The student protests in Bangladesh against the discriminatory quota system have reached a critical juncture as the country's Supreme Court prepares to rule on the future of civil service hiring rules. The protests, which initially began against politicized admission quotas for government jobs, have escalated into some of the worst unrest during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's tenure. The clashes between police and university students have resulted in the death of 133 people, and the protests have gained momentum across the country.
The Supreme Court is expected to issue a verdict on whether to abolish the controversial job quotas that have been at the center of the protests. The quota system reserves more than half of civil service posts for specific groups, which has been criticized for benefiting families loyal to Prime Minister Hasina. The government has been accused of misusing state institutions to maintain power and suppress dissent, further fueling public anger.
Prime Minister Hasina has hinted that the quota system would be scrapped, but a favorable verdict from the Supreme Court is unlikely to fully appease the protesters. The demonstrations have already resulted in a rising death toll and a nationwide internet blackout since Thursday, intensifying the gravity of the situation.
The outcome of the Supreme Court's ruling will have significant implications for the future of government job quotas in Bangladesh. The protests have highlighted deep-seated grievances regarding the fairness and transparency of the quota system, with critics arguing that it perpetuates inequality and favors certain groups. As the country awaits the court's decision, tensions remain high, and the government faces mounting pressure to address the concerns raised by the protesters.
In a recent letter published in the South China Morning Post, Muhammad Fakhrul Islam Babu, the general secretary of China Bangladesh Friendship Centre, called for respect for the court's judgment and collective efforts to protect and cherish the country. Babu highlighted the historical contributions of students in Bangladesh, including the Bengali language movement of 1952 and the mass uprising of 1969. He also mentioned that in 2018, the government abolished a quota system for government jobs after student advocacy, but the High Court recently reinstated it. The peaceful student protests against the quota system turned violent in July 2024, resulting in deaths and property damage. The Supreme Court has ruled that the quota system must be scaled back, with only 5% of civil service jobs reserved for children and grandchildren of freedom fighters. Babu's letter emphasizes the importance of respecting the court's judgment and working together to protect and cherish the country [ad3a9e70].