Tarique urges women to respond to Jamaat ameer’s 'derogatory remarks' through ballot
Tarique expressed his disappointment over a leader from a "certain political party" who he said had openly disrespected women, suggesting that such a mindset is contrary to the reality of modern Bangladesh.
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today (2 February) strongly criticised the regressive stance of certain political quarters, alleging that they aim to keep women, who comprise half of the country's population, confined to their homes.
Speaking at an election rally in Khulna ahead of the 13th national election, he took an apparent swipe at Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing the party of using derogatory language and showing a lack of faith in female leadership.
Addressing the crowd, the BNP chairman noted that a specific political party has been orchestrating a campaign that undermines the dignity of women.
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"As the election has arrived, different political parties will naturally present their goals and plans before the people. But what we are seeing is that one political party wants to keep half of the country's population women confined within their homes," the BNP chief said.
Outlining BNP's plans, he promised to revive Khulna as a living industrial city, create jobs for women, establish IT parks for youths and introduce agricultural cards for farmers.
Tarique said BNP aims to build a discrimination-free Bangladesh by bringing together people of all religions and ensuring opportunities based on merit and competence.
In an oblique reference to Jamaat, Tarique said the leaders of a party have openly stated that they do not believe in women's leadership.
"Just two days ago, a leader of that party made offensive remarks about women – our mothers and sisters – who go out to earn a living. The language used was so shameful that I feel embarrassed to repeat it here. Such words are disgrace to this country," he said.
Those who insult you must be answered. The time has come for you to decide how to respond
Invoking religious history to counter the narrative of his opponents, Tarique Rahman reminded the audience that Khadijatul Kubra (RA), the first wife of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), was a successful and career-oriented businesswoman.
He questioned the sincerity of those intending to establish Islamic rule while simultaneously making alleged demeaning comments about women for political gain.
The BNP chief asserted that alliances such as those are merely exploiting religious sentiments to serve their own interests rather than upholding true spiritual or social values.
Emphasising the BNP's prior experience in statecraft, its chairman called upon the residents of Khulna to support his party in the upcoming election scheduled for 12 February.
Referring to former prime minister Khaleda Zia's tenure, the BNP chairman said she introduced free education for girls up to the intermediate level so that they could be educated and become self-reliant.
He urged voters to choose a path of empowerment over confinement, asking for their mandate to ensure that the BNP can continue to lead the country toward inclusive development.
Tarique questioned what would happen if such a party came to power, "If they speak this way about women before an election, how will they treat women afterwards if they get the chance?"
He alleged that when criticism grew from women and the public, the party concerned claimed its social media account had been hacked.
"Experts have clearly said such an account cannot be hacked in that manner. Yet they are lying to the people before an election. This shows their real character," he said.
Tarique said those who repeatedly lie to the people cannot be pro-people or pro-country.
"They use religion to serve their own interests."
He also questioned how the same party treats its own women activists who go outside for the party activities. "If a leader can insult women within his own party, imagine how he would treat ordinary women of the country if given power," he said, recalling the atrocities committed against women by the predecessors of such forces in 1971.
"Those who have no respect for human dignity can never ensure the safety of the country or its people, whether men or women," Tarique added.
Calling on women voters, Tarique said, "Those who insult you must be answered. The time has come for you to decide how to respond."
