Islamic Norms Prevent Women From Holding Top Party Posts: Bangladesh Jamaat
Ahead of February 12 polls, Jamaat-e-Islami reiterates ideological stance on leadership and women’s role
Bangladesh, Jan 02 : Jamaat-e-Islami has stated that women cannot occupy the party’s highest leadership post, asserting that its organisational structure is guided strictly by Islamic principles which, according to its interpretation, do not permit women to serve as ameer.
The statement comes as Bangladesh prepares for national elections scheduled on February 12.
Speaking at the Election Commission premises on Sunday, Jamaat Women’s Wing Secretary Nurunnisa Siddika said the party functions in line with Islamic ideology and bases its policies on its understanding of Quranic guidance. She was quoted by The Dhaka Tribune as saying that Islam assigns leadership responsibilities to men, a principle the party considers obligatory.
Based on this belief, Siddika said women are not eligible for the top post in Jamaat-e-Islami or any Islamic organisation operating under similar interpretations. She added that the party’s political and organisational decisions consistently reflect this framework.
Addressing questions over the absence of female Jamaat candidates in parliamentary elections, Siddika described it as an internal decision. She argued that the larger issue should be whether women’s dignity, safety and rights are being meaningfully protected in society.
Pointing to Bangladesh’s political history, she noted that despite having female prime ministers for decades, women continue to face violence and discrimination. According to her, symbolic representation alone does not guarantee progress for women.
“Meaningful change depends on humane and just leadership, not merely on whether the leader is a man or a woman,” she said, stressing that Jamaat prioritises moral governance over gender based representation at the top.
Meanwhile, Jamaat Women’s Wing chief Habiba Chowdhury said women make up nearly half of Bangladesh’s voters but many are still denied free participation in elections. She alleged that at least 15 incidents of attacks on female Jamaat activists had been reported to the Election Commission, claiming they were politically motivated.
Earlier in the day, a six-member Jamaat delegation led by Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair met Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin to raise concerns related to the electoral process and security of party workers.
