In a dramatic display of dissent, thousands of Bangladeshi university students blockaded major highways on July 7th, demanding the abolishment of “discriminatory” quotas in the fiercely competitive civil service job market. The students are calling for a merit-based system to replace the current one, which reserves over half of all government positions, totaling hundreds of thousands of jobs.
Meritocracy vs. Legacy: A Clash of Ideals
Protest coordinator Nahidul Islam characterized the situation as “do-or-die” for the students, emphasizing that quotas are inherently discriminatory and require urgent reform. Under the existing system, 30% of positions are allocated to children of liberation war veterans, 10% to women, and 10% to specific districts. Students argue that only quotas benefiting ethnic minorities and disabled people, which account for 6% of jobs, should be retained.
Accusations of Political Favoritism
Critics contend that the current quota system disproportionately benefits children of pro-government factions aligned with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was Bangladesh’s founding leader. This perception of favoritism has fueled widespread resentment among students, who perceive the system as rigged against them.
Historical Context and Legal Battles
The quota system was temporarily abolished in 2018 following weeks of student demonstrations. However, in June of this year, Dhaka’s High Court overturned that decision, declaring it invalid. Prime Minister Hasina has condemned the renewed protests, asserting that the matter has been definitively resolved by the court.
Escalating Protests and Government Response
Despite the Prime Minister’s stance, the protests have continued to gain momentum, with students chanting slogans such as “We will bury the quota system” in major cities like Chittagong and Dhaka. Law enforcement has reported that hundreds of students have disrupted traffic for hours in the capital. Meanwhile, at the prestigious Jahangirnagar University, an estimated 500 students blocked a major highway for a significant period.
Economic Growth and Job Crisis
Although Bangladesh has experienced impressive economic growth in recent years, surpassing India in per capita income in 2021, much of this progress has been driven by the garment export industry, which predominantly employs women. Consequently, economists warn of a severe shortage of opportunities for the millions of university graduates seeking employment.
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
