If you wonder why we need feminism in 2025…
The May 3, 2025, rally in Dhaka, Bangladesh, led by Hefazat-e-Islam, demanded the abolishment of a Government Women’s Commission established to promote equality between men and women. This demand is consistent with their historical 13-point agenda, which includes stopping the “free mixing of males and females,” encouraging women to wear hijab, and ensuring women’s security while opposing laws that grant equal property rights.
Hefazat-e-Islam leaders state, “Men and women can never be equal. There is no way we can go beyond that.” This rhetoric was accompanied by calls to end activities deemed “modern” such as women’s football matches, music, theatre festivals, and kite-flying celebrations, reflecting a broad opposition to modern gender norms.
Hefazat-e-Islam played a major role in the 2024 overthrow of Sheikh Hasina’s government and holds tremendous influence over the current caretaker government.
