Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Secretary-General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its candidate for Thakurgaon-1, has sharply criticised Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing the party of attempting to push the country backward and transform it into a state resembling Afghanistan.
Addressing voters in his electoral constituency on Monday (2 February) during a public outreach session, Fakhrul said, “They want to take our country back. They are a party that obstructs progress. We, on the other hand, do not wish to regress; we seek advancement, with equal rights for men and women.”
He expressed deep concern over the party’s stance on women’s participation in the workforce, highlighting that Jamaat-e-Islami restricts women’s opportunities. “They do not want women to work. They argue that women should remain confined to household duties. Even for those employed in the garment sector, they impose a strict limit of five working hours a day,” Fakhrul remarked.
In addition to gender-based restrictions, Fakhrul accused Jamaat-e-Islami of threatening minority communities, particularly Hindus, calling it a serious concern for national harmony. Despite these warnings, he urged citizens to remain fearless and steadfast.
Fakhrul emphasised the present moment as a critical opportunity for establishing a justice-based state. “The country now stands at a crucial juncture. BNP aims to create a fair and transparent electoral environment, working alongside all parties to ensure an inclusive and credible election process,” he stated.
Speaking directly to voters, the BNP leader warned against complacency, saying, “The future of the nation lies in your hands. Every decision you make is crucial; do not falter in exercising your right to vote wisely.”
For clarity, the key points of Fakhrul’s address can be summarised as follows:
| Issue | Fakhrul’s Position | Criticism of Jamaat-e-Islami |
|---|---|---|
| National progress | Supportive of forward-looking policies | Jamaat seeks to regress the country |
| Women’s rights | Advocates equal participation in work and society | Restricts women’s work; limits garment sector hours to five |
| Minority protection | Urges safety and inclusion for all communities | Hindus and other minorities face threats |
| Electoral process | Supports fair, inclusive, and transparent elections | No credible engagement with democratic norms |
The BNP Secretary-General concluded by stressing the party’s commitment to a progressive, equitable, and democratic Bangladesh. He called on voters to exercise their franchise with discernment, underscoring the importance of collective responsibility in shaping the country’s future.