Bangladesh Supreme Court reduces job quotas after deadly protests

On Sunday, the Bangladesh Supreme Court significantly reduced the quota system for government jobs following deadly nationwide clashes between law enforcement and student protesters, which have claimed over 100 lives, according to AFP.

The court decreed that 93% of government positions will now be filled based on merit. Attorney-General A M Amin Uddin stated that 5% of civil service roles will remain reserved for the children of independence war veterans, with an additional 2% for other designated categories.

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The curfew imposed by Sheikh Hasina’s government has been extended until 3 pm on Sunday. In response to the escalating violence, police have been instructed to “shoot on sight” to suppress the protests, raising the death toll to 114. Only emergency services are operational, and Sunday and Monday have been declared public holidays.