Bangladesh’s Supreme Court has made a significant decision regarding the contentious quota system for government jobs that has caused deadly protests in the country. The court has scrapped most of the quotas, reinstating only 5 percent for children of independence war veterans and 2 percent for other categories, down from the previous 30 percent reserved for war veterans’ relatives. This decision comes after weeks of protests led by students who believe the quota system is discriminatory and should be replaced by a merit-based system.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government had initially abolished the quota system in 2018, but a lower court reinstated it last month, sparking violent protests and a government crackdown. The demonstrations, which have been the biggest since Hasina’s re-election earlier this year, have escalated into widespread unrest, with protesters demanding not only quota reform but the government’s resignation.
To restore calm, Bangladesh has imposed a full curfew and cut off phone and internet connections, creating an “information blackout” in the country. The harsh crackdown by the government has only fueled more anger among protesters. Political experts believe that the protest movement has become an existential threat to the government, and the country is at a crossroads in terms of its political future.
It remains to be seen how protesters will react to the Supreme Court’s decision and whether they will continue their demands for broader change. Hasina’s government has declared public holidays for Sunday and Monday, with only emergency services allowed to operate. This decision marks a significant turning point in Bangladesh’s political landscape as the situation continues to unfold.
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