Minority Watch, Dhaka, Bangladesh – February 16, 2025
In a stark reminder of the mounting pressure from extremist elements in Bangladesh, two stalls distributing women’s sanitary napkins were forcibly closed at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair on Sunday. The decision, aimed at averting potential mob violence, underscores the precarious balance between cultural celebration and rising Islamist militancy.
The stalls, managed by the Pran-RFL Group under its “Stay Safe” brand, had been providing sanitary napkins free of charge—a public health measure intended to support women and children. However, starting on February 11, several Islamist groups began protesting the presence of these products, labeling them “secret products” and demanding their removal.
A viral letter from Rakib Hasan, Director and CEO of event management company Donkey Dream, detailed the unfolding crisis. Hasan wrote, “For your kind information, Pran-RFL Group’s women and children’s health protection product brand Stay Safe has been operating two stalls at the book fair.
Initially, there was no issue, but after February 11, several Islamist groups labeled napkins as secret products and demanded their public exhibition be stopped.” He added that the protest intensified despite intervention by police, Ansar, and event volunteers, ultimately leading to the decision to shut down the stalls to prevent further unrest.
Bangla Academy, which organizes the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, confirmed that the stalls were closed due to a violation of the fair’s strict policy that only permits the sale of approved items. “The stalls were closed by Bangla Academy for selling products without approval,” stated Selim Reza, Secretary of Bangla Academy and Chair of the Book Fair Task Force Committee. The Academy emphasized that while commercial sale is prohibited, free distribution of sanitary napkins near washrooms for women and children would continue.
A notice issued later by Bangla Academy and signed by Director-General Professor Mohammad Azam further clarified the situation. “I am aware of this situation. Immediate action is required,” Azam stated, noting that the decision affected not only sanitary napkins but also other products such as diapers, paste, and toothbrushes that were sold at the fair.
Critics argue that this incident is symptomatic of a larger trend under the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus, where government policies appear increasingly aligned with extremist agendas. Recent reports have highlighted a surge in attacks on cultural and religious institutions, with the closure of progressive initiatives, including those promoting public health and gender rights, fueling concerns among activists and cultural observers.
As Bangladesh grapples with an environment of growing extremism, the closure of these stalls has raised alarm about the future of cultural events and progressive public policies. Minority Watch and other advocacy groups are calling on government authorities to protect free expression and the rights of all citizens, emphasizing that events like the Amar Ekushey Book Fair should remain a vibrant celebration of Bengali heritage and intellectual freedom rather than a platform for extremist influence.
