Women’s ongoing struggles for safety in ‘new’ Bangladesh: human rights under siege

This paper examines the impact of Bangladesh's recent political transition on women's rights, particularly amid the rise of Islamic fundamentalism. Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime in August 2024, gender-based violence has risen with increased reports of harassment, assault and rape. Radical Islamists have attempted to exploit the political unrest and weaponised religious rhetoric to justify gender-based violence, suppressing women’s participation in sports, entertainment and public life. This paper examines how political instability, religious fundamentalism and women’s rights intersect in ‘new’ Bangladesh by (a) analysing cases of gender-based violence; (b) tracing the potential of a link between rising Islamic fundamentalism and increased violence in the public space and (c) proposing strategic actions for the interim government, civil society and the media to protect women’s rights.