Dhaka, Feb 3: Amid escalating political tensions ahead of Bangladesh’s February 12 election, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman strongly criticised the radical Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami for making derogatory remarks about women, warning that such views pose a serious threat to women’s safety and fundamental rights in the country, according to local media reports.
The remarks came after Jamaat leader Shafiqur Rahman, in a recent post on his social media platform X, claimed that women pushed out of their homes in the name of modernity are exposed to exploitation, moral decay and insecurity, describing it as “another form of prostitution”, sparking widespread condemnation.
“Those who disrespect the women of the country and abuse them in ugly language, and whatever, cannot be patriotic or people-oriented. A political party wants to imprison mothers and sisters in their homes before the elections. They make scandalous comments about their employment. The people of the country are not safe from those who cannot respect their own women,” Bangladesh’s Bengali daily ‘Bonik Barta’ quoted Tarique as saying, while addressing a rally in Khulna district on Monday afternoon.
“A leader has clearly said that they do not believe in women’s leadership. The words he used about working mothers and sisters are a disgrace to this society. Starting from the garment industry in Bangladesh, women in every family are now work-oriented. In this time of rising commodity prices, both husband and wife are working and running the family. Yet a group is insulting them,” he added.
Reports suggest that hours after the Jamaat leader’s post went viral, the party alleged that the account had been hacked and denied Rahman’s involvement–a move that raised questions over whether this was a genuine security breach or an attempt to distance the leader from controversy.
Dismissing the excuse of hacking as a lie following the controversial remarks, Tarique said, “In the face of severe criticism, they are now saying that the ID has been hacked. Experts say this is impossible. A senior leader of a political party is lying in front of the people like this before the election. Those who lie blatantly can never do good to the country. They only understand their own interests and use religion as a shield.”
Earlier on Sunday, Jamaat’s Women’s Wing Secretary, Nurunnisa Siddika said that women cannot hold the highest leadership position in the party, stating that the party follows Islamic principles, which “do not allow women to serve as ameer”.
“According to the Quran, men are directors of women, which is considered a command and obligation in Islam,” she was quoted as saying by a leading Bangladeshi daily, The Dhaka Tribune.
With the Bangladesh national election nine days away, critics warn that Jamaat’s persistent misogynistic remarks and its decision to field no women candidates in the upcoming polls risk pushing the nation towards a regressive political path.
Bangladesh elections: AL supporters coerced to vote
Bangladesh is set to hold elections this month, with the main contest seen between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, as the Awami League remains banned following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina.
Although Awami League supporters initially planned to boycott the polls, fear and intimidation have altered that stance. Jamaat and BNP activists are reportedly warning voters that abstention could lead to being identified as Awami League supporters and targeted.
Jamaat, in particular, has framed itself as fiercely anti–Awami League and is allegedly monitoring non-voters to single them out.
Experts and intelligence officials say this climate of fear is forcing Awami League supporters to turn out despite the ban. Both BNP and Jamaat claim persecution under
Hasina’s rule and are seeking political retribution. Meanwhile, exiled Awami League leaders, many based in Kolkata, are coordinating a comeback and remain in contact with Hasina, now in New Delhi.
Analysts say the Awami League must act quickly to remain relevant amid sustained efforts to marginalize it. (IANS)
