‘90% of garment workers dress modestly; have we told them to wear burqas?’

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has pledged that if his party comes to power, the working hours of professional mothers will be reduced from eight hours to five.

Speaking at a reception in New York City on Sunday (October 26), organised by the Coalition of Bangladeshi American Associations, the Jamaat chief said if the party gets the opportunity to govern, it will give mothers "a little extra respect".

His remarks have sparked a wide-ranging discussion on social media.

"My mother -- she carries a child in her womb, breastfeeds that child, raises and nurtures the child. At the same time, in many cases, she also fulfils responsibilities as a professional. I work eight hours and she works eight hours. Isn't that an injustice to her?" the Jamaat Ameer said.

"If we come [to power], In sha Allah, we will reduce their working hours -- to secure the rights of their children and to honour them as mothers. That will do justice for them. It will not be charity," he added.

Shafiqur Rahman added: "In sha Allah, if we change their eight-hour workday to five hours, mothers -- who are so sincere and so committed -- will think that since the government has honoured us, we should finish eight hours' worth of work in five hours."

Social media responses to the statement have been mixed. While some questioned the motive behind the proposal, others praised it as a "noble idea." Some critics warned it could be the first step toward gradually confining women to the home.

Many working women suggested to the Jamaat chief that, instead of reducing hours, the party should focus on improving workplace conditions -- for example, setting up breastfeeding corners, daycare centres, and women-friendly transport.

At the reception, the Jamaat chief said, "We are being unjustly criticised -- people say that if we come to power, we will lock women up at home. Where would we get money to buy locks? Don't we have mothers and sisters? Didn't they get an education? Don't they make important contributions to society?"

He went on, "If you go to Dhaka's industrial areas, visit the garment zones, you will be surprised. Ninety percent of the girls go out dressed modestly and decently. This is Bangladesh. Have we told them to wear burqas, hijabs or niqabs? We have not told anyone to do that."

The Jamaat chief said that many garment workers adopt certain clothes to protect their honour. "In today's society our mothers and sisters face abuse and deprivation. When they go to workplaces, their honour and lives are often at risk."

"The Prophet (PBUH) took women to the battlefield… The Prophet (PBUH) did not go to any battle where at least one of his wives was not present. If they could be present in battlefields, is there any part of society where they cannot take part? They will act with decorum and dignity. Society will be compelled to ensure two things for them: their safety and their honour. Both must be provided," he said.