STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Human Rights Forum Bangladesh (HRFB) has strongly condemned recent demands from certain groups calling for the abolition of the government-established Women’s Affairs Reform Commission and the enactment of a blasphemy law in the country.

In a statement issued yesterday, HRFB labelled these demands as “irrational, unconstitutional, and unacceptable”, expressing serious concern over the exploitation of religious sentiments to mislead the public and undermine progressive reforms.

HRFB stressed that while individuals have the right to critique any commission or its reports, calls for the outright abolition of such commissions are unjustifiable.

The organisation also condemned efforts to impose opinions through threats, violence, or hate speech under the guise of religious justifications, stating that such tactics are incompatible with democratic principles and human rights.

The Women’s Affairs Reform Commission, HRFB noted, was formed as part of a broader governmental effort to promote gender equality and eliminate discrimination.

Its recommendations were based on international human rights standards,

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