21 July 2024: At least 19 killed; SC scraps quota reinstatement ruling
The Supreme Court’s verdict directly challenged the government’s claim that it couldn’t address the students’ demands because it was under the court’s jurisdiction
As per media reports on 22 July 2024, amid nationwide curfew, the death toll reached at least 174. At least 19 people were killed on 21 July alone.
Meanwhile, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court scrapped the High Court's ruling that had reinstated the job quota system in government recruitment.
The Supreme Court ruled in favour of the new structure, declaring 93% of recruitment to be merit-based and 7% reserved for all quotas, including the freedom fighter category.
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Senior Advocate Sara Hossain, presenting her arguments during the hearing, said, "Quotas may remain, but they must go through reform—based on a legitimate and rational process."
Citing international human rights conventions, she said that temporary special measures for women, including quotas, are obligations of the state.
Quotas may remain, but they must go through reform—based on a legitimate and rational process.
In a rare moment of emotional testimony, she added, "The Supreme Court is in session during a curfew—this is a first in my life. Our children are dying. This is a grave situation."
The court further instructed the executive branch to immediately issue a gazette notification reflecting this decision. The order was passed by a seven-member bench led by Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan.
The Supreme Court's verdict made it clear that the government actually holds the authority to amend or reform the quota system. This directly challenged the government's claim that it couldn't address the students' demands because it was under the court's jurisdiction.
The Supreme Court ruling fundamentally changed the legal and political landscape surrounding the quota reform issue.
Those involved in acts of sabotage and violence are not students. BNP-Jamaat carried out the attacks while using students as a shield.
Countering the High Court's earlier decision, senior advocate Ahsanul Karim argued that the ruling was flawed and beyond the court's jurisdiction. "The High Court referenced verdicts given before 2018, but those became obsolete once the government abolished the quota system through a circular in 2018," he said.
Meanwhile, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said that the nationwide curfew would remain in force until further notice.
Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, the then-Inspector General of Police (IGP), said "Those involved in acts of sabotage and violence are not students. BNP-Jamaat carried out the attacks while using students as a shield."
The former IGP further asserted that authorities are identifying those responsible for such unruly behaviour and that strict action will be taken against them.
