Thousands of Islamists gathered in Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka, over the weekend to protest proposed changes to women’s rights, particularly in relation to property rights for Muslim women. The rally was organized by the Hefazat-e-Islam group, with more than 20,000 supporters taking to the streets near Dhaka University.
According to leaders of the group, the proposed legal reforms are seen as conflicting with Sharia law. Banners and placards at the rally carried messages such as “Say no to Western laws on our women, rise up Bangladesh.” The group has threatened to hold more rallies across the country on May 23 if their demands are not met.
Mamunul Haque, a prominent leader of Hefazat-e-Islam, called for the abolition of the interim government’s reforms commission and for punishment of its members for suggesting changes that go against religious laws. He argued that the proposed reforms undermine the religious laws of inheritance and perpetuate inequalities between men and women.
In addition to their stance on women’s rights, the group also called for a ban on the Awami League party led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted in August. Hasina’s opponents accuse her government of human rights abuses during her rule, leading to her exile in India.
Since Hasina’s departure, Islamist groups in Bangladesh have become more vocal, leading to concerns among minority groups who feel intimidated. The rally in Dhaka is just one example of the growing tensions and polarization within Bangladeshi society over issues related to religion, politics, and gender equality.
