The Bangladesh Supreme Court has scaled back the controversial government job quota system, which had triggered deadly nationwide unrest last week, killing 114 people. The court ruled that 93 percent of jobs should be allocated based on merit, leaving only 5 percent reservation for relatives of freedom fighters and 2 percent for members of ethnic minorities, transgender individuals, and disabled people.
The decision comes after intense protests by students, who have been demanding the abolition of the 30 percent quota for veterans of the 1971 liberation war.
The protests erupted after the High Court reinstated the controversial quota system last month.
Protests began after High Court reinstated controversial quota system last month, which turned violent last week after governing party workers attacked protesting students.
The job quota system has been a contentious issue in Bangladesh. Initially implemented to honor the sacrifices of those who fought in the liberation war, the quota system has faced criticism over the years for allegedly perpetuating inequality and hindering merit-based employment.