PM for continuing quota system in govt jobs

FT ONLINE

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said the existing quota system in government jobs for freedom fighters, their children and grandchildren would continue to honour those fought for the country's independence.

"We are giving special honour to the freedom fighters as we got the independence for their sacrifice . . . it should not be forgotten. They must be honoured," she said while addressing a huge public rally in Patiya on the outskirts of the port city yesterday afternoon.

The premier said the government made arrangements of quota in the government jobs for the freedom fighters' children and grandchildren and "if the quota is not fulfilled, others can be given jobs by relaxing it".

Her comments came as a section of students is waging demonstration in the country, particularly in the capital for abolishing quota system in the government jobs.

The premier said had the country not been independent, the opportunity of the jobs would have not been created, development would not take place and none could go in higher position.

"We must not forget it," she said.

Awami League units of the Chittagong city and north and south districts jointly organized the rally at Patiya Government College and Adarsha School Ground with south district unit president Moslem Uddin Ahmed in the chair.

AL presidium member Engineer Mosharraf Hossain, general secretary Obaidul Quader, publicity and publication secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud, state minister for land Saifuzzaman Chowdhury Javed, city AL's acting president Mahtabuddin Chowdhury and lawmaker Shamsul Haque Chowdhury spoke at the rally, among others.