Chapter-1: Introduction

1.1 Statement of the problem:

BCS exam is the highest examination system for recruitment of

officers for different cadres of Bangladesh government. The

service of the government in its different sectors will depend on

the quality of the selection in its different cadres. Though

quota system is an age old tradition, there are many

controversies arise regarding continuation of quota. Some are

against it, and some are in favor. Many thinks, the way we are

using the quota system for indefinite time and in indeterminate

way is not scientific. Because of these controversies, this

problem gain many importance to know some representative opinions

about the problem. Besides, all of the citizens of this country

need a representative bureaucracy, which is directly or

indirectly dependent on quota system. So, it is important to

identify the advantages and disadvantages of quota system. Now it

is the present quota distribution in BCS. The table is shown

below:-

Distribution of Vacancies

Gazette Posts(Class I & II)

Non Gazette Posts(Class III & IV)

Merit 45% NilDistrict quota 55% 100%

a. Women 10% 15%b. Freedom

Fighters 30% 30%

c. Tribal People 05% 5%1 | P a g e

d. District quota 10% 39%e. Ansar and VDP 10%f. Orphan of

Shishu Sadan 1%

Source: Ministry of Establishment, GOB(1995) and DFID,2004

Under the current BCS examinations system, 30 per cent of the

seats are reserved for children of freedom fighters and 10 per

cent for women. A further 10 per cent is reserved for districts,

5 per cent for national minorities and 1 per cent for people with

disabilities. As a result only 44 percent of the examinees are

able to secure positions on the basis of merit, causing

discontent among a large section of general students who say that

they are deprived despite scoring higher than candidates who fall

under any quota. Recently several hundred youths demonstrating

against the quota provision in public service recruitment and

made an anti quota protest on the Dhaka University campus and

adjoining areas. That is why it is one of the important problems

to collect the students opinion of the University of Dhaka.

1.2 Literature review:

It is important to know what is others have already done on this

topic. There are few number of reports and theoretical works on

quota in BCS. In many of them, research scholars have identified

different views on this issue and its impact. However a very

limited amount of empirical work is available on this particular

issue. From the following literature a general idea is formed:-

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Quota System in Bangladesh Civil Service: An Appraisal; A

Dissertation By Nuzhat Yasmin: In this writing, the writer

discussed some conceptual and legal framework about quota. Here

impact of different types of quota is also discussed. Assessment

of present quota system is another important content of this

report. It also describes different opinion about quota and at

the end said about some rethinking about the quota system in BCS.

The main criticism of this literature is, there are biased

discussion about the effects of quota system. But was not

emphasized on empirical and representative findings.

Gender Mainstreaming in Bangladesh Civil Service: Prospects and

Constraints By Momtaz Jahan: In this paper, the writer describes

the position of women in civil service. Here the main focus was

on women rather the another quotas. Another important content of

this literature is the female quota utilization in BCS cadre in

Bangladesh. It is mainly on women quota, all quotas are not

discussed here.

Quota system for civil service recruitment in Bangladesh: An

Explanatory Analysis, Bangladesh Public Service Commission by

Khan A.A and Ahmed K.R(2008): In this literature, the writers

wanted to explain the quota system as a recruitment mechanism of

civil service in Bangladesh. Here, some analysis was presented

about the role and effect of quota system. As it was a literature

of Public Service Commission, this was mostly theoretical than

practical. It is the main criticism of this.

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BCS Exam, Quota System and Controversies March 15, 2008 by bdoza in BANGLADESH, EDUCATION, GOVERNANCE: It is an writing

collected from a blog. Controversy arises regarding continuation

of quota. Some are against it and some are in favour. There is a

group in between who prefer to reduce the percentage of quota in

different categories. These are the main content of this writing.

In this literature there are some quoted statement of some

people. But this was not like actual research of perception

survey.

Role and Effect of Quota System in BCS; Study Tools: In this

short report, the reporter just considered some quotas and

individually describes their effects. Here it is also said that

there is no better system of recruiting personnel on the basis of

merit. Like another report or article, it was also person biased,

not from perception of the public.

1.3 Scope and Objectives of the Research:

The concept of quota system in BCS is not new in the context of

Bangladesh. So, many study area can be chosen. However, due to

resource constraints, this research has covered only the opinion

of Dhaka University students. It could be done in any other

institutions. But, Dhaka University is an institution from where

a large amount of students appear in BCS exam every year. That is

why, it is chosen for the research as a representative of

students of other institutions.

