Khulna, Feb 02 (V7N) — During an election campaign rally in Khulna ahead of the 13th National Parliament elections, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman alleged that a political party is trying to confine women to their homes and disrespect their role in society.

Speaking at a public rally on Monday, Tarique Rahman recalled Hazrat Khadijatul Kubra (RA), the first wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), saying that she was a successful businesswoman and a working woman.

“We see a political party wants to keep women locked in their homes. A leader of that party has clearly disrespected women. But the wife of our Prophet, Bibi Khadija (RA), was a work-oriented and successful businesswoman,” he said.

The BNP chairman said that rebuilding the country after forming a government would require participation from all citizens, regardless of party affiliation.

“Half of our nearly 200 million population are women. No matter how many plans we make, it is impossible to move the country forward by leaving them behind,” he added.

Referring to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman said that she had ensured free education for girls up to higher secondary level to empower women.

He further alleged that a leader of another political party had openly stated that they do not believe in women’s leadership and had used insulting language about working women.

“Women work to earn a living. About five million women work in the garment industry. Making such comments is a disgrace to the people of this country,” he said.

Addressing the Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer, Tarique Rahman said that after widespread criticism over remarks about women, party leaders claimed their social media IDs had been hacked.

“Experts have clearly said that IDs cannot be hacked like this. A senior leader is lying to the people before the elections to serve their own interests,” he alleged.

He further claimed that spreading misinformation before elections reflects dishonesty and lack of patriotism.

Tarique Rahman also warned that if leaders who speak disrespectfully about women come to power, women’s dignity and safety would be at risk.

“History has shown what happens when such forces get the opportunity. The predecessors of this party humiliated millions of mothers and sisters in 1971. A country can never be safe in the hands of those who lack self-respect,” he said.

END/SMA/AJ