BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday urged women voters to give a befitting reply to Jamaat-e-Islami through the ballot in the upcoming 13th general election, saying such a response is necessary in light of what he described as insulting and shameful remarks made against women by Jamaat Ameer.
Tarique Rahman made the comments while addressing an election rally organised by Khulna Metropolitan and District BNP at the Prabhati School ground in Khalishpur.
Later in the day, he spoke at another rally held at the Jessore Krira Uddan, where he outlined BNP's political vision if it wins in February 12 election.
Strongly criticising Jamaat-e-Islami, Tarique Rahman condemned recent comments made by the party's Ameer on social media, which he said demeaned and insulted women.
He said Bangladesh-both its men and women-can never be safe under forces that fail to respect women and have a historical record of humiliating them, particularly during the Liberation War of 1971.
As the election approaches, Tarique Rahman said political parties are presenting their plans to the people. However, he alleged that one particular party wants to confine women-nearly half of the country's population-inside their homes. Referring indirectly to Jamaat, he said its leaders have openly stated that they do not believe in women's leadership.
He pointed out that just days earlier, a leader of the party had made offensive remarks about women, including mothers and sisters who go out to earn a living.
"The language was so shameful that I feel embarrassed to repeat it," he said, adding that such statements bring disgrace to the nation.
Tarique Rahman stressed that BNP believes rebuilding the country is only possible by including people from all professions and backgrounds. "A nation cannot be rebuilt by excluding half of its population," he said, noting that women make up nearly half of Bangladesh's population and play a vital role in society and the economy.
Referring to the tenure of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, he said BNP had introduced free education for girls up to the intermediate level to help women become educated, skilled, and self-reliant.
He also highlighted the contribution of women to household incomes through work at home, in agriculture, and in the garment sector, especially at a time when rising prices make it difficult for families to survive on a single income.
Drawing on Islamic history, Tarique Rahman mentioned that Prophet Muhammad's (SM) wife, Hazrat Khadija (RA), was a successful businesswoman. He said those who insult working women while claiming to establish Islam are not only insulting women in Bangladesh but women across the world.
Questioning Jamaat's intentions, Tarique Rahman asked how women would be treated if such a party came to power, especially when its leaders make derogatory comments even before the election.
He recalled the violence committed against women by such forces in 1971 and said anyone who does not respect human dignity cannot ensure the safety of the country.
Outlining BNP's development plans, he said the party would revive Khulna as an industrial city, create employment opportunities for women, establish IT parks for youth, and introduce agricultural cards for farmers. BNP, he added, aims to build a discrimination-free Bangladesh by uniting people of all religions and ensuring opportunities based on merit.
At the Jessore rally, Tarique Rahman warned that a political party was attempting to make the election controversial and obstruct the democratic process.
He urged people to remain alert and united. He also introduced 22 BNP candidates from seven districts of the Jessore and Kushtia regions and called on voters to support them by voting for the party's paddy sheaf symbol.
Speaking about local development, he highlighted flower farming as a key industry in Jessore and said flowers, like garments, should be exported to international markets to strengthen the regional economy.
