Dhaka, Jul 12 (UNB) - The government has decided to fill up 582 posts of non-cadre assistant surgeons from the merit list as the required number of candidates from 30 percent quota reserved for freedom fighters was not available.

The decision was taken at the 74th cabinet meeting held at Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.

Briefing journalists, Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad said the decision to fill up the 582 vacant posts from the merit list has been taken as more health officials are urgently needed to ensure timely and quality healthcare.

Asked whether there is any plan to review the quota system, he said 30 percent reserve quota for the freedom fighters and their offspring will continue.

Moreover, the cabinet also discussed how the quota facilities can be extended to other family members of the freedom fighters.

Azad said that in near future the freedom fighters and even their offspring will not be able to enjoy the quota facility due to age limitations.

“In such a situation, the cabinet discussed how the quota facility for the freedom fighters can be offered to other family members.”