FROM PAGE 5

The interviewer pointed out that women had served as prime ministers of Bangladesh, saying, “So clearly women are capable of leadership positions.”

Shafiqur reiterated his stance, “Even most of the countries in the world did not consider this feasible. This is the reality of the world.”

Jamaat was a key partner in the coalition government led by the BNP, which was headed by Khaleda Zia, who served as prime minister for three terms.

When asked if he thought Khaleda did a good job as prime minister, Shafiqur refrained from a direct assessment. “It’s not our decision; it’s their party decision.

“We should respect the party opinion. We cannot impose anything upon anyone.”

Asked about the five-hour work time proposal for women, he said, “I said a mother who is looking after children and also spending the same amount of time working with gentlemen, it is no justice...at least during the lactating period. In this period, they have to be shown honour. Some sisters, they feel it is not possible to continue the job, so they gave up the job. But if you reduce the hours for a certain period... it is not mandatory for all. It is optional.”

When Srinivasan asked, “So this is for lactating women only?”, he responded, “Basically that. But if some lady says ‘no, I want to do the eight-hour duty’, then no problem. It’s an option.... Maternity leave is only for six months. It’s not sufficient, we feel.”

The interviewer raised the question of cultural rights and media freedom, highlighting the “provocative” calls of Jamaat’s student leaders at universities against media houses and cultural institutions, including Prothom Alo, The Daily Star, Chhayanaut and Udichi Shilpogoshti -- all of whom were attacked last month.

At that, Shafiqur said, “But you have not observed the statements of the party.... We have already condemned it, we never supported it.”

Claiming that his party and the student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir have distanced themselves from those who made the calls, he said, “Chhatra Shibir will decide what move to make [against them]. It is not our matter.... Please ask them... We can give only our opinion or suggestion.”