Protesting students have announced a Bangla Blockade across Bangladesh on Wednesday, beginning at 10am. This decision was revealed by the leaders of the anti-quota movement during a press conference at 6pm on Tuesday.
The quota reform movement’s coordinators emphasized that they have garnered extensive support from students nationwide. In addition to challenging a recent court order, they are demanding a written commitment from the government regarding quota reforms. Consequently, they have scheduled the blockade for Wednesday, spanning both morning and evening hours.
During the press conference, movement coordinator Nahid Islam stated, “The common people are suffering because of the movement we have initiated. We do not wish for this suffering to continue. The government must take responsibility for this. On the quota issue, we believe the government and the executive have the authority to intervene.”
Announcing the blockade, Nahid Islam specified, “The blockade will run from morning to evening on Wednesday, starting at 10am. It will encompass both road and rail blockades, with exemptions for journalists and emergency services.”
Another coordinator, Hasnat Abdullah, clarified the movement’s goals, saying, “Our aim is not to abolish the quota but to reform it to ensure fairness in light of current realities. We do not oppose the freedom fighter quota or their privileges but are against the quota for the grandchildren of freedom fighters.”
Abdullah further explained the need for a minimum quota, suggesting, “We have concluded that the quota should apply only to the children of disabled individuals, minorities, and freedom fighters, proposing a reasonable 5% quota. Our main demand is directed at the executive branch.”
Commenting on a writ filed by two students, another protester, Sharjis Alam, remarked, “The writ is not part of our movement. It was filed by ordinary university students from their personal interest. While we support their writ, it is unrelated to our movement.”
Alam added, “Regardless of the writ’s judgment, our demand is with the executive branch. The movement will persist despite a negative decision. If the decision is positive and we receive assurance through a circular or written document that a commission will be formed for rational quota reform, we will end the movement and happily return to our classes.”
On July 4, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court upheld the High Court’s verdict declaring the cancellation of the quota system, including the freedom fighter quota in first and second-class government jobs, illegal. The High Court had previously declared the cancellation circular illegal on June 5, ensuring the 30% quota for freedom fighters in grades 9 to 13 remains in place.
The High Court ruling sparked extensive discussion and criticism on social media, as well as protests and demonstrations at various locations, including Dhaka University. Dhaka University students have demanded the withdrawal of the High Court’s verdict to reinstate the 30% quota for the children of freedom fighters in government jobs.
On October 4, 2018, the Ministry of Public Administration issued a circular implementing the cabinet’s decision to abolish the existing quota system for direct recruitment to first and second-class government posts.
