Bangladesh Supreme Court Scales Back Quota System After Deadly Protests

Bangladesh's top court has reduced a controversial quota system for government jobs, amidst student protests demanding a merit-based system. Clashes with police escalated, causing numerous deaths. The Supreme Court ruled to cut veterans' quota to 5%, with the rest distributed by merit, minorities, and other groups.

Bangladesh's top court on Sunday reduced a controversial quota system for government job applicants, marking a partial victory for student protesters after nationwide unrest and deadly clashes with police left scores of people dead.

Students, frustrated by job shortages, have been calling for an end to a 30% government job reservation for relatives of veterans from Bangladesh's 1971 independence war. Despite the government suspending the quota in 2018 following mass protests, Bangladesh's High Court reinstated it in June, sparking new demonstrations.

In a ruling on an appeal, the Supreme Court ordered the veterans' quota be cut to 5%, with 93% of jobs allocated on merit. The remaining 2% will go to ethnic minorities, transgender, and disabled individuals.

The protests represent the most significant challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government since her fourth consecutive term began in January, following boycotted elections. Universities were closed, the internet was shut down, and the government imposed stay-at-home orders.

Violence peaked on Tuesday, one day after Dhaka University students clashed with police. The unrest continued as police used tear gas, rubber bullets, and smoke grenades against stone-throwing protesters. The Daily Prothom Alo newspaper reported at least 103 fatalities, though official numbers remained unshared.

While sporadic clashes continued in parts of Dhaka, it was unclear if there were additional fatalities. Ahead of the Supreme Court hearing, soldiers were deployed nationwide and Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan announced a brief relaxation of the stay-at-home order on Sunday for essential errands.

The government also declared Sunday and Monday public holidays, limiting services to emergencies only.

Protesters argue the quota system benefits supporters of Hasina’s Awami League party and demand a merit-based system. Hasina defended the quotas for veterans, citing their independence war contributions.

Representatives from both sides met Friday to discuss demands, including reforming the quota system and reopening police-shuttered student dormitories. The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) supported the protests and planned further demonstrations but denied responsibility for the violence.

Both the Awami League and BNP frequently accuse each other of inciting political chaos, with the government accusing the BNP of trying to disrupt the election.