HC reinstates freedom fighter quota in govt jobs
FE REPORT | Thursday, 6 June 2024
The High Court (HC) on Wednesday ordered the retention of a 30 per cent quota for freedom fighters (FFs) in government jobs. The court declared the government's decision to abolish the system illegal.
The High Court bench of Justice K M Kamrul Kader and Justice Khizir Hayat delivered the verdict after hearing a writ petition filed in this regard.
Deputy Attorney General Sk Shaifuzzaman Shaif told the FE that freedom fighter quota has been reinstated following the High Court order. However, attorney office may file an appeal petition against the order, he added.
The government on October 4 in 2018 abolished all types of quota in class one and two government jobs. Through the circular it said direct recruitment in all government jobs in 9th grade to 13th grade will be completely based on merit, abolishing quota system.
The decision triggered protests by descendants of freedom fighters who had been enjoying 30 per cent quotas in all government jobs.
On November 5, 1972, then government through an executive order introduced 30 per cent quota for freedom fighters and 10 per cent for female in the government, semi-government, and defense and nationalised institutions.
Until the abolition, about 56 per cent of government jobs had been reserved for candidates from various quotas.
Of this, 30 per cent were for freedom fighters' children and grandchildren, 10 per cent for women, 10 per cent for people of underdeveloped districts, five per cent for members of indigenous communities and one per cent for physically challenged people.