Jamaat-e-Islami does not seek matriarchy or patriarchy, but rather a humane society where there is no division based on religion, race, or gender, said the party’s Ameer Shafiqur Rahman.
He made the remarks as the chief guest at a women’s rally held at Monipur Girls’ High School grounds in Mirpur, Dhaka, on Wednesday afternoon. The rally was organised as part of the party’s campaign ahead of the 13th parliamentary election.
Shafiqur Rahman issued a stern warning following reports of attacks on female workers and supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami across the country. “If anyone lays a hand on our mothers, we will not remain silent,” he declared.
Addressing the gathering, he added, “Those who have insulted our mothers and laid hands on them must apologise. Allah will forgive them, but if they do not, Jamaat’s leaders and workers will not stay idle. The honour of our mothers is worth more than our own lives. If anyone dares to raise a hand, we will not sit back quietly.”
He also called on voters, urging them to cast their ballots for a brighter future. “There will be two votes. One is a ‘Yes’ vote. ‘Yes’ means victory for Bangladesh, ‘Yes’ means freedom. ‘Yes’ means no return to fascism,” he said.
Speaking on the second vote, which he described as one for justice and fairness, he added, “We do not need to look back to the distant past. From the moment Allah granted us the path to freedom on 5 August 2024, the actions, perspectives, behaviour, and conduct of every individual have been made clear to you all.”
Dhaka-15 candidate Shafiqur Rahman’s wife, Amena Begum, also addressed the rally as well. She said, “To build a prosperous Bangladesh, there is no alternative to honest leadership. Vote for those who will ensure the country’s independence, sovereignty, and the safety of people’s lives and property.”
Jamaat’s Women’s Secretary, Nurunnesa Siddika, also spoke at the event, saying, “We do not want to be enslaved by one dictatorship only to fall under another. Those who are assaulting women before the elections will not keep them safe after voting either.”
She warned that if there is electoral manipulation or administrative engineering in the election, the consequences would be far worse than anything seen under Hasina’s government.
