Dhaka, Feb 5 (NationPress) In light of rising backlash concerning his contentious statements about women, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman seems to adopt a more conciliatory stance. He emphasized that ensuring the security and dignity of women would be among his party's top priorities if they gain power, according to local media.

His remarks come shortly after he incited public outrage with a post on X, in which he claimed that women forced out of their homes in the guise of modernity are subjected to exploitation, moral degradation, and insecurity, which he referred to as “another form of prostitution.”

These comments have been met with widespread condemnation from various political and social groups.

While speaking at a campaign rally in Kurigram district, Rahman sought to reassure female voters, underscoring his party's commitment to their safety. “We will ensure 100 per cent security and dignity for you in your homes, on the roads, in workplaces, and everywhere, by all means,” was reported by The Daily Star.

He further articulated a vision of a secure society, asserting, “A country where mothers are not safe can never be my country. Rather, my country will be that one where the safety and dignity of my mothers, sisters, and daughters will be ensured. Do not be afraid, you will keep fighting, and speak looking towards other’s eyes. This Bangladesh will be a country for the people.”

Rahman also took a veiled jab at the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), claiming that a political party is trying to tarnish his image following the alleged hacking of his social media account.

Earlier this week, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman launched a vehement critique of the Jamaat leader regarding his comments on women, cautioning that such views could jeopardize women's safety and fundamental rights in the nation, as per local media reports.

“Those who disrespect the women of the country and abuse them in ugly language cannot be patriotic or people-oriented. A political party wants to imprison mothers and sisters in their homes before the elections. They make scandalous comments about their employment. The people of the country are not safe from those who cannot respect their own women,” quoted the BNP leader during a rally in Khulna district, according to Bonik Barta.

The controversy has been exacerbated by previous statements from Jamaat’s Women’s Wing Secretary, Nurunnisa Siddika, who claimed that women cannot hold the highest leadership positions within the party. She stated that the party follows Islamic principles, which she asserted “do not allow women to serve as ameer.”

“According to the Quran, men are directors of women, which is considered a command and obligation in Islam,” Siddika was quoted as saying by The Dhaka Tribune.

It is noteworthy that senior Jamaat-e-Islami leader ATM Azharul Islam was released from prison in May 2025 after the Supreme Court overturned his death sentence. He had previously been convicted for rape and other crimes committed during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.

With the national elections in Bangladesh just a week away, critics warn that Jamaat's ongoing misogynistic remarks and its choice to present no women candidates in the upcoming polls risk steering the nation toward a regressive political trajectory.