Bangladesh Supreme Court Changes Job Quota Rules After Protests
Following protests that resulted in over 100 deaths, the Bangladesh Supreme Court has reduced the job quota for relatives of war veterans from 30% to 5%. Now, 93% of government jobs will be based on merit, with 2% reserved for ethnic minorities, transgender individuals, and the disabled.
Background
The protests were sparked by students demanding changes to the quota system, which originally reserved 30% of jobs for descendants of veterans from Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence. Critics argued this system favored allies of the ruling Awami League party.
Government Response
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government imposed curfews, deployed military forces, and cut off communication to manage the unrest. Police used tear gas, rubber bullets, and smoke grenades against protesters, leading to accusations of excessive force.
Public Reaction
Protesters claimed the demonstrations were about more than job quotas, highlighting issues like loss of lives, property destruction, and restricted information flow. The government’s heavy-handed response fueled calls for broader political reforms and even the government’s resignation.
Current Situation
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan announced a temporary easing of the curfew for residents to stock up on essentials. The court’s decision to reduce the quota system was met with cautious optimism, but the broader implications remain uncertain amid ongoing restrictions and tensions.
Doubts Revealed
Bangladesh Supreme Court -: The highest court in Bangladesh that makes important decisions about the law.
Job Quota -: A system where a certain number of jobs are reserved for specific groups of people.
War Veterans’ Relatives -: Family members of people who fought in wars.
Merit -: Being chosen based on skills and abilities, not on who you know or where you come from.
Minorities -: Groups of people who are smaller in number compared to the main population.
Transgender Individuals -: People whose gender identity is different from the one they were assigned at birth.
Disabled -: People who have physical or mental conditions that make it harder for them to do certain activities.
Protests -: When people gather to show they are unhappy about something and want change.
Civil Service -: Jobs in the government that help run the country.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina -: The leader of the government in Bangladesh.
Curfews -: Rules that say people must stay indoors during certain hours.
Communication Blackouts -: When the government stops people from using phones and the internet to talk to each other.
Political Reforms -: Changes to the way the government works to make it better or fairer.
