Dhaka, Feb 2 (NationPress) The Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has asserted that women are not eligible to hold the highest leadership roles within the party, emphasizing that their operations are guided by Islamic principles which prohibit women from serving as ameer.

This statement arises as Bangladesh prepares for elections on February 12.

During a press conference at the Election Commission (EC) on Sunday, the party’s Women’s Wing Secretary, Nurunnisa Siddika, articulated that Jamaat-e-Islami functions as an organization rooted in Islamic values, formulating its policies based on its interpretation of Quranic teachings.

“According to the Quran, men are considered the leaders of women, which is viewed as a directive and responsibility in Islam,” she was reported saying by a prominent Bangladeshi newspaper, The Dhaka Tribune.

She further explained that based on this understanding, women are excluded from top leadership roles in any Islamic organization.

Siddika mentioned that the party’s organizational and political activities are conducted in line with these principles and that they remain steadfast in their ideological framework.

When questioned about the lack of female candidates nominated by Jamaat for parliamentary elections, Siddika described it as an “internal organizational decision” made by the party.

She stressed that the broader conversation should not solely focus on women in leadership positions, but rather on whether women’s rights, dignity, and security are sufficiently upheld in society.

“In the last 54 years, Bangladesh has had two female prime ministers for extended periods. Yet, have women’s issues been resolved? Has violence against women diminished? Have women’s rights been secured?” she posed.

Siddika contended that merely placing women in senior leadership positions does not guarantee significant improvements in the lives of women nationwide.

“True change occurs when leadership—regardless of gender—is compassionate and ensures dignity for all,” she asserted, adding that Jamaat prioritizes establishing just and humane leadership over appointing women to the highest roles.

In parallel, Jamaat Women’s Wing chief Habiba Chowdhury remarked that women make up nearly half of Bangladesh’s electorate, yet many have historically been denied the chance to exercise their voting rights.

She reported that at least 15 incidents involving assaults on female Jamaat activists across various districts had been documented for the Election Commission, alleging these incidents stemmed from political retribution.

Earlier on Sunday, a six-member Jamaat delegation, led by Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, met with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin to discuss current issues related to the electoral process.