After deadly unrest: Bangladesh government rescinds controversial quotas
After fatal clashes between demonstrators and the police in Bangladesh, the government has officially reversed the reintroduction of a controversial quota system in the public sector. Only 7 percent of the positions will be reserved for certain groups in the future instead of the planned 30 percent.
93 percent of the positions will therefore be given based on merit - the criterion that students had demanded. "With the publication in the gazette, we are issuing the order of the Supreme Court on Sunday," said the Minister for Law and Justice, Anisul Huq.
The distribution of mostly well-paid positions in the civil service was the trigger for protests in the past few weeks. Observers criticized that the previously planned distribution had primarily favored supporters of the ruling Awami League of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Before the court decision, the protests had turned violent. Local media report over 180 deaths. Over 1,000 people have been arrested so far, reported BBC Bangla.
Demonstrators had set fire to numerous vehicles and public buildings. The internet connection is still blocked, the Friday-imposed curfew is being gradually lifted. Under Prime Minister Hasina, who has been in power since 2009, impoverished, mainly Muslim Bangladesh experienced an economic upswing. However, high inflation has recently caused problems for many people.
The government's decision to reduce the quota system to 7% has been widely welcomed, as it was seen as a violation of merit-based selection, a principle that protesters had been advocating for under the Quotation rule. After the Supreme Court's order, the Minister for Law and Justice, Anisul Huq, cited the court decision while announcing the change. The controversial quota system, which was responsible for the recent Disturbances in Bangladesh, had earlier planned to reserve 30% of positions for certain groups.
