No scope for changing freedom fighters’ quota, PM tells JS

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today told the parliament that there is no scope to bring change to the existing 30 per cent quota for freedom fighters in the civil service.

Hasina, also the leader of the House, came up with the remark while delivering her valedictory speech at the budget session in the Jatiya Sangsad this evening, reports our staff correspondent from the parliament.

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“Since the High Court has already decided that the freedom fighters’ quota is going to stay, how can we go against this verdict?” the PM said.

“I announced that there won’t be any quota in the civil service. However, I alone saying it won’t make it happen, the HC also has a say here,” she said.

When asked about the seats which will remain vacant if eligible candidates cannot be found in the freedom fighters’ quota, the premier said “then we will make sure those seats are filled with candidates based on their merit”.

Mentioning the formation of a committee led by the cabinet secretary to look into the quota system reformation matter, the premier said, “From my end I have tried to resolve this issue. But referring to the 2015 court order, the minister said the HC has already decided to keep the quota, I don’t have much say here”.

“If I try to go against this verdict, contempt of court order will be issued against me,” Hasina added.

Earlier yesterday, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque said there is no scope for bringing changes to the 30 per cent freedom fighters’ quota in public jobs because of a 2015 Supreme Court order.

Referring to the court order, the minister said there is an obligation to maintain the freedom fighters’ quota, though scopes are there for recruiting candidates on merit if eligible candidates cannot be found for the vacant posts in the quota.

The PM also said those who were involved in the attack on the residence of Dhaka University vice-chancellor would be identified and brought to the book.

“We will identify everyone from the CCTV footage and each of them will be brought to book”, she said.

On April 11, the PM announced at the parliament to abolish all sorts of quota privileges in the public service amid students’ nationwide demonstration demanding reforms in the recruitment system.