Hefazat calls for the disbanding of the Women's Reform Commission

Hefazat Demands Dissolution of Women’s Reform Commission, Announces Nationwide Protest

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has demanded the dissolution of the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission, denouncing it as "anti-Quran." The Islamist organization made the call as part of a 12-point declaration issued at a rally held at Suhrawardy Udyan, where its Nayeb-e-Ameer Mahfuzul Haque announced plans for a nationwide protest on May 23, 2024, following Juma prayers.

The group proposed the formation of a new women’s commission comprising Islamic scholars and representatives from what it described as "pious and devout" segments of the female population. Hefazat asserted that women’s advancement should align with the nation’s religious and cultural values rather than Western norms.

Among its central demands, the group called for reinstating "complete faith and trust in Almighty Allah" in the constitution and the removal of what it called the "suicidal concept" of pluralism. It also rejected terms like "gender identity," "gender diversity," "third gender," and "inclusive" as vehicles for promoting LGBT and transgender rights, warning these could lead to a “destructive, anti-religious, pro-homosexual society.”

The declaration demanded swift proceedings in tribunals investigating the 2013 Shapla Chattar crackdown and the July 2024 incidents. It also called for the prosecution of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her associates ahead of the next general election, branding the ruling Awami League a "terrorist organization" and demanding a ban on its activities until legal action is taken.

Hefazat further called for the highest punishment for blasphemy, opposed the Media Reform Commission’s suggestion to repeal existing blasphemy laws, and demanded the cancellation of bail for Chinmoy Das in the Saiful Islam Alif murder case in Chattogram. The group also urged the government to withdraw what it claims are false cases against Islamic scholars, madrasa students, and religious youth.

On foreign policy, Hefazat urged stronger diplomatic opposition to Israeli actions in Gaza and to the persecution of Muslims in India. It advocated a boycott of Israeli and Indian products and demanded mandatory Islamic education at all levels.

The group condemned the government's reported approval of a "humanitarian corridor" in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, calling it a "reckless and dangerous move" that could threaten national security.

Regarding the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Hefazat called for increased military presence and initiatives to improve relations between Bengali settlers and indigenous communities. The declaration also reiterated its demand for the state to officially declare the Ahmadiyya community as non-Muslim.

Hefazat announced that divisional-level conferences would follow in the coming three months to advance their agenda.

Its four core demands include abolishing the women’s reform commission, reinstating Islamic principles in the constitution, dropping all cases against its members, and taking concrete action against what it describes as genocide and persecution of Muslims in Palestine and India.