Khelafat Majlish Secretary General Maulana Mamunul Haque has strongly condemned the recommendations put forth by the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission, branding them as “audacious” and calling for the commission’s dissolution.
In an interview with TV channel News24 on Thursday, Mamunul Haque said the proposals directly contradict Islamic teachings and Bangladesh’s traditional social fabric.
“We have thoroughly reviewed the commission’s report and found it completely unacceptable,” he said. “It does not just conflict with religious principles—it openly mocks the Qur’an. Hence, we, along with most Islamic organisations, demand the immediate annulment of the commission.”
Explaining the grounds for opposition, he said, “The core elements of the report conflict with divine Islamic laws as outlined in the Qur’an.
It also seeks to dismantle our long-standing family-based social structure in favour of Western, individualistic norms.”
Haque further alleged that the commission’s recommendations attempt to normalise same-sex relationships and promote sexual misconduct.
“There is a clear agenda to push the country’s women towards indecency and legitimise prostitution under the guise of reform,” he said.
Referring to the commission’s proposal for equal inheritance rights for men and women, Haque said such a suggestion ignores the broader responsibilities outlined in Islamic jurisprudence.
“In Islam, property rights are connected to familial responsibilities—who provides, who bears expenses. A narrow focus on inheritance equality ignores these dynamics,” he said.
He also objected to the idea of a uniform marriage law across all religions.
“Marriage is not merely a civil issue; it is deeply rooted in religious doctrine. Islam already has a clear and divine system for marriage and divorce,” he said. “No state has the authority to override what is divinely ordained.”
Announcing a protest, Haque said that Hefazat-e-Islam will hold a grand rally at Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan at 9am today to demand the repeal of the proposals and dissolution of the commission.
“This is not just our demand—it is the united demand of all faith-based groups,” he said, adding that religiously non-opposing political and civil society members will also participate. “If the government tries to implement these recommendations, it will trigger a serious backlash, even civil unrest.”
Haque also questioned the legitimacy of the commission, claiming it does not represent the country’s women.
“The commission is composed of individuals closely tied to Westernised NGOs, disconnected from the values and mindset of the majority of Bangladeshi women,” he alleged.
The ten-member Women’s Reform Commission, led by Naripokkho co-founder Shireen Parveen Haque, was formed on 18 November by the interim government. The commission submitted its report on 19 April to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.
The proposals broadly focused on legal, constitutional and gender rights reforms, calling for equality and stronger institutional frameworks to advance women’s rights. The Chief Adviser’s Office has reportedly directed relevant ministries and departments to move forward with implementation.
However, Islamic political parties and clerics have strongly opposed the move, warning of mass protests if the recommendations are acted upon.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
