In a country where unemployment looms large for graduates, the quota system feels like an insurmountable barrier to many. It’s a system that students argue perpetuates inequality, giving undue advantage to some while sidelining others. Perhaps one of the most striking aspects of the movement against the quota system is the solidarity it has inspired across the student body, including those from private universities.
Traditionally, such movements were seen as the domain of public university students, but this time, students from institutions like East West University and BRAC University stood shoulder to shoulder with their public university peers. This united front, cutting across the public-private divide, has lent the movement new legitimacy and strength.
The movement’s success has already begun to ripple through the economy, with signs of recovery and growth being visible: Prices of essential goods are starting to decline, the stock market is seeing positive trends, and remittance inflows are on the rise. These are early indicators of a potential turnaround for Bangladesh’s economy, one that could be solidified by the eradication of corruption and the establishment of a more merit-based system.
But beyond the economic implications, this movement has struck at the heart of what it means to be a fair and just society. The students’ demands for merit-based recruitment resonate deeply in a country where the playing field is often anything but level. The pervasive issue of question paper leaks in government exams only underscores the students’ calls for a system that rewards merit, not privilege or connections.
The victory of this movement marks a new dawn for Bangladesh
As the protests have unfolded, people from all walks of life have joined the students in their call for justice. The movement has united a diverse coalition, all demanding an end to the quota system that they believe has no place in a modern, equitable society.
The victory of this movement marks a new dawn for Bangladesh. As the nation emerges from this struggle with a renewed commitment to meritocracy and fairness, there is hope for a future where opportunities are available to all, regardless of their background. This achievement, born of the sacrifices and determination of countless students and citizens, is a powerful reminder of the change that collective action can bring.
As we look ahead, let us remember the words of our national anthem, "Amar Shonar Bangla, Ami Tomay Bhalobashi." This anthem, dedicated to those who sacrificed their lives for justice, now also celebrates a new chapter in Bangladesh’s history -- one where equality, fairness, and the power of the people reign supreme.
Mahmodul Hasan Shesheir is a Public Health Researcher at BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health. Mehadi Hasan Shawon is a graduate student at North Dakota State University. Faiaz Ahmed is Research Associate at Yale University.
