There’s No Quota, but Why is Bangladesh Seeing Fierce Anti-Quota Revolt?

Protests in Bangladesh against a 30% quota for grandchildren of freedom fighters in government jobs have spread across the country. Although the quota was reinstated by the high court on July 1 and subsequently suspended by the Supreme Court, students continue to revolt. The protests highlight deep-seated frustrations among the youth and raise questions about the future of the country’s political landscape.

Background of the Quota System

The 30% quota for freedom fighters’ descendants was initially introduced in 1972 by Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The quota system reserved jobs for various groups, with 44% of the jobs remaining merit-based. The Sheikh Hasina government scrapped the quota in 2018 following large-scale student protests. However, in 2021, petitioners approached the High Court to reinstate the quota, leading to the current unrest.

Recent Developments

On July 1, the High Court reinstated the 30% quota, triggering widespread protests. The Supreme Court suspended the High Court’s order for four weeks, urging students to return to classes. Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, protests have continued, with students taking over university campuses and clashing with security personnel.

Extent of the Protests

The protests have spread to major cities, including Dhaka, Chattogram, and Rangpur. Clashes at Dhaka University resulted in over 100 injuries, and six protesters have been killed in the violence. The intensity of the protests forced the government to shut down schools and colleges nationwide.

Government Response and Expert Opinions

Experts believe the government is aligned with the protesting students’ demands. Veteran journalist Swadesh Roy suggests that the government should immediately start a dialogue with the protesters to avoid misunderstandings. Bangladesh watcher Mubashar Hasan argues that a compromise on the quota is the only feasible solution to prevent the situation from escalating further.

Political Implications

The protests have broader political implications, with opposition parties siding with the students to expand their popular base. The ruling Awami League and its student wing, Chhatra League, have faced backlash for their attempts to suppress the movement. The anti-quota agitation reflects popular frustration with the government’s handling of employment opportunities and high-profile corruption cases.

Cultural and Social Impact

The protests have sparked a cultural movement, with artworks, memes, rap songs, and slogans criticizing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This cultural backlash indicates a shift in public sentiment and a growing dissatisfaction with the current regime. The protests also question the legitimacy of Hasina’s fourth consecutive term, which critics attribute to election rigging.

The anti-quota protests in Bangladesh highlight deep-rooted frustrations among the youth and pose a significant challenge to the government. As the situation unfolds, the government’s response will be crucial in determining the future political landscape. Dialogue and compromise appear to be the only viable solutions to address the students’ demands and prevent further unrest.