Bangladesh Islamists Protest Women’s Rights Reform Near Dhaka University

Thousands of men aligned with the Islamist group Hefazat-e-Islam staged a mass protest in Bangladesh’s capital on May 3, rejecting proposed reforms aimed at advancing gender equality.

The protest, held near Dhaka University, drew over 20,000 demonstrators who carried placards denouncing what they described as Western-influenced legal changes, particularly reforms seeking equal property rights for women under Muslim law.

Group leaders argued the reforms contradict Sharia law and demanded the immediate disbandment of the interim reform commission. Hefazat-e-Islam’s Mamunul Haque accused the commission of “hurting the sentiments of the majority” by suggesting that Islamic inheritance laws contribute to gender inequality.

The group issued an ultimatum, vowing to hold nationwide protests on May 23 unless their demands are met. They also called for a ban on the Awami League party, formerly led by ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was removed from office in August and has since gone into exile in India.

Hasina’s critics accuse her administration of violently suppressing dissent, including the alleged killing of hundreds during protests leading up to her removal. Since her departure, Islamist groups have become increasingly vocal, and minority communities have reported rising intimidation.