Youth uprising in Bangladesh

Students and youth are the backbone of any country. For a nation to develop and thrive, it must implement policies that generate a competitive environment, allowing the best of its youth to shine. This is the dilemma faced by Bangladesh, a legacy of British colonial rule where government jobs and civil services are highly regarded for their power, job security and respect. In countries like Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, parents often do not consider their children to have stable careers until they secure government jobs. Consequently, there is fierce competition for these positions, especially in Bangladesh and Pakistan, where the private sector is less developed, and unemployment rates are high.

In Bangladesh, the issue is compounded by a quota system that reserves 56% of government jobs for specific groups, leaving only 44% open to merit-based competition. Of this 56%, as much as 30% is reserved for descendants of the freedom fighters who fought the 1971 War. Additionally, 10% is allocated for women, 10% for district quotas, and the remaining for minorities and disabled persons. Since its inception on September 5, 1972, the quota system has been a significant policy tool in Bangladesh, intended to uplift disadvantaged groups.

However, the quota reform protests in 2018 marked a significant movement led by students and young people across the country. By 2018, up to 56% of government jobs were reserved under various quotas, leading to discontent among many students who felt it was unfair. The movement’s intensity prompted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to announce in April 2018 that the quota system would be abolished. However, a writ petition challenging the government’s decision to abolish the quota system was filed in 2021. The High Court ruled in June 2024 to reinstate the 56% quota system, sparking renewed protests from students who saw this as a betrayal of their demands for merit-based job recruitment.

The latest protests began at Dhaka University and quickly spread across the country. The government’s response has been highly negative and discouraging, with PM Hasina comparing the protesting students to Razakars, a term considered synonymous with traitors in Bangladesh. This comparison has further triggered the protesting students. PM Hasina and her party are often criticised for taking advantage of the populist slogan that they are the makers of Bangladesh and the only loyal party. Sheikh Hasina was sworn in as Bangladesh’s PM for the fourth consecutive term after an election boycotted by the main opposition, which dismissed the vote as a sham. Critics argue that the quota system benefits her party and strengthens its position in the government sector.

Students against the quota system argue that the generations of freedom fighters have already taken too much advantage, but the Awami League continues to support and promote the Mukti Bahini generation. Recent protests have turned violent, with reports of 75 people killed. Students also claim that the government supports the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student wing of the ruling Awami League, which has been involved in clashes and violent protests amid issues such as job quotas and civil unrest.

These actions will only escalate the situation, benefiting no one. The government needs to understand the problems of youth in Bangladesh, and students need to make their demands peacefully. While a sudden change in the system is not a solution, a gradual decrease in quotas should ensure merit, competency and equal rights. Hope lies in a balanced approach where the needs of disadvantaged groups are met without compromising merit and fairness.

In conclusion, the quota system in Bangladesh’s government jobs is a deep-rooted issue that requires careful consideration and reform. The youth of Bangladesh are calling for a system that values merit and provides equal opportunities for all. It is imperative for the government to listen to these voices and work towards a solution that fosters a competitive and fair environment. Only then can Bangladesh truly harness the potential of its young generation and pave the way for a prosperous future.