Bangladesh University Protests Erupt Again

Recent protests at Bangladesh's universities have brought two major issues to the forefront: the reinstatement of the quota system in government jobs and the introduction of the Prottoy pension scheme. These developments have sparked widespread dissent among students and teachers, leading to protests and strikes that have disrupted academic activities across most of the country's public universities.

The protests reignited following the Supreme Court's affirmation of a High Court ruling that reinstated the quota system for government jobs. Thousands of students from various universities took to the streets, blocking major highways and demanding the abolishment of the quota system.

The quota system, introduced in 1972, reserves 56 percent of entry-level government positions for specific "entitled" classes, leaving only 44 percent of positions to be filled based on merit. This has long been a source of discontent among students who argue that the system is discriminatory and hinders merit-based appointments.

The current protests echo the 2018 Bangladesh Quota Reform Movement, which successfully led to the temporary abolishment of the quota system. However, the recent court ruling has reversed this decision, reigniting student anger.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's stance on the protests has notably shifted since 2018. While she was more amenable to students' demands during the previous protests, she has now dismissed the current anti-quota movement as unjustified, especially following the court verdict.

The protests have faced opposition from the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student wing of the ruling Awami League party. 

These protests highlight the ongoing tension between the government's policies and the aspirations of Bangladesh's student population. The outcome of this movement could have significant implications for the country's education system, job market, and political landscape.