Bangladesh top court scraps most quotas that caused deadly unrest

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Bangladesh’s Supreme Court has scaled back a controversial job quota system after nationwide unrest over the past week during which more than 100 people were killed, according to local media.

Students have been demanding an end to a controversial quota system that reserved 30 percent of government jobs for descendants of veterans who fought in Bangladesh’s war of independence in 1971. They say the quota favours allies of the governing Awami League party, which led the independence movement against Pakistan.  

The Supreme Court ordered that the quota for veterans’ descendants be cut to 5 percent, with 93 percent of jobs to be allocated on merit. The remaining 2 percent will be set aside for members of ethnic minorities and transgender and disabled people.

Sunday’s verdict comes after weeks of demonstrations – mostly led by students – that turned deadly on Tuesday after groups linked to the Awami League attacked protesters. Campaigners have accused the police of using “unlawful force” against protesters.

Student groups responsible for organising the protests have welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision but decided to press on with demonstrations until their key demands are met, including the release of those jailed and resignations of the officials responsible for the violence.

Curfew and shoot-at-sight orders

Earlier, the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina imposed a curfew, called in the army and gave shoot-at-sight orders to quell the biggest protests since her re-election to a fourth successive term this year.

Since last week, universities have remained shut and Bangladesh has been cut off from the outside world due to a communications blockade. Violence continued to escalate as police used tear gas, fired rubber bullets and hurled smoke grenades to scatter stone-throwing protesters.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said the curfew, which was imposed before the top court ruling, would be eased for two hours for people to stock up on supplies before continuing for an “uncertain time”.

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