Dhaka, February 4: In a democratic Bangladesh, it is crucial for citizens to question whether a political party like Jamaat-e-Islami, which holds regressive views on women, should be allowed to remain registered and active under the current constitutional and legal framework. A report released on Tuesday highlighted that without addressing these fundamental questions, entrusting such a party with governance would be irresponsible.
According to a report published in the leading daily Prothom Alo, the declaration of freedom, the commitment to human dignity enshrined in the constitution’s preamble, and Article 28 of the constitution prohibit any form of discrimination based on religion, caste, gender, or socio-economic status. Despite this, Jamaat appears to discriminate against Muslim women and non-Muslims through both its constitution and practices, effectively relegating them to second-class citizenship.
The report noted that Jamaat’s negative stance towards women is evident in recent statements made by its Amir (leader). His comments limiting women’s working hours to just five hours reflect a mindset that seeks to confine women to the home. In a meeting, he stated, “Employers will pay for five hours, and the government will cover three hours. Women working at home will be honored as ‘Ratnagarbha’ mothers. Even if women wish to work for eight hours, they will still receive respect.”
Furthermore, at a recent youth gathering, the Jamaat Amir made sharp, sarcastic, and derogatory remarks about women working outside the home. He first asked how many attendees were unmarried and then advised, “From now on, resolve to bring home a queen, not a laborer. Whoever you bring, give them the status of a queen, the status of a rose.”
The report emphasized that while individuals may hold personal views on women’s roles within families, societies, or workplaces, the real question is whether a politically active party can include provisions in its constitution that directly contradict the national constitution.
Interestingly, some members of Jamaat’s women’s wing have acknowledged the party’s stance on women’s leadership. According to Prothom Alo, the general secretary of Jamaat’s women’s wing, Nurunnisa Siddika, responded to questions about women’s leadership by stating, “In the Holy Quran, Allah has said that men are the protectors of women. We accepted this when we embraced faith. Therefore, it is not crucial for women to be in top leadership, but it is important to ensure that women’s rights are being implemented.”
The report warned that with only nine days left until Bangladesh’s national elections, Jamaat’s continuous anti-women rhetoric and decision not to field any female candidates could push the country down a regressive political path.
