Bangladesh’s top court has taken a significant step in addressing the contentious job quota system that has triggered widespread unrest in the country. The Supreme Court, in its ruling on Sunday, scaled back the reservation system, which had been a source of intense debate and protest. Attorney-General AM Amin Uddin confirmed the court’s decision, stating that the earlier ruling reinstating quotas had been deemed illegal. The court’s decision has implications for the allocation of civil service jobs in Bangladesh. While the quota system has not been entirely abolished, it has been significantly reduced. The court has mandated that 5% of civil service jobs will remain reserved for the children of independence war veterans, and 2% for other categories, including ethnic minorities, transgender individuals, and people with disabilities. The remaining 93% of government jobs will be allocated based on merit, without quotas. The controversy surrounding the job quota system stems from persistently high youth unemployment in Bangladesh, which stands at approximately 40%. Students have been at the forefront of the protests, demanding a shift to a merit-based system for civil service jobs. They argue that the quota system is discriminatory and benefits supporters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The protests, which began earlier this week, have tragically led to the deaths of at least 114 people, according to local media reports. The government has taken decisive steps to quell the unrest. A nationwide internet shutdown has been imposed, restricting mobile data services and impacting essential services like ATMs. The government has declared public holidays on Sunday and Monday, effectively shutting down government and private offices. A curfew has been implemented, and the army has been deployed with a “shoot-on-sight” order. The violence has reached a peak, with reports of security forces firing rubber bullets and tear gas at protesters who had gathered outside the state-run Bangladesh Television headquarters. The building was attacked and set on fire by protesters. Sporadic clashes have continued in the capital city of Dhaka, raising concerns about further escalation of violence. The recent court ruling offers a potential path toward resolving the conflict over the job quota system. The reduction in quotas and the emphasis on merit-based selection may help to address some of the concerns raised by protesters. However, the government faces a significant challenge in restoring order and ensuring a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
