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Published : 08 Feb 2026, 04:33 PM
Ten women and a rights group have asked the Election Commission to cancel the candidacy of Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman over what they describe as “demeaning and misogynistic” remarks about working women on social media.
The group submitted a memorandum to the chief election commissioner on Sunday, saying the comments, posted on X last month, were unacceptable from a political leader and violated election rules. They also placed four specific demands before the election authorities.
“We express our deep concern and anger over the derogatory, vulgar and misogynistic comments about working women recently made by Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh chief Shafiqur Rahman from his verified X account. This is not only a gross insult to women, but a direct denial of the labour, dignity and social contribution of millions of hardworking, self-respected and contributing women across the country," the memorandum read.
“Although the concerned party later claimed that the remarks were the result of ‘hacking’, we believe such a claim is unacceptable in the case of statements published from a verified X account. So far, no official statement from the relevant platform, credible evidence or the outcome of any transparent investigation has been presented before the public.”
They said media reports indicated that a Bangabhaban employee was arrested in connection with the alleged hacking, but contradictory information later emerged from police sources. Subsequently, law enforcement officials said no specific evidence was found linking the detainee to hacking, further casting doubt on the hacking claim.
"Such a public statement regarding working women is squarely against equality, human rights, dignity of women, and social justice. We strongly believe that this type of statement triggers the culture of hatred, disparity and violence against women and threatens working women’s security, dignity and work environment. Such irresponsible comments from someone in a leadership position are in no way acceptable.”
THE DEMANDS
Their four demands are:
1. The offensive remarks must be withdrawn publicly without delay.
2. An unconditional apology must be offered to working women and women labourers.
3. A clear commitment must be made to refrain from making any future statements that demean women’s dignity and labour.
4. Necessary action must be taken against such remarks in line with the Election Commission’s ethics and code of conduct, and the individual’s candidacy must be cancelled.
After meeting the chief election commissioner, Mushrefa Mishu, general secretary of the Ganatantrik Biplobi Party, told bdnews24.com: “The CEC said we should also submit this complaint to the Election Inquiry Committee. We told him that through this statement, [Shafiqur] has violated the election code of conduct. That is why we have come to you, as you are the top authority of the Election Commission.”
“If you don’t take action then people will lose their trust in the election and raise questions about whether the upcoming election will be fair, impartial and democratic.
“The CEC said he would sit with the election commissioners and make a decision. However, we expected him to play a stronger role. We see a lack of firmness on the part of the CEC."
Those present at the time included Mushrefa, Dhaka University's Prof Samina Luthfa, Garment Workers’ Liberation Movement President Shabnam Hafiz, NPA spokesperson Ferdous Ara Rumi, Narir Rajnaitik Odhikar Forum organiser Nafisa Raihana, Rashtra Sangskar Andolon Women Affairs Secretary Zakia Shishir, lawyer and rights activist Tabassum Mehenaz Mimi, Green Bangla Garments Workers Federation President Sultana Begum, Janabhashya central member Shamim Ara Nipa, Gonotantrik Odhikar Committee member Marzia Prabha, and representatives of Naripokkho.
