Tarique Rahman Accuses Jamaat of Long History of Disrespecting Women

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman launched a scathing critique of Jamaat-e-Islami on Monday, accusing the party of a long-standing disregard for women’s dignity. Speaking at a rally in Jashore, Tarique argued that the party's current rhetoric mirrors its controversial role during the 1971 Liberation War.

The remarks come amid growing public backlash over a recent social media post by Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman, which critics have labeled as misogynistic.

Addressing a crowd at the Jashore Sports Park, Tarique linked Jamaat’s modern-day stance to its actions decades ago. He claimed the party’s historical opposition to Bangladesh’s independence led to widespread suffering.

“We saw in 1971 how they abandoned the people of this country,” Tarique said. “Because of their role, millions were martyred, and countless mothers and sisters lost their honor. Their character remains unchanged today.”

The BNP leader suggested that a party unable to show compassion for its own citizens cannot be trusted as a political ally. He emphasized that the group’s historical and contemporary conduct proves they lack respect for the women of Bangladesh.

“Those who have no compassion for their own country—proven in 1971 and again today—have no compassion for our mothers and sisters,” he added.

Tarique’s speech highlights deepening divisions between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, two parties that have historically shared political alliances but are currently clashing over social and ideological values.