Bangladesh’s Supreme Court has made a decisive ruling to eliminate most of the job quotas in government positions, a system that incited significant anti-government protests, resulting in over 110 fatalities. This decision comes after a period of intense nationwide unrest, with protesters and security forces clashing, despite the imposition of a nationwide curfew. The job quota system, which reserved a substantial portion of government jobs for the families of veterans from the 1971 Independence War, has been a point of contention, sparking debates on fairness and discrimination in employment opportunities.
- The Supreme Court of Bangladesh has abolished most of the quotas for government jobs, a decision that came after widespread protests and violence.
- More than 110 people have been reported killed in the unrest, with security forces using live rounds, rubber bullets, and tear gas against protestors.
- A nationwide curfew has been extended, with the government also declaring public holidays to manage the situation.
- The quota system reserved about a third of government jobs for the families of the veterans of the 1971 Independence War with Pakistan.
- Opponents of the quota system argue it is discriminatory and favors those connected to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the ruling party, exacerbating youth unemployment.
- The protests, initially started by students, have since drawn support from various sectors of society, challenging the government’s legitimacy.
- The Supreme Court’s ruling now mandates that 93% of government job placements should be based on merit, significantly reducing the quota for veterans to 5%.
- Despite economic growth, the youth of Bangladesh express concerns over the lack of job opportunities, fuelling the protests.
- Local media report higher casualty figures than the officially stated 110 fatalities.
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