Bangladesh Students Resume “Bangla Blockade” for Quota Reform
Students in Bangladesh have resumed the “Bangla blockade” for the 4th day, demanding reforms to the government jobs policy that offers a 56% quota. Hasnat Abdullah, a fresh graduate from the University of Dhaka and one of the organizers of the quota reformation movement, called the quota system “discriminatory.”
The apex court has asked for a status quo on the matter, staying the high court order that reinstated the 30% quota for the descendants of 1971’s war families in the civil service. However, the protesters demand a merit-based recruitment process with a 5% quota reserved for marginalized populations.
The students believe that their fortune is being hindered by unconstitutional systems while the private sector is unable to provide good white-collar jobs. Despite the government abolishing all quotas in 2018 amid protests, the students are seeking legitimate reform through executive decision. The constitution gives the government authority to restore or abolish the quota, not the High Court.
As public suffering continues due to the protests, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan has warned of legal action against road blockades. Despite government opposition, students remain determined to push for quota reform in government jobs.