– Author –
Dr. DP SHARMA
Bangladesh is currently grappling with a tempestuous debate surrounding the quota system for government jobs. The issue, which has ignited fervent protests and widespread discontent, underscores a deep-rooted tension between meritocracy and affirmative action.
The 30% quota, originally intended to benefit children of freedom fighters, has expanded over the years to include other privileged groups. This has led to a situation where a significant portion of government jobs is reserved, leaving limited opportunities for the general merit-based pool. The recent protests, spearheaded by students, have brought this systemic inequity to the forefront.
While affirmative action can be a potent tool for addressing historical injustices and promoting social inclusion, it is crucial to strike a balance. The current system in Bangladesh seems to have tilted heavily in favor of quotas, compromising the principles of meritocracy. This not only demoralizes talented and deserving individuals but also hampers the nation’s progress by denying it the best and brightest minds in key positions.
The solution lies in a judicious recalibration of the quota system. A comprehensive review is imperative to assess the actual impact of the existing quotas and their alignment with the goals of social justice. The government must prioritize transparency and accountability in the quota allocation process to prevent misuse and abuse.
Furthermore, the focus should shift towards creating a level playing field through targeted interventions such as quality education, skill development, and economic empowerment for disadvantaged communities. By investing in human capital development, Bangladesh can foster a more equitable society without compromising on merit.
It is equally important to address the underlying causes of the protests. Students are not merely opposing quotas but also expressing their frustration with a system that appears to favor the privileged. Good governance, transparency, and accountability are essential to restore public trust.
The quota controversy in Bangladesh is a stark reminder that affirmative action, while well-intentioned, can become a double-edged sword. It is imperative to find a harmonious balance between equity and merit to ensure a prosperous and inclusive future for the nation.
About Dr DP Sharma
(Dr DP Sharma is the UN Digital Diplomat For More details Contact at : https://dpsharma.org )
He is listed among 21 famous persons of Rajasthan by Google (2019-2023) and Enumerated in the prestigious Legendary Personality of Rajasthan by the Rajasthan Foundation of the Government of Rajasthan (2022).
He is Recipient of 61 awards including ‘The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Lifetime Achievements International Award (Sardar Ratna)-2014-15 and the Godfrey Phillips (Red and White Bravery) National Award (2001). He has visited 57 countries for Academic, Research & Diplomatic assignments on Digitalization, Keynote Speeches (54) at International Conferences, and as Research /Project Advisor for VLIR-UOS, ILO, and UNDP assignments.
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Disclaimer: This article is intended to provide a general overview of the situation and does not delve into specific details or statistics that can create diplomatic consequences
