Bangladesh Quota Movement Leaders Vow to Continue Protest Despite Supreme Court Ruling
Dhaka, 23 July – The leaders of the Bangladesh Quota Reform Movement have announced their decision to persist with their protests despite a recent ruling by the Supreme Court. Nahid Islam, the movement’s coordinator, expressed their position on Tuesday, highlighting both their acceptance of the court’s verdict and their ongoing concerns about the government’s actions.
“We welcome the Supreme Court’s verdict,” said Islam. “However, we also want the government to explain the bloodshed, torture, and imprisonment of innocent students. Without any dialogue, we will not take the ordinance at face value.”
The quota reform activists have long called for changes to the country’s public service recruitment system, which they argue is unfairly biased. Although the Supreme Court’s ruling addressed some aspects of their demands, the movement’s leaders remain unconvinced that these changes will be genuinely implemented without their input.
Islam also emphasized the need for a more structured approach to prevent future conflicts over the quota system. “Students demand the establishment of an independent body to ensure that no such problems arise regarding the quota in the future,” he stated.
The movement’s determination is fueled by the significant unrest and the deaths of several students during clashes with law enforcement. “Just because an ordinance was issued does not mean we have given up our protest movement. Until there is justice for our fallen comrades, we will not go back,” reiterated Islam.
The government’s handling of the quota reform issue has been a point of contention, with critics accusing officials of failing to engage meaningfully with the protesters. The movement’s leaders emphasize that genuine dialogue and accountability are crucial for resolving the situation.
As the protests continue, the nation watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution that addresses the students’ concerns while upholding the rule of law.
