Bangladeshi women's rights activists rally against anti-feminist wave

Thousands of Bangladeshi women's rights activists on Friday gathered on Manik Mia Avenue near the Parliament building in Dhaka to demand equal rights and dignity for women.

- AGENCIES

The rally, held under the slogan "A march of solidarity at the call of women" (narira dake maitri yatra) aimed to protest against attempts to deprive women of their rights in the name of religion.

The protest follows a wave of anti-feminist sentiment in Bangladesh, sparked by controversy over the interim government's Women's Reform Commission recommendation to recognize sex workers as labourers.

Hardline Islamist groups opposed the move, making derogatory comments about women.

The activists condemned recent statements that demeaned women and demanded equal rights and dignity.

They expressed solidarity with the protest, emphasizing the importance of protecting women's rights.