Quota Reform MovementQuota Reform Movement In response to concerns raised by students and job seekers regarding the government quota system, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh has issued an order to maintain the status quo for four weeks. Student and Job Seeker Movement The students and job seekers involved in the “anti-discriminatory student movement” have stated that their movement is independent of the court and that they are solely seeking a solution from the executive branch of government. They have expressed disappointment with the court’s order but remain determined to continue their protests until a reasonable solution is found. Legal Background In 2021, the Supreme Court declared a rule “absolute” on the issue of quotas for government positions. The government subsequently filed a petition to stay the ruling, which was considered by the Appellate Division. Appellate Division Order The Appellate Division has ordered that the status quo be maintained for four weeks. This means that the current quota system will not be applied to the selection of government employees based on circulars issued in 2018 that abolished quotas for certain grades. Next Steps The next hearing in the case is scheduled for August 7. The Appellate Division has asked all relevant parties to maintain the status quo until then. The Attorney General has stated that the quota system will not be applied to the selection of government employees based on the 2018 circulars. Conclusion The ongoing movement by students and job seekers has highlighted concerns about the quota system for government jobs. The Appellate Division’s order has maintained the status quo while allowing for appeals to be filed. The situation remains fluid and the ultimate resolution of the issue will depend on the outcome of further legal proceedings and potential government action.
The students and job seekers, who have launched a movement to push for reforms to the quota system for government jobs, have said their movement has no connection with the court.
The protesters said this in response to an order from the Appellate Division after they heard a summons on the matter on Wednesday.
The students and job seekers also indicated that they are looking to the government for a permanent solution to the quota problem.
They also warned that they would not leave the street until a reasonable solution to the problem was found.
The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court today ordered that the status quo be maintained for four weeks for the parties involved in a petition concerning the government jobs quota system.
A five-member bench headed by Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan passed the order around 12 noon, along with some observations and directions.
The students and job seekers are following the ‘Bangla Blockade’ programme under the banner of the ‘anti-discriminatory student movement’.
As part of the movement, they have blocked several major intersections including Shahbagh in the capital, leading to a massive traffic jam in a large part of the city.
Following the Appellate Division ruling, Nahid Islam, coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, told Prothom Alo: “Our current movement has nothing to do with the court. In fact, we are not seeking a solution to the quota issue from anyone other than the executive branch. We have one demand. This is not a matter for the court. Only the executive branch can fulfill this. We are hoping for a clear statement from the government.”
Another coordinator of the movement, Hasnat Abdullah, who was at the blockade programme in Shahbagh, said: “The problem has been aggravated by this order. We are disheartened but have not lost courage. We will not leave the streets until we reach a reasonable solution to the quota system through the formation of a committee by the executive.”
On October 4, 2018, the Ministry of Public Administration issued a circular abolishing the quotas for direct appointments to government positions from grades 9 to 13.
Challenging the legality of the circular, seven children of freedom fighters, including Ohidul Islam, filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court in 2021.
The Supreme Court on December 6, 2021, delivered its verdict on the primary hearing of the writ petition, seeking clarification on the disrespect shown to freedom fighters and non-compliance with the orders of the High Court and the Appellate Division.
After the final hearing, the Supreme Court declared the rule “absolute” on June 5.
To stay the Supreme Court’s ruling, the state filed a petition. The petition was submitted through the chambers to the full bench of the Appellate Division for consideration.
Because the petitioner requested time, the Appellate Division issued the order “not today” (July 4).
At the same time, the state was asked to file a regular request for appeal.
In this context, two students filed a petition on Tuesday against the Supreme Court’s ruling.
The appeals were heard today in the Appellate Division.
In its order, the court set August 7 as the date for the next hearing.
Later, Attorney General AM Amin Uddin told Prothom Alo that the Appellate Division has asked all relevant parties to maintain status quo in the case. That means the current status will be maintained.
He further said that the quota system will not be applied to the circulars issued based on the government circular of 2018 abolishing quotas.
