A jobs quota that sparked deadly anti-government protests in Bangladesh will be overhauled.
More than 30% of public service jobs were reserved for families of veterans who served in Bangladesh’s war of independence. The Supreme Court has now ordered that quota be reduced to around 5%.
It comes after student-led protests turned violent last week, leading to curfews, internet outages and city-wide shutdowns.
According to local media reports, more than 100 people have been killed in the unrest.
Bangladesh’s jobs quota
In 1971, East and West Pakistan fought in a war that ended with the creation of an independent Bangladesh.
Shortly after independence, then-leader Sheikh Mujibur Rehman introduced a quota system for public service jobs — around one in three roles were reserved for soldiers who served in the Bangladesh independence war, and their relatives.
The quota system was in place until 2018, when similar protests led to its suspension. The country’s High Court reinstated it last month.
Protests
This month, tens of thousands of students have rallied against what protesters have called a “discriminatory” public service quota.
Protesters called for the system to be overhauled, so staff are appointed to public service roles based on merit, not heritage.
Student-led blockades and protests spread across several cities in Bangladesh, including Chattogram and Rangpur. Demonstrators blocked roads in the capital, Dhaka, prompting an escalation of violence and clashes with security officials.
Crackdown
The Government has implemented several measures to curb the violence, including a nationwide curfew, and internet and text message shutdown.
Riot police were seen using rubber bullets and tear gas against protesters, before military forces were deployed to patrol the streets.
Internet and mobile services remain shut off. Authorities also ordered the closure of offices and institutions.
According to Reuters, at least 139 people have been killed. Authorities have not confirmed the death toll.
Court ruling
Over the weekend, the Supreme Court responded to protesters’ demands by announcing a quota overhaul.
It ordered 5% of public service roles be reserved for families of veterans, instead of the current 30% quota. 2% of roles will be reserved for disadvantaged groups.
The ruling means 93% of government jobs will be available to all applicants.
As Bangladesh’s top court, the Supreme Court decision overrides the previous ruling to reinstate the quotas.
Response
Bangladesh’s Attorney General suggested unrest may have been led by political opponents of the Government, not university students.
AM Amin Uddin told Reuters: “Students have clearly said they are in no way part of the violence and arson… I am hoping normalcy will return… and people with ulterior motives will stop instigating people.”
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina condemned the unrest and announced a “judicial investigation” into the protests and violence.
United Nations
United Nations Human Rights chief Volker Türk said he was “deeply concerned” by the violence in Bangladesh.
A statement from Türk noted “any use of force” by the Government must not breach international human rights.
He also urged authorities in Bangladesh “to restore Internet access without further delay.”
“The [shutdown] disproportionately restricts… freedom to seek, receive and impart information — particularly in the midst of a crisis.”
