• Bangladesh court scraps job quotas after deadly unrest
• The decision to reinstate the quotas led to violent clashes across the country – killing over 100
• The quota meant a third of public sector jobs were reserved for relatives of veterans
• But the recent Supreme Court ruling mandates that 93% of public sector jobs be filled on merit, leaving 5% for veterans’ relatives and 2% for ethnic minorities or people with disabilities
• Students continue to protest, demanding justice for those killed and the release of the detained

Bangladesh Court Scraps Job Quotas After Deadly Unrest

Bangladesh’s top court has significantly reduced quotas in government jobs, which had led to violent clashes across the country, resulting in over 100 deaths. Previously, a third of public sector jobs were reserved for relatives of veterans from the 1971 independence war. However, the court has now ruled that only 5% of these roles can be reserved for veterans’ relatives. Law Minister Anisul Huq announced that the government would implement the ruling within days.

Despite the court’s decision, student leaders plan to continue their protests. Their demands include justice for protesters killed in recent days, the release of detained leaders, the restoration of internet services, and the resignation of government ministers. The streets of Dhaka remain deserted under a curfew, but sporadic clashes have continued even after the Supreme Court ruling.

Local media report higher casualty figures than the known 115 deaths, with at least 50 people killed on Friday alone. The Supreme Court ruling mandates that 93% of public sector jobs be filled on merit, leaving 5% for veterans’ relatives and 2% for ethnic minorities or people with disabilities. 

The quota system, which was scrapped in 2018, was reinstated by a lower court last month, sparking the recent protests. The government’s response has included a harsh crackdown, with curfews and a communications blackout. Protest coordinators accuse the police and the Awami League’s student wing, Bangladesh Chhatra League, of using brutal force against peaceful demonstrators, a claim the government denies.