Protesters block Shahbag intersection demanding gazette abolishing quotas

Protesters have blocked Dhaka’s Shahbag intersection to demand that a gazette be issued formalising the prime minister’s suggestion that the quota system for government jobs be abolished.

Over 100 protesters chanting slogans took up positions at the intersection around 11am on Sunday.

The protests caused heavy traffic congestion in the Dhaka University TSC area, Elephant Road, the Matsa Bhaban and Bangla Motor areas.

“We are trying to be patient and explain the situation to them,” said Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ramna Zone Deputy Commissioner told Maruf Hossain.

At present, 56 percent of government jobs are secured for different quotas, 30 percent for children of freedom fighters, 10 percent for women, 10 percent for less-developed districts, 5 percent for small ethnic groups and 1 percent for people with disabilities.

The ‘Bangladesh Council to Protect General Students’ Rights’, the platform of the quota reform protesters, demanded a reduction in the quotas to 10 percent and wanted job-seekers on the merit list be hired if people eligible for quota are unavailable.

Prime Minister Hasina on Apr 11 told parliament the quota system will be completely scrapped.

However, Central Joint Convener of The Bangladesh Council to Protect General Students’ Rights Nurul Haque Nur called strikes at all educational institutions from Monday to demand the government issue the gazette.