Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque has expressed his support for the student-led movement across Bangladesh demanding for quota reforms in government jobs.

"The anti-quota protest has a valid reasoning. I also personally favour quota reform. The court has ruled in favor of the protestors' demands. I raised these issues in the cabinet meeting. Let's wait," Haque told The Mirror Asia in response to a question.

Addressing allegations of false freedom fighters’ names appearing on official lists even after scrutiny, the minister acknowledged, "Everyone makes mistakes. We may also have some mistakes. However, we have informed all police stations across the country about this issue. Certificates are now issued with code numbers to prevent forgery."

He attributed the creation of false freedom fighter lists to the local administration and local freedom fighters. "They list the wrong people. These lists are being scrutinised," he said.

Recently, a fake freedom fighter from Bogura fraudulently secured government jobs for his five sons under the freedom fighter quota, falsely claiming they were adopted. "This is definitely a shame. That person has been arrested. All those involved in forging freedom fighter certificates will be brought to justice, and all fake certificates will be canceled. The National Freedom Fighters Council has started working towards that goal," said Haque.

As part of their ongoing movement, students have blocked major intersections across the country in a 'Bangla Blockade' programme, which has put the capital’s traffic movement to a standstill.

While the government has labeled the anti-quota protests 'irrational’, several other political parties, including the BNP, support the movement.

Since July 1, students have been protesting under the banner of the 'Anti-Discrimination Student Movement,' with a four-point demand, including the abolition of the quota system.

The quota system, which reserved 56 percent of positions in government jobs for various types of applicants, was abolished in 2018. This decision was challenged in 2021 by descendants of freedom fighters, leading to a High Court ruling on June 5, 2024 that declared the abolition of the freedom fighters’ quota, which accounted for 30 percent, illegal.