Jamaat alleges attacks, harassment of female activists during election campaign
Jamaat had earlier raised similar allegations on 26 January and urged the Election Commission to take necessary measures to address the situation
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has once again alleged that female activists of the party are facing attacks and harassment during campaign activities ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election.
The party made the allegations at a press conference at its central office today (31 January). Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair briefed journalists on the incidents.
Jamaat had earlier raised similar allegations on 26 January and urged the Election Commission to take necessary measures to address the situation.
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Zubair, who is also the head of the party's Central Publicity & Media Department, today said that since the announcement of the election schedule, Jamaat leaders and activists had faced repeated attacks.
"Our leaders and activists have been facing attacks and attempts on their lives since the announcement of the election schedule. Our upazila secretary in Sreebadi of Sherpur was brutally killed. However, no identified killer involved in the incident has been arrested so far," he said.
Focusing on female activists, Zubair claimed that Jamaat supporters campaigning in areas including Jashore, Noakhali, Kushtia, Sitakunda and Naogaon faced obstruction, verbal abuse and threats.
"They are being abused in obscene language and threatened to return home with remarks like, 'What business do women have in politics'," Zubair said.
He also claimed that in the Kushtia-3 constituency, leaflets and campaign materials were snatched from female activists, including the mother of Jamaat candidate Amir Hamza.
Zubair further alleged violations of the electoral code of conduct, claiming that videos showing money distribution by a rival candidate had circulated on social media. He said Jamaat would submit written complaints to the Election Commission at 3pm tomorrow.
"We support a peaceful election. But one party is deliberately trying to heat up the situation and create fear among voters. The administration and the Election Commission must take effective action immediately," he said.
