BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday dismissed claims that offensive remarks about women posted on Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman’s verified X account were the result of hacking, accusing the party of misleading the public.
Speaking at a BNP election rally at Prabhati School Grounds in Khulna around 12:45 am, Tarique said experts have confirmed that social media accounts cannot be compromised in the manner being claimed.
“Two days ago, a political leader used language that insulted women, mothers and working sisters. When criticism followed, they said their account was hacked. Experts say this is not possible. They are lying to the people,” he said.
Emphasising women’s role in the country’s economy, Tarique said no development plan could succeed by ignoring half the population. “Out of nearly 200 million people, at least 100 million are women. Millions keep the economy running through the garment sector. Women from lower- and middle-income families also work alongside their husbands to cope with rising expenses, yet they are publicly disrespected,” he added.
Referring to Islamic history, Tarique cited Hazrat Khadija (RA), wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as a successful businesswoman. “No one has the right to demean women’s professions or contributions,” he said.
Outlining BNP’s economic plans, Tarique announced a proposed “family card” aimed at empowering women and promoting self-reliance. He also pledged to revive Khulna, Satkhira and Bagerhat as industrial hubs, create jobs for both men and women, establish IT parks for youth, and introduce an agricultural card to provide farmers with loans, fertilisers, seeds and pesticides. Under the plan, interest on agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000 would be waived.