A writ petition has been filed with the High Court challenging the legality of certain provisions recommended by the Women Reform Commission and seeking a directive to form an expert committee to review those provisions.
Supreme Court lawyer Rowshan Ali filed the writ with the concerned branch of the High Court on Sunday (May 4).
Speaking to Jago News, the petitioner stated that the recommendations in Chapters 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, and 12 of the Women Reform Commission Report 2025 contradict Islamic Shariah, hurt the religious sentiments of the people, and conflict with the Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. Therefore, the writ has been submitted.
The petition seeks an explanation as to why these recommendations should not be declared unlawful and beyond legal authority. It also names three ministries and the chairperson of the Women Reform Commission as respondents.
The petition clarifies that it is not aimed at any individual or group, but is a legal move taken in the interest of protecting the country’s religious values, constitutional balance, and social order.
A bench comprising Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Shikdar Mahmudur Razi is expected to hear the petition later this week.
According to the writ, Chapter 11 of the Commission's report proposes equal inheritance rights for men and women, which allegedly contradicts Surah An-Nisa (4:11) of the Quran.
Additionally, the report recommends a ban on polygamy—a practice permitted under Islamic Shariah—which the petitioner argues violates the right to religious freedom guaranteed under Article 41 of the Constitution.
Furthermore, by endorsing the slogan “My Body, My Choice,” the report is accused of crossing moral boundaries without due regard for Shariah principles.
It also proposes the legal recognition of sex work as a profession, which the petitioner claims goes against Islamic values and contradicts Articles 2(A) and 26 of the Constitution.
Finally, the language used in the report concerning gender identity and transgender issues is said to be inconsistent with Shariah and conflicting with religious beliefs.