Quota system now implemented in its worst form despite anti-quota movement: Shafiqur
Jamaat chief accuses the government of replacing merit with partisan appointments across universities, banks and public institutions.
Highlights:
- Shafiqur alleges anti-quota movement's spirit has been undermined
- Accuses govt of partisan appointments in key institutions
- Demands justice for those killed during July Uprising
- Says Jamaat rejected all offers of compromise
Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman today (30 July) alleged that the quota system, which sparked the July Uprising, is now being implemented in "its worst form" through widespread partisan appointments across key state institutions.
"The government is promoting partisan recruitment instead of merit-based appointments," he said while addressing an exchange meeting with families of those killed in the July Uprising and July fighters at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB) auditorium in the capital.
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Shafiqur alleged that "shameless politicisation" was taking place in appointments to the posts of university vice-chancellors, district council administrators, banks, insurance corporations and government, semi-government and private institutions.
"To establish a paradise of corruption, qualified people are being removed, and dishonest and corrupt individuals are being selectively appointed to important positions," he said.
The Jamaat ameer said the party had never compromised with the previous government despite what he described as the "cold-blooded killing" of 11 of its top leaders and around 1,000 activists, as well as the seizure of homes and businesses.
"We never reached any secret compromise with anyone at night. With whatever strength we had, we repeatedly protested against Awami League rule," he said.
Shafiqur also claimed that Jamaat had fully supported the July 2024 movement from its beginning. According to him, after the government banned Jamaat during the movement, the party decided that "either we would die, or we would live with dignity."
Shafiqur alleged that a group of people became involved in extortion from 6 August 2024.
He further claimed that Jamaat had been offered various inducements to reach a compromise but had "rejected those proposals with contempt."
Demanding justice for those killed during the July Uprising, he accused the government of betraying the nation.
"Jamaat fears none but Allah. Jamaat will never bow before injustice," he added.
