BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday strongly criticised Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami over its Ameer’s reported anti-women comments on social media, urging women to deliver a befitting response through the ballot to what he termed derogatory and disgraceful remarks.
Addressing an election rally at Khalishpur Prabhati School ground here, he also said the country and its people can never be safe—whether men or women—under those who do not respect women and have a history of dishonouring them during the Liberation War.
“As the election has arrived, different political parties will naturally present their goals and plans before the people. But what we are seeing is that one political party wants to keep half of the country’s population women confined within their homes,” the BNP chief said.
In an oblique reference to Jamaat, Tarique said the leaders of a party have openly stated that they do not believe in women’s leadership.
“Just two days ago, a leader of that party made offensive remarks about women — our mothers and sisters — who go out to earn a living. The language used was so shameful that I feel embarrassed to repeat it here. Such words are disgrace to this country,” he said in an oblique reference to the Jamaat Ameer’s controversial post.
Tarique said BNP believes the country can only be rebuilt by including people from all professions and backgrounds. “A nation cannot be rebuilt by excluding half of its population.”
He said women make up nearly half of Bangladesh’s population. “No matter how big our plans are or how tall our claims sound, rebuilding the country is impossible if women are left behind.”
Referring to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s tenure, the BNP chairman said she introduced free education for girls up to the intermediate level so that women could be educated and become self-reliant.
Tarique said millions of women in Bangladesh contribute directly to family incomes, whether in households, agriculture or the garment sector. “With rising prices, it is no longer possible for a family to survive on a single income. Women have to work, and they are doing so with dignity.”
He also referred to Islamic history, saying Prophet Muhammad’s (SM) wife Hazrat Khadija (RA) was a successful businesswoman. “Those who now insult working women and claim to establish Islam are, in fact, insulting women not only in Bangladesh but across the world,” he said.
Tarique questioned what would happen if such a party came to power. “If they speak this way about women before an election, how will they treat women afterwards if they get the chance?” he asked.
He alleged that when criticism grew from women and the public, the party concerned claimed its social media account had been hacked. “Experts have clearly said such an account cannot be hacked in that manner. Yet they are lying to the people before an election. This shows their real character,” he said.
Tarique said those who repeatedly lie to the people cannot be pro-people or pro-country. “They use religion to serve their own interests.”
He said BNP believes development is impossible without empowering women. “If BNP forms the government with your prayers, we will deliver a ‘family card’ to every household and every mother. Through this card, we want to gradually make women self-reliant so that they can stand on their own feet.”
Calling on women voters, Tarique said, “Those who insult you must be answered. The time has come for you to decide how to respond.”
He also questioned how the same party treats its own women activists who go outside for the party activities. “If a leader can insult women within his own party, imagine how he would treat ordinary women of the country if given power,” he said, recalling the atrocities committed against women by the predecessors of such forces in 1971.
“Those who have no respect for human dignity can never ensure the safety of the country or its people, whether men or women,” Tarique added.
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The BNP chief also alleged that a plot is going on to rig the voters and manipulate the election results by taking a long time for vote counting.
Calling for vigilance, Tarique said conspiracies over vote rigging have not ended and urged people to remain alert to protect their voting rights.
Outlining BNP’s plans, he promised to revive Khulna as a living industrial city, create jobs for women, establish IT parks for youths and introduce agricultural cards for farmers.
Tarique said BNP aims to build a discrimination-free Bangladesh by bringing together people of all religions and ensuring opportunities based on merit and competence.
He said BNP has experience in maintaining law and order and fighting corruption, recalling the contributions of martyr President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in establishing democracy.
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“Our slogan is ‘Work together to build the country, Bangladesh first’. BNP alone has the experience to run the country in the right direction,” Tarique added.
Recently, a post from the verified X (formerly Twitter) account of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer sparked widespread criticism for allegedly making derogatory comments about working women.
Following public backlash, the party claimed the account had been hacked. However, digital experts and critics questioned the claim, saying there was no evidence of hacking.
The issue has since become a major topic in the election campaign, drawing strong reactions from political parties and civil society.
