110 citizens protest ‘hateful’ remarks against Women’s Affairs Reform Commission

The submission of the report has led to criticism of certain reform proposals and the commission itself

In a strong public statement, 110 citizens have condemned what they described as “hateful” remarks directed at the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission, calling on the interim government to clarify its stance and ensure the commission’s protection.

The protest comes in response to a backlash following the submission of the commission’s report on Apr 19, which contains 433 reform proposals.

In a statement issued on Monday, the group urged the interim government to clarify its position on the matter and support and protect the commission.

They also called for action against those responsible for the “hateful” comments.

After the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, a caretaker administration assumed power and formed 11 reform commissions, including the women’s panel.

On Apr 19, the commission submitted its report, which includes 433 recommendations.

Soon after the report was submitted, a wave of criticism surfaced, focusing on several recommendations and the commission itself.

The Hifazat-e Islam has since demanded the commission be dissolved, while Jamaat-e-Islami has outright rejected the report.

In this context, the citizens said in their statement sent to the media: “Differences in views on specific issues may arise from ideological positions or other factors, but space must be ensured for constructive discussion and debate.”

“It is not only unreasonable to call for the rejection of an extensive report in its entirety, it is also natural to suspect a deliberate motive behind such a demand,” the statement read.

It noted that “offensive, hateful, and abusive language has been used against all women, including members of the commission, accompanied by personal attacks and incitement to violence.

“We strongly protest such unwarranted attacks on the commission’s members and women in general, based on misguided demands and the content of the report.”

Rejecting calls to discard the commission and its report, the group urged the government to take proactive steps towards starting a process of constructive dialogue on the recommendations.

“We hope for meaningful participation from experts, researchers, academics, and members of civil society in that process,” they said.

“It was the government that formed the commission and assigned it a specific responsibility. The members responded to that call out of civic duty.

“The government must clarify its position on this matter,” the statement added.