Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has announced a nationwide protest for May 23, calling for the abolition of the Women’s Reform Commission and the holding of divisional conferences to advocate for women’s rights.
Party Secretary General, Maulana Sajidur Rahman, came up with announcement during its grand rally held at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka on Saturday (May 3).
He said the protest will take place after Friday prayers and will focus on four key demands, including the immediate dissolution of the commission, which the group claims undermines Islamic values.
Earlier at the rally, Hefazat’s Nayeb-e-Amir, Maulana Mahfuzul Haque, presented a 12-point declaration. Joint Secretary General Azizul Haque Islamabadi also read a written speech on behalf of Hefazat’s Amir, Muhibbullah Babunagari.
In the statement, Babunagari alleged that Bangladesh is facing multiple internal and external threats, including what he termed as “imperialist conspiracies” involving neighboring India and Western powers.
He criticized recent recommendations by the Women's Reform Commission, calling them anti-Islamic, and warned the interim government against implementing policies influenced by what he described as “imperialist-funded feminist NGOs.”
He called for the commission’s abolition and proposed the formation of a new body involving Islamic scholars. Hefazat also demanded strict legislation to curb dowry practices, protect women's safety in workplaces and educational institutions, and uphold laws penalizing insults to religion.
The party further opposed proposed revisions by the Media Reform Commission, which include removing sections criminalizing religious defamation, terming it a "deep conspiracy" against Islamic values.
"We want to build a Bangladesh where all citizens—including minorities—enjoy religious freedom and protection of life and property," Babunagari said, calling for an end to enforced disappearances, police torture, and political repression.
The rally concluded with a prayer led by Muhibbullah Babunagari. Other speakers included central leaders Mahmudur Hasan Qashemi, Ahmed Qashemi, Mamunul Haque, and Hasnat Abdullah of the Jatiya Nagorik Party.
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