Can women thrive amid rising religious and social conservatism?
While government initiatives symbolically honour women’s empowerment, public attacks from influential figures risk discouraging young women from stepping forward in education, politics and civic life. The Business Standard spoke with three women leaders and rights activists to understand what message the contrasting actions on Begum Rokeya’s birthday send for Bangladesh’s future
On one hand, the interim government is seeking to celebrate and patronise Begum Rokeya's spirit, organising events and promoting mottos such as "Ami Rokeya" (I am Rokeya) on her birthday, recognising women across education, labour rights, human rights, and sports.
On the other hand, a worrying counter-narrative has emerged: Khandaker Muhammad Mahmudul Hasan, an associate professor in the Physics Department of Rajshahi University, called Begum Rokeya a "murtad" (apostate) and "kafir" (non-believer) on Facebook, claiming she was "anti-Islam" and questioning her legacy.
The Business Standard spoke with three women leaders and rights activists to understand the message these contrasting actions send for Bangladesh's future. They warned that while government initiatives symbolically honour women's empowerment, public attacks from influential figures risk discouraging young women from stepping forward in education, politics, and civic life.
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They also emphasised that symbolic recognition must be paired with stronger societal and institutional protections, ensuring that women leaders can participate safely and fearlessly in shaping the country's future.
'Bangladeshi women have always fought back, will continue to do so'
Samanta Sharmin
Senior Joint Convenor, National Citizens Party
The comment against Begum Rokeya is not just a careless comment — it is a serious sign of where our social and educational environment may be heading. When a teacher, who is responsible for shaping the minds of the next generation, insults a pioneering woman who worked for women's rights and leadership, what message does that send to women and girls? It shows how unsafe and hostile our education system remains for women.
Begum Rokeya is not merely a writer or an educator — she is a symbol of women's education, freedom and equality. Insulting her in the name of religion is not only an attack on her legacy, but also on the history of women's progress in Bangladesh. The most worrying part is that if a university professor can say such things openly, then will young women with new ideas, creativity, or leadership feel safe to step forward?
This is why protest alone is not enough. Educational institutions must take a clear and strong position so that no teacher or responsible person can get away with sexist, hateful, or discriminatory comments. Universities should openly declare that hostility towards women has no place in education.
There is another problem around women's leadership — religious political groups and radical elements often label women who speak for equality as "atheist," "murtad," or "kafir." As more women step into leadership roles in the future, this trend may become even more dangerous. Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority country, and people are sensitive about religious values. But comments like these do not protect those values, they distort them and create division in society.
We have resisted fascist tendencies in the past. If a new form of religious fascism grows now, the society must stay alert and resist it. Bangladeshi women have always fought back, and they will continue to do so.
'Far-right groups believe they can say anything publicly without consequence'
Maha Mirza
Researcher and rights activist
When a university teacher makes an insulting comment about a pioneer of women's rights in this region, it sends a worrying message to society. Teachers shape young minds, and their words have influence. So when such a responsible person speaks in a regressive way, it reflects a deeper social problem.
If we look closely, the rise of anti-women attitudes or regressive thinking in Bangladesh is not new. It has been developing slowly for many years. But after the recent political change, these ideas have become far more visible.
Earlier, many people did not speak openly because they feared backlash, legal action, or social criticism. Now, certain conservative and far-right groups feel much more empowered. They believe they can say anything publicly without facing consequences. This is why a teacher also felt confident enough to make such a remark.
The impact on women's leadership is mixed. On one hand, the July Uprising saw many young women come out in large numbers, which was very encouraging. Even after facing online harassment and personal attacks, many of them continued their activism. This shows strength and resilience, and gives hope.
But on the other hand, online harassment — especially slut-shaming, character assasination and abusive language — has increased to a large scale. More women are now being targeted simply for having a political opinion that is different from right-wing narratives. Because of this, some women are losing interest in joining politics or public platforms. Even women who played important roles during the uprising have stepped back. So, the reality is mixed: many women are still participating, but many others have become discouraged.
In this situation, when a respected educator insults Begum Rokeya, it strengthens the negative forces that want to push women backwards. The message it gives to the next generation is dangerous: that women's empowerment, modern ideas, and anything linked to gender equality or progressive values are somehow "wrong" or "Western".
This is why the teacher's comment is so concerning. It does not only attack one historical figure. It gives legitimacy to a growing culture that wants to shame and silence women. At a time when women are already facing increasing online abuse, such remarks from a person in authority make the environment even more unsafe.
'Such comments from a university teacher prompts reevaluation of education system'
Rasheda K Chowdhury
Academic and former adviser, 2007-08 caretaker government
First of all, I want to say this is completely unacceptable. No one has the right to belittle or insult any woman. Begum Rokeya is an immortal figure in our country for her contributions to women's education, social reform, and human rights. Her work is officially recognised by the state. Treating such an iconic leader with disrespect is entirely wrong.
We should try to understand why someone would make such a comment, but that does not make this attitude acceptable in any way.
As we can see, the person who made this comment has, in effect, undermined the spirit of the entire public movement. Women in Bangladesh play leading roles in the economy, entrepreneurship, education, health, fisheries, poultry production, and many other areas of society. Their contributions are recognised by both the state and society. In this context, insulting an iconic female leader does not only harm an individual or institution — it harms society as a whole. Such behaviour must face proper accountability.
Even if someone makes such comments under the guise of religion, it is not justifiable. Anyone can criticise Begum Rokeya constructively, but he cannot turn her into a villain of religion. Education gives people dignity and teaches respect for others. An educated person never undermines the dignity of someone else. Therefore, this is not just an individual's mistake; it reflects a wider gap in social education.
This is also a big challenge for the new generation. If such comments come from university teachers or educated people, it shows a need to re-evaluate our education system and social values. Hopefully, the next generation will learn from this reactionary mindset, and in the future, no one will have the courage to show such intolerance again.
