Dhaka, Feb 2 (NationPress) The leader of Bangladesh's radical Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami, Shafiqur Rahman, ignited a wave of backlash following a recent post on his social media account on platform X. He stated that women forced out of their homes under the guise of modernity face risks of exploitation, moral degradation, and insecurity, labeling this situation as “another form of prostitution,” according to a report released on Monday.

Shortly after, the party claimed that Rahman's account had been compromised, denying his participation in the post. This assertion raised suspicions about the authenticity of the alleged hacking—whether it was a true security breach or a strategy to distance Rahman from the ensuing backlash.

The incident unfolds as Jamaat seeks to rehabilitate its public image ahead of the upcoming February elections. It brings to light the issue of accountability in digital arenas, where claims of hacking frequently act as a defensive mechanism. As social media increasingly influences public perception, delving into the circumstances surrounding this incident could provide deeper insights into the political maneuvers within Bangladesh's tense landscape,” as noted in a report by 'Diplotic'.

In response, online users—ranging from Awami League supporters to secular activists and advocates for women’s rights—dismissed the hacking explanation and criticized Rahman’s comments. Many labeled Jamaat as hypocritical, recalling its previous alliance with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), headed by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

This controversy has intensified scrutiny of Jamaat-e-Islami’s views on women and gender equality, with opponents contending that such remarks, intentional or not, reveal deeply ingrained attitudes that conflict with constitutional rights and democratic principles,” as reported by Northeast News.

Additionally, Mahdi Amin, spokesperson for the BNP Election Steering Committee, questioned Rahman's assertion that his verified account had been hacked following the widely reproached post. Speaking at a press conference at the BNP office in Gulshan, Dhaka, he remarked that the hacking claim surfaced nearly nine hours after the post went viral and public outrage had already begun.

“The claim arose long after the post circulated and criticism ensued. If a verified account of a significant political figure is hacked, the immediate responsibility is to inform the public to prevent confusion,” The Daily Star cited Amin.

He emphasized that the delay in reporting the hack itself casts doubt on the credibility of the explanation.

“Only after public uproar did the hacking narrative emerge. During that time, numerous posts appeared from the Jamaat chief’s Facebook account, yet not a single one alerted that his X account had been breached,” he added.

With the national elections in Bangladesh just ten days away, critics warn that Jamaat’s ongoing misogynistic rhetoric and the absence of women candidates in the forthcoming elections could lead the nation down a regressive political trajectory.