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Objectives:

The general objective of the research is to know the opinion of

the students of the whole country through Dhaka University

students about quota system. The main objectives are:-

To assess the effectiveness of the existing quota system.

To collect the opinion of the students of Dhaka University

about quota system in BCS as a representative university.

To analyze the opinion and judgment about the quota system.

To identify some solutions about the problem presented.

1.3.1 Hypothesis:

Every researcher has some hypothesis. In this research, we have

some hypothesis about quota system and its effect on public

service. Some are:-

Hypothesis 1: Lack of transparency has made existing quotas faulty

as those have been selected by the members of PCS as their

favorites. As a result the real suppressed are deprived from

getting any type of facilities.

Hypothesis 2: Because of vast percentage of quota system, many

meritorious students is depriving of participate in BCS exam.

Hypothesis 3: Because of indeterminate quota system, the civil

service of Bangladesh is becoming inefficient.

1.3.2. Research Questions:

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The main research questions are:-

1. What are the major factors behind the existing quota system?

2. What do you think about the effectiveness of quota system torecruit civil servants in

BCS?

3. Is there any lack of transparency for implementing the quotapercentage which exists?

4. Does the quota system make any effects on meritoriousstudents?

5. How relevant the anti quota protest organized by the students?

1.4. Limitations of the study:

Limitation of Sample Size:

Due to time constraint the study was conducted on a limited number

of students. As more students can not be covered in vast level but

through case study, a holistic picture of the perceptions could

not be captured by the study. There are huge number of students in

University of Dhaka. But here only 125 students are selected.

Time Limitation:

Time was another constraint in the field work. The time allowed

for data collection was not enough. During the field work the

researcher had to deal with difficulties such as communication

problem, non cooperation, non supportive whether etc. All these

actually curtailed the actual time of the field survey. Moreover

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during analysis, there were some new development and the

researcher needed to restructure the research design. To manage

all difficulties some extra time was needed. Further, for doing

qualitative studies researchers requires more time to analyze

data while gathering information. So, conducting study within the

fixed time was a great challenge.

Huge Study Area

The most mentionable limitation of this study is that, it was

conducted in Dhaka University which was a huge area for study. It

was too difficult for the researchers to move here and for

collecting data. On the other hand the science faculty is far from

Arts building. So, the researchers had to face difficulties to

collect data from the students of science faculty.

Lack of information:

At first it decided to select some students of faculty of fine

Arts. But during the time when we went there it seemed that there

were lack of information. Actually most of them are not aware of

or conscious about BCS and quota system in BCS. So, then the plan

of sampling had to be changed and those students could not be

selected from Fine Arts Faculty.

Difficult to analyze data:

There are some open ended questions from which a lot of

information was gathered. But, those information are not easy

7 | P a g e

during the presentation of data and analyzing those. Besides, The

respondents were answering in their own words. Those word has

been restructure for analyzing data.

Chapter-02: Research Methodology

2.1. Introduction :

Every type of empirical research has either implicit or explicit

research design. In the most rudimentary manner, this design is a

logical sequence that links empirical data to a study’s primary

research questions and finally to its conclusions. Research design

is a proposal of research dealing with at least four problems: What

queries to study, what data are relevant, what data to collect and

how to analyze the results. It is much more than a work plan

because the main purpose is to avoid the situation in which the

evidence does not address the initial research questions. Hence,

the research design deals with a logical problem and specifies how

the researcher will address critical issues like representation and

legitimization. Furthermore, a research design describes a flexible

8 | P a g e

set of guide lines that connects theoretical archetypes to

strategies of inquiry and methods for collecting empirical

materials. It locates researchers in an empirical world and ties

them to particular sites, persons, groups, institutions and bodies

of relevant interpretive material, including documents and

archives. This chapter covers the methods of study. Mainly, it

deals with data collections from primary and secondary sources,

validation of data and data analysis plan.

2.2 Research Methods:

This research is an opinion survey research. That is why, we will

mostly collect data from primary sources of information.

Selection of data collection method will depend on the objectives

of the study and types of information needed. This section

presents an overview of the methods will be used in this

research.\

In the research mainly 3 research methods is used:-

(1) Survey Questionnaire

(2) Interview

(3) Focus Group Discussion

(1)Survey Questionnaire:

In questionnaire survey, we prepared a questionnaire with some

important and reliable questions which will be asked to 50

students of Dhaka University. A structured questionnaire with

close and open ended questions will be made in this case. But,

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open ended questions will be get more preference. This method

will help to collect analyze reliable, quantitative and primary

data.

