Quota reform- A curse for marginalised communities?

The 2024 Bangladesh quota reform movement has sparked significant debate on how it will affect employment opportunities for various demographic groups, including marginalised communities. The reform seeks to reshape the long-standing quota system in government jobs, which currently allocates a portion of positions to specific groups such as women, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities. While the intention is to ensure fair competition and merit-based employment, the reform could have mixed impacts.

For marginalised communities, the removal or reduction of quotas might limit their access to government jobs, which have been a key pathway to social mobility. These communities often face systemic barriers such as inadequate education and limited resources, making it challenging for them to compete on a purely merit-based system. Without reserved quotas, they could struggle to secure employment in an already competitive job market.

On the other hand, the reform could create more opportunities for qualified candidates from the general population, particularly those who feel disadvantaged by the existing system. Many argue that a merit-based system would promote fairness and reward individual achievement, fostering a more competitive workforce.

To strike a balance, it is crucial for policymakers to ensure that any reform maintains support for marginalised groups while promoting meritocracy. Comprehensive educational and training programmes are essential to enable underrepresented communities to compete on an equal footing. This will ensure that the reform leads to a more inclusive and equitable job market for all.

Rounak Shahrier

Student

North South University

[email protected]