Jamaat-e-Islami’s women affairs secretary Nurunnisa Siddika stated that women cannot hold top leadership positions in the party, citing adherence to Islamic principles. Speaking to reporters at the Election Commission on Sunday, she said the Qur’an designates men as guardians and leaders of women, and the party’s structure follows that guidance. She described the decision not to nominate female candidates in the upcoming parliamentary election as an internal policy matter.

Siddika emphasized that the presence of women in top positions is not the main concern; rather, ensuring women’s rights, dignity, and safety is more important. She argued that despite Bangladesh having female prime ministers over the past five decades, violence against women and gender inequality persist, suggesting that moral and just leadership, not gender, is key to social progress.

Earlier, a Jamaat delegation met Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin to discuss political and electoral issues. The party’s women leaders alleged that female activists faced at least 15 attacks in different districts and that women voters were being intimidated ahead of the election.