The freedom fighters have undeniably made a huge contribution to our nation.Generation after generation has benefited from their motivation, which pushes us to fight for the rights of those who are deserving of them despite any odds. We learned from our freedom fighters to rise to our feet when we die instead of bending down backward. They envisioned a Bangladesh that was meritocratically rich, devoid of discrimination, and in competent hands. Unfortunately, we still haven't reached the highest point for which they gave their lives.
A quota system was instituted in 1972 as a memorial to the freedom fighters and their sacrifices, granting quotas to the ensuing generation of freedom fighters in government employment, higher education, and other designated fields. During the war, many people lost their parents and brothers, who were sometimes the main breadwinners in their families. We owe it to their families to provide at least a modest amount of recompense, as they sacrificed their lives to ensure the formation of this country. Therefore, the quota system serves as a failsafe measure for the upcoming generation of freedom warriors. But the question has become clear after all these years: should the quota be continued?
Firstly, 30% of the total quota was dedicated to freedom fighters, including their children and grandchildren. To compensate for the loss suffered by the freedom fighters' families, their children were allowed to use a quota to gain privileges and compete with others. It is evident that they made proper use of it and were able to provide a good life for their children over the years. However, when the third generation also holds the freedom fighters' quota, it becomes difficult to defend logically. Even after 53 years of independence, the compensation is believed to be well-served. Therefore, extending the freedom fighters' quota to the grandchildren of the freedom fighters no longer makes sense.
Secondly, the concept of using quotas multiple times is a significant flaw. Although providing a quota to the children of freedom fighters is uncommon worldwide, the quota for Bangladesh's freedom fighters was never questioned initially. However, problems arose when quota holders began using it for multiple entries. For instance, a freedom fighter quota (FFQ) can be used to gain admission to one of the best medical colleges or public universities in Bangladesh. But if the FFQ holder uses the quota again to compete for BCS and other government jobs, it undeniably seems unfair, causing understandable frustration among other candidates who do not have a quota.
Thirdly, following our constitution, clauses 1, 2, and 3 of Article 29 state equal opportunity in public employment and allow for the reservation of posts for any backward section of citizens to ensure adequate representation in public services. However, quota holders do not fall within the "backward" category, as the freedom fighter quota (FFQ) was introduced as an honoUr and compensation. There can be a valid debate about the necessity of the female quota (10%) and the district quota (10%) in the current scenario, but defending the FFQ is difficult.
The protest for quota reform that began in 2018 resulted in a circular abolishing quotas. But since the high court invalidated the circular, the student protests have escalated dramatically. It is uncertain when this protest might end, as this matter is now in the appellate division, and the appeal process demands an uncertain duration for the final verdict. Even still, many believe it is unfair to keep the current quota system in place, which only allocates 44% of seats based on merit, even as they respect the court's ruling. At this point, everyone is waiting for a decision that will either eliminate the quota or implement fair reform.
A S M Kamrul Islam is a former student who actively joined the quota reformation protest in 2018 as a student of Dhaka University. He is currently a lecturer at Green University of Bangladesh.
