Broom procession at DU and JnU protesting Jamaat Ameer’s misogynistic remarks

Students staged broom processions at Dhaka University (DU) and Jagannath University (JnU) in protest against what they described as misogynistic remarks made by Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

On Sunday (1 February) around 2:00 pm, female leaders from various student organisations were seen participating in the procession with brooms in hand near the Anti-Terrorism Raju Sculpture area of Dhaka University, where a brief rally was held.

Earlier in the day, students organised a protest rally at the Shanti Chattar of Jagannath University. Participants described the comments made about working women as “objectionable” and “demeaning to women’s dignity”.

DU protesters said respect for women’s labour must be ensured and called for the abolition of what they termed the “commodification of women”.

Speakers at the brief rally said derogatory remarks about working women are unacceptable under any circumstances.

DU student Seema Akter said women in Bangladesh are subjected to online bullying whenever they speak about their rights. She alleged that activists of a particular political party are attacking women on social media using fake and bot accounts.

Another protester said women have played a crucial role, both inside and outside the home, in every crisis and movement in Bangladesh’s history. “Despite that, such remarks targeting women reflect a misogynistic mindset,” the protester said.

At the rally, Socialist Students’ Front president Mukta Barai said attempts are being made to dismiss the Jamaat Ameer’s remarks by claiming his account was hacked. “Proof of this must be presented before the public,” she said.

Student Susmita Sarkar said the incident is not isolated and that such remarks have been made repeatedly. “This is not forgivable. It will be answered through the ballot in the upcoming election,” she said.

From the rally, protesters demanded a public apology from the Jamaat Ameer.

Meanwhile, speaking at the gathering, Jagannath University Women’s Hall Parliament Literary and Cultural Secretary and Hall unit Chhatra Dal president Farzana Akter Tumpa strongly condemned the comments. She said the crude remarks made by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer from a position of responsibility were deeply offensive. “Comparing working women to prostitution not only insults women but also undermines their human dignity,” she said.

University unit Chhatra Dal joint convener Khadijatul Kubra said such comments from a responsible figure like the Jamaat Ameer are extremely shameful. “Comparing working women to prostitution is completely unacceptable. From doctors, engineers and teachers to millions of garment workers, women are making vital contributions to Bangladesh’s economy. Do they leave their homes to engage in sex work?” she asked, calling such thinking a gross insult to women.

She further alleged that a political party uses women in its campaigns on one hand while devaluing them on the other, calling for an end to such hypocrisy. “Women of the country will respond through the ballot on the 12th,” she said.

Several female members of the university unit Chhatra Dal, along with general students, were present at the protest.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has a verified account on social media platform X. A post from that account allegedly insulting women has triggered widespread debate and criticism online. Jamaat claims the account had been hacked.