Bangladesh's Supreme Court Scales Back Job Quota System Amidst Deadly Protests

Bangladesh's top court has reduced a controversial quota system for government jobs after nationwide protests and violent clashes. The Supreme Court ruling, which reduces veterans' job quotas from 30% to 5%, has sparked mixed reactions. The decision follows days of unrest, internet blackouts, and a stay-at-home order as students demanded merit-based job allocation.

In a significant move on Sunday, Bangladesh's highest court reduced a contentious quota system for government job applicants, giving partial relief to students following a week of national unrest. The court's ruling slashed the veterans' quota from 30% to 5%, amid escalating clashes that have left many dead and hundreds injured.

For months, students have voiced their frustrations over insufficient job opportunities, challenging a system that they believe disproportionately favors relatives of 1971 independence war veterans. The government had initially halted the quota in 2018 only to reinstate it in June, following a decision by the High Court.

As the Supreme Court's decision was announced, universities remained closed and a stay-at-home order was in effect. Law Minister Anisul Haq and other officials have urged protestors to halt demonstrations, but the intensity and violence of past protests cast uncertainty over whether this resolution will satisfy the student groups.