A platform calling itself the “Conscious Citizens’ Forum” has sent a letter to the Prime Minister demanding the cancellation of the registration of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, alleging that the party’s stated position on women’s leadership contradicts constitutional provisions on equality.
The matter was disclosed at a press conference on Friday by entrepreneur and influencer Robaiyat Fatima Tani. According to the organizers, the forum is convened by Neela Israfil, with Tani serving as member secretary. Tani read out the letter addressed to the Prime Minister during the briefing.
In her remarks, Tani said that Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, and other senior leaders have, at different times, stated that women should not be eligible to serve as party chief, head of government, president, chief justice, or head of any state institution. She claimed that this position reflects the party’s declared policy.
Tani argued that such a stance is in direct violation of Articles 27 and 28 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality before the law and prohibit discrimination on grounds including sex. She further said that under the Representation of the People Order (RPO), any political party that adopts a position against gender equality may face cancellation of its registration.
“Denying women the right to participate in state leadership is an extreme and unconstitutional ideology,” Tani said. “Women’s dignity and constitutional rights cannot be subject to political compromise.”
The forum urged the government to examine the issue and take swift legal action regarding the party’s registration. It also called for legal proceedings against Dr. Shafiqur Rahman over what it described as derogatory remarks, demanding that he issue a public apology.
The group further appealed to the state to adopt a firm legal stance against what it termed misogynistic or discriminatory statements targeting women.
There was no immediate response from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami regarding the allegations at the time of filing this report.
