Thousands of Islamists Rally in Dhaka Against Proposed Women's Rights Reforms in Bangladesh
- Victor Nwoko
- May 3, 2025
- 2 min read
Thousands of supporters of the Islamist group Hefazat-e-Islam gathered in Dhaka on Saturday to protest proposed legal reforms aimed at promoting equal rights for women in Bangladesh, including changes to property rights for Muslim women. The group claims the recommendations contradict Sharia law and warned of further nationwide protests if their demands are not met.
The rally, held near Dhaka University, drew more than 20,000 participants. Protesters carried banners and placards bearing slogans such as “Say no to Western laws on our women, rise up Bangladesh,” in a strong show of opposition to the reforms proposed by the country's interim government.
Hefazat-e-Islam leader Mamunul Haque demanded the abolition of the interim government's legal reforms commission, calling for its members to be punished. Haque accused the commission of insulting the religious sentiments of the majority Muslim population by suggesting that Islamic inheritance laws are a root cause of gender inequality.
The group issued a warning that unless their demands are addressed, they will organize nationwide rallies on May 23. They also called for a ban on the Awami League, the party formerly led by ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted in August and has since taken exile in India.
Hasina's long-ruling government was accused by opposition groups of committing widespread violence during the protests that led to her removal from office. Following her ouster, Islamist groups have expanded their influence and visibility in Bangladesh. Minority communities have reported growing instances of intimidation and fear in the wake of the power shift.
The interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Punus, has initiated several legal reform efforts aimed at ensuring equal rights across gender lines, sparking both praise and backlash in a nation with deep-rooted religious traditions.
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