Student Protest in Bangladesh
30 percent quota for unfair advantage
In recent weeks, Bangladesh has been gripped by a wave of student protests primarily against the reinstatement of a controversial quota system for government jobs. The protests began after the Supreme Court affirmed a High Court ruling reinstating the system, which reserves a significant percentage of government positions for certain groups, including the children of 1971 war heroes. This system, which students argue undermines merit-based appointments, has led to widespread dissatisfaction among the student population.
Their sole demand is to eradicate the 30% quota for freedom fighters but currently after 53 years of independence, the grand children are getting unfair advantage in the jobs. The problem is only that 30% quota, not the remaining jobs secured for women or locals or minorities. The chart above shows that only 44% of the jobs are merit-based. If the quota for freedom fighters is eliminated, the merit based quota will be 74% which is fair.
The protests have been particularly intense in Dhaka, where students from multiple universities, including the University of Dhaka, have blocked major intersections such as Shahbagh. These demonstrations have involved a range of activities from chanting slogans and singing patriotic songs to more disruptive actions like blockading roads. The students’ main demand is the complete abolition of the freedom fighters’ quota system, which they believe is unfair and discriminatory.
The situation has escalated to the point where internet services have been disrupted, and there have been clashes between students and police. Despite the Prime Minister’s advice for students to return to their studies, the protests continue to grow, with students vowing to maintain their actions until their demands are met. The government has indicated it is analyzing the situation, but tensions remain high as the protests show no sign of abating.
