ID not hacked, Jamaat spreading lies to mislead people: Tarique Rahman

BNP chairman Tarique Rahman has said that leaders of a political party are spreading false information and disrespecting women in an attempt to conceal their true character.

Strongly criticising remarks made about women from the official X account of Jamaat-e-Islami ameer Shafiqur Rahman, he said the account was not hacked and that falsehoods are being deliberately presented for personal gain.

Speaking at an election rally organised by the BNP city and district units at Prabhati School ground in Khulna on Monday, Tarique Rahman said one political party wants to confine women, who make up half of Bangladesh’s population, to their homes.

He said their leaders have openly stated that they do not believe in women’s leadership and have insulted women.

Citing Hazrat Bibi Khadijah, the wife of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, as an example of a successful businesswoman, he said those who insult women today are hiding their self-interest behind religion.

He warned that the behaviour of such groups, if given electoral opportunity, could mirror the atrocities witnessed in 1971.

Addressing women voters, he said the time has come to consider how to respond to those who speak against them in this manner.

On rebuilding Khulna’s industrial zone, he said a BNP government would revive industrial areas in Khulna and Satkhira, ensuring employment opportunities for women and creating modern facilities, including IT parks, for the youth.

He urged voters to remain vigilant, saying those who lie and demean women have begun conspiracies ahead of the election.