BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman condemned what he described as deeply offensive remarks about women made by the leadership of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, urging women voters to respond decisively at the ballot box.
Speaking at an election rally at Khalishpur Prabhati School ground in Khulna on Monday, Tarique said Bangladesh can never be secure - neither for women nor for men - under forces that demean women and have a history of denying them dignity, including during the Liberation War.
“With the election approaching, every party is placing its vision before the people,” he said. “But one party is openly suggesting that women - half of our population - should remain confined to their homes. This mindset is dangerous for the country.”
Without naming Jamaat directly, Tarique said senior leaders of a particular party have publicly opposed women’s leadership and participation in public life. He referred to a recent social media post by a top leader that sparked nationwide outrage.
“The words used against working women - our mothers and sisters - were so disgraceful that I cannot even repeat them. Such language humiliates the entire nation,” he said.
Tarique stressed that BNP believes Bangladesh can only move forward by involving people from all walks of life. “No nation can be rebuilt by excluding half of its citizens,” he said, noting that women play a crucial role in every sector of the economy.
Recalling the tenure of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, he said BNP had ensured free education for girls up to intermediate level to help women become educated and self-reliant.
“Today, millions of women contribute to household incomes -whether at home, in agriculture, or in garment factories. With rising living costs, a single income is no longer enough. Women are working with dignity, and they deserve respect,” he said.
Referring to Islamic history, Tarique said Hazrat Khadija (RA), wife of Prophet Muhammad (SM), was herself a successful entrepreneur.
“Those who insult working women in the name of religion are, in fact, dishonouring Islam itself,” he added.
Questioning the credibility of the party involved, Tarique said that after facing public backlash, it claimed its social media account had been hacked.
“Technology experts have clearly stated that such hacking is not possible in the way they described. Lying to the public before an election exposes their true character,” he said.
Tarique warned that a party that shows such contempt for women before coming to power would pose an even greater threat if elected.
“If this is how they speak now, imagine how they would behave afterwards,” he said.
Addressing women voters directly, he urged them to stand up for their dignity. “Those who insult you must be answered. This election is your chance to respond.”
He also raised concerns about potential vote manipulation, urging voters to remain vigilant during counting to protect their democratic rights.
Outlining BNP’s development agenda, Tarique promised to revive Khulna as an industrial hub, expand job opportunities for women, establish IT parks for young people and introduce agriculture cards to support farmers.
“Our goal is a discrimination-free Bangladesh where opportunities are based on merit, not gender or belief,” he said, adding that BNP has the experience to restore law and order and combat corruption.
“The slogan is simple: Bangladesh first. Only BNP knows how to move the country forward,” Tarique concluded.
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