Women will be kept on a pedestal if Jamaat assumes office: Shafiqur

Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Monday said women would be given dignity and respect if his party comes to power, rejecting what he described as attacks against him for speaking out on women’s rights.

Addressing an election rally at the Muktijoddha field in Baharchhara of Cox’s Bazar town, Shafiqur said, “I have been attacked for raising my voice against the oppression of women. Those behind such acts will be left behind. If we assume office, women will be kept on a pedestal and treated with dignity.”

The rally was organised by the 11-party alliance and presided over by the district Jamaat Amir Principal Nur Ahmed Anwari.

Shafiqur said establishing justice would be the alliance’s top priority if it forms the government. “Even if everything is forgiven, justice for the July killings will be ensured,” he said, adding that justice, not compromise, would guide governance.

Referring to education and women’s empowerment, he pledged free education for women up to the master’s level. “From February 13, the country will see a new Bangladesh. If we get the opportunity to form a government, justice will be established everywhere,” he said.

Calling the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election a turning point, the Jamaat chief said it would not be like the elections of 2018 or 2024. “This election is to show fascism a red card and to fulfil the expectations of the July fighters,” he said.

He also alleged that heavyweight candidates in Cox’s Bazar were intimidating Jamaat nominees. “The people will measure their weight on polling day by delivering their verdict,” he added.

On employment, Shafiqur said the July movement demanded jobs, not allowances. “I will hand over work to educated youth and ask them to prove Bangladesh through their work,” he said.

Highlighting Cox’s Bazar’s tourism potential, he said that if the four parliamentary seats in the district go to the 11-party alliance, a well-organised tourist district would be developed.

As part of the campaign, the rally drew leaders and activists from Kutubdia, Pekua, Teknaf, Ukhiya, Ramu, Maheshkhali, Chakaria and Cox’s Bazar Sadar. Party flags, banners and slogans filled the venue from morning.

Central Assistant Secretary General Muhammad Shahjahan spoke as a special guest. District Jamaat Secretary Zahidul Islam and Organising Secretary and Media Cell Coordinator Al Amin Md. Sirajul Islam moderated the programme. Candidates from Cox’s Bazar-1, 3 and 4 constituencies, along with local Jamaat and alliance leaders and July fighters, also addressed the rally.