Thousands of students and government job aspirants blocked the Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka this afternoon (3 July), demanding the reinstatement of a 2018 Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) that abolished quotas in government jobs.
Dhaka University (DU) students first gathered in front of the DU central library at 2:30 pm, taking out processions from various halls.
Later, they marched from the central library to Doel Chattar, the High Court, and Shahbagh intersection.
Upon reaching the Shahbagh intersection, they broke through police barricades and occupied the area. The blockade has resulted in significant traffic congestion, with long tailbacks forming on the roads among Bangla Motor, Shahbagh, Science Lab, and Kakrail.
Photo: BFirst
This marks the second consecutive day of protests. On the previous day, protesters also blocked the Shahbagh intersection, marching from the DU central library to Nilkhet, New Market, Science Lab, and the Bata Signal area of the capital.
The protest was sparked by a recent High Court decision declaring the government's 2018 cancellation of the 30 percent quota system for the heirs of freedom fighters in civil service jobs of ninth to 13th grades (first and second class jobs) illegal.
Photo: BFirst
Photo: BFirst
Until 2018, 56% of posts in government jobs were reserved for various quotas. These included 30% for the children of freedom fighters, 10% for women, 10% for districts, 5% for minority groups, and 1% for the disabled. In response to student agitation, the Cabinet recommended abolishing quotas in first and second class jobs, opting instead for a merit-based system.
On 4 October 2018, the Ministry of Public Administration issued a circular amending the existing quota system for first and second class government jobs. However, the quota system was maintained for third and fourth class jobs.
