This article needs to be updated.(October 2024) |
Bangladesh quota reform movement | |
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A protester in the 2024 movement carrying the Bangladeshi flag with the slogan "One point one demand, Quota not come back" written on his body. A rally of female student protesters in BUET during the 2018 movement, with the protest sign written "Reform Quota". | |
Date | First phase: 6 June – 18 July 2013 Second phase: 17 February – 18 July 2018 Third phase: 6 June – 3 August 2024 |
Location | Bangladesh and abroad |
Caused by | First and Second Phase: Quota system of Bangladesh Civil Service Third Phase: Reinstating of the pre-2018 quota system |
Goals | Reduction of quotas in public sector jobs and education for a merit-based system |
Methods |
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Resulted in | First Phase: Not Successful Second Phase: The government issued a circular reducing reserved quotas for government jobs from 56% to 35% and eliminating the freedom fighters' quota. Third Phase: The Appellate Division of Supreme Court orders 93% recruitment in government jobs to be based on merit and 5% to be reserved for the children of freedom fighters, martyred freedom fighters and Biranganas , 1% for the ethnic minorities and 1% for the third gender and the disabled people, with the public administration ministry publishing a gazette notification in line with the Supreme Court verdict. |
Casualties | |
Death(s) | Third phase: 650-1,000+ [2] [3] [4] |
The quota reform movement in Bangladesh was organized to demand a reduction in government job quotas and shift toward merit-based recruitment. [5] [6] [7] There were three significant protests. The first occurred in 2013, when university students opposed the disproportionate allocation of jobs through quotas. [8] [9] In 2018, a second wave of protests led to a government circular favoring the protesters, but it was later invalidated by the Supreme Court. This sparked a third wave of protests in 2024, during which violent clashes between students, the police, and Chhatra League occurred, contributing to the movement turning into a non-cooperation campaign leading to the fall of the Hasina government. [10] [11] [12]
Quota system was first introduced in 1972 after the independence of Bangladesh in government jobs. At that time, 20% of the merit list was allocated, 40% was district-wise, 30% was allotted to family members of freedom fighters who participated in the freedom struggle of Bangladesh, and 10% was allotted to war-affected women. [13] This quota system was changed several times later. [14]
Previously, Bangladesh has more than 55% quota in various government jobs, including 30% freedom fighter quota, 10% district-wise quota, 10% for women and 5% for minorities. [15] [16] However, as per the rules, if there are no qualified candidates in these quotas, 1% is allocated for the disabled. As a result, only 44% of the candidates were able to secure placement on merit. This leads to dissatisfaction among a large section of general students, as they are being deprived of marks in any examination despite scoring more than the under-quota candidates.
According to the information published in Prothom Alo , the number of registered freedom fighters is 200–250 thousands, [17] that is, the number of freedom fighters is 1.2–1.5 per 1,000 people, which accounts 0.12–0.15% of the entire population. That means, for 0.12% freedom fighters, the quota amount is 30%, converting to thousands, it can be seen that the quota amount is 300 for 1% to 1.5% (one and a half) freedom fighters among 1,000 people.[ citation needed ]
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Student–People's uprising |
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The 2024 Bangladesh quota reform movement was a series of anti-government [a] and pro-democracy [b] protests in Bangladesh, spearheaded primarily by university students. Initially focused on restructuring quota-based systems for government job recruitment, the movement expanded against what many perceived as an authoritarian government when they carried out the July massacre of protestors and civilians, most of whom were students. [c] Started as a student movement, the movement later escalated into a fully-fledged mass uprising known as the Student–People's uprising.
