Jamaat ameer pledges fair wages, planned industrial development, mothers' dignity

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman today (3 February) pledged that if his party is elected and a justice-based Bangladesh is established, Gazipur and other industrial areas will be developed in a planned way, ensuring proper wages, respect for workers, and social security for mothers. 

"Where there is industry, there must be planning. But in Gazipur, workers have neither discipline nor security, nor proper access to healthcare. If we establish a justice-based Bangladesh, the industrial areas will be developed in a planned way," he told a rally of the 11-party alliance at the historic Bhawal Rajbari ground in Gazipur this afternoon.

The Jamaat chief said workers are often denied due respect, particularly women workers, who face wage discrimination despite performing the same work as men. 

"We will remove all such discrimination. There will be no discrimination of any kind in this country," he added.

Shafiqur said that for two to two-and-a-half years, from pregnancy through childbirth and breastfeeding, working mothers' daily working hours would be reduced to five hours.

"The remaining three hours will be dedicated to childcare, and wages for those hours will be provided by the Department of Social Services. This will be implemented first in government sectors and later in the private sector, Insha'Allah," he said, adding that a healthy mother and child are essential for a healthy society.

Despite being a densely populated industrial area, Gazipur lacks adequate roads, drainage, safe drinking water, gas supply and sustainable electricity, he said, noting that the district makes a significant contribution to the national GDP.

"The contribution of farmers to GDP is the highest. Everyone's contribution must be fairly recognised, and everyone must receive their rightful share based on justice," he said.

The Jamaat ameer said they would never compromise on the dignity of mothers, declaring that they would sacrifice their lives but would not allow anyone to demean or violate mothers' honour.

"We will not mortgage the dignity of mothers to anyone. We are ready to give our lives, but we will not allow anyone to tug at or violate mothers' honour," he said.

Referring to the July Uprising, the Jamaat ameer said the movement was carried out by children, mothers, workers, labourers, farmers, students and youths. 

"Their demand was 'We want justice.' They took to the streets for justice, not for unemployment allowances. The movement was for employment based on justice," he said.

Warning those who raise their hands against mothers, the Jamaat ameer said, "The children of those mothers will never forgive you. Learn to respect your mother. If you respect your mother, 180 million people of Bangladesh will respect you." 

Calling upon voters, he urged them to cast their verdict in favour of 'Insaf' (Justice) on 12 February. "If we get the opportunity to serve the country, no injustice will be done to Gazipur or to anyone else. Everyone will receive what they deserve based on justice," he said.

He also vowed to bring back money siphoned off abroad and take strict action against corruption.