The High Court granted the government authority to alter, increase, or decrease the quota percentages for public sector employment if deemed necessary.
The bench, comprising Justice KM Kamrul Kader and Justice Khizir Hayat, earlier on 5 June declared the decision to abolish freedom fighter quota in the first and second-class government jobs as illegal.
The detailed ruling has been released today (11 July).
As it stands now, the verdict invalidates the 2018 government circular that abolished the quota system, but the government can modify and revise the quota system as required.
"If the government deems it necessary, they can reduce, increase, or modify the ratio of the percentage of quotas," the court said.
It also clarified that if the quota positions are not filled, appointments can be made based on merit.
Following the 5 June initial ruling, the state filed a petition to stay the High Court's verdict, which was forwarded to the Appellate Division for a hearing on 9 June.
Attorney General AM Amin Uddin commented that the Appellate Division will make the final decision on whether the High Court's verdict declaring the abolition of the quota system illegal will stand or be overturned.
In response, the Appellate Division issued a four-week status quo on 10 July regarding the High Court's verdict.
The court instructed the state and the students to file a leave to appeal against the High Court's decision within this period.
The Appellate Bench, led by Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan, issued this directive.
The next hearing is scheduled for 7 August.
Legal experts have indicated that the 2018 circular abolishing the freedom fighter quota remains in effect due to the status quo order.
Earlier on 4 October 2018, the Ministry of Public Administration issued a circular abolishing the existing quota system for direct recruitment to first and second-class posts in government jobs.
