Sunday, July 21, 2024

BANGLADESH: JMBF Welcomes the Reserved Quota for Third Gender Individuals in Government Jobs

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) heartily welcomes the landmark verdict passed by the Supreme Court of Bangladesh for the reservation of quotas for third gender individuals in government jobs.

On July 21, 2024, the Supreme Court of Bangladesh mandated the reservation of quotas for third gender individuals in government jobs. The verdict also includes provisions for physically challenged persons, ethnic minorities, and relatives of veterans who fought in the 1971 War of Independence.

The decision comes after a period of nationwide unrest and deadly clashes between police and protesters, resulting in numerous fatalities. The demonstrations, primarily led by students, escalated into violence on Tuesday, prompting police to deploy tear gas, rubber bullets, and smoke grenades to disperse stone-throwing protesters from the streets and university campuses.

According to the Supreme Court's ruling, 93% of government jobs will now be allocated based on a merit-based system. The remaining positions will be distributed as follows: 5% for relatives of veterans of the 1971 independence war, 1% for third gender and physically challenged individuals, and 1% for ethnic minorities.

Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder and President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), welcomed the Supreme Court verdict. He highlighted that reserving a quota for third gender individuals, who are among the most underprivileged and underrepresented in the country, will help these minority groups integrate into society. He noted that these individuals will now have designated opportunities in the public sector. Islam emphasized that this decision will gradually ensure the rights of sexual minorities in Bangladesh and urged the government to implement the Supreme Court verdict with high importance.

This decision follows the High Court Division of the Supreme Court's June 2024 ruling that nullified the government's 2018 cancellation of job quotas after mass student protests. The earlier ruling set the stage for today's historic judgment, which aims to promote inclusivity and equal opportunities within the government workforce.

============================================================ Advocate Shahanur Islam | An Young, Ascendant, Dedicated Human Rights Defender, Lawyer and Blogger from Bangladesh, Fighting for Ensuring Human Rights, Rule of Law, Good Governance, Peace and Social Justice For the Victim of Torture, Extra Judicial Killing, Force Disappearance, Trafficking in Persons including Ethnic, Religious, Sexual and Social Minority People.

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