(2) Interview Method:

In this research, to collect more opinion elaborately we will

follow interview method. We selected some sample and ask them

about their opinions on quota system in BCS. As we are looking

for people’s opinion, the survey questionnaire will not enough to

figure out the actual factors. The in depth personal interview

will give the respondents freedom to share their opinion and

judgments.

(3)Focus Group Discussion:

In this research, structured group of individuals brought

together to discuss about the topic during specific period of

time. We requested that all participants will respect each

other’s privacy by keeping what they hear in the focus group

confidential. In our focus group discussion, there will have 6-10

individuals.

2.3. Sample Design:

Because of resource constraints all the students of Dhaka

University cannot be chosen as respondents. Therefore, Stratified

Random Sampling is being used to choose the respondents for the

purpose of the questionnaire survey. 4 strata have been chosen

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from each of the study areas namely Social Science Faculty, Arts

Faculty, Business Faculty and Science faculty.

Sample Size:

A total of 40 respondents have been chosen from the 4 strata

mentioned above for the questionnaire survey.

The composition of the respondents will be as follows:

Study Area

Stratum

No. of Respondents

Students of SocialScience Faculty

15

Study Area

Stratum

No. of Respondents

Students of Science Faculty

15

Dhaka University Students of Arts Faculty

15

Students of Business Faculty

15

TOTAL 60

The composition for conducting interview will be as follows:

Interviewee’s Faculty No. of Interviewee

Science Faculty 15Arts Faculty 15Social Science Faculty 20Business faculty

10Fine Arts Faculty 5

11 | P a g e

Total 65

2.4. Validation of Data

The collected data has been validated through cross checking with

each other and with the secondary sources if any.

2.5. Data Analysis Plan

Data analysis plan is where the researcher continually reflects on

collected data , moving deeper for understanding and representing

the data, and deriving an interpretation of the larger meaning of

the data (Creswell: 2003:190).The essence of this study is to

convert large quantities of data into condensed forms to facilitate

easy interpretation and understanding for readers. The data

collected were articulated in tabular form, analyzed both manually

and statistically, presented by charts and transcribed into texts.

A relationship between data and variables was established by

interpreting statements. Results are presented through narrative

texts, simple computations and logical reasoning.

Chapter-3:Conceptual Overview

3.1. Introduction:

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In this chapter we look at the conceptual issues about the quota

system in civil service in Bangladesh. Quota System/Policy is a

hiring policy, where a specified number or percentages of

specific group members are to be hired. In Bangladesh every

government jobs are enriched with the quota system. Different

types of quota are available in both cadre and non-cadre class I

& II jobs. The persons are selected for government jobs either

from merit basis or district basis.

Quota system was introduced in the government service by an

executive order in 1972, where 45% are reserved on merit, rest

55% is distributed as 30% for children of freedom fighters, 10%

for women, 10% for districts and 5% for indigenous people.

Recruitment into different Cadres of the Bangladesh Civil Service

(BCS) is in accordance with the provisions of this rule. No

direct appointment can be given in BCS Cadre Service without the

recommendation of the Public Service Commission, and examinations

are held (both written & viva-voce). The purpose of this quota

system is to equally develop the country but whenever we

compromise the selection at the highest level of government

service through quota implies the negative impact on the

improvement of governance.

3.2. Conceptual Issues about quota system in BCS:

Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) Examination is a nationwide

competitive examination in Bangladesh conducted by the Bangladesh

Public Service Commission for recruitment to the various

13 | P a g e

Bangladesh Civil Service cadres, including BCS(Admin),

BCS(Foreign Affairs), BCS(Police) and among others. The

examination is conducted in three phases - the Preliminary

examination, the Written examination and the Viva Voce

(Interview). The entire process from the notification of the

Preliminary examination to declaration of the final results takes

1.5 to 2 years. Quota system was introduced in the government

service by an executive order in 1972, After independence of

Bangladesh till 1976 only 20 percent of civil officers were

recruited on merit basis. In 1976 recruitment on merit increased

from 20% to 40% and in 1985 merit became 45% which is still going

on. On the other hand rest 55% is distributed as 30% for children

of freedom fighters, 10% for women, 10% for districts and 5% for

indigenous people. Freedom fighter quota is further continued to

their children and grand children in 1997 and in 2010

respectively. Current policy and distribution of Quota is highly

criticized by the civil society members and intellectuals.

