Guwahati, July 21: After nationwide unrest, Bangladesh’s Supreme Court on Sunday (July 21) scaled back the quota system for government job applicants. The verdict came after demonstrations turned deadly with protesters clashing with police and pro-government groups, which has left over 100 people dead.

The top court in its verdict ordered 93 percent of the government jobs to be allocated on a merit-based system and left the remaining 7 percent for relatives of veterans, who fought in Bangladesh’s war of independence in 1971 and other categories.

Earlier, the system reserved 30 percent of such jobs for the relatives of war veterans, which led to the violent protests, with the protestors demanding merit-based recruitment.

The nationwide unrest forced the Sheikh Hasina-led government to impose nation-wide curfew to stem riots across the country as police was unable to control the fallout. It also shut down internet throughout the nation and called in army to aid the civil administration in controlling the situation.

Speaking to media persons, Bangladesh’s Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said the curfew will be relaxed between 3 pm to 5 pm on Sunday for people to carry out essential errands. The government has declared July 21 and July 22 as public holidays with only emergency services allowed to operate.

The protesters argue the quota system is discriminatory and benefits supporters of Hasina, whose Awami League party led the independence movement, saying it should be replaced with a merit-based system.

Hasina has defended the quota system, saying that veterans deserve the highest respect for their contributions in the war against Pakistan, regardless of their political affiliation.

The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party has backed the protests, vowing to organise its own demonstrations as many of its supporters have joined the student-led protests.

After the escalating violence in Bangladesh, over 1,000 Indian students have returned to India from Bangladesh through various land transit points or by flight.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the Foreign Ministry is fully focused on ensuring safety and well-being of the Indians in Bangladesh.

Also Read: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal asks officials to assist flood-affected people

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