The High Court has ruled that the government's decision to cancel the 30% freedom fighter quota in government jobs is illegal. The court ordered the retention of this quota, nullifying the circular issued on October 4, 2018. The bench of Justice Md Nazrul Islam Talukder and Justice Khizir Hayat delivered the ruling.

Senior Advocate Munsurul Haque Chowdhury represented the petitioner, while Deputy Attorney General Sheikh Mohammad (SK) Saifuzzaman Zaman represented the state.

On October 4, 2018, the government had announced that direct recruitment for all government jobs from the 9th to the 13th grade would be based entirely on merit, thereby abolishing the quota system.

The quota system was first introduced on November 5, 1972, by the then-government through an executive order, which included 30% for freedom fighters and 10% for women. Over the years, the system underwent several reforms. Before its abolition, approximately 56% of government jobs were reserved under various quotas, including 30% for freedom fighters' descendants, 10% for women, 10% for individuals from underdeveloped districts, 5% for indigenous communities, and 1% for the physically challenged.

In response to widespread student protests in 2018, the government formed a seven-member committee led by the cabinet secretary to reform the quota system. Subsequently, the Public Administration Ministry issued the circular on October 4, 2018, canceling the quota for 1st and 2nd class government jobs.

Ohidul Islam Tushar, president of the Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sontan o Projonmo Kendrio Command Council, challenged this decision by filing a writ petition. On December 6, 2021, the High Court issued a rule asking the government to explain why the circular should not be declared illegal. The rule was directed at the cabinet secretary, the secretary to the Liberation War Affairs Ministry, the secretary to the Public Administration Ministry, and the Chairman of the Public Service Commission.