The Sector Commanders' Forum-Muktijuddha71 has advocated for a rational and practical reform of Bangladesh's existing quota system, aiming to ensure that the true talents of the new generation are not overlooked.
Executive President Bir Muktijoddha Nurul Alam and Secretary General Freedom Fighter Harun Habib issued a joint statement on Thursday, highlighting the need for reform after 53 years since the Great Liberation War.
They emphasised that while quotas are globally used to uplift disadvantaged communities, there is a critical need to adjust the system to better honour the sacrifices of Bangladesh's freedom fighters and their descendants.
The statement recalled how the quota system, initially introduced by the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, aimed to provide opportunities and recognition to freedom fighters. However, challenges arose after the events of 1975, when anti-liberation forces hindered the rightful benefits of the quota system for nearly two decades.
In response to student protests in 2018, the government attempted to abolish all quotas through a circular, prompting legal challenges.
The High Court eventually declared the 2018 circular null and void, underscoring ongoing discussions and movements for reform.
The Forum underscored the importance of preserving the legacy of the liberation war and ensuring that all marginalised groups, including women, minorities, and the disabled, benefit from a fair quota system in government employment.
