Bangladesh women lose ground in government jobs

Women in Bangladesh are securing a smaller share of public-sector jobs after quota reforms that followed years of student protests over recruitment rules.

Until 2018, quotas covered 56 percent of Class I posts, the top ranking civil service and public-sector jobs. That included 10 percent for women, 30 percent for descendants of those who fought for Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, and 16 percent for underprivileged regions and people with disabilities.

After quotas were largely scrapped, 93 percent of posts are now filled on merit. Seven percent are reserved for people related to freedom fighters and other smaller groups, and there is no quota for women.

The Bangladesh Public Service Commission handles around 300,000 applicants each year for 2,500 to 3,000 Class I jobs. Before the women’s quota was scrapped in 2018, women accounted for up to 35 percent of recruits, including quota and merit-based appointments. That fell to 19 percent in the last exam round.

A BPSC official, speaking anonymously, said the body “finds the outcome uncomfortable” but that its role is limited to conducting the examination.

The effect is also visible beyond the civil service. Police data showed that 267 women out of 2,651 candidates qualified as constables this year, six of 184 candidates qualified as police sub-inspectors, and no women qualified as sergeants, compared with 96 men.

Some officials and academics warned that fewer women in government could affect policymaking and public services. Others defended merit-based recruitment, saying social conditions have changed and women now have more access to education.