NN Online:
The High Court has rejected a writ petition that challenged several recommendations made by the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission in its recently submitted report.
A bench comprising Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Sikder Mahmudur Razi issued the order on Monday, stating that the petition was “premature” as the recommendations had not yet been implemented by the government. Consequently, the court dismissed the plea.
The writ petition was filed on May 4 by Supreme Court lawyer Rowshan Ali, who sought an immediate stay on the implementation of specific proposals outlined in the commission’s report. Additionally, the petition called for the formation of an expert committee including constitutional scholars, Islamic jurists, and civil society representatives to review future reforms related to religious and family law.
One of the main points of contention was a recommendation in Chapter 11 of the report advocating equal inheritance rights for men and women. The petitioner argued this contradicted Quranic principles, particularly Surah An-Nisa.
The petition also opposed the commission’s suggestion to outlaw polygamy, asserting that it contravenes Islamic Sharia and violates Article 41 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to religious practice. It further criticized the report for promoting ideas like “My body, my choice,” accusing it of undermining Sharia-based moral boundaries.
Another controversial proposal included legal recognition of sex work. The petition argued this move was inconsistent with Islamic values and violated constitutional provisions—specifically Articles 2A and 26.
The petition also took issue with the commission’s language and stance on gender identity and transgender rights, claiming it conflicted with religious beliefs and Sharia principles.
“This petition is not aimed at any individual or group,” the filing stated. “It is a legal step to protect religious values, uphold constitutional integrity, and preserve social harmony.”
The Women’s Affairs Reform Commission was formed by the interim government in November 2024 and began its work in December. Originally mandated to operate until April 30, the commission’s term was extended to May 31 amid mounting controversy.
On April 19, the commission submitted its 318-page report to Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. It contained a total of 433 recommendations covering legal, social, and cultural reforms concerning women’s rights and status.
Since the report’s release, religious and conservative political groups have expressed strong opposition. Hifazat-e Islam has demanded the commission’s dissolution, while Jamaat-e-Islami has categorically rejected the report, calling parts of it “immoral” and warning of potential social unrest.
The youth-led National Citizen Party (NCP) also criticized the report, arguing that it failed to adequately represent women from all sections of society.
