Dhaka, February 3 – Questions are being raised about whether Jamaat-e-Islami, a political party known for its regressive views on women, should be allowed to remain registered and active under Bangladesh’s current constitutional and legal framework. A recent report emphasized that until these fundamental concerns are addressed, entrusting the party with governance responsibilities would be irresponsible.
The report, published in Bangladesh’s leading daily Prothom Alo, highlights that the country’s declaration of independence, the commitment to human dignity in the constitution’s preamble, and Article 28 of the constitution prohibit discrimination based on religion, caste, gender, or socio-economic status. Despite this, Jamaat’s constitution and practices appear to discriminate against Muslim women and non-Muslims, effectively treating them as second-class citizens.
Jamaat’s negative stance on women is evident in statements made by its leader. He recently suggested limiting women’s working hours to five hours a day, reflecting a mindset that women should be confined to the home. In one meeting, he proposed that employers pay women for five hours of work while the government would cover an additional three hours. Women working at home would be honoured as ‘Ratnagarbha’ mothers. He added that if women wished to work for eight hours, they would still be respected.
The report also notes that at a recent youth gathering, the Jamaat leader made sharp, sarcastic, and derogatory remarks about women working outside the home. He questioned how many attendees were unmarried and advised them to bring a “queen” home, treating her with the respect of a queen or a rose.
While individuals may hold personal views on women’s roles in family, society, or workplaces, the critical issue is whether a political party active in a state can embed provisions in its constitution that contradict the national constitution.
Surprisingly, some members of Jamaat’s women wing seem to accept the party’s position on women’s leadership. Nurnissa Siddika, secretary general of the women’s wing, responded to questions about female leadership by citing the Quran, saying men are the protectors of women and that what matters is whether women’s rights are implemented, not whether women hold top leadership roles.
With only nine days remaining until Bangladesh’s national elections, the report warns that Jamaat’s continued anti-women rhetoric and its decision not to field a single female candidate could push the country toward a regressive political path.
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