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The Supreme Court of Bangladesh has taken a significant step by reducing the quota system for government jobs. This decision follows nationwide protests and clashes that turned deadly, as reported by AFP. The court has now ordered that 93% of government jobs be allocated based on merit. Attorney-General A M Amin Uddin confirmed to AFP that 5% of civil service jobs will still be reserved for children of veterans of the independence war, and an additional 2% for other specific categories.
Curfew and Current Situation
The government of Sheikh Hasina has extended the nationwide curfew until 3 pm on Sunday to control the situation. Police have been instructed to use "shoot-on-sight" orders to suppress the protests, which have resulted in a death toll of 114 people. Only emergency services are operational, and public holidays have been declared for Sunday and Monday.
Escalation of Protests
The protests intensified in the past week following remarks made by Sheikh Hasina on July 14. She questioned whether the grandchildren of freedom fighters should receive job benefits while asking, "Should the grandchildren of Razakars receive the benefits?" This statement sparked outrage among young people who have been demanding an end to the quota system. Currently, 30% of government jobs are reserved for descendants of veterans from Bangladesh's 1971 war of independence against Pakistan.