Specially the further continuation of freedom fighter quota among

their children and grand children is highly controversial and

also a somewhat violation of the article 19 and 29 of the

Constitution of Bangladesh. Mass student protest against the

quota system was erupted in 2013. Anti Quota Protests were

spread to other parts of the country which made this protest a

vital political issue.

3.3. Changes in Quota System

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Year Merit Freedo

m

Fighte

r

Women Affect

ed

Women

Tribal Distri

ct

Total

1972 20 30 0 10 0 40 1001976 40 30 10 10 0 10 1001985 45 30 10 0 05 10 100Source: Khan and Ahmed, 2008

3.4. Relevant theory:

Social Inequality Theory:- This study can be related to Max

Weber’s Social Inequality Theory. Weber argued that Social In

equality had a clear and important economic dimensions. He

believed that three related dimensions of inequality needed to be

understood to understand social inequality. These are :

a. Class:

This was theorized by Max Weber on the basis of unequal access to

material resources. Here a person is in dominant position and

another in subordinate position because of access to a desired

social resource.

b. Status or social power:

Here one person respects another as his or her social superior.

The another person will potentially be able to exercise power

over the first person.

15 | P a g e

c. Party or political power:

This form of power is related to the way in which the state is

organized. If one can influence this process of law creation then

he will be in a potentially powerful position.

Actually, quota system was emerged because of these inequality in

our society on the basis of resources. Some people have more

resources than another. Some were lagging behind. So state allows

them some quota. But when those unimproved people are improving

then the inequality is not existed in the society. On the other

hand, it can be said that, in a perception survey, there are

people of different category or class. Because of their present

inequality thought or for their status or political power,

perception can be changed.

3.5. Analytical Framework:

DEPENDENT VARIABLE

INDEPENDENT VARIABLES

16 | P a g e Politicization

Motivation to PublicService

Sense of Equality

Sense of Deprivation

Students’ perception towards quota system in BCS

Figure: Dependent and Independent Variables

Indicators for the Independent Variables

Independent Variables

Measurable Indicators

1.Sense of Equity Having special quota Attitude to prevent inequity Gender perspective Involving disadvantaged people

in the mainstream2.Motivation to public service

Personal wish to serve public Interested to careerism Civil service incentives Less interest in private sector

3. Political view Have personal political power Supported political party

exists in government Eager to use benefits of quota

system politically Political family background

4. Sense of Deprivation

Unsuccessfulness in any previous BCS

Having no quota Having no lobbying Observing successfulness of

less meritorious students who have quota.

3.6. Conclusion:

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During the time of analysis, it got more importance. In a

research, the identification of dependent and independent

variables is important. Because, it helps the researchers to

validate the data which are collected from primary sources. Not

only this, in this chapter, there is a clear idea or conceptual

idea about the study problem. Here the study problem is quota

system in Bangladesh civil service, which is very much important

to know for the researchers and also for the users of the

research. It is important to know the background and the theory

relevant with the research topic. This is helpful for correct

data analysis by correct data analysis tool.

Chapter-4: Presentation of primary data and Data analysis

4.1. Data Presentation

Demographic background of the respondents

In any research, at first it is important to show thedemographic background of the respondents. It isimportant for the reader to know the status of therespondents.

Faculty /Student Category

No of General Students

No of quota holder

Male Students

Female Students

Male Students

Female Students

18 | P a g e

Social Science Faculty 11 09 08 07

Arts Faculty 10 09 06 05

Science Faculty 11 09 08 07

Business Faculty 08\ 08 04 05

Q. Are you concerned about quota system?

At first the topic of the research should be easy for therespondents. Otherwise he or she can not answer well. So, thisquestion was asked to know their knowledge.

Q. Quota denies Merit

It was asked by referencing that many people tell this.

The summery of their cause are given below:

Number of respondents

Agree (69.8%)

Number of respondents

Disagree (30.2%)

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Yes 98.7%

No 1.3%

Causes

1. It is an obstacle to more recruit meritoriousstudents2. Less meritorious candidates can not handle practical problems in office.3. Meritorious students are became deprived and so the bureaucracy can not become the reliable institution. 4.It does not attract the real meritorious students.5. Most of the candidates selected by quota are not expert andskilled

Causes

1. Quota does not deny merit because the students who are backward do not have many facility which the general students have. 2. If it is considered like that, The constitution of Bangladesh could not say thebackward section of people. 3. It is not about denying merit because in every BCS a lot of candidates are taking part and becoming successful.

