Farhad: Govt awaits court order to address quota issue

Public Administration Minister Farhad Hossain on Thursday said that the government is prepared to do everything for the welfare of students after the quota issue in government jobs is resolved in court.

The minister said this while speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Thursday.

He said that the court should resolve the issue, and once it is resolved, the government is always ready to discuss any further necessary actions for the welfare of the students and the country.

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There is external instigation behind the movement. Those who do not wish well for the country are inciting it. If students have anything to say, they can present it in court. The government wants the quota issue to be resolved amicably, he added.

When asked what percentage of the quota should be maintained, he said that the court would decide that.

However, he pointed out a reality, in the 40th BCS, no female candidates were selected for the police cadre from 59 districts, and no candidates were selected from 17 districts.

Participation of women has decreased in the 40th, 41st, and 43rd BCS. In the 38th BCS, more than 26% of women entered the workforce on average. However, in subsequent BCS exams, the average has dropped to 19%.

The minister, as a teacher, urged students to seek resolution in court rather than protesting on the streets.

He emphasized that the government wants a fair resolution of the quota issue and reminded students that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had expressed her support for their demands in the National Parliament in 2018. Following that, a circular was issued on October 4, 2018.

He pointed out that many countries, including India, Pakistan, Maldives, and Canada, have quotas, and such a system is necessary. The constitution of Bangladesh also mentions advancing the country on the basis of equality.

To ensure progress on the basis of equality, quotas are needed. He personally believes that quota reform is necessary, and there should be quotas for women, children of freedom fighters, dependents, and backward communities. However, the proportion of quotas is a matter for discussion, he added.

Addressing the students, he said that the movement is disrupting food supply and causing problems for people commuting to work and school. Creating public suffering is unreasonable.