Students from Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University (MBSTU) in Tangail blocked the Dhaka-Tangail Highway following the Supreme Court’s Appellate Division decision to uphold the High Court’s ruling, which declared the cancellation of the quota system, including the first and second-class freedom fighter quota in government jobs, illegal.
The protest took place at the Ashekpur bypass in Tangail from 10:30 am to 12 pm on Saturday, resulting in halted traffic on the Dhaka-Tangail Highway.
Additional police forces have been deployed to prevent any incidents.
The protesting students argue that the high quota percentages will drive talented individuals to seek employment abroad, leading to reduced interest in government jobs within the country. They believe the current quota system discriminates against students and have vowed to continue their protest until this discrimination is addressed.
They emphasize that their movement is not anti-government but aims to secure a fair future for all students.
Sadar Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Mohammad Ruhul Amin Sharif stated: “We are stationed from the road to the highway. Students are requested to peacefully lift the blockade.”
On June 5, the High Court declared illegal the circular that canceled the quotas, including those for freedom fighters, in first and second-class government jobs. Consequently, the 30% quota for freedom fighters in government jobs (grades 9 to 13) will remain in place.
On October 4, 2018, the Ministry of Public Administration issued a circular to implement the cabinet’s decision to abolish the existing quota system for direct recruitment to first and second-class posts in government jobs. The government decided to remove the 45% quota for recruitment in government jobs from ninth to thirteenth grade, opting for merit-based recruitment after a prolonged student movement demanding quota reform. The quota review committee’s recommendations led to this decision, approved during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on October 3, 2018.