Q. Perception on Political Effect on existing quotapercentage

Perception of respondents Number of respondents (125)

Percentage

Some part of present quota percentage is politically decorated

92 76.7%

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No political effect 22 17.6%

No comment 11 9.1%

Q. Quota system as a recruitment policy:

Here the respondents give their opinions. There were manydifferent opinions. But some common opinions are given below.They gave different opinions in different ways, but these are themain theme of their words.

Assessment of quota system as a recruitment policy for an effective civil service

Perception of students Number of respondents (65)

Percentage

Weak recruitment policy andthe origin of the system should be abolished

13 20%

Effective for ensuring equity on public service

07 10.7%

Weak recruitment policy andthe part of the system should be reformed

45 69.2%

Q. Women quota and female participation

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Some Common perceptions about women quota and female participation

Perceptions Number of respondents Male/female

The present women quota percentage helpswomen to come in BCS

67(53.6%) Male- 35

Female-32

Women quota percentageshould be increased

19 (15.2%) Male- 1Female-18

Now women quota is notneeded ,because nowwomen are getting jobfor merit

11(8.8%) Male- 11

Female- 0

Existing quota system can not empower actually the real backward women all thetime.

28 (22.4%) Male- 13

Female-15

The table describes the opinion percentage of male respondents and female also. It was done to present theidea of male and female respondents about women quota.

Q. Perception about Freedom Fighter Quota;

This question was asked to students. Among them some were selected who have no quota and another same numberof respondents are selected who have freedom fighter quota. This purposive study was held for comparing their different opinions. Some common perceptions are given below:

Number of 22 | P a g e

Perceptions respondents General students

Freedom fighter’s quota holder

The existing 30% quota for freedom fighters should be decreased

53.3% 13.97%

The freedom fighters have to be provided another facilities rather than quota

36.6% 13.1%

Freedom fighters are takingadvantages from both Quota and Age

5.6% 3.23%

Present system of giving quota to the grandsons of freedom fighters can not besupported

3.1% 1.8%

This quota is necessary because now real freedom fighters are deprived from different facilities

_

56.4%

This quota inspires some people to make fake freedomfighter’s certificate

1.4% 11.5%

Q.Perceptions about Effect of quota:

The effect of quota system on motivation towards publicservice

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28%

46%

26%

Effect of quota system on public service motivation

Positive

Negative

Nutral

Here the effects are three types- positive, negativeand neutral. Here positive motivation is for 28%,negative is for 46% and neutral is for 26%. Duringanswering this question the respondents were asked thecause. Most of the case their opinion were dependenton their personal motivation to public service. Thosewho are asked this question by interview, only theycould give the reason.

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Q. The average of suggested quota percentage by DU students

Merit Freedom Fighter's Quota

Women District Quota

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%

75.1

9.9 10.2 4.8

Suggested quota percentages

Suggested quota percentages

4.2. Qualitative Data Analysis:

The first question of the questionnaire was very common to all

that are they concerned about the existing quota system in BCS.

About 98.7% student answered the same. All of them are concerned

about it. But some of them think this as internal matter because

they are trying for next BCS . But another group know a little

beat. As all of them are the students of a public university it

is not uncommon scene for the researchers.

When it was asked to tell the effect of politics on the

implementation of existing quota percentage their opinion differs

from each other. Here it was clear that those students who are

active in politics did not want to agree about the political

effect. Most of them said that there was no political effect.

Actually political effect is a sensitive issue for them. Because

some of them are political background from family or personally.

The students are asked indirectly about their political activity,

25 | P a g e

but it did not make them clear that their political status is

needed for analyzing their opinion. Some of them said about some

political regime when some political effect was seen. But most of

the time they were influenced by their political beliefs. But

student who have no political lobbying or power, most of the time

they wanted to become neutral in their opinions. Some of them

did not want to talk about political effect. Because they think

it sensitive to answer. So one of our independent variable was

Politicization or political view. During data collection it was

clear that there is a great influence of political view on their

opinion. Another case is important. When some of them are asked

about different quota individually, their perception are

influenced by political views rather than neutral.

