On May 19, 2025 (Monday) at 3:00 PM, a discussion meeting was organized by Bangladesh Mahila Parishad to exchange views with young men and women regarding the proposed Uniform Family Code (UFC).
The meeting was presided over by Dr. Fauzia Moslem, President of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad. Rekha Saha, Legal Aid Secretary, delivered a speech, while a written statement was presented by Advocate Masuda Rehana Begum, Joint General Secretary of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.
Rekha Saha, Legal Aid Secretary, stated, “In a patriarchal society, rules, customs, and traditions are unwritten. Patriarchy teaches us to control and dominate. These patriarchal norms have created inequalities in existing family laws, which are now reflected in all aspects of life for both men and women. To eliminate gender disparities and fulfill the constitutional promise of building a compassionate, equal, humane, and secular society, it is urgent to creat public opinion in favor of a Uniform Family Code.”
During the open discussion, participants including Shiuli Bishwas, Mumtahina, Rita Jesmin, Zarin Chowdhury, Fahim, Fahmida Najnin, and Pragya Laboni Sadia shared their views. They said, “We have grown up witnessing discrimination against women. Certain groups are actively obstructing the Uniform Family Code by manipulating religious narratives. Hindu customary laws including other religion’s family laws are inequal, and these inequal traditions have been passed down through generations as laws. In this situation, we must determine the necessary steps. Marriage registration must be mandatory for all. Implementing a Uniform Family Code that ensures rights for women of all religions and classes would be highly beneficial.”
In response to questions from the youth, Advocate Dipti Sikdar, Director of Legal Advocacy and Lobbying, said, “The enactment of the Uniform Family Code is often delayed under the pretext of religion. There is also a lack of political transparency and unfulfilled political commitments. Bangladesh Mahila Parishad has been consistently working at the grassroots level to build public opinion in favor of this law.”
In her presidential speech, Dr. Fauzia Moslem remarked, “Since 1989, society has undergone many changes. With technological advancements, the global image of women must also reflect in Bangladesh. Social changes impact women’s lives. Building public support for the Uniform Family Code is not an easy task—it requires creating a positive environment in society. The youth must raise their voices against misogynistic propaganda in religious sermons and advocate for equality. Women must speak up for their own rights, as everyone exploits women for their own interests. Therefore, we must continue our struggle with society’s support, maintaining consistency. We must remain vigilant to ensure that women’s rights are not used as a tool to fulfill anyone’s intentional agenda.”
The event was moderated by Sinome Marma, Legal Officer of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad. Around 100 participants, including central and Dhaka City Committee leaders, staff members, and young men and women, attended the discussion.
