Bangladesh Supreme Court Scraps Quotas Amid Violent Protests

Bangladesh's Supreme Court has annulled most government job quotas, leading to widespread protests that resulted in casualties. The ruling directed 93% of jobs to be merit-based, reversing a previous court's decision. The unrest, driven by youth discontent and economic strain, led to increased security measures and a national curfew.

Bangladesh's Supreme Court has rescinded most of the quotas on government jobs, which had incited protests resulting in at least 114 deaths. The Court's Appellate Division ruled that 93% of government positions should be merit-based, according to Bangladesh Attorney General A.M. Amin Uddin.

“Students have clearly said they are in no way part of the violence and arson that have taken place in Bangladesh since Monday,” Uddin stated. “I hope normalcy will return following today's ruling and that those instigating violence will be identified and prosecuted.”

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government initially eliminated the quota system in 2018, but a lower court revitalized it recently, escalating nationwide unrest. The Supreme Court has now instructed the government to reduce job quotas for independence fighter families to 5%, while 2% remains reserved for marginalized groups and the disabled.