Bangladesh Supreme Court Rolls Back Job Quotas Amid Deadly Protests

Supreme Court of Bangladesh has altered the quota system for government job applicants, reducing the reserved seats for relatives of war veterans from 30% to 7%, as per an AP report.

This decision follows nationwide protests, primarily led by students, which resulted in deadly clashes with police, leaving at least 103 people dead according to local reports.

Photo Credit: PTI

The court's ruling mandates that 93% of government jobs be allocated based on merit, addressing the demands of protesters who argued that the previous quota system was discriminatory and favored supporters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League party.

Despite the government's defense of the quotas as a way to honor war veterans, the unrest underscores deep frustrations among the youth over job opportunities and governance.

The protests, described as the largest challenge to Hasina since her recent re-election, have prompted a nationwide curfew, internet blackout, and the declaration of public holidays.

Discussions between government representatives and protesters are ongoing, with the government open to revisiting the quota system and addressing additional demands such as reopening student dormitories and the resignation of certain university officials.

The political landscape remains tense, with the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) supporting the protests while denying involvement in the associated violence.

The situation highlights ongoing political strife between the ruling Awami League and the BNP, reminiscent of past conflicts, including those surrounding the recent national elections.