The protest began in June 2024, in response to the Supreme Court of Bangladesh reinstating a 30% quota for descendants of freedom fighters, reversing the government decision made in response to the 2018 Bangladesh quota reform movement. Students began to feel like they have a limited opportunity based on merit. The protest quickly spread throughout the entire country because of the government's violent response, as well as growing public dissatisfaction against an oppressive government. The situation was further complicated by many other ongoing issues, like the government's inability to manage a prolonged economic downturn, reports of rampant corruption and human rights violations, and the absence of democratic channels for initiating changes. [35] [36] [37] [38]
The government sought to suppress the protests by shutting down all educational institutions. They deployed their student wing, the Chhatra League, along with other factions of the Awami League party. These groups resorted to using firearms and sharp weapons against the demonstrators. [d] The government then deployed Police, RAB, BGB and other armed forces, declaring a nationwide shoot-at-sight curfew [e] amid an unprecedented government-ordered nationwide internet and mobile connectivity blackout that effectively isolated Bangladesh from the rest of the world. [f] Later, the government also blocked social media in Bangladesh. [47] Government forces cordoned of parts of the capital city of Dhaka and conducted Block Raids, randomly picking up anyone they suspected having links to the protest, causing fear among the city residents. [48] As of August 2, there were 215 confirmed deaths, more than 20,000 injuries, [49] [50] and more than 11,000 arrests. [g] The unofficial death toll was between 300 and 500. [55] UNICEF reported that at least 32 children were killed during July's protests, with many more injured and detained. [56] [57] Determining the exact number of deaths has been difficult because the government reportedly restricted hospitals from sharing information with the media without police permission, hospital CCTV footage was confiscated, and numerous individuals with gunshot wounds were buried without identification. [58] [59] [60]
The Awami League government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have suggested that political opponents have co-opted the protest. [61] [62] Despite the curfew restrictions the movement remained ongoing as it expanded its demands to include accountability for violence, a ban on the student wing of the government Chhatra League, and resignation of certain government officials, [63] including the resignation of Prime Minister Hasina. [64] The government's use of widespread violence against the general public turned the student protest into a people's uprising known as the non-cooperation movement. [h]In the wake of the 2018 protests, the cabinet of the government of Bangladesh on 3 October 2018, issued a circular dismissing the quota system for recruitment in the ninth to thirteenth grades (formerly known as first and second class jobs). [69] [70] On 30 July 2019, the government said, there is no quota in recruitment in 1st and 2nd class post (9th to 13th grade) at present, the quota for the post of 3rd and 4th class (14th to 20th grade) is still in force, but if no candidate of the relevant quota is found, it has to be filled from the merit list of the general candidate. [71] In addition to clarifying the previous circular on quotas issued on 20 January 2020, the cabinet also approved a proposal provided by the Ministry of Public Administration to cancel quotas on direct appointments to eighth or higher grade posts in government jobs. [72]
On 21 July 2024, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court ordered an overhaul to the quota reservation system. It increased merit appointments in the civil service to 93% and reduced slots allotted for descendants of veterans of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War to 5%, with the remainder going to ethnic minorities, the disabled and third gender people. [73] [74] [75]
On 23 July 2024, the Ministry of Public Administration published a gazette notification [76] [77] in line with the Supreme Court verdict on the quota system in government jobs. [78] [79] [80] Law minister Anisul Huq said the new quota system will be followed while recruiting employees directly in all government, semi-government, autonomous and semi-autonomous institutions, statutory bodies and different corporations. [81] [82] [83]
Matia Chowdhury was a Awami League leader and one of the key perpetrators of the July massacre orchestrated and executed by Sheikh Hasina's toppled regime. She died while awaiting trial for crimes against humanity due to her active involvement in the violent suppression of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement during the Student–People's uprising.
The 2018 Bangladesh quota reform movement was a students' movement demanding reforms in policies regarding recruitment in the Bangladesh government services. Bangladesh Sadharon Chhatra Odhikar Songrokkhon Parishad initiated movement initially began in Shahbag and on Dhaka University campus on 17 February 2018, and eventually spread country-wide by 8 April 2018. The movement rapidly attained popularity among students of different universities and colleges forcing the government to announce changes.
Bangladesh Chhatra Odhikar Parishad, abbreviated as BSRC, is a Bangladeshi student organisation. Founded by Nurul Haque Nur and Hasan Al Mamun, it is the student wing of Gono Odhikar Parishad.
The Bangladesh protests of 2022–24 were a series of anti-government demonstrations against the administration of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Initiated by the Bangladeshi opposition parties on 10 December 2022, the protests continued in spite of the government crackdowns. Though initially low-level, with instances of vandalism in late 2023, the movement gained momentum in 2024. The protests became linked to the Student–People's uprising, as both shared similar objectives related to government accountability and systemic change. In July 2024, the unrest intensified and turned into a civil disinvestment movement, ultimately leading to Hasina's resignation and eventual exile from the country.
The following is a list of scheduled and expected events for the year 2024 in Bangladesh. 2024 (MMXXIV) was a leap year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar, the 2024th year of the Common Era (CE) and Anno Domini (AD) designations, the 24th year of the 3rd millennium and the 21st century, and the 5th year of the 2020s decade.
The 2024 Bangladesh quota reform movement was a series of anti-government and pro-democracy protests in Bangladesh, spearheaded primarily by university students. Initially focused on restructuring quota-based systems for government job recruitment, the movement expanded against what many perceived as an authoritarian government when they carried out the July massacre of protestors and civilians, most of whom were students. Started as a student movement, the movement later escalated into a fully-fledged mass uprising known as the Student–People's uprising.
The July massacre was the violent suppression and mass killings in Bangladesh during the July Revolution from July 16 to August 5, 2024. Triggered by the reinstatement of a controversial quota system and widespread public dissatisfaction, the crackdown was carried out by the government led by the Awami League party, its affiliated groups such as the Chhatra League, and various law enforcement agencies.
