Opposition Leader GM Quader on Wednesday criticised the government for retaining the freedom fighters quota in government jobs. He was referring to a High Court ruling last month that declared the government's 2018 decision to cancel the 30 percent quota reserved for the freedom fighters' children in the civil service of ninth to 13th grades (first and second classes of jobs) was illegal.

"Not all valiant freedom fighters are underprivileged, this is unconstitutional," he said.

GM Quader said this in his closing speech as leader of the opposition in the budget session of the 12th parliament.

Opposing freedom fighter's quota in jobs, the JP chairman said that making the freedom fighters' quota permanent to a large extent destroys the main purpose of the spirit of independence.

He said that earlier there was a 56 percent quota for government jobs, leaving just 44 percent to be recruited on merit. In 2018, all quotas were canceled in the face of student agitation.

"As a result of a court ruling, the students have again taken to the street," he said.

Highlighting the various statements of students agitating against the quota system, GM Quader said: "It destroys this main purpose of creating a society based on justice without discrimination."

Saying that the demand of the students was to cancel the 30 percent freedom fighter's quota, the opposition leader said that due respect will be given to the freedom fighters.

"But there is a different opinion among the students about the matter that all their (Freedom Fighters) successive generations including grandchildren should enjoy such advantages. Students don't agree with this," he said.

GM Quader said that the constitution talks about equality in terms of opportunities. The constitution says that there will be equality of opportunity in getting employment. No one shall be disqualified for employment in the republic on account of religion, caste and place of birth.

"If the constitution is to be obeyed then it must be obeyed. Not all the freedom fighters are underprivileged. So, looking at the issue (freedom fighter quota) in that way is not constitutional."

Quota can be kept and if there are no candidates in different quotas then freedom fighter quota can be given, Quader suggested.

He also put emphasis on searching for talents first.

"We need talent first. The country must move forward. If merit is not given priority first, then on what basis will we compete."

Quader also addressed the movement of university teachers over the universal pension scheme during his speech.

He said that such a situation has been created due to lack of trust in the government.

He said the people lack confidence that the government will be able to deliver on its commitment, i.e. whether the people will ultimately receive a payout or not.

"It reflects a large lack of confidence. It is not good for us, or for anyone in the government."