The Supreme Court of Bangladesh on Sunday overturned the restoration of the government’s quota system for civil service employment, marking a pivotal decision following days of intense civil unrest. The Appellate Division dismissed the High Court’s reinstatement of a 30 percent quota for the descendants of 1971 Liberation War fighters, opting instead for a recruitment approach that emphasizes merit. According to local media reports, 93 percent of government employment opportunities will now be based on merit, while the freedom fighter quota will be reduced to 5 percent.
The decision was moved up on the court’s calendar due to escalating turmoil, with protests turning violent and significant casualties reported. The protests were driven by perceptions that the quota system was discriminatory and that government positions should be merit-based. More than 105 deaths and 2,500 injuries have been reported in connection with the unrest.
In response to the civil disturbances, Bangladeshi authorities extended a curfew nationwide. Additionally, the US State Department issued a new travel advisory, urging Americans to reconsider travel to Bangladesh given the current situation.
This development comes at a critical time for Bangladesh, which is already grappling with high inflation, dwindling foreign reserves, and rising unemployment. The Supreme Court’s ruling may have wide-ranging implications for the country’s socio-economic landscape.
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