Dhaka, 18 July — The government has expressed its agreement in principle to reform the quota system, Law Minister Anisul Haque announced in a briefing at the tunnel of Sangsad Bhavan on Thursday.

Law Minister Anisul Haque stated that the government welcomes the proposal for discussions with students involved in the quota reform movement. The Law Minister, along with Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel, will engage in dialogue with the students as soon as they agree to a meeting.

In a move to expedite the legal process, Anisul Haque revealed that on the advice of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Attorney General has been instructed to request an earlier hearing date for the case in the Appellate Division, originally scheduled for August 7. The application to advance the hearing date will be filed next Sunday, July 21.

To address the incidents of violence and fatalities during the protests, a judicial investigation committee has been formed. The committee will be headed by High Court Judge Khondkar Diliruzzaman, tasked with investigating the deaths of students in clashes at various locations.

The Law Minister emphasized that the government's goal aligns with the agitators' aim of reforming the quota system. He urged the students to withdraw or suspend their protests, assuring them that the government is in favor of the reforms they seek.

In response to journalists' queries, Anisul Haque reiterated that the case is currently under trial in the Supreme Court. Once the hearing commences, the government will formally propose the quota reforms. He assured that since the government supports the idea of reforms, the necessary steps will be taken to implement changes in the quota system.

The quota reform movement has been marked by increasing violence and clashes, resulting in multiple fatalities. The government’s recent decision to engage in dialogue and expedite legal proceedings reflects a commitment to address the concerns of the protestors and restore order.

The government's agreement in principle to quota reforms and the formation of a judicial investigation committee signal a significant step towards resolving the ongoing unrest. The engagement with student leaders and the proposed legal actions indicate a concerted effort to address the demands of the protestors and ensure justice for those affected by the violence.