Women cannot hold party’s top leadership position: Jamaat Ameer

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has said that women cannot hold the party’s top leadership position, citing religious and natural principles.

In a recent interview with Al Jazeera, he argued that men and women are created differently by Allah and that this natural order cannot be changed.

Dr. Shafiqur noted that certain biological roles, such as breastfeeding, cannot be performed by men, and therefore women cannot serve as party chief.

He added that the party will not field any female candidates in the upcoming 13th National Parliament elections but is gradually preparing to increase women’s participation in politics over time.

He emphasised that Jamaat respects women as important family members and caretakers but argued that there are inherent limitations women cannot overcome.

Responding to questions about Bangladesh having had female prime ministers for the past three decades, Dr. Shafiqur said the party does not disrespect women but believes that, globally, most countries do not consider women suitable for such top positions due to physical and cultural constraints.