No change in quota system: PM

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said the quota system for freedom fighters, their children and grandchildren in the government jobs will continue, UNB reports.

"We must have a special system for freedom fighters as we have got our independence because of their sacrifice," she said while addressing a public rally at Patiya Model High School.

The comment came at a time when a section of students and job-seekers have been demonstrating for reform in the quota system in government jobs.

Chittagong South Awami League organised the rally where the prime minister said no one should forget that the long-cherished independence came thanks to the sacrifice of the freedom fighters.

"We have to give them due honour. We have arranged the quota system so that their children and grandchildren can get jobs."

"If nobody is found to fill the quota, the positions will be filled with other qualified candidates."

Held with Chittagong South Awami League president Moslem Uddin Ahmed in the chair, the rally was also addressed by AL general secretary Obaidul Quader, AL presidium member and housing and public works minister Mosharraf Hossain, AL publicity secretary Hasan Mahmud MP, state minister for land Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, Nurul Alam Chowdhury, Chittagong City Awami League acting president Mahtab Uddin Chowdhury, local MP Shamshul Huq Chowdhury and Chittagong City Corporation mayor AJM Nasir Uddin.

Earlier, the prime minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of 41 development projects.