The quota movement is a social and political movement to demand the reform or abolition of the existing quota system. The main objective of this movement is to ensure recruitment and opportunities based on merit and to eliminate discrimination created through an unreasonable quota system. The quota movement is an important chapter of student politics in the history of Bangladesh. The movement started in 2018 and was mainly driven by demands for reforms in the existing quota system in government jobs. This movement of students created a stir across the country and influenced Bangladesh's social and political context.
Background of quota system
There is a quota system for different categories of government jobs in Bangladesh. There are quotas reserved for freedom fighters, women, tribals, and the disabled.
Quota Distribution:
Freedom Fighter Quota: 30%
Women Quota: 10%
Tribal Quota: 5%
Handicapped Quota: 1%
District Quota 10%
As a result of this quota system, many qualified candidates are deprived of job opportunities.
Quota system in government jobs in different countries of the world
Many countries around the globe have quota systems or reservation systems in government jobs, especially for various minority groups, women, and other backward classes. Below are some country examples:
India
The quota system is widely practiced in India. There are reservations for Dalits, tribals, and backward classes in government jobs and educational institutions.
- Dalit and Tribal Quota: There are 15% and 7.5% reservations for Dalits (Scheduled Castes) and Scheduled Tribes (Scheduled Tribes) in government jobs respectively.
- Backward Classes (OBC): There is a 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBC).
Malaysia
Malaysia has a quota system for Bumiputra, which applies to reservations for the country's indigenous Malays and other indigenous groups.
- Bumiputra Quota: There are quota reservations for Bumiputras in university admissions and government jobs.
South Africa
Post-apartheid South Africa introduced quotas for minorities and women.
- Affirmative Action: There is a special quota system for Black, Colored, Indian, and Women candidates.
Brazil
Brazil has a quota system for educational institutions and government jobs.
- Ethnic Reservations: There are reservations in educational institutions and government jobs for Afro-Brazilians and indigenous peoples.
United States
The United States does not have a quota system but has various reservation policies or affirmative action that help increase educational opportunities and employment for disadvantaged groups.
- Affirmative Action: Special privileges for minority groups and women in education and employment.
The beginning of the movement
The quota movement was started in February 2018 by the students of Dhaka University. The main demand of the movement was to reform the quota system and introduce a merit-based recruitment process.
Main Claims:
The quota was reduced from 56% to 10%.
Introduction of merit-based recruitment system.
Ensuring rational implementation of Freedom Fighter Quota.
If the quota is not filled, the vacancy will be filled based on merit.
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Movement activities
During the quota movement, students held various programs.
Notable Events:
- Demonstrations and human chain: Students staged protests and human chains in various universities across the country.
- Dhaka University Centered Movement: Dhaka University became the main center and large gatherings of students were held here.
- Role of Social Media: Movements are promoted and mobilized through social media.
Current status of the quota reform movement
As of mid-2024, Bangladesh's quota reform movement has been revived. A recent High Court judgment reinstated the 30% quota for children of freedom fighters in government jobs, which was scrapped in 2018. The decision has sparked a renewed student movement in the country, with hundreds of students blocking major roads in the capital Dhaka, and other cities, again demanding the abolition of the quota system.
For more details about the recent events and the impact of this movement, you can read (The Daily Star) (The Daily Star) (ps://www.thedailystar.net) and Dhaka Tribune articles. (The Daily Star)
Examples of quota movements in different countries:
- India: There have been various movements in India demanding reform of the reservation system for Dalits, tribals, and backward classes.
- Malaysia: There have been several protests and movements in Malaysia demanding the reform of the reservation system for the Bumiputras.
- South Africa: Several protests and agitations have been against affirmative action policies.
Some quotes on quota movement
1. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina: "Quota system will be abolished. We will introduce merit-based recruitment process, so that qualified candidates get proper evaluation." — Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in the National Parliament in April 2018.
2. Agitating student leader: "Our demand is not just quota reform, we want recruitment based on merit. Quota system should be abolished and jobs should be given based on fairness." — An agitating student, during a protest at Dhaka University in March 2018.
3. Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor: "Students' agitation is fair and logical. We request the government to consider their demands." — Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, in a press conference in April 2018.
4. Human Rights Activists: "Reform of quota system means evaluation of merit and establishment of social justice. This movement is an important step and necessary for the progress of our society." — a human rights activist, in May 2018.
Government response
Under pressure from the movement, the government promised to reform the quota system.
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Prime Minister's Announcement:
In April 2018, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced that the quota system for government jobs would be abolished. Later, the government revisited the quota system and reinstated some parts.
Effect of movement
The quota movement increased awareness and political sensitivity among students. Students become aware of their rights and opportunities and learn to organize to assert their rights. The debate over the quota system has sparked an important discussion on social inequality and justice. This movement has led to dialogue among different groups and sections of society, which can be helpful in future policymaking.
Social and Political Impact:
- Merit assessment: The movement has led to increased awareness of the need for merit-based recruitment.
- Importance of Student Politics: A renewed discussion about the political participation of the student body and their role.
- Social Justice: Efforts to establish social justice began with the reform of the quota system.
In the view of Islam, there is no discriminatory quota system in practice.
Conclusion
The quota movement is an important chapter in the history of student politics in Bangladesh. This movement is a landmark step for establishing the rights of meritorious students. The protesters have vowed to intensify the agitation if their demands are not met, which will put more pressure on the government and the possibility of a review of the High Court's ruling. It will act as an inspiration for future student society and help in establishing social justice.
References:
1. National Parliament and Government Announcement: "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced the abolition of quota system in the National Parliament of Bangladesh." — Jatiya Sangsad Publication, April 2018.
2. Research Report: "The Quota Movement: Struggles and Achievements of Bangladesh's Student Society" — A Research Report, Published by Department of Sociology, University of Dhaka, 2019.
3. Media Report: "Context and Results of Quota Movement" — Dainik Prothom Alo, April 2018.
4. Television Interview: “Quota Movement: Students' Just Demands and Government's Response” — NTV, March 2018.
5. The Daily Star: Students Protest Against Quota System
6. Dhaka Tribune: Quota Reform Movement
7. BBC: India's Reservation System
8. The New York Times: Affirmative Action in South Africa
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