Anti-quota movement: Awami League cautious about opposition manipulation

• It is expected that the issue might move towards a resolution after the PM returns to the country
• Two movements are happening simultaneously this time, says central leaders of Awami League

The ongoing anti-quota movement is seen by the ruling Awami League as a potential nationwide issue. Party leaders believe the protests could expand significantly, with opposition parties like the BNP possibly joining and redirecting the movement.

Half a dozen central leaders of the Awami League told Bangla Tribune that the 2018 movement demanding quota reform in government jobs suddenly gained momentum, ultimately forcing the government to reform the quota system. 

With the restoration of the quota system, students have once again taken to the streets. 

They mentioned that two movements are happening simultaneously this time. 

Teachers, officials, and employees of public universities are boycotting classes and exams, demanding the abolition of the Prottoy scheme under the universal pension system, and the anti-quota protesters have also supported this movement. 

Since the anti-quota issue is now a matter for the courts, the government is reluctant to adopt a harsh stance but is inclined to taking a strategic approach to manage the situation gradually.

When asked about the issue, Awami League Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim told Bangla Tribune that the party witnessed the quota reform movement in 2018, and the government addressed the issue. 

He clarified that the current restoration of quotas was done by the court, not the government, and that the BNP might be behind the current protests. 

He said: “If the BNP and Jamaat attempt to politically exploit the student movement, we will take action accordingly in order to maintain peace and stability. No conspiracy or plot will be allowed to succeed. We are monitoring the situation closely.”

Khademul Bashar Joy, vice president of the Chhatra League, said that the BCL is closely monitoring the quota protests and will decide its course of action if the situation escalates. “We are also cautious about ensuring that the BNP and Jamaat do not take advantage of the situation.”

Awami League cautious

Withing to remain anonymous, senior leaders of the Awami League said during the 2018 quota reform movement, the involvement of the Chhatra League led to clashes with protesting students and law enforcement, complicating the situation. 

Learning from that experience, the Chhatra League is now opting for a more restrained approach, seeking a resolution of the crisis through dialogue. However, necessary preparations will be taken to handle the situation if it spirals out of control.

The leaders said that Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has made her stance on the anti-quota movement clear. 

Instead of hinting at a harsh response, she has questioned the logic behind the movement. 

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader also stated the party's position, warning that the BNP might support the movement and use it for political purposes.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been on an official visit to China since Monday,  will return home on Thursday. 

During this period, behind-the-scenes discussions with the protestors might continue, and the protests may also persist. 

It is expected that the issue might move towards a resolution after the prime minister returns to the country.

Regarding this, Awami League’s Forest and Environment Secretary Delwar Hossain said: “The quota issue had been resolved earlier. However, due to a writ, the court has given a verdict. Students have started protesting against this verdict again. It would be good if the problem could be solved by talking to them. However, there is a lack of wise and suitable student leaders. Additionally, it needs to be investigated whether any group is strategically creating problems between the government and different classes of professionals.”

Meanwhile, on Sunday, following the conclusion of the Bangla Blockade program, anti-quota movement coordinator Nahid Islam announced that as part of the previously announced program, student strikes, including boycotting classes and exams for an indefinite period, will continue. Alongside this, the Bangla Blockade program will also continue.

What happened earlier?

In 2018, there was a large student movement across Dhaka and the entire country demanding quota reforms in government jobs. At the time, 56% of positions were reserved under the quota system. 

Under pressure from the movement, the Ministry of Public Administration issued a circular to implement the Cabinet's decision to abolish the quota system for direct recruitment in the first and second classes of government jobs. 

However, a writ filed in 2021 led to a High Court ruling in June 2023, which declared the circular invalid and reinstated the 30% quota for freedom fighters. 

The Appellate Division upheld this ruling, and the matter is still pending a detailed judgment and potential regular appeal.

The anti-quota movement resumed on July 2, 2023, with students from Dhaka University and other institutions demanding the abolition of the quota system in government jobs and a merit-based recruitment process. 

They also want to limit the use of quota benefits to one time per candidate and to fill vacant positions based on merit if no suitable candidates are found within the quota.