Quota reforms need to be passed in Parliament: Minister of Public Administration

Ordinary students are persistently protesting for the reform of the quota system in government jobs. Initially, the government did not prioritize the issue, but the widespread agitation has now garnered significant attention. Government ministers have expressed willingness to engage in discussions with the students and, if necessary, pass legislation in Parliament.

Public Administration Minister Farhad Hossain stated on Thursday afternoon that the executive department will adhere to the court's ruling on quota reform. He emphasized that the Supreme Court's decision will be considered law, and legislation may be enacted in Parliament if required.

Earlier the same day, Law Minister Anisul Haque affirmed the government's support for quota reform, indicating readiness to discuss the issue with students at any time. He mentioned that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directed him to expedite the hearing of the case, initially set for August 7, to next Sunday, July 21.

Anisul Haque also noted that he and Education Minister Mahibul Hasan Chowdhury have been tasked with engaging in discussions with the protesters. "We are willing to sit with them whenever they want, even today," he said.

Historically, Bangladesh had a 56 percent quota in government jobs until 2018. This included a 30 percent quota for freedom fighters, 10 percent for women, 10 percent for residents of backward districts, 5 percent for minority ethnic groups, and 1 percent for disabled individuals. Protests in 2018, including significant demonstrations at Dhaka University, demanded reducing the quota system from 56 percent to 10 percent. Consequently, on October 4, 2018, the Ministry of Public Administration issued a circular abolishing the quota system.

The quota system, which had been in place for 46 years for first and second-class government jobs, was eliminated. However, in 2021, some children of freedom fighters filed a petition in the High Court challenging the circular's abolition of the freedom fighters' quota. The High Court declared that part of the circular invalid on June 5 this year. This ruling reignited protests among job-seeking students.

Two Dhaka University students appealed to the Appellate Division against the High Court's verdict on July 9, leading to a one-month stay on the High Court's judgment by the Appellate Division the following day. Consequently, the 2018 government circular canceling the freedom fighters' quota remains in effect. However, the students have rejected this order and vowed to continue their agitation until legislation is passed in Parliament. The protesters have also submitted a memorandum to the President.