Quota reinstatement protest continues for 3rd day

The latest phase of the protest, against quota reinstatement for first and second-class government jobs, continued for the third day.

Around 3,000 students this morning (3 July) started a rally from the central library of Dhaka University around the campus, pressing home their demands for the quota reinstatement.

One of the protestors told The Business Standard that they would organise a sit-in protest at the Shahbagh intersection.

However, the protesting students have yet to make an official announcement on the location of the sit-in protest.

What students want: Students of Dhaka University held their latest protest against the reinstatement of quotas in recruitment for first- and second-class government jobs. 

• They demand cancellation of the quota system.
• They want reinstatement of the 2018 law, which abolished freedom fighter quota in government jobs.

• They want a committee to repair the quota system.
• They want seats to be filled based on talent, not quota in instances the latter requirement doesn’t produce enough candidates.

How quota system came about: Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman introduced the quota in September 1972, at a time when the country was ravaged by war. 

• The quota system was put in place to counter years of discrimination against Bangalees during the Pakistani rule.
• The new quota system allocated 40% of jobs to districts, 30% to freedom fighters, 10% to war-affected women and 20% based on merit.
• Two high-powered reform bodies recommended several measures for selection process based on merit and long-term career planning.
• The Pay and Service Commission, instituted in 1976, also recommended merit-based recruitment.