DHAKA: The government has extended the time limit to 90 working days for quota committee to submit the report on review of existing quota system in public services.

Public administration Ministry issued a notification to this effect on Thursday (July 19).

Earlier on July 8, the first meeting of the quota committee was held at secretariat with cabinet secretary Mohammad Shafiul Alam in the chair.

After the meeting, the joint secretary of Public Administration Ministry Abul Kashem Md Mohiuddin said the committee will submit a report with recommendations for review, reform and cancellation of the existing quota system in public service recruitment within 15 working days.

Earlier on July 2, the Public Administration Ministry issued a notification on forming the seven-member committee convened by cabinet secretary Shafiul Alam.

The committee was formed after students of public and private universities along with job seekers staged huge demonstration over a long period of time demanding the reform of the existing quota system in public service recruitment. 

As the movement became stronger, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in parliament announced to revoke the quota system entirely. However, later she said the 20 percent freedom fighter quota can not be changed as it is protected by the High court verdict. The government is now waiting for the report of quota committee to make a final decision on the matter. 

In the meantime, many protesters involved in the quota movement were allegedly attacked by members of Bangladesh Chhatra League. Several leaders of movement have been arrested in separate cases so far. 

BDST: 2100 HRS, JULY 19, 2018
AP/SMS