DHAKA: Thousands of supporters from various religious parties gathered in Dhaka on Saturday in one of the largest public demonstrations by Islamist groups in recent years, signaling a resurgence of their political influence in post-Hasina Bangladesh.
The rally comes months after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Her departure, following a 15-year rule marked by accusations of authoritarianism and crackdowns on Islamist groups, has created space for religious factions to reassert themselves, particularly in opposing reforms they view as contrary to Islamic principles.
Hefazat-e-Islam — a powerful alliance of religious political parties, Islamic organizations, and madrassas — led Saturday’s protest. The group presented a list of demands, most notably the dissolution of the government’s women’s commission, which it claims promotes values that contradict Islamic teachings.
“Men and women can never be equal — the Holy Quran provides different roles and responsibilities for each,” said Mohammad Shihab Uddin, 53, who runs a women’s religious school. “We cannot allow man-made laws to override divine guidance.”
The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has pledged to hold national elections by June 2026. While no specific date has been announced, religious leaders claim they are supporting the caretaker administration as long as it respects Islamic values.
“If this government tries to implement anything un-Islamic in a nation where 92% of the population is Muslim, we will immediately reject it,” said Muhammad Umar Faruq, a 30-year-old seminary teacher.
Since Hasina’s exit and her subsequent flight to India — where she has refused extradition over alleged human rights violations — religious groups have been increasingly vocal and assertive. Her government had previously banned several Islamist activities and suppressed religious demonstrations, citing national security and secular governance.
Now, religious parties are pushing for a rollback of various cultural and social initiatives they deem un-Islamic, such as music and theatre festivals, women’s sports events, and even traditional kite-flying celebrations.
Saturday’s demonstration not only underlined the growing influence of religious forces in Bangladesh’s evolving political landscape but also foreshadowed potential friction as the country navigates its transition toward elections and reform.
