Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has announced that if his party comes to power, women’s official working hours will be reduced from eight to five hours a day.

He made the announcement on Sunday (26 Oct) at a civic reception organised by the Coalition of Bangladeshi American Associations at the Astoria World Manor in New York City, USA.

Explaining the rationale behind the proposal, Shafiqur said, “If we are given the opportunity, we will honour mothers with justice, not pity. A mother gives birth, raises her children, and in many cases works as a professional. If my working hours are eight and hers are also eight, is that fair to her?”

He added, “When we come to power, God willing, we will reduce their working hours. This will be to help mothers fulfill their duties toward their children and to honour them as mothers. If we make it five hours instead of eight, mothers — being so committed — will feel it is their responsibility to complete eight hours’ worth of work within those five hours.”

Addressing the issue of war crimes trials, Shafiqur said, “Those who committed crimes against humanity must face justice. We do not want mock trials or injustice; we want true justice to prevail. We promise that if Allah entrusts us with this nation, we will ensure justice.”

Earlier on Saturday (25 Oct), while speaking at a civic reception in Hamtramck, Detroit, Shafiqur said that if Jamaat comes to power, it will establish a corruption-free administration, a justice-based society, and stand beside the oppressed.

He also emphasised that Bangladesh’s foreign policy should be based on mutual respect and friendship, not domination by any nation.

FP/MI