Women are steadily strengthening their presence in Bangladesh’s legal profession, taking on roles as lawyers and judges despite longstanding structural and social barriers.
Their growing participation reflects both progress in professional inclusion and the persistence required to navigate a field traditionally dominated by men.
In recent years, women have secured increasingly visible positions within the judiciary.
According to Supreme Court spokesperson Md Shafiqul Islam, one of the five judges in the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court is a woman. In the High Court Division, nine of the 97 judges are female.
Across the country’s subordinate judiciary, women hold a more substantial share of positions.
Of the 2,233 judges serving in subordinate courts nationwide, 677 are women, indicating a gradual rise in female representation within the judicial system.
Growing presence among lawyers
Women’s participation as practicing lawyers has also been expanding, though comprehensive nationwide statistics remain limited.
Senior legal practitioners say the number of women entering the profession is steadily increasing, with many balancing demanding legal careers alongside family responsibilities.
Barrister Dr Rabia Bhuiyan, a senior lawyer of the Supreme Court, said the growing presence of women in courtrooms reflects changing social attitudes, even though challenges remain.
“Many women are now joining the legal profession while managing family life. Their presence in court is increasing, which is encouraging,” she said.
Bhuiyan added that the primary barrier often lies not in capability but in lingering social perceptions.
“I do not believe women ‘cannot’ succeed. But social attitudes remain a challenge. Many people still prefer to see women confined to the home, even though women clearly have the ability to contribute much more,” she said.
Women on the bench
Senior lawyer and human rights activist Fauzia Karim Firoz said women are not only entering the legal profession but also advancing to leadership roles within the judiciary.
“Women who began their careers in subordinate courts are now being appointed to the High Court,” she said.
“Despite earlier doubts about whether they could handle such responsibilities, women judges are now presiding over important benches, including writ matters, and they are performing effectively.”
According to Firoz, this progress demonstrates the growing competence and confidence of women in the judicial system.
Persistent challenges
Despite these gains, women lawyers continue to face several structural and cultural challenges within the profession.
Firoz noted that while many female lawyers are working in established legal chambers and achieving financial success, concerns remain regarding workplace safety, professional recognition and access to training opportunities.
“Safety issues still exist, and social perceptions sometimes weaken women’s professional standing,” she said.
“Women lawyers also need stronger institutional training and mentorship to compete on equal footing with their male colleagues.”
She emphasized that professional recognition in the legal field often depends on demonstrating skill and credibility over time.
“Women must be able to stand as parallel lawyers to men, capable of working at the same level of competence and authority,” she said.
“Too often society does not immediately see women as equal to prominent male lawyers. That perception must change.”
Gradual transformation
Despite these obstacles, legal experts say the increasing number of women entering the profession represents a significant shift within Bangladesh’s justice system.
From courtrooms to judicial benches, women are gradually reshaping the legal landscape through persistence, professional excellence and growing public acceptance.
As Bangladesh marks International Women’s Day, the experiences of female lawyers and judges illustrate both the progress achieved and the challenges that remain.
Advocates say continued institutional support, training opportunities and social recognition will be essential to ensuring that women’s expanding presence in the legal profession translates into lasting equality within the justice system.
