February polls: Jamaat alleges code of conduct violations, attacks on female activists
Jamaat has requested the Election Commission to take necessary measures to address the situation, says the party’s Assistant Secretary General, Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has alleged that the election code of conduct is being violated in various places ahead of the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, and that female activists of the party are facing harassment and attacks.
"Over the last four days, we have been observing these incidents with concern and anxiety. Our female activists are being harassed and attacked in different areas," the party's Assistant Secretary General, Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, made the allegations today (26 January) while speaking to reporters after a meeting with the chief election commissioner (CEC).
He said Jamaat has requested the Election Commission to take necessary measures to address the situation. The party has also lodged complaints at the local level, he added.
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However, Zubair alleged that the role of law enforcement agencies has so far been inadequate.
While responding to a question, he said that although Jamaat has not nominated any female candidates for the upcoming election, the party plans to field women candidates in future polls.
"We did not nominate female candidates this time. But we will in the next election. Jamat is currently allied with other political parties, many of which have fielded female candidates," he said.
Explaining the party's nomination process, Zubair said Jamaat usually considers recommendations from the grassroots level. While such recommendations are binding in the case of male candidates, they are not made mandatory for women.
He said the party takes into account women's family responsibilities and personal circumstances when it comes to politics.
"Many women want to be involved in politics but do not want to contest elections. Even when proposals come, many women do not want to stand as candidates. That is why we do not force them to contest," he said.
In response to another question, Zubair claimed that women make up around 40% of Jamaat's workforce, a proportion he said is higher than that of other political parties.
