Students block Shahbagh seeking cancellation of govt jobs quota

Agitating students have blocked Shahbagh intersection in the capital for the third consecutive day, demanding the cancellation of quotas in class I and class II government jobs and the reform of quotas in all types of jobs.

They are calling for the reinstatement of the 2018 government circular regarding quotas in these job categories.

Under the banner of the "Anti-Discrimination Student Movement," students from various halls of residence at Dhaka University gathered at Shahbagh intersection around 12:30 pm on Thursday, blocking all roads and causing severe traffic congestion on the last weekday.

The students initially gathered in front of the central library of Dhaka University around 11:00 am before marching towards Shahbagh. They complained that leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) created obstacles, preventing students from joining the demonstration. According to the students, BCL members also locked the main entrance of Masterda Surya Sen Hall.

The latest spell of agitation began on Tuesday afternoon when students first blocked the Shahbagh crossing for an hour. The demonstration continued on Wednesday, with students marching from Dhaka University campus to Shahbagh around 4:15 pm and blocking the intersection.

In 2018, following a severe student uprising, the Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification cancelling the 10% women's quota, 30% freedom fighter quota, and 10% district quota for direct recruitment from 9th grade and 10th to 13th grade. The notification stated that direct recruitment to these posts would be based on merit, abolishing the existing quota system.

However, a writ petition challenging the notification was filed by seven individuals, including Ahidul Islam Tushar, President of the Central Command Council of the Children and Grandchildren of Freedom Fighters. On June 5, the High Court declared the government decision illegal, effectively restoring the 30% quota system for the children of freedom fighters.

The state moved the Appellate Division seeking a stay on the High Court order. However, the Supreme Court upheld the High Court verdict, restoring the 30% quota system for the children of freedom fighters in grades nine to thirteen of government jobs until further notice.

The apex court has asked the government to submit a leave to appeal petition after the full text of the High Court verdict is released.

A six-member bench of the Appellate Division, headed by Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan, passed the order during a hearing on the government's petition seeking a stay on the High Court judgment.

MHA/NMA