Quotas in Bangladesh: Pathway to Equity or Barrier to Meritocracy?

A spirited debate on the relevance of Bangladesh’s quota system unfolded at the Youth Policy Summit 2024, reflecting ongoing national discussions about equity and inclusion. With decades-old policies facing mounting scrutiny, questions arise: do quotas in education, employment, and governance still serve their purpose, or is reform—or even abolition—needed to ensure fairness? 

Organized by IID, Youth for Policy, in partnership with BDF, the debate session was held on December 21, 2024, in front of Nazrul Mancha at Bangla Academy, titled This house seeks to reform the quota system or abolish all quotas brought together youth leaders to exchange passionate arguments. 

Proponents of abolishing the quota system argued that equality can only be achieved by providing equal opportunities for all, without relying on preferential provisions. They contended that after 50 years of independence, the continued reliance on quotas signals a failure of governance in ensuring equitable development across society. 

“Quotas no longer fulfill their original purpose. Instead of offering temporary fixes, the government should prioritize direct and sustainable solutions for marginalized groups,” one participant asserted. They further emphasized that transitioning to a merit-based system would encourage competition and innovation, creating a fairer and more prosperous society. 

Critics of the quota system also highlighted its inefficiency in uplifting all disadvantaged groups, suggesting that targeted, grassroots-level interventions would be more effective than broad quota policies. 

The opposition countered that while reforms are necessary, outright abolition would harm underprivileged communities—particularly women and rural populations—who still face significant barriers to quality education and employment. 

“Certain communities are not yet in a position to compete equally without support,” one speaker noted. They cited international examples, including India, Pakistan, and South Africa, where quotas remain critical for advancing social inclusion. 

The opposition argued that grassroots initiatives face financial and logistical challenges, making quotas essential for ensuring immediate representation and opportunity for marginalized groups. They also emphasized that quotas reflect the government’s commitment to positive discrimination, fostering long-term societal transformation. 

The session concluded with participants calling for nuanced policies that address both immediate challenges and long-term goals. The youth emphasized the importance of creating a fairer and more inclusive society by balancing merit-based approaches with targeted support for disadvantaged groups. 

Related Posts