Dhaka: Over 20,000 supporters of the Islamist group Hefazat-e-Islam took to the streets in Bangladesh’s capital on Saturday to protest against proposed legal reforms aimed at granting equal rights to women, particularly in matters related to inheritance and property. The rally was held near Dhaka University, where demonstrators carried placards rejecting what they described as “Western laws” being imposed on Muslim society, reported the Hindu.
Leaders of Hefazat-e-Islam argued that the suggested changes conflict with Islamic Sharia law, which governs inheritance and other personal matters for Muslims. Addressing the crowd, prominent group leader Mamunul Haque demanded the immediate abolition of the interim reforms commission, accusing it of offending religious sentiments by blaming Islamic inheritance laws for gender inequality.
The group issued an ultimatum to the government, threatening nationwide protests on May 23 if their demands are not met. They also called for action against the Awami League, the party of ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, claiming her regime was responsible for the deaths of hundreds during the protests that ended her 15-year rule. Hasina is currently in exile in India.
The rally is seen as a significant show of strength by Islamist groups in the post-Hasina political climate. Human rights observers have noted an increase in religious extremism and growing intimidation of minority communities since her removal from power.
