THE recent surge in violence against women perpetrated by Islamist groups or mobs acting as ‘tawhidi janata’ alongside the government’s failure to adequately respond is gravely concerning. After the July uprising, in which women and girls from diverse backgrounds actively participated and which they often led, it was hoped that women’s democratic aspirations would be recognised and upheld. However, the reality suggests a troubling reversal, as women professionals, including academics, journalists and athletes, continue to face harassment and obstruction in various forms. An alarming incident occurred on May 26, when a female assistant professor of a government college was made an officer on special duty and transferred to another institution by the education ministry. This happened a day after Hefazat-e-Islam and other religious groups protested against the magazine that she edits and publishes, demanding her removal from the college in 48 hours. Compounding the injustice, a group of students at the new college has demanded that she should not be allowed to assume her position there. Her persecution appears to be driven by her support for recommendations made by the women’s affairs reforms commission and her vocal advocacy for women’s rights. The victim alleges that she has received no support from law enforcers despite repeated requests.
Female journalists are also reported being harassed and obstructed in discharging their professional duties. Several have recently been barred from covering events. Similarly, female athletes and artistes have faced harassment and intimidation. A few women’s football matches were cancelled because of threats and attacks by Islamist groups while female artistes were recently stopped from participating in various public events. In additional instances of hostility, mobs have attacked girls for smoking in public. Even the Bangla Academy capitulated to pressure, shutting down two stalls at the 2025 Ekushey book fair in February for offering reproductive healthcare products after protests from Islamist groups. Meanwhile, sex workers have also been targeted in attacks. The extent of the harassment can be gauged by the fact that most members of the women’s affairs reforms commission have also received threats for recommending policies in favour of gender equality. Rights activists argue that not only has the government failed to properly address the concerns of women, but in some cases, it has seemingly given in to right-wing demands. The removal and transfer of the female academic under pressure from right-wing forces lend weight to the growing public perception that the government is either appeasing or fearing these groups. In either case, this represents a troubling development for women’s rights and a deplorable failure on part of the government.
The government must, therefore, act decisively to protect women’s rights and ensure their safety.
