Bangladesh Students Quota Protest: Government Continues to Violate Human Rights and Intends to Escape from the Worldview This Has to Change!

Introduction

In many South Asian countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and India, quota systems have long been implemented as a means to address social inequalities and promote the representation of marginalized groups. However, Bangladesh's quota system, introduced shortly after the country's independence in 1971, has recently become a flashpoint for widespread protests and government repression. This report examines the origins of the quota system, its impact on Bangladeshi society, and the recent protests that have shaken the nation to its core.

The Quota System: Origins and Purpose

The quota system in Bangladesh was originally designed to ensure the representation and participation of underrepresented groups in government jobs and educational institutions. This system reserves 56% of government jobs for specific categories: 30% for descendants of freedom fighters, 10% for women, 10% for economically backward districts, 5% for ethnic minorities, and 1% for persons with disabilities.

The system aimed to promote inclusivity and address disparities based on socioeconomic factors, geographic regions, and demographics. However, over time, it has become a source of contention, with critics arguing that it undermines meritocracy and perpetuates new forms of inequality.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Quota System

While the quota system has helped in promoting diversity and providing opportunities to historically marginalized groups, such as reducing income, digital, and gender disparities, it is also supposed to promote equity and inclusion. However, it faced tremendous criticism for its unintended consequences. However, this system requires the oversight and audits of the government authorities to ensure that it fosters a fair and just society. Otherwise, the following challenges may arise:

The system's disadvantages include:

1. Potential for fraud and corruption: This system can cause some people to forge identities and documents to be considered for such reservations. This system may also increase corruption and misallocation of resources if there are no accountability and watchdog agencies.

2. Undermining of meritocracy: Based on data presented on the presented graph, merit only plays 44% of the chance to get a job, school, and every opportunity in Bangladesh. In the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the quota system is based even on religion, where 3.5% of seats are reserved each to Muslims and Christians, reducing the competency of candidates.

3. Creation of new forms of inequality: Equity programs such as quotas may generalize population socioeconomic status. For example, the government may reduce the scoring marks for students living in rural areas based on the fact they have no access to facilities such as electricity, internet, technology, and major facilities that are found in developed or urban areas, or the majority of residents are poor. However, not all people from rural areas are poor, and there may be many who live in urban areas but lack affordability to any of those services. In this case, this mandate is not representing this person. In addition, in the case of states like Tamil Nadu where candidates can earn a plus point because they belong to a Muslim or a Christian family, this turns into a metamorphosed discrimination.??

4. Instigation of wars and political instabilities: Now, this quota system is causing massive killings and destructions in Bangladesh, resulting from movements of students protesting against this quota system. This system can even trigger a war, that may destroy the lives of many.?

The Anti-Quota Protesting Students in Bangladesh

From 2013 till today, students in Bangladesh have been protesting against the Quota system as this system disadvantages them, many students continue to miss opportunities such as jobs, scholarships, etc, because the Quota system fails to address inequities in this country, but it rather brings more problems. The protestors’ movements have been gaining momentum through Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, with trending hashtags such as #ReformQuota #StepDownHasina #ReformGovernment? #BDPoliceBrutality #SaveBangladeshiStudents #ReformQuota #QuotaMovement ?

What is the Government’s Plan?

The government's response to the protests has been characterized by brutal repression and violence. Amnesty International reported that security forces used excessive force against peaceful protesters, including tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition. According to Nahid Islam, the national coordinator of the anti-quota protests, the attack resulted in injuries to approximately 150 students, including 30 women, with the conditions of 20 students described as critical (Al Jazeera).? 39 deaths have been reported, but exact figures are still difficult to confirm due to government censorship.

In an attempt to suppress information about the protests and the government's response, authorities reportedly restricted internet access in affected areas. This blackout aimed to prevent the international community from witnessing the ongoing human rights violations.

International Response and Call for Action

The international community has expressed concern over the situation in Bangladesh. The United Nations? Human Rights High Commissioner on Human Rights, Volker Turk has called on the government to exercise restraint, and accountability of Human Rights perpetrators and protection of the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.

Other international organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have called for:

1. An immediate end to the use of excessive force against protesters

2. An independent investigation into deaths and injuries

3. Accountability for those responsible for human rights violations

4. A Comprehensive Review and Reform of the Quota System

Conclusion: The Path Forward

The anti-quota protests in Bangladesh highlight critical issues of fairness, human rights, and governance. The government's violent response to peaceful protests is unacceptable and must be addressed urgently.?

To move forward, Bangladesh must:

1. Cease all forms of violence against protesters

2. Conduct a transparent review of the quota system with input from all stakeholders

3. Implement reforms that balance the need for representation with meritocracy

4. Ensure accountability for human rights violations

5. Protect freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly

• This should also serve as an example for every government that has similar quota systems. It is imperative to listen and value the insights of the population, consider their opinions, and ensure that everyone’s voice is heard.
• The government should invest the necessary efforts to effectively manage those in responsibility (authorities), ensure there is no abuse of power, eradicate potential sources of corruption, and promote a culture of accountability.
• The government should value people’s perspectives, work for its people, and protect their rights. The government is made by the people, and it should work for them. This is why protesting citizens should be seen as a way to hear what is not working for the people and fix the issue through mutual understanding.

Only through these steps can Bangladesh hope to address the grievances of its citizens and move towards a more equitable and just society. The international community must continue to monitor the situation closely and hold the Bangladeshi government accountable for its actions.