Jamaat announces women’s rally at Suhrawardy Udyan on Jan 31 over harassment claims

Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a women’s rally at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka on January 31, protesting alleged attacks and harassment of its female workers during election campaigning. The party has accused BNP activists of being involved in such incidents.

The announcement was made on Tuesday, January 27, at a press conference at Jamaat’s party office in Mogbazar by its nayeb-e-ameer Dr Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher.

Dr Taher said Jamaat has more active female workers than any other party and claimed the party expects strong voter support from women. He alleged that this has led to intimidation, attacks and threats, including threats of physical harm, against female activists in different parts of the country. He said those who speak about women’s rights are now attacking women, warning that the situation would worsen if power is seized forcibly.

He claimed incidents of attacks and threats against women workers have occurred in Jashore, Chuadanga, Cumilla, Tangail, Lalmonirhat, Bhola, Chapainawabganj and Keraniganj. He also alleged plans for voter intimidation and polling centre capture in multiple districts.

Referring to disputed elections in 2014, 2018 and 2024, Dr Taher said attempts to retain power unfairly would again trigger movements. He accused district administrators and superintendents of police of openly showing bias and criticised the Election Commission for inaction.

He said the women’s rally will begin at 10:00am on January 31 at Suhrawardy Udyan, warning that if attacks do not stop, Jamaat’s women’s wing and allied parties will announce further programmes.