Bangladeshi's Islamists seek abolition of commission

BANGLADESH’S influential Islamist coalition has demanded the abolition of a government women’s commission, a further indication of how hardline, religiously fuelled activism is strengthening after years of suppression.

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The women’s commission is part of efforts to reform systems installed during the iron-fisted rule of Shiekh Hasina, who was overthrown by student-led mass protests in August 2024.

Hefazat-e-Islam, a platform of religious seminaries, wants the cancellation of the Women’s Affairs Reforms Commission, set up by the caretaker government of Nobel Peace prize winner Mohammed Yunus.

Azizul Haque Islamabadi, a senior Hefazat-e-Islam leader, said the group opposed the commission’s recommendation for ending discriminatory provisions against women.