Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh Ameer Shah Muhibbullah Babunagari and several religious leaders called for a ban on transgenderism, the repeal of transgender-inclusive provisions in Bangladesh’s labour law, and the introduction of a state policy recognising only two genders. These demands were raised during the National Ulama-Mashayekh Convention held on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, at the Institution of Diploma Engineers in Kakrail, Dhaka. The convention, organised by the Iman-Aqidah Protection Committee, had been announced on 24 August 2026 with a demand to repeal transgender-friendly laws. It also called for banning the activities of Hizbut Tawhid and officially declaring the Ahmadiyya community non-Muslim. The demands concerning transgender people focused particularly on removing legal recognition and provisions supporting their inclusion in employment. The convention was chaired by Maulana Abdul Awal and jointly conducted by Mufti Sultan Mohiuddin and Mufti Imranul Bari Siraji. Religious scholars and representatives of various Islamic organisations participated in the gathering.
Although Shah Muhibbullah Babunagari was expected to attend the convention as the chief guest, he did not participate in person. Instead, a written statement from him was read aloud during the event. In his statement, Babunagari called for banning transgenderism in Bangladesh and repealing provisions of the labour law that recognise or accommodate transgender individuals. He presented laws and policies concerning transgender identities and gender diversity as inconsistent with the country’s religious values, social traditions and the beliefs of the Muslim-majority population. He also urged the government to reconsider its policy position on transgender recognition and related legal protections, emphasising that such matters should be addressed in accordance with religious principles and prevailing social values.
During the convention, the organising committee presented a seven-point list of demands to the government. Among these demands was the removal of the term “transgender” from Bangladesh’s labour law and the introduction of a national binary gender policy recognising only men and women. The organisers argued that legislation and government policies concerning gender identity should reflect the religious beliefs and social values of the country’s Muslim-majority population. Speakers advocated for a legal framework based exclusively on male and female identities rather than recognising transgender people as having distinct gender identities. The proposed changes would affect the recognition of transgender individuals within existing legal and administrative frameworks, particularly provisions concerning their inclusion in the workforce.
Professor Dr. Mohammad Sorowar Hossain, Chairman of the Mullobodh Andolon (Values Movement), also addressed the convention and demanded the repeal of transgender-inclusive provisions in the amended labour law. He said a conspiracy is under way to legalise transgenderism and homosexuality. During his speech, he proposed replacing the term “gender” with “sex” or “biological sex” in government documents, legislation and public policies. He advocated for state recognition based exclusively on biological male and female classifications. Additionally, he called for Hijra individuals to undergo medical examinations to determine their sex characteristics and be officially classified as persons with sex-related disabilities. His remarks also expressed opposition to the recognition of transgender identities, same-sex relationships and educational policies incorporating gender diversity and inclusion.
Speakers at the convention raised particular objections to the inclusion of the term “transgender” in labour legislation and related legal protections. The speeches addressed several interconnected issues, including legal gender recognition, the use of gender-related terminology in official documentation, and policies intended to support the participation of transgender individuals in employment and public life. The organisers presented their demands, including those against Hizbut Tawhid and the Ahmadiyya community, as part of their broader efforts to protect Islamic beliefs and religious principles.
References
- Insaf24 — “ট্রান্সজেন্ডারবাদ, হিযবুত তাওহীদ ও কাদিয়ানীদের নিষিদ্ধের দাবি হেফাজত আমীরের”, 25 August 2026.
Read the Insaf24 report - Insaf24 — “কাদিয়ানিদের অমুসলিম ঘোষণাসহ ঈমান আকিদা সংরক্ষণ কমিটির সাত দফা দাবি”, 25 August 2026.
Read the Insaf24 report - Dhaka Post — “হিযবুত তাওহীদ নিষিদ্ধ-কাদিয়ানীদের অমুসলিম ঘোষণার দাবি হেফাজত আমিরের”, 25 August 2026.
Read the Dhaka Post report - Insaf24 — “ট্রান্সজেন্ডারবাদ ও সমকামিতা বৈধ করার চক্রান্ত চলছে: ড. সরোয়ার হোসেন”, 25 August 2026.
Read the Insaf24 report - Our Islam24 — “ট্রান্সজেন্ডারবান্ধব শ্রম আইন বাতিল ও হিজবুত তাওহীদ নিষিদ্ধের দাবি শীর্ষ আলেমদের”, 25 August 2026.
Read the Our Islam24 report - Dhaka Post — “ট্রান্সজেন্ডারবান্ধব আইন বাতিলসহ তিন দাবিতে উলামা কনভেনশন মঙ্গলবার”, 24 August 2026.
Read the Dhaka Post report - Facebook Reel — Video of the convention, [date].
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