Your Words Reveal Dark Days for Women If You Gain Power, Warns Rizvi

Addressing the demonstration in front of the BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi asserted that the rhetoric from Jamaat leaders suggests a "grim future" for women should the party ever ascend to state power.

Rizvi dismissed Jamaat’s claim that the Ameer’s X (formerly Twitter) account had been hacked, questioning the narrative's credibility. "Have the 'cards to heaven' run out that you’ve now turned your focus to targeting women? No one believes these stories about accounts being hacked for a short while and then miraculously recovered," Rizvi remarked.

The BNP leader reminded the audience that Jamaat leaders had previously served as ministers under the leadership of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. "Did you not serve as ministers under Begum Zia? And now you claim a woman cannot lead a party? It is this very mindset that led you to not nominate a single woman for the upcoming elections," he added, accusing Jamaat of fostering a political culture that insults women.

Speaking at the same rally, BNP Standing Committee member Begum Selima Rahman issued a stern warning, stating that Jamaat seeks to suppress the very gender that gives birth to all. She called on Dr. Shafiqur Rahman to issue an immediate public apology, warning that the "fire of protest" would otherwise consume the party. Afroza Abbas, President of the Mohila Dal, echoed these sentiments, labeling Jamaat as "anti-independence" and claiming the party’s stance remains unchanged since 1971. The speakers concluded by vowing to use the ballot on February 12 to reject those who disparage women.