Bangladesh’s latest parliamentary elections have brought a polarising figure into the spotlight, with Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman securing victory in the Dhaka-15 constituency. His win has sparked fresh debate not only about political shifts in the country but also about his past remarks on women and leadership that triggered strong public criticism.
Rahman contested the seat using the party’s “scales” (daripalla) symbol and defeated the BNP candidate, Safiqul Islam Khan, by 21,614 votes. Official figures showed Rahman received 85,131 votes, while Khan obtained 63,517. The result marked a significant milestone for Jamaat-e-Islami, which has attempted to regain political influence following years of restrictions.
Bangladesh Election Result 2026 Live: What Were the Dhaka-15 Election Results?
Election authorities confirmed Rahman’s victory after counting ballots from across the constituency. The win added momentum to Jamaat-e-Islami’s renewed participation in national politics. Political observers said the margin demonstrated strong support among segments of voters despite ongoing controversies around Rahman’s social views.
Analysts also noted that the party has tried to reshape its public image after facing crackdowns under the previous administration. The election outcome now places Rahman among lawmakers at a time when Bangladesh’s political landscape continues to evolve rapidly.
Who is Shafiqur Rahman?
Born in 1958 in Moulvibazar district, Rahman began his political career in a leftist student organisation before joining Jamaat’s student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir. He formally entered Jamaat-e-Islami in 1984 and contested national elections multiple times before becoming the party’s chief in 2020.
Over the years, he has served in several senior roles, including city-level leadership positions and central committee posts. Outside politics, he also runs a family-owned hospital in Sylhet. His wife, Amina Begum, served as a lawmaker in 2018, and several members of his family work in the medical profession.
Rahman’s electoral victory now places him at the centre of Bangladesh’s political debates, where his leadership style, policy positions, and controversial remarks continue to draw intense scrutiny from supporters and critics alike.
Why Are His Comments on Women Controversial?
Rahman has drawn widespread criticism for statements on women’s roles in politics and society. In a now-deleted social media post, he suggested that encouraging women to leave their homes in the name of modernity represented a form of prostitution. The post led to protests on university campuses and strong backlash online.
He has also stated that women cannot lead his party and suggested that women should limit work hours to focus on family responsibilities. Critics have argued that such remarks reinforce outdated gender stereotypes and undermine women’s participation in public life.
What Is Jamaat-e-Islami’s Position on Women Leaders?
In an interview discussing leadership roles, Rahman said, “Allah has made everyone with a distinct nature. A man cannot bear a child or breastfeed. When a mother gives birth, how will she carry out these responsibilities? It is not possible,”
His statements intensified debate about Jamaat-e-Islami’s policies, especially because the party did not field any female candidates in the recent election cycle. Despite attempts by party leaders to present a more inclusive image, critics say these positions continue to attract controversy.
