Khelafat Majlish labels Women's Reform Commission initiative of 'atheist leftovers and Western agents', demands dissolution

Islamist political party Khelafat Majlish has demanded the immediate dissolution of the Women's Affairs Reform Commission, branding it as an initiative driven by what they termed "atheist leftovers and western agents" with the alleged aim of undermining Bangladesh's religious and familial values.  

Speaking at a protest rally today (25 April) after Juma prayers at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, party Secretary General Dr Ahmad Abdul Quader said, "The commission has been formed with some atheist leftovers and western agents, whose main objective is to destroy the religious and familial structure of Bangladesh."  

Quader alleged that, under the guise of ensuring women's rights, the commission is actually "opposing Islamic values."  

"They have proposed a uniform family law for women of all religions concerning marriage, divorce, inheritance and maintenance. This is a direct contradiction to the Quran and Sunnah and a blatant attack on the beliefs of Muslims. We will never accept such anti-Islamic actions," he said.  

The Khelafat leader further criticised the commission for recommending the professional recognition of sex workers, calling it "not only anti-Islamic but also a strategy to spread immorality and unrestrained sexual behaviour in society."  

"Granting legal recognition to sex work means encouraging it. No devout citizen of any religious nation can accept that," Quader said, warning that such agendas would destabilise families and incite unrest across society.  

"On behalf of Khelafat Majlish, we make it clear to the government, if this commission is not dissolved, the devout people of this country will be forced to launch a strong movement," he added.   

Quader also condemned the persecution of Muslims in India and criticised the international community for its silence.  

Other party leaders present at the rally argued that the commission's report reflects a specific ideological bias and that several proposals directly contradict the teachings of the Holy Quran.  

"These proposals have no connection with the realities and unique identity of Muslim women in Bangladesh. This is a well-planned assault on the existence of Islamic and Muslim identity. It is part of a deep conspiracy to destroy the country's religious harmony and family structure," they said.  

They also questioned the legitimacy of the commission members, claiming they do not represent the general female population.  

"We call upon the interim government to immediately dissolve the Women's Affairs Reform Commission and reject all its controversial proposals," said the speakers, which included party Nayebe Ameer Maulana Ahmad Ali Qasemi, Joint Secretary General Advocate Jahangir Hossain, Muhammad Muntasir Ali, Dr Mostafizur Rahman Foysal, Professor Abdul Jalil, and Organising Secretary Advocate Mizanur Rahman, among others.  

Meanwhile, additional law enforcement personnel were deployed in and around the Baitul Mukarram area to maintain order during the protest.  

TBS correspondents observed increased police presence from Paltan intersection to various mosque gates. Approximately 30 to 50 police personnel were stationed near the north gate, alongside members of the Detective Branch (DB).  

Suspicious individuals were searched at mosque entrances. 

"We are conducting searches in the interest of security and to prevent any untoward incident," said a police officer on duty, requesting anonymity.  

The Khelafat Majlish had announced the protest programme on Wednesday (23 April). The rally also included condemnation of the alleged persecution of Muslims in India.