Several women lawyers in Bangladesh formed a human chain on Sunday, 25 May at the Narayanganj District Judge's Court, demanding swift punishment for two lawyers linked to the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government over the alleged physical assault of a female colleague and derogatory remarks targeting women legal professionals. The protest, organised under the banner of 'General Lawyers', reflects deepening anger over what demonstrators described as a pattern of impunity within the legal fraternity.

What Triggered the Protest

The immediate flashpoint was an alleged altercation over the eviction of hawkers from the court premises. Advocate Amena Akter Shilpi, the victim, alleged that Rafiqul Ahmed attacked her first during an argument over the eviction order. She stated that Abu Al Yusuf Khan Tipu, Narayanganj city BNP member secretary, subsequently joined in and punched her as well.

According to Shilpi, she had repeatedly clarified that the hawker removal was directed by the bar association president and secretary, and that she bore no personal responsibility for the action. 'At one stage, Rafiqul attacked me. Later, Advocate Abu Al Yusuf Khan Tipu also joined him and punched me,' she said, as reported.

The 'Dancers' Remark and Escalation

Tensions escalated further after Tipu reportedly described female lawyers as 'dancers' during a media interaction on Saturday — a remark that drew sharp condemnation from women in the legal community. The slur was seen as emblematic of a broader culture of contempt toward women professionals, not just a personal slight.

Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum district unit joint convener Shamsun Noor Bandhan, who was present at the protest, called on both bar association leaders and the BNP central leadership to ensure a transparent investigation and speedy justice in the matter.

UNICEF Warning and Broader Context

The protest comes amid a documented surge in gender-based violence across Bangladesh. Last week, UNICEF flagged a growing number of reports of brutal and sexual violence against women and children across the country in 2026, calling for urgent nationwide strengthening of child and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention measures.

UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh, Rana Flowers, stated: 'The culture of impunity enjoyed by perpetrators must end, and the gaps in prevention, reporting, institutional safeguarding, child-friendly police and justice, community protection and social services must be addressed. There is also a need for psychosocial support for the women and children, with far stronger accountability of schools, madrasas, workplaces, neighbourhoods and care settings.'

Political Accusations Over Governance Failure

Earlier in May, the Awami League accused the Tarique Rahman-led BNP government of failing to contain what it described as a national emergency. The party claimed that women and children across Bangladesh are living under constant fear, with safety deteriorating in both public spaces and at home. 'This is no longer a ‘women’s issue’. It is a crisis of governance, justice, and national character,' the Awami League said in a statement.

With UNICEF, opposition parties, and civil society all raising alarms, pressure is mounting on the BNP administration to demonstrate credible accountability — beginning, protesters argue, with the Narayanganj case.