Bangladesh’s Supreme Court has reduced the veterans’ quota for government jobs from 30% to 5%, with the majority of jobs now being allocated based on merit. This decision comes after days of nationwide protests by students demanding an end to the quota system, which they view as discriminatory and benefiting supporters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party. The protests have turned violent, with over 100 people reportedly killed and many more injured. The government has imposed restrictions on communication, closed universities, and declared public holidays to maintain order.
The demonstrators argue that the quota system should be replaced with a merit-based system to provide equal opportunities to all job applicants. The main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, has also supported the protests but denies involvement in the violence that has erupted. The government has indicated willingness to address the protesters’ demands, including quota reform and the resignation of university officials who failed to protect students during the unrest.
The ongoing clashes between police and protesters, as well as the government’s response, have raised concerns about political stability and the handling of dissent in Bangladesh. Despite the Supreme Court decision, it remains to be seen whether the protesters will be satisfied with the outcome and whether the situation will continue to escalate. The opposition parties are also monitoring the situation closely, as they aim to capitalize on the unrest for their own political gain.
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