Given the recent resurgence of discussions about the quota system, which caused so much turmoil in the past, it’s necessary to delve into this issue once more. The demand to abolish quotas in government jobs led to a violent clash between the government and students, forcing a powerful government into retreat. Thousands of students lost their lives, and countless others were injured or disabled. The very thought of discussing this quota system is terrifying. After the slogans of “merit over quota” and “down with quotas” resonated with students and the public, and the entire nation awaited a new dawn in a blood-soaked Bangladesh, it is deeply ironic and unfortunate that the quota system still persists in school, college, and university admissions.
It is morally reprehensible for teachers, education officials, or any conscious individual to advocate for quota systems for their own children. It is completely inconsistent with the slogan of an equitable Bangladesh for someone who is in a respected profession, is educated, or has access to state resources to demand quotas for their children in school, college, or university admissions. It is clearly unjust for those who have proven their merit and received state benefits to receive additional advantages over ordinary students through quotas in any institution.
The notion that employees of an institution are obligated to educate their children within the same institution is fundamentally flawed. Such a policy could foster arbitrariness and nepotism. Inequality is a universal reality. Therefore, I am not inherently opposed to the concept of quotas. My disagreement lies in determining who should be eligible for these quotas. If any institution is to allocate special quotas, it should prioritize the children of its lowest-ranking employees. Additionally, quotas could be reserved for students from marginalized regions like char areas or remote villages, as they often face significant educational and social disadvantages. For the farmers, laborers, and other underprivileged segments of society, quotas should be implemented to ensure equitable access to education. It’s illogical and unjust for those who have already benefited significantly from state resources and have greater privileges to demand quotas for their children.
Given the spirit of the Liberation War, it’s imperative to abolish the quota system. The government must address this issue. While reserving a small number of quotas for disadvantaged groups can maintain balance, continuing quotas for the privileged and their offspring is a betrayal of those who sacrificed their lives for the nation. It’s unfair to provide quotas for those who have given their lives and simultaneously continue them for those who have enjoyed state privileges. Merit should be the sole criterion for opportunities. The idea that employment in an institution entitles one’s children to quotas is both illogical and morally questionable.
Let’s envision a new Bangladesh free from quotas. Providing extra opportunities to someone through quotas is nothing but depriving another deserving individual. If necessary, the state can consider establishing separate educational institutions for the children of various professionals. Such institutions probably already exist in Bangladesh, but quotas should never be maintained in public schools, colleges or universities. Only those who are qualified and have a place in the merit list should get the opportunity to study. It’s an almost permanent, dark system where someone who works in one place can give their child an advantage there, different from the general public. We need to break free from this. The most enlightened among the conscientious people of society should reject this irrational quota system with contempt. If we slowly let go of our children and allow them to become independent, they will be able to adapt to time and the environment!
We aspire for a quota-free Bangladesh. We should not betray the sacrifices of thousands of people who have dedicated their lives to eradicating inequality, who have generously donated their blood, who are still struggling between life and death on hospital beds, or who have lost limbs for life. The first and foremost condition of this struggle and reform is to build an equitable Bangladesh. To remove inequality from the country, the quota system must be eradicated forever. Giving extra benefits to someone is not wrong, but it should be given to those who are lagging behind or who are justifiably entitled. If someone who is ahead or has had the opportunity to move forward is given additional benefits, inequality in society will increase. And a section of the generation will be assured of getting more opportunities with less effort, which is completely against the spirit of the struggle and sacrifice of the general student population.
The text repeatedly mentions teachers, and for that, I apologize. This issue is not solely confined to teachers; it applies to anyone who is receiving or has received quotas, regardless of the sector. Quotas reserved for those who are part of the nation’s progressive population should be abolished. In a system where education is merely a commodity purchased with money, quotas can exist as much as one desires. However, in educational institutions where education is a fundamental right of all citizens, quotas cannot and should not be allowed. If Bangladesh in the 21st century continues to have quotas, the nation will face further criticism. The people of this country aspire for a Bangladesh that is equitable and just. There should be no room for providing unethical advantages to anyone. In this Bangladesh, everyone has equal rights. We do not anticipate a society divided into classes of laborers and owners, or one that promotes exploitation.
