Age 30 Limit on Job Entry is Discrimination: Shahdeen Malik
Senior Supreme Court lawyer Shahdeen Malik stated that criteria beyond an individual's control constitute discrimination. He argued that barring someone from a job because they are over 30 years old is discriminatory, as birth date and age are not controllable.
Dr. Malik made these remarks while participating in a citizen dialogue on the draft 'National Human Rights Commission Ordinance-2025' on Saturday (September 27). He elaborated, "Human rights violations occur in areas where people have no control, like being born male or female, or in a Muslim family—religion wasn't my choice."
Dr. Malik further said, "Saying you're ineligible for a job because you're over 30, or deeming someone unfit for work at 60 due to age, is discrimination. However, age restrictions may apply in fields requiring physical fitness, like law enforcement."
He highlighted high public expectations from the Human Rights Commission, suggesting it research and recommend to the government on issues like the low number of female vice-chancellors in universities to increase representation.
Dr. Malik's comments come amid ongoing debates on age-based barriers in Bangladesh's job market, where the 30-year limit for many government positions has faced criticism for excluding qualified candidates. The Supreme Court in 2023 extended the limit to 32 for freedom fighter quotas, but general caps persist, sparking calls for reform.
