Bangladesh’s Supreme Court cuts job quotas after deadly protests

Bangladesh’s Supreme Court has significantly reduced government job quotas after violent clashes that led to over 100 deaths. Previously, one-third of public sector jobs were reserved for relatives of veterans from the 1971 war of independence from Pakistan. The court’s new ruling limits these reserved roles to only 5 percent for veterans’ relatives.

Also read: बढ़ते पार्टी दबाव के बीच बाइडन राष्ट्रपति रेस से बाहर

The government has yet to respond to this decision

A spokesman from Students Against Discrimination told Agence France Presse (AFP) that while they welcome the verdict, protests would continue until the government issues an order reflecting their demands.

Dhaka’s streets remain largely empty as a second day of curfew is enforced, though sporadic clashes continue in some areas. Reuters reports that an armoured vehicle is stationed outside the Supreme Court, and soldiers are patrolling the capital. Some protest leaders have been arrested, while others are demanding justice for those killed in the clashes.

Also read: इंजीनियरिंग सेक्शन की लापरवाही से हुआ गोंडा ट्रेन हादसा, जांच में खुली पोल

The Supreme Court’s decision mandates that 93 percent of public sector jobs be based on merit, with 5 percent reserved for veterans’ family members, and 2 percent for ethnic minorities or people with disabilities. This quota system, initially abolished in 2018 by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, was reinstated by a lower court last month, triggering widespread protests.

Also read: China Bridge Tragedy: 11 Killed, 20 Vehicles, Over 30 Missing

The government’s response included a harsh crackdown, curfew, and a communications blackout

Despite Bangladesh’s status as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, this growth has not translated into sufficient job opportunities for university graduates. Estimates suggest that around 1.8 crore young Bangladeshis are seeking employment, with university graduates facing higher unemployment rates than their less-educated counterparts.