The crisis has been compounded by the rise of hardline Islamist groups since the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s long rule. Women’s rights activists warn that these groups are contributing to an atmosphere of communalism and hostility towards women, exacerbating their vulnerability.
The council also criticized the government for excluding minorities from all reform commissions, which were set up to recommend measures aimed at combating discrimination and promoting social justice.
In a significant announcement, Yunus declared that the interim government would formally request the Election Commission to organise the national election in February 2026, prior to the start of the holy month of Ramadan.
Leading Bangladesh think tanks and exporters have warned of serious consequences if US president Donald Trump’s administration's additional 35 per cent reciprocal tariff on Bangladeshi goods is imposed.
Beyond gender, structural reform discussions aim to shift from a unicameral legislature to a bicameral one – a vision that most parties accept in principle.
The situation came to a head last week with the gruesome daylight lynching of 39-year-old scrap dealer Chand Mia, also known as Sohag, in front of the Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital in Dhaka.