Bangladesh, being a democratic country, should ensure equal rights for all its citizens through the abolition of discriminatory practices. However, the notorious “quota system” in the job market is a major obstacle to ensuring equality of opportunity.

It is my opinion that the quota system restricts the government's ability to put in meritorious candidates in government positions. A large number of relatively underserving candidates are joining the public service sector by taking advantage of the quota system. Reportedly, more than 55 percent first class government posts are reserved for those belonging to one quota group or another. This problem, however, is not restricted to only the public service sector, but also exists in the higher education system.

I think that the time has come for us to rethink the rationality behind this system. I hope that the authorities will reduce the number of jobs reserved under it or abolish the quota system entirely.

Tamzid Hossain, Dhaka University