Tens of thousands of supporters of a hardline Islamist group took to the streets in Bangladesh’s capital on Saturday to protest against proposed reforms aimed at securing equal rights for women, especially in areas related to property and inheritance. The rally, organized by the influential group Hefazat-e-Islam, voiced strong opposition to changes they claim contradict Islamic Sharia law.
The protest, held near the Dhaka University campus, attracted over 20,000 participants. Many demonstrators carried signs and banners bearing messages such as “Say no to Western laws on our women, rise up Bangladesh.” The mood was defiant and charged, as Hefazat-e-Islam leaders issued a warning to the authorities that further nationwide rallies would be held on May 23 if their demands were not met.
At the core of the protests were concerns over the legal reform proposals put forth by a commission formed by the country’s interim government. Hefazat-e-Islam contends that these proposals undermine Islamic principles and misrepresent the role of religion in determining women’s rights.
Mamunul Haque, a senior figure in the group, spoke forcefully against the reforms. He demanded that the reform commission be immediately dismantled and its members held accountable. In his address, he claimed the proposed changes had deeply offended the country’s Muslim majority. “They hurt the sentiments of the majority of the people of this country by labeling the religious laws of inheritance as the main cause of inequality between men and women,” he said.
The backlash stems from the commission’s recommendation to revise inheritance and property laws that currently follow Islamic principles, which often allocate women a smaller share than men. Supporters of the reform argue that these changes are essential for achieving gender equality in Bangladesh, a nation where women, though active in the workforce and politics, often face legal and social disadvantages. However, conservative religious groups argue that any departure from religious law constitutes an attack on Islam.
Hefazat-e-Islam’s grievances extend beyond the reforms. The group also called on the interim administration to take political action against the Awami League party, formerly led by Sheikh Hasina. Hasina, who served as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister for 15 years, was ousted in August and has since taken refuge in India. Her opponents accuse her government of violent crackdowns during protests that led to her removal.
Haque and other Hefazat leaders did not hold back in their criticism of Hasina’s administration. They demanded a formal ban on the Awami League and insisted that its leaders be barred from participating in future governance. “This party has committed unforgivable crimes against the people, especially students and Islamic scholars. We cannot let them return to power,” one speaker told the crowd.
The interim government, which is currently overseeing the country’s affairs, includes Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Punus among its top leaders. The reform commission was appointed under his leadership with the stated goal of promoting social equity and democratic accountability. However, the growing backlash from Islamist groups now presents a challenge to the administration’s efforts to modernize Bangladesh’s legal and social framework.
The rise in activism among Islamist organizations like Hefazat-e-Islam has been particularly evident since Hasina’s ouster. With the former prime minister no longer in power, religious groups have become more assertive in promoting their agenda and pushing back against secular reforms. Their rallies have drawn large crowds and garnered significant media attention, giving them greater influence over the political discourse.
In the wake of these developments, minority communities in Bangladesh have expressed growing concern. Human rights organizations report that Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists, along with secular activists and liberal Muslims, are feeling increasingly unsafe in the current political climate. According to several minority representatives, there has been a noticeable rise in intimidation and harassment since the change in government.
The situation reflects the broader struggle within Bangladesh between progressive elements seeking to modernize the country’s institutions and conservative forces determined to uphold traditional religious values. The proposed reforms concerning women’s rights have become a flashpoint in this ongoing conflict.
For Hefazat-e-Islam, the battle is not just about legislation but about preserving what they view as the religious foundation of Bangladeshi society. Their leaders argue that any move to alter Islamic inheritance laws is tantamount to erasing the role of Islam in public life. “This is not just about property,” Mamunul Haque emphasized in his speech. “It is about our identity, our faith, and our sovereignty as a Muslim nation.”
The interim government now faces a difficult choice: move ahead with reforms that have the potential to improve gender equality, or back down in the face of mounting religious opposition. Officials have not yet commented publicly on the protest or the demands made by Hefazat-e-Islam. However, political analysts warn that yielding to such pressure could embolden hardline groups and stall efforts to build a more inclusive and modern society.
Meanwhile, preparations for further protests are already underway. Hefazat-e-Islam has announced its intention to organize rallies across the country on May 23 if their demands are not addressed. Such a move could escalate tensions and deepen divisions between secular reformers and religious conservatives.
Observers note that the group’s ability to mobilize tens of thousands of people is a sign of its growing power. Despite previously being seen as a fringe movement, Hefazat-e-Islam has positioned itself as a key player in post-Hasina Bangladesh. With the political landscape in flux, the influence of Islamist voices is likely to remain strong in the near term.
As the country grapples with these competing visions for its future, the proposed reforms have sparked a debate that goes beyond legal technicalities. At stake are fundamental questions about the role of religion in law, the rights of women, and the nature of democracy in a Muslim-majority nation. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Bangladesh can navigate this turbulent period without further polarizing its diverse society.