Achieving Equality before the Law in Bangladesh

Author(s): Taslima Yasmin (PhD), Associate Professor, Department of Law, University of Dhaka

Achieving gender equality in Bangladesh requires repealing discriminatory laws and enacting reforms aligned with the Constitution and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This assessment reviews 32 laws impacting women’s rights across family, employment, property, citizenship, and protection from gender-based violence. It identifies 19 laws for amendment, recommending, repealing the Guardians and Wards Act (1890), and proposes four new laws, including those on sexual harassment, anti-discrimination, and post-divorce maintenance. 

The assessment also outlines seven social policy actions to complement legal reform, ensuring an inclusive roadmap toward equality and non-discrimination.

Bibliographic information

Geographic coverage: Asia and the Pacific Bangladesh

Subject areas: Access to justice and legal protection Gender equality and women’s empowerment Laws, legislation

Resource type(s): Assessments

Publication year 2024

Number of pages 78