The non-cooperation movement, also known as the one-point movement, was a pro-democratic disinvestment movement and a mass uprising against the Awami League-led government of Bangladesh, initiated within the framework of 2024 Bangladesh quota reform movement. The sole demand of this movement was the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her cabinet. It was the final stage of the wider movement known as the Student–People's uprising or the July Revolution. Although the movement was initially limited to the goal of reforming quotas in government jobs, it snowballed into a mass anti-government uprising after the deaths of several protesters. The movement was also fueled by ongoing socio-economic and political issues, including the government's mismanagement of the national economy, rampant corruption by government officials, human rights violations, allegations of undermining the country's sovereignty by Sheikh Hasina, and increasing authoritarianism and democratic backsliding.
Anti-discrimination Students Movement or Students Against Discrimination is a politically non-affiliated platform of student activists in Bangladesh formed in 2024 during the nationwide student-led quota reform movement. The group is credited for the ousting of the country's former prime minister Sheikh Hasina on 5 August 2024 through the Student–People's uprising.
Student–People's uprising was a pro-democratic mass uprising against the Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh. The movement started as a quota reform movement soon after the High Court Division of the Supreme Court declared the circular issued by the government in 2018 invalid on 5 June 2024. But the government law-enforcing agencies and the ruling party members carried out massive suppression and mass killing of the protesters, known as the July massacre. The movement then turned into a fully-fledged mass uprising, ultimately ousting Sheikh Hasina on 5 August 2024.
Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan is a Bangladeshi student activist, who is currently serving as an adviser to the Bangladesh interim government. He is a key coordinator of the Anti-discrimination Students Movement, which led the Student–People's uprising. He is also the former president of Bangladesh Sadharon Chhatra Odhikar Songrokkhon Parishad at Dhaka University unit.
Sarjis Alam is a Bangladeshi student activist. He is one of the coordinators of the Anti-discrimination Students Movement, which led the Student–People's uprising leading to the overthrow of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government.
Hasnat Abdullah is a Bangladeshi student activist and convener of the Anti-discrimination Students Movement, which led the Student–People's uprising.
2024 Bangladesh post-resignation violence took place after the resignation of Sheikh Hasina, during the clashes between the protesters and opposition activists on one side, and the Awami League supporters, government and security officials on the other. On the day of the resignation, 25 police officers were killed. According to the Daily Sun, at least 119, including both the students and Awami League activists, were killed that day. According to Prothom Alo, 1,494 sculptures and monuments were vandalized across Bangladesh after the resignation of Sheikh Hasina.
Khan Talat Mahmud Rafy is a Bangladeshi student activist and coordinator of the Anti-discrimination Students Movement at Chittagong University. He was one of the prominent coordinator to lead the Student–People's uprising in Chattogram.
Gono Odhikar Parishad, is one of the political parties in Bangladesh. On 2 September 2024, the party was officially registered with the Election Commission. Its electoral symbol is a truck.
Ohidul Islam and Others v. The Government of Bangladesh and Others was a case brought before the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. The writ petition was filed three years after the Government of Bangladesh, amid the 2018 quota reform movement, issued a circular declaring the existing quotas for descendants of 1971 Liberation War veterans to be unconstitutional. Proceedings in this case later became a significant factor in shaping the developments leading to the 2024 quota reform movement.
The Students–People's uprising, also known as the July Revolution, was a pro-democracy mass uprising in Bangladesh. It began as a quota reform movement in early June 2024, led by the Anti-discrimination Students Movement, after the Bangladesh Supreme Court invalidated the government's 2018 circular regarding job quotas in the public sector. The movement escalated into a full-fledged mass uprising after the government carried out mass killings of protesters, known as the July massacre, by late July. By early August, the movement evolved into a non-cooperation movement, ultimately leading to the ouster of the then-prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, who fled Bangladesh to India. Hasina's ouster triggered a constitutional crisis, leading to the formation of an interim government led by the country's only Nobel laureate, Muhammad Yunus, as the chief adviser.
From mid-July to early-August 2024, a series of internet blackouts occurred in Bangladesh during the Student–People's uprising, when the Sheikh Hasina administration ordered internet to be shut down across the country.
According to available public reports by media and the protest movement itself, between 16 July and 11 August, more than 600 people were killed. Of these, nearly 400 deaths were reported from 16 July to 4 August, while around 250 people were reportedly killed following the new wave of protests between 5 and 6 August. [...] The reported death toll is likely an underestimate, as information collection has been hindered by restrictions on movement due to the curfew and the internet shutdown. Furthermore, hospitals were reportedly prevented by State authorities from providing details of those killed and injured. The majority of deaths and injuries have been attributed to the security forces and the student wing affiliated with the Awami League.