Bangladesh Feminist Archives

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that women can never become the head of the party, describing leadership as shaped by religious and biological differences. Responding to journalist Srinivasan Jain, he said men and women are created differently and linked women’s roles to childbirth and caregiving, arguing that these differences affect responsibilities and qualifications for top party leadership.

On governance, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said Jamaat will take part in upcoming elections within Bangladesh’s constitutional framework and act according to “the will of the people.” When questioned about earlier party remarks favoring governance based solely on Islamic law, he said the position of the party chief should be followed and that parliament would decide on laws considered beneficial for the country.

Addressing women’s labor, he said full-time work structures do not adequately account for women’s reproductive and caregiving roles. He proposed that women be allowed reduced or flexible hours for a period if they wish, while also saying women who choose to work full eight-hour days should be able to do so. He framed this as ensuring respect for women rather than limiting them.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman confirmed that Jamaat-e-Islami has not nominated any female candidates for the upcoming elections. He described this as part of Bangladesh’s political culture and said the party is “preparing for the future,” suggesting change would be gradual. When asked why other parties had fielded at least some women, he said Jamaat does not disrespect women but is moving step by step.

The interviewer referenced Bangladesh’s history of women prime ministers and women leading institutions. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said Jamaat does not oppose women in public roles generally but maintains that certain top leadership positions within the party are not open to them. Jamaat is positioning itself as a key political force following the 2024 uprising and is advancing its electoral strategy ahead of the vote.