‘Will reduce duty hours for mothers to 5’

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

Speaking at a reception in New York City on Sunday, organised by the Coalition of Bangladeshi American Associations, the Jamaat chief said the initiative aims to give mothers "a little extra respect."

His remarks have sparked wide discussion on social media.

Shafiqur Rahman said mothers carry immense responsibilities -- nurturing children while also fulfilling professional duties -- and that equal working hours for mothers and others are "unjust".

He added that his party would "secure the rights of mothers and their children".

Online reactions to Shafiqur Rahman's statements were mixed. Some praised the proposal as a "noble idea," while others warned it could lead to confining women to domestic roles.

Many working women suggested that, instead of shorter hours, efforts should focus on improving workplace facilities such as daycare centres, breastfeeding corners, and safer 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…"  He added, "Ninety percent of the girls [in Dhaka's industrial areas] go out dressed modestly. Have we ever told them to wear burqas or hijabs? We have not."

He also said many garment workers adopt certain clothes to "protect their honour".