The government panel on quota has recommended ‘revoking’ the quota system in civil service, says Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Shafiul Alam.

On Jul 2, the government formed an administrative committee led by the cabinet secretary over reforms to quotas in civil service.

“We have finalized (the scrutinization of) quota system and recommended revoking it by giving priority on merit,” Alam said on Tuesday (Aug 13).

Speaking to media after a Cabinet meeting, Alam said, “We, however, are not clear on the High Court observation on freedom fighter’s quota. So, we recommended taking the HC opinion.”

“Whether the freedom fighter’s quota will exist or not depends on the court’s order,” said the senior secretary.

Citing everyone has advanced these days, Alam said, “We also recommended no quota for the backward minority people.”

The Council for the Preservation of Bangladesh General Students’ Rights, a platform of students and job-seekers, had demonstrated demanding reforms to quotas in public service for a couple of months since April this year.

On Jul 2, the government formed a seven-member committee led by the cabinet secretary following an announcement of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the parliament four days ago.

On Apr 11, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced to abolish quotas in government jobs following a three-day of demonstrations, which brought capital Dhaka to its knees.

Protesters started an indefinite boycott of classes and exams at all universities and colleges on May 14 after the government did not issue a gazette notification.

The quota reformists, however, came under the attacks reportedly by the Bangladesh Chhatra League at different parts of the country.

At present, the civil service recruitment system maintains a quota of 30 percent for the families of freedom fighters, 10 percent for women, 10 percent for various districts and 5 percent for minorities and 1 percent for disabled people, leaving 44 percent for the merit list.