110 citizens condemn hate speech against women’s reform commission

A total of 110 citizens have issued a joint statement condemning hate speech and personal attacks directed at the Commission on Reforms Related to Women's Issues.

The signatories described the ideological backlash surrounding the commission's report on women's rights and status as "deeply concerning."

The statement, released to the media today by theatre activist Nazifa Tasnim Khanom Tisha, urged the government to clarify its stance, offer protection and support to the commission, and take decisive action against those propagating hate and misogyny.

Following the release of the commission's report, a section of individuals and organisations began demanding its full withdrawal — a campaign that quickly spread from social media to street protests.

Several political parties and social groups have since held rallies at both regional and national levels, where women and commission members were subjected to slurs, hate speech, personal attacks, and incitement to violence.

The signatories condemned these actions, terming the backlash reckless and unacceptable.

While acknowledging the right to ideological differences over specific recommendations, the statement stressed on the importance of constructive dialogue.

"Calling for the wholesale rejection of a detailed report is not only irrational but appears to be deliberate," it read.

"Disagreement can and should be expressed respectfully and through democratic means, not through intimidation or threats."

Responding to claims that the commission's recommendations are "Western imports," the statement said such allegations are disconnected from Bangladesh's social and cultural realities.

It noted that the report was based on extensive reviews of existing laws and policies, field-level research, and consultations with stakeholders -- including grassroots communities, government officials, and the officials of the Department of Women Affairs.

The signatories called on the government to actively promote informed discussions around the report and build broad-based consensus.

They also urged political parties to denounce the hate speech directed at the commission and its members and to ensure accountability for those inciting violence or spreading misogynistic rhetoric.

Notable signatories include Central Women's University Vice-Chancellor Parveen Hasan, Former Amnesty International Secretary General Irene Khan, Supreme Court lawyer Sara Hossain, rights activists Khushi Kabir and Hana Shams Ahmed, Dhaka University professors Samina Luthfa, Selim Raihan, Asif Mohammad Shahan, Kazi Maruful Islam, Kajoli Seherin Islam, and Deepti Dutta, Jahangirnagar University professors Snigdha Rezwana, Mirza Taslima Sultana, and Sharmind Neelormi.

Other signatories include Diaspora Alliance for Democracy Founder Shamaruh Mirza, Naripokkho Chair Gita Das and Executive Member Sadaf Saaz, Oxford University Visiting Fellow Sabhanaz Rashid Diya, Columbia University Professor Mushtaq Chowdhury, Economists Zahid Hussain, Imran Matin, and Mostafizur Rahman, Photographer Shahidul Alam, Publisher Mahrukh Mohiuddin, Lawyer Manzur Al Matin, Colgate University Professor Navin Murshid, Journalists Zafar Sobhan, Simu Nasser, Akib Md Shatil, Rafia Tamanna, and Actor Rafiath Rashid Mithila.