Amid growing concerns over inequality and discrimination in family laws, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) convened an important dialogue with lawyers on 18 November 2025 to examine “Ensuring Human Rights of All Citizens in Bangladesh: The Context of a Uniform Family Law.” The meeting, held at the Anwara Begum–Munira Khan Auditorium at the organization’s central office, served as a platform to amplify voices demanding legal reform and equal rights for all.
The meeting was chaired by Dr. Fauzia Moslem, President of BMP. The welcome address was delivered by Maleka Banu, General Secretary of BMP. Advocate Masuda Rehana, Joint General Secretary, spoke on the objectives of the meeting. The keynote speech was delivered by former Justice of the Appellate Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court, Justice Krishna Debnath. Research findings on marriage laws affecting marginalized and indigenous communities were presented by researcher Shishir Bindu Biswas.
Among the lawyers present were Senior Lawyer S. M. A. Sabur of the Bangladesh Supreme Court, Advocate Md. Aminul Islam, Advocate Zahidul Islam, Advocate Amit Das Gupta, Advocate Alamgir Parvez, Advocate Tapan Kumar Bapari, along with other legal professionals.
Dr. Fauzia Moslem stated that BMP has been actively involved in the movement to establish women’s human rights since its inception. She noted that violence and hostility against women are increasing globally. While the causes of violence against women are social and economic, one of the major reasons is the lack of balance of power within the family, society and the state. She emphasized that inequality in inheritance rights leads to discrimination against women within families. Alongside the movement for a Uniform Family Law, she urged efforts to humanize society and called upon lawyers to play an active role in the struggle to establish human rights of women.
In his keynote address, former Justice Krishna Debnath stated that Articles 27 and 28 of the Constitution guarantee equal rights for all citizens, including men and women, but these guarantees are largely absent in practice. To ensure equality in women’s fundamental human rights, discriminatory family laws must be reformed. He stressed that alongside social movements, legal battles must be continued. He further highlighted the need to reform discriminatory Hindu family laws.
General Secretary Maleka Banu stated that the struggle to establish equal rights for women and men began with the founding of BMP in 1970. Although the constitution of Bangladesh mentions equality in all spheres of life, fundamental human rights are not being realized in real life. Despite constitutional commitments, certain discriminatory laws act as barriers to ensuring women’s human rights. Therefore, discriminatory family laws must be changed.
Speaking on the objectives of the meeting, Advocate Masuda Rehana mentioned that this has been a movement spanning over four decades. Some young researchers have recently joined the movement, which began in 1989 and continues to this day. Concrete steps are needed to eliminate gender discrimination, and for this reason, opinions from legal professionals were sought. She emphasized the necessity of bringing all communities under a single legal framework to ensure equality between women and men.
Presenting research findings on marriage laws affecting marginalized and indigenous communities, researcher Shishir Bindu Biswas stated that marriages of indigenous women are often not registered. As a result, women are deprived of their legal rights, and many instances of domestic violence remain unaddressed.
Senior Supreme Court lawyer S. M. A. Sabur stated that discriminatory family laws have been reformed in the past, but further reforms are needed where such laws are inconsistent with the Constitution. He emphasized the continuation of the movement for reform. Advocate Amit Das Gupta stated that in Hindu law, the term “Life Estate” should be removed and replaced with full ownership rights in property, which would resolve complexities regarding Hindu women’s inheritance rights. Other lawyers emphasized removing legal complexities related to women, ensuring gender-equal laws, and establishing a gender-sensitive judicial system.
A total of 50 participants, including lawyers and organizational leaders, attended the meeting. The session was conducted by Rekha Saha, Legal Aid Secretary of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP).
