Call to scrap Women’s Affairs Reform Commission defeats July Uprising spirit: BaSaD

Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BaSaD) has condemned the demand to scrap the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission as “contrary to the spirit of the July Uprising”.

Speaking at a dialogue with the National Consensus Commission on Saturday at the LD Hall of the National Parliament, the party’s (Marxist) Chief Coordinator Masud Rana said: “We do not want to reject any commission’s proposals outright. We, however, observe a trend of calls for abolition.

“In our view, the demand to abolish the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission contradicts the very spirit of the July Uprising,” he added.

The party stressed the need for an open discussion on the commission's recommendations. "We will engage in a dialogue on what is right or wrong”

“It is crucial to strengthen our voices to bring about a democratic environment in Bangladesh after a long time,” he added. “We will not reject anything outright; we will keep all viewpoints, whether in agreement or disagreement, for any commission's proposals."

His remarks came amid mounting opposition from Hifazat-e Islam and Jamaat-e-Islami.

Hifazat has called for the commission’s abolition while Jamaat has outright rejected its report.

On Saturday, Hifazat held a “mass” rally at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka, issuing four demands, including the immediate dissolution of the commission.

Addressing the gathering, Nayeb-e-Ameer Ahmad Abdul Quader said: “Our demand is unequivocal. On behalf of the Muslim community, we are saying the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission must be scrapped without delay.

“No reforms are possible while this commission exists. The proposals it has made must be withdrawn. The nation has already rejected them. There is no alternative,” he added.

The interim government formed the commission on Nov 18, 2024, appointing Shireen Parveen Haque, a founding member of the rights organisation Naripokkho, as its chair.

The commission submitted a list of 433 recommendations to the chief advisor on Saturday.

The recommendations broadly cover the Constitution, law, and women’s rights, with a strong emphasis on equality and security.

The report also suggests enhancing the institutional framework and capacities of national organisations for women’s advancement.

Notably, the panel has recommended the introduction of a uniform family law to guarantee equal rights for women across all religions, addressing issues of marriage, divorce, inheritance, and maintenance.

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has called for the quick implementation of some of the commission's proposals.

Opposing Hifazat’s demand during the dialogue, BaSaD’s Masud Rana stressed the importance of dismantling “fascist” systems to prevent their resurgence.

He said: “The central aspiration of the uprising was to abolish fascist structures so they cannot return. We’ve expressed our desire for an egalitarian Bangladesh.

“When this government [interim government] was formed from that spirit, we extended our support.

“Fascism is not brought about by a single party—it’s produced by a system. Even if the face of the system changes, its fascist components may remain,” Masud added.

He noted that not all of the commission's recommendations aligned with BaSaD’s views and called for more detailed discussion.

“There are several issues we do not fully agree with. Some recommendations require further explanation. These matters should be addressed through dialogue,” said the party leader.

“If we can patiently engage in an open discussion about our differences, we may be able to reach a consensus.

“That would help fulfil the uprising’s core aspiration—to dismantle fascist governance and build a non-discriminatory, democratic Bangladesh,” he concluded.