Quota yet to be discussed at cabinet, ‘decision soon’, says secy

The quota issue was not discussed at today’s cabinet meeting either as protestors resume their countrywide agitation demanding quota-free civil service.

But, as a development, as informed by Cabinet Secretary M Shafiul Alam, the paperwork on this issue has been forwarded to the Prime Minister’s Office.

“The issue of quota is under processing,” he said in answer to a query after the weekly cabinet meeting, headed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, at Secretariat. “The issue was not discussed at cabinet today. But a decision might come soon.”

According to him, the public administration ministry has forwarded the paperwork on quota reservation, abolishment and reform to the Prime Minister’s Office for consideration.

“Maybe, a decision in this regard will come soon,” he said.

The road block put in place by agitators on May 14, 2018. Photo: Prabir Das

After days of countrywide agitation last month, the protestors demanding quota reform calmed down after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said “there would be no more quota”.

But, a gazette notification in this regard, after the verbal announcement of Premier Hasina, is yet to come. The students said they would resume agitation if the notice is not published.

As said, they resumed agitation with much softer programmes the day before yesterday with human chains, which has rolled to class boycott and occupying Shahbagh today.