Summary:
- Over 200 medical students protested at Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar against the quota system in admissions, particularly for freedom fighters’ descendants.
- Protesters demanded the immediate cancellation of quota-based admissions and the abolition of quotas in future medical exams.
- The 2024-25 medical admission results showed a 45.62% pass rate, with 5,380 seats available, sparking claims of unfairness due to quotas.
- The quota system remains controversial, with students arguing it undermines merit-based opportunities in competitive fields like medicine.
On January 20, 2025, students from Dhaka Medical College and Sir Salimullah Medical College convened at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka to protest the quota system in medical college admissions. The demonstration specifically targeted the inclusion of children and grandchildren of freedom fighters among those benefiting from quotas, which protesters argued undermines merit-based selection.
Ferdous Ahmed Tabir, a student from Dhaka Medical College, voiced frustration over the recently published medical admission results. “The medical exam results that were released yesterday showed that many ineligible students got admission due to the quota,” Tabir stated. He called for the immediate cancellation of admissions granted under this system and demanded its abolition in future exams. “We have taken to the streets demanding that the quota system be completely abolished in the coming years,” he added.
The protest drew over 200 participants by noon, with demonstrators holding placards bearing slogans such as “Put the quota system in the grave!” and “Medical results must be republished!” The 2024-25 admission results revealed a pass rate of 45.62%, with 60,095 candidates competing for 5,380 seats across government and private medical colleges. Critics argue that the quota system unfairly disadvantages students who achieve higher scores but lose out on seats reserved for specific groups.
This protest is part of a broader movement against Bangladesh’s quota policies, which have sparked widespread student unrest in recent years. The quota system, originally introduced to honor freedom fighters and marginalized groups, has faced increasing opposition from students who believe it compromises fairness and meritocracy.
The issue has been contentious since a High Court ruling in June 2024 reinstated quotas for descendants of freedom fighters, overturning a 2018 decision to abolish them. This decision reignited protests across Bangladesh, with students demanding reforms to align admissions and government job placements with merit-based principles.
Protests have frequently escalated into violence, with clashes between demonstrators and groups linked to political factions. In July 2024, violent confrontations over job quotas left hundreds injured and several dead. Despite government efforts to address grievances, including modifying quotas in some sectors, dissatisfaction persists among students who view these measures as insufficient.
The current demonstration by medical students underscores ongoing tensions surrounding the quota system. Protesters argue that while they respect freedom fighters’ contributions to Bangladesh’s independence, extending benefits to their descendants—especially grandchildren—is unjust in competitive fields like medicine. As one protester remarked during an earlier rally: “Equality and merit should guide our education system, not outdated policies.”
The government has yet to respond to the latest protests. However, similar movements in the past have prompted authorities to review policies under public pressure. Whether this latest wave of dissent will lead to tangible changes remains uncertain as debates over equity and merit continue to polarize Bangladeshi society.
Source: The Daily Star
