Cabinet approves quota scrapping for top jobs
On September 17, a committee, formed by the government, recommended abolishing the quota system for first and second class government jobs
The cabinet has approved a proposal to scrap the quota system for first and second class government jobs.
The cabinet gave its approval at its regular meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on Wednesday.
Cabinet Secretary Md Shafiul Alam disclosed the matter to reporters after the meeting.
Previously, on September 17, a committee formed by the government recommended abolishing the quota system for first and second class government jobs. However, it did not make any suggestions about abolishing the quota system for third and fourth class government jobs.
The committee had suggested abolishing almost all the quotas in government jobs to prioritise merit-based recruitment.
On July 2, the Public Administration Ministry formed the seven-member committee to review, reform, or revoke the existing quota system—following a nationwide movement of public and private university students demanding reform to the quota system.
The movement, which started in February, intensified in April after clashes between activists, police, and Bangladesh Chhatra League on Dhaka University campus.
In response to that, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on April 11, announced that all quotas would be abolished.
Currently, 56% of government jobs are reserved for candidates who fulfil various quotas. The breakdown is as follows: freedom fighters, 30%; women, 10%; district, 10%; small ethnic groups, 5%; and the disabled, 1%. The recruitment of the remaining 45% of officials is merit-based.
