Senior leaders of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s women’s wing on Sunday defended the party’s ban on women holding top leadership posts, using religious arguments to justify a system where only men can lead.
The remarks have drawn strong criticism, with many saying they reflect a deep-rooted patriarchal mindset and disregard for gender equality.
Senior leaders of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s women’s wing have defended the party’s policy that does not allow women to hold top leadership positions.
They said Jamaat is an Islamic organisation and believes that leadership roles should be held by men. Women’s wing secretary Nurunnisa Siddika said men are considered guardians of women and that, under the party’s beliefs, women cannot become the ameer, or chief.
She added that having women in top positions is less important than ensuring women’s rights. The comments come at a time of public anger over a controversial social media post linked to Jamaat’s ameer, which many saw as insulting to working women.
Protests by students, women’s groups and political organisations have taken place in Dhaka and other areas. Demonstrators are demanding a public apology and warning of larger protests against what they describe as Jamaat’s anti-women views.