When they are asked about the effect of quota on public service

motivation, then 28% answer is positive, 46% answer is

negative and another 26% is neutral. From the data presentation

it is clear that those 28% is positive in their opinion, most of

them are quota holder. So, the independent variable “sense of

equity” has a great influence on it. Some are not quota holder

but they answer for positive. During analysis about their

motivation to public service, it is clear that theay are strongly

motivated for joining civil service. So, it can be said that

because of their strong motivation, there are no negative

attitude for quota system. This motivation can be created for

careerism in civil service or for representing the

administration. So “Their Motivation to Public Service” make

26 | P a g e

another influence on their opinion. Another 26% percent contains

about same number of quota holder and general students. Quota

holder beliefs the quota for ensuring equity. On the other hand,

most of the students without quota are medium motivated to civil

service. So, their motivation are not affected.

When the respondents are asked about the Freedom Fighters quota,

the firs opinion is this quota percentage should be decreased.

Among the number of people who gave this opinion, 53.3% are

general students and only 13.97% are quota holders. Those who

have no freedom fighter quota, it is normal from them. But this

13.97% quota holder said this because though they have quota this

percentage seems burden to them. But after a while 36.6% general

students said that freedom fighters should be provided by another

facility rather than quota. , But only 13.1% quota holders said

the same. Those 13.1% were asked why they gave this type opinion.

Most of them said if they are provided the main facilities or

arrange rehabilitation for freedom fighters , then it is not

needed. Because, this quota make them underestimated to the

society. Another opinion were came from only quota holders. That

is this quota is necessary because now real freedom fighters are

deprived from different facilities. This opinion is depend on

having quota. In another opinion, it is also clear that, their

opinions are influenced by having quota or not.

From the beginning of the study, the gender balance was

considered as an important issue. Because, there is a matter of

27 | P a g e

women quota related perception. When they are asked about women

quota, among 67 respondents, 32 female respondents said that

The present women quota percentage helps women to come in BCS.

Another 35 male respondents said this also. This can be said that

these 35 male respondents want to make gender equity in society.

18 female said thet this women quota percentage is not enough for

equity. So, this should be increased. Here this type of opinion

came from deprivation. Now women quota is not needed ,because now

women are getting job for merit. 11 male respondents said this.

So, it can be said that they are not aware about the equity of

society. 15 Female existing quota system can not empower actually

the real backward women all the time. It actually indicated their

deprived mentality for fill up the vacan post by special BCS or

in other way.

Besides these, at the time of answering another questions it was

clear to the researchers that their opinion is greatly influenced

by having quota, attitude to prevent inequality, gender

perspective, involving disadvantaged people in mainstreaming etc

which are also responsible to furnish their sense of equity. On

the other hand, their opinions are also influenced by their

personal wish to serve public, interest in careerism, incentives

from civil service etc which are also responsible for creating

their attitude to the motivation about public service. It is also

clear that their opinions are affected by their personal

political view, which was also influenced by having personal or

family political power, or by the view of supported political

28 | P a g e

party. Like these, Sense of deprivation is another independent

variable which was also influenced by different indicators. So,

it can be said that, there is positive or strong correlation

exists between dependent and independent variables.

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Chapter-5: Recommendation and

Conclusion

5.1. Recommendations:

From the discussions of all the chapters, specially the chapter

which contains findings and analysis, it becomes quite clear that

the issue of quota requires to be seriously reviewed with a

practical and long range view. Within the civil service itself

and within the common people, ther is a common growing feeling

that merit should be given more importance and could lead to well

trained and capable civil service with capacity to meet the

challenges of 21st century. Some recommendations can be drawn by

analyzing the perceptions of the students of Dhaka University, as

this is the representative institution in the country. Those

recommendations are:

Quota should be replaced by affirmative action which to

upgrade position of a particular area or class of people. To

do this education, economic condition improves are of utmost

necessity. In constitution the affirmative actions are

created for backward section of people. But if at is ensured

that people from all part of the country are provided by

same opportunities, then the large percentage of quota can

be abolished.

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Women quota was created for ensuring gender balance and

women empowerment. In our finding we saw some people said

that women quota is not necessary, because now more women

are getting chance in BCS without quota and actually for

merit. In this case it is the case of concern that the

people who gave this comment are male. So, if the mentality

of male members of t5he country can not be changed then it

will impossible to empower women only by quota.

As the study was conducted on the perceptions of the

students of Dhaka University, it can be said that the

opinions represent the the whole country. Here another big

portions demand was that the procedure of identifying

different quota holders are difficult. But this stage should

be transparent and efficiently done. Otherwise the

percentage fixed by quota will not be freshly implemented.

