Violent demonstrations shook Bangladesh last week, resulting in the deaths of over a hundred people. At midnight, the government imposed a curfew and ordered the army to “shoot on sight” anywhere in the nation. Weeks prior, the protests against a recently reintroduced job quota system had begun, with student organizations leading the majority of the rallies.
Economic and Political Tensions
The pandemic also draws attention to the growing fissures in Bangladesh’s economy and government, as well as the dissatisfaction of young people who graduate without decent employment. Additionally, they pose the greatest threat to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina since she was elected to a fourth term in power in January despite the major opposition parties’ boycott of the polls.
Quota System
Following an armed battle that lasted more than eight months and claimed the lives of up to three million people (according to some estimations), Bangladesh attained independence from Pakistan in 1971. On November 5, one year later, the Tajuddin Ahmad-led government issued an executive order establishing a 10% quota for women in government, semi-government, defense, and nationalized institutions, and a 30% quota for liberation fighters. Over time, the quota policy was changed in a number of ways. One such change was the addition of a 30% reserve for the offspring and descendants of freedom fighters, which remained in place until 2018.
2018 saw the system eliminated by the Bangladeshi government, with Hasina declaring that “there is no need for quota systems in the public service.” According to data obtained from the Bangladesh Public Service Commissions, the great majority of these reserved positions have not been filled in recent years.
Public Outrage
However, the Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sontan O Projonmo Kendrio Command Council filed a writ appeal to contest the ruling, causing further outrage in response to the government decision. The government was contacted by the High Court in December 2021 to provide justification for why the circular shouldn’t be ruled unlawful.
High Court Ruling on Quota System
On June 5, the Dhaka High Court issued a ruling mandating that the government maintain the liberation fighter quota for government employment. A 30% reservation was part of this for the relatives of those who fought to free Bangladesh from Pakistani domination.
Supreme Court Suspends a high Ruling
The HC ruled that the Sheikh Hasina-led government’s 2018 move to abolish the quota system was “illegal.” Following a government appeal, the Bangladesh Supreme Court ultimately suspended the High Court’s ruling. The court decided to postpone the case’s hearing, so it will now take place on Sunday, July 21.
