Take prompt measures to reform quota system

Speakers at a discussion yesterday said the government needs to take prompt measures for making necessary and logical reforms to the present job quota system, keeping in mind spirit of the Liberation War.

Sector Commanders' Forum (SCF) - Muktijuddho '71 arranged the discussion on “Pride of the Liberation War: Present Context and Cautiousness” at Officers Club in the capital. SCF Chairman Maj Gen (retd) KM Shafiullah, Bir Uttam chaired the discussion.

Speaking there, former chairman of Bangladesh Public Service Commission Ikram Ahmed said, “It is necessary to make logical reforms in the present quota system.”

He said the commission during his tenure had asked the government on several occasions for review of the quota system, and suggested changes. “But no step was taken,” he said.

Cultural personality and freedom fighter Nasiruddin Yousuff said alongside upholding spirit of the Liberation War, it is important to establish rule of law and curb corruption in the country.

“Otherwise, people's grievance will not come down,” he added.

Prof Mesbah Kamal of Dhaka University said freedom fighters' quota in government jobs should be in place, considering their contribution to the nation. But, it can be reduced to 10 from present 30 percent, he said.

National Human Rights Commission Chairman Kazi Reazul Hoque said opportunities have to be created for people, who were left behind as the country's constitution assures equal rights of all.

Prof Anwar Hossain, former vice chancellor of Jahangirnagar University, said quota reform agitation reflected growing demand of the country's youths.

Journalist Ajay Dasgupta said SCF and other pro-liberation platforms should reach out to youths, and engage them more in pro-liberation war activities.

Former Chairman of National Curriculum Textbook Board M Shafiqur Rahman said reform in education system is required with recruiting more pro-liberation teachers and school management members.

Journalist Sohrab Hossain, Supreme Court lawyer Subrata Chowdhury, women's rights activist Sharmin Murshid, retired bureaucrat Khandker Shawkat Hossain, and SCF Secretary General Harun Habib spoke at the event, among others.