Working women compared with prostitutes by Shafiqur Rahman

• Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Shafiqur Rahman accused of circulating anti-women content

• Post deleted after controversy intensified

Dhaka (Bangladesh) – Shafiqur Rahman, chief of the Islamist political party Jamaat-e-Islami, allegedly shared a deeply offensive and derogatory message about women on social media. The post claimed that, in the name of modernity, women are being pushed into public life and employment, leading to their exploitation and contributing to moral decline in society, citing prostitution as an example. Critics say the message implied that women engaged in jobs or business are comparable to prostitutes.

The remarks sparked widespread outrage, particularly as Bangladesh is just ten days away from general elections. Following mounting criticism, the controversial post was deleted.

Attempts are now being made to contain the damage. Jamaat-e-Islami has claimed that the social media account in question had been hacked and temporarily controlled by unauthorised elements. However, by the time the post was removed, it had already reached millions.

Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, Assistant Secretary General and head of the party’s media cell, stated that cyber attackers had gained access to the account for a period. He asserted that the content did not represent either Rahman’s personal views or the party’s official position.

Editorial Perspective

It is no surprise that a hardline organisation like Jamaat-e-Islami would be associated with the circulation of anti-women content. Observers warn that if such a party were ever to assume power in Bangladesh, it could steer the nation toward extremist Taliban-like anti-women policies.