DHAKA – In a landmark decision on July 21, Bangladesh’s Supreme Court has annulled the majority of job quotas for government positions, a move that comes in the wake of violent student-led protests that resulted in over 100 deaths.
“The Supreme Court has declared the High Court’s reinstatement of the job quotas as illegal,” announced Attorney-General A.M. Amin Uddin, highlighting the contentious nature of the previous ruling.
The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court dismissed the lower court’s order, which had reintroduced the quotas, and decreed that 93 percent of government jobs should now be allocated based on merit. This significant shift aims to ensure that job positions are awarded without the influence of quotas, as per the latest judicial directive.
Attorney-General Uddin further elaborated that a small percentage of civil service jobs will still be reserved: 5 percent for the children of independence war veterans and 2 percent for other specific groups.
The controversy over job quotas has a long history in Bangladesh. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration initially abolished the quota system in 2018, a move intended to streamline and modernize the recruitment process. However, the High Court’s decision to reinstate the quotas in June this year reignited tensions, leading to widespread unrest and a severe crackdown by the government.
The recent court ruling is expected to ease tensions and restore some stability, as it aligns with the demands of the student protesters who have been advocating for a merit-based system. This decision marks a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to reform its civil service recruitment process and address the concerns of its younger population.