A group of students and youths, whose protests brought about the government’s decision to remove quotas from government recruitment, are saying they would prefer reformation rather than abolition of the quota system.
The demand was voiced in a press conference held by Bangladesh General Students' Rights Protection Council (BGSRPC)- the platform that has been spearheading the quota reform movement- in front of the central library in Dhaka University around 11am, on Sunday.
At the press conference, Joint Convener of BGSRPC Faruk Hasan said: "We have accepted the government's decisions regarding the quota system positively.
"However, not everyone was happy with the issuance of the circular that abolished the quota system," he said. "The government has to take responsibility for those quarters."
Faruk upheld the five-point demands made by BGSRPC, and demanded the unconditional release of and withdrawal of the cases against the protesters who have been arrested until now.
He also asked that the attackers be brought to book.
On October 4, the Ministry of Public Administration issued a circular, which said recruitment for first (ninth grade) and second class (10th-13th grade) government jobs will be on a merit basis and the existing quota system has been scrapped.
The decision would be made effective immediately, it said.
Nur said the government circular that announced the abolition of quotas only partially met their demands.
“It abolishes quota in first and second class jobs. We are demanding the reform in third and fourth class jobs as well,” he said.
“A reasonable amount of quota must be reserved for those who are in backward position, including women and ethnic minorities. Freedom fighter families in poor economic condition should also be allowed privileges.”
In response to the remarks of the cabinet secretary who said quota system may be reinstated if needed, Nur said: “That is a farce. If the government wants to bring back the system then it has to be in line with our five-point demand.”
Reading out a written statement, Convener of the movement Hasan Al Mamun said: “Special recruitment in government jobs will not be accepted by the general students. The remaining quota in third and fourth class jobs should also be reformed.”
Earlier on April 11, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced scrapping the quota system, amid protests by general students for reform of the quota system in government jobs that started across the country from mid-January.
The government's decision to scrap the quota system was met with controversy from a few factions.
Several protests were organized, with protesters demanding for the reinstatement of 30% quota for freedom fighters, during the few days after the circular was issued on October 4.