Another important recommendation is that, favour should not

be continued for a particular group of people for an

unending period. For example: In 1973, a special examination

was held only for freedom fighters, wet favour is

distributed to same group of people time and again.

Quota should not be politically decorated. Some opinions

reflects that, some part of the existing quotas are

sometimes chosen by PSC as their favourites. It gives a

great effect on both quota holders and the general students

who have no quota.

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The quota for tribal, disabled people are so sensitive. That

is why these quotas should be ensured transparently. It

should also bear in mind that these quota is only for their

participation in civil service. The total percentage which

was fixed for them should be only fulfilled by them.

A commission is needed to redistributed the quota system at

the entry level. The lawmakers of our country should not be

unwilling to make any change of it. Because, it is known to

all that anything can be possible by the enforcement of law.

5.2. Conclusion:

Some said about the abolishment of quota system, but another

group said about the reform of quota system in BCS. But There is

no scope for second thought other than restructuring quota

reservation. Otherwise the constitutional provision may in

reality become a deterrent rather enable of ensuring equity. It

would also grow into a huge barrier of ensuring meritocracy in

the public Sector in Bangladesh. Now-a-days, it is common to all

that, slowly the most meritorious students are lack of confidence

for represent civil service of Bangladesh. This situation now is

under control. But, after a period of time, this situation can

become uncontrolled and our desired civil service may become

inefficient. This will be a great threat for ensuring our

development.

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References:1. Aminuzzaman, M. Salahuddin. Introduction to Social Research,Bangladesh Publishers, Dhaka (1991).

2.Aminuzzaman, M. Salahuddin. Essentials of Social Research, Osder

Publishers, Dhaka , (2011)

3.Gender Mainstreaming in Bangladesh Civil Service: Prospects and

Constraints By Momtaz Jahan

4. Nuzhat Yasmin, Quota System in Bangladesh Civil Service: An Appraisal; A

Dissertation.

5. Khan A.A and Ahmed K.R, Quota system for civil service recruitment in

Bangladesh: An Explanatory Analysis, Bangladesh Public Service

Commission (2008)

6. Role and Effect of Quota System in BCS; Study Tools

7. Babbie, Earl, Survey research Methods, Belmont, Wadsworth

(1973)

8. Bickman, Leonard; Debra J. Rof edited, Handbook of Applied

Social Research Methods, New Delhi Sage Publications. (1998)

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Appendix

Perception survey of Dhaka University Students

Questionnaire

(The purpose of this research is to assess the effectiveness of the existing quota system

To collect the opinion of the students of Dhaka University about quota system in BCS as

a representative university. We are therefore requesting that you give us your views and

opinions by filling in the questionnaire. All of your answers will kept confidentially)

Name of the respondent : …………………………………………

Name of the faculty: ………………………………………………

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Age of the respondent : …………………………………………...(Please write your name, faculty name and age)

1. Are you concerned about the existing quota system and quota percentage in for recruiting officials in BCS?

Yes No

2. Are you a quota holder of any existing quota?

Yes No

3. Write about your political belief please.(This is nothing but an information which will help us to analyze data)

………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………….4. Some people said that quota denies merit. Do you-

Agree

Disagree

Please validate your answer by writing the cause why you agree or disagree this?

……………………………………………………………………….........................

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……………………………………………………………………………………….

5. Select your idea about the political effect on quota fulfillment?

Sometimes politically decorated

No political effect No comment

6. What do you think about the women quota and is it effective for gender equity in civil service?

……………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………….

7. What is the effect of quota system on public servicemotivation?

Positive

Negative

Neutral

8. Please give your perception about the Freedom fighter quota?

……………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………….

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9. Do you support the anti quota protest by the students of Dhaka University?

Yes

No

No comment

10.

Distribution of Vacancies Gazette Posts (Class I & II)

Merit 45%District quota 55%

g. Women 10%h. Freedom Fighters 30%i. Tribal People 05%j. District quota 10%k. Ansar and VDPl. Orphan of Shishu Sadan

This is the present quota percentages. Please write thesuggested or supported percentages by you? (Please fill up the chart below)

Distribution of Vacancies Gazette Posts (Class I & II)

Merit

District quotaa. Women

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b. Freedom Fighters c. Tribal People d. District quota e. Ansar and VDPf. Orphan of Shishu Sadan

Thank You

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