Quota reformation movement

Quota Reformation Movement

Quota reform movement in Bangladesh started on 17 February, 2018 demanding reforms in policies regarding recruitment process in the Bangladesh Government Services. In 1972 after the liberation war the quota system was introduced to the general people of Bangladesh.From then the system was amended several times.Before Quota reform movement in Bangladesh started on 17 February, 2018 demanding reforms in policies regarding recruitment process in the Bangladesh Government Services. In 1972 after the liberation war the quota system was introduced to the general people of Bangladesh. From then the system was amended several times.Before the reformation started in 2018 there were 55 percent quota in Government jobs of which 30 percent were freedom fighter quota,10 percent district wise quota,10 percent for women,5 percent for small ethnic groups and 1 percent for disabled people.General students and Govt. job seekers conducted human chain on the demand of making change on 5 points for employment.One of the major demand was change the 56 percent of quota to 10 percent.

The protest initially began in Shahbag and Dhaka University campus on 8 April,2018 and eventually spread to the other parts of Bangladesh.The protest rapidly attained popularity among students of different universities forcing the Govt. to announce changes in its policy.The same day hundreds of students started protesting at Shahbag after 2 PM. The protesters under the name “Council to protect students rights”demanded the quota system reforms by bringing down quotas altogether to 10 percent and filling up vacant quota posts by candidates from the merit list.At 7:30 PM, police started lobbying teargas shells,charged baton and used water cannons to the crowd.More than 160 protesters were injured in clashes that took place at Dhaka University Campus.The ruling Government initially ignored students’ demands, but when demonstrations spread across the country, Govt. promised to abolish the quota system.Finally, the student group won and the quota reform movement was successful.