Demand for reinstatement of 30% freedom fighter quota in public sector

The Muktijoddhar Sontan O Projonmo Central Committee made six demands – including that the 30% freedom fighter quota in all government jobs be reinstated – at a human chain organised in front of the National Press Club on Friday.

They also threatened that they will wage a tougher movement if their demands are not met.

"If our demands are not met within the next week, a strong movement will be formed across the country. We will even go to the High Court, if necessary," said Ahidul Islam Tushar, convener of the Muktijoddhar Sontan O Projonmo Central Committee.

Muktijuddha Mancho President Aminul Islam Bulbul said, "There are 18-20 lakh children of freedom fighters. They laugh at us when we go for the movement demanding the quota. They also say it is better to study than to go for a movement because the movement itself will introduce the quota."

He said, "Do not be confused by them because no one will provide the quota and we have to take to the streets for that. Half of the people participating in the human chain are too old to apply for government jobs. Yet, they are demanding the 30% quota be maintained."

The demands include that: exemplary punishment be provided to those who insulted Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, his family and freedom fighters; the 30% freedom fighter quota in all government jobs be preserved; there be constitutional recognition of freedom fighters, family protection law and construction of hospitals and banks for freedom fighters; the property of anti-liberation forces and razakars be confiscated and their descendants be disqualified for admission and recruitment in all government educational institutions; that propaganda against the spirit of the Liberation War be stopped on social media; and that the age of recruitment of the children and grandchildren of freedom fighters be 35 for all government jobs.