children, and later to their grandchildren in 2011.
• Developments Post-2001: The implementation of the quota system slowed after the Awami League lost power in 2001 but picked up again when Hasina returned to power in 2009.
• 2018 Withdrawal of Quota: In 2018, the Hasina government decided to scrap the freedom fighter and other quotas, which were challenged in court.
  • The High Court ruled the government’s decision was arbitrary, affirming that freedom fighters and their progeny were still considered backwards.

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Arguments from Both Sides

• Protesters’ Perspective: Protesters argue that the quota system is discriminatory and benefits the Awami League’s supporters, advocating for a merit-based system.
• Government’s Defence: Hasina defends the quota, emphasising respect for veterans’ contributions during the war, beyond political affiliations.

Future Prospects

• Potential for Reforms: The Supreme Court’s decision and the government’s dialogue with protesters could lead to further reforms.
• Ongoing Tensions: The political landscape remains charged, with the potential for continued unrest and opposition activities.
• Impact on Governance: The resolution of the quota system controversy will significantly influence Bangladesh’s future governance and societal structure.

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