• The recent quota protests in Bangladesh have ignited a nationwide dialogue on the need for fair public sector employment practices
• This issue has emerged as a critical test of the government’s commitment to meritocracy and equal opportunity
On the 5th June, the High Court of Bangladesh ordered the reinstatement of the 30 percent quota for children of military personnel in government jobs and educational institutions as itdeemed the abolition of this quota in 2018 illegal.
In 2018, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government decided to abolish the quota system following massive protests by students and job seekers. The protests were driven by demands for a more merit based system and opposition to what was seen as an unfair advantage given to specific groups.
The 2018 protests, known as the Quota Reform Movement, were widespread and highlighted the frustrations of many young people over the limited job opportunities and perceived inequalities in the hiring process. The movement’s pressure led to the government’s decision to remove the quota, aiming to pacify the protesters and address the call for reform.
The latest protests which have been ongoing for two weeks, began on the 1st July. At the heart of the protests lies a deep seated frustration with a system that has long privileged certain demographics over others in the allocation of civil service positions. The quota system, which reserves a significant portion of government jobs for disabled people, women and children of military officials, has been criticised for perpetuating systemic inequalities and hindering the advancement of qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds. The fundamental demand was to reduce the quota for specific groups to a more balanced and merit based system. Protesters called for a reduction in the total quota from 56% to 10%. Currently, there is a 30 percent public sector job quota for family members of soldiers who fought in the 1971 War of Independence.
The movement rapidly gained momentum as students from various universities united under the banner of their shared grievances. They argued that the quota system perpetuated inequality and undermined meritocracy, demanding its complete abolishment. The protests captured national and international attention, highlighting the growing frustration among young Bangladeshis with the existing socio-economic order.
Unemployment among university graduates in Bangladesh has been a growing concern. Bangladesh produces a large number of university graduates each year. However, the job market is not expanding at a pace that can absorb all these graduates, leading to increased competition for available positions.
A significant portion of university graduates in Bangladesh face unemployment. According to various reports, the unemployment rate among university graduates is notably higher than the national average. The quota based system contributes to the pressures and constraints experienced by university graduates.
The protesters faced harsh crackdowns from the police, with reports of tear gas and rubber bullets being used to disperse crowds, resulting in upwards of 100 injuries and 5 deaths. The clashes began in Jahangirnagar University, located just outside Dhaka.
Ultimately, the Bangladesh quota protests represent a pivotal moment in the country’s ongoing journey towards a more equitable and inclusive society. The government’s response to this challenge will not only shape the future of public sector employment but also serve as a litmus test for its commitment to the democratic values and principles that underpin a just and industrious nation.
