Bangladesh court scraps most quotas after 139 killed in violent clashes

Bangladesh’s Supreme Court on Sunday scrapped most quotas on government jobs following nationwide agitation led by students spiralled into clashes that killed at least 139 people, though some organisers said the protests would continue.

Dismissing a lower court order, the Supreme Court’s Appellate Division directed that 93% of government jobs should be open to candidates on merit, Attorney General A.M. Amin Uddin informed media.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government had scrapped the quota system in 2018, under which 56% of jobs were reserved for groups such as freedom fighters’ families, women and people from underdeveloped districts. But the lower court reinstated it last month, sparking the protests and an ensuing clampdown that included an internet shutdown and a curfew with the army on the streets.

The recent clashes followed similar violent protests ahead of January’s national elections by Hasina’s opponents in response to her “authoritarian rule”, and by garment workers demanding better pay growing inflation.

“Students have clearly said they are in no way part of the violence and arson that have taken place in Bangladesh since Monday,” said Amin Uddin.

“I am hoping normalcy will return after Monday’s ruling and people with ulterior motives will stop instigating people,” he added.

Internet and text message services in Bangladesh have been suspended since Thursday, as security forces cracked down on protesters who defied a ban on public gatherings.

Some protesters told media that they planned to continue their action until they secured the release of some detained student leaders and the restoration of internet and other cellular services.

“The judgment of the Supreme Court seems unclear to us. There is no clear-cut solution for all types of quotas,” said Abdul Quader, one of the agitating student coordinators.

Military forces have been patrolling the largely deserted streets of the capital Dhaka since the government ordered a curfew late on Friday. A tank was stationed outside the Supreme Court gates at the time of the hearing.