The case of Bangladesh, a lesson for South Asia

श्रावण ८, २०८१

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The movement in Bangladesh, which erupted with the main demand that they should be admitted to government posts on the basis of merit and not on the basis of reservation, has so far claimed more than 150 lives. The government and the courts are taking various measures to stop the agitation. So now the movement has given an indication that it will be stopped.

After the Supreme Court of Bangladesh overturned the order given by the lower court regarding reservation and reduced the reservation percentage in the government services to a large extent, the possibility of stopping the movement has increased. The Supreme Court has reduced the existing 30 percent reservation quota to 5 percent at once, and has decided to give 2 percent reservation for backward classes, sexual minorities, and Dalits. That is, henceforth 93 percent seats in government posts in Bangladesh will be competitive. Which is appropriate in the changing environment. The protestors have said that their protest will stop after the government makes a law in accordance with the Supreme Court's verdict.

The current government of Sheikh Hasina decided to reduce the reservation quota in 2018. When the lower court overruled the movement, the movement intensified. Since 1971, 30 percent quota system was kept in the name of Mukti Vahini in Bangladesh. Today's world carries the belief that jobs should be given on the basis of merit or meritocracy. But in countries like Bangladesh, India and Nepal, there is still a large amount of reservation in the name of different castes. Which is a matter of great displeasure for the youth who have to get government jobs as a matter of merit and competition.

Bangladesh has become unstoppable today when that dissatisfaction exploded. Hundreds of people died, thousands were injured, and the economic situation of the country has reached a dead end. From all these incidents, will Nepal and Nepalese take time to learn or not? If there is no movement in Nepal like in Bangladesh in the future, reservation quota should be reduced in Nepal too and competition should be promoted. If not, at any time the peak of that movement can be seen in Nepal. Wise leaders and countries must learn before the storm hits. Madhesi, Muslims, women, Dalits, tribals, backward classes have been allocated a large number of government seats, much to the displeasure of millions of youth who believe in competition.

Because of this reservation, thousands of students are fleeing abroad saying that there is no future in Nepal, merit has no meaning. Therefore, considering all these incidents, it is wise for all political parties to sit together and reduce the reservation quota. Reservation is a concession given only for a certain period and not a lifelong right.
– Gopal Devkota, Jorpati, Kathmandu