‘Extremist misogyny’: Women’s rights group condemns Kushtia MP Hamza’s offensive speech in parliament

The Bangladesh Narimukti Kendra has voiced a strong protest against Amir Hamza, the Jamaat-e-Islami Member of Parliament for Kushtia-3, over allegations of making offensive and derogatory remarks regarding women MPs.

In a joint statement issued today (2 April), the organisation’s President Sima Dutta and General Secretary Nilufar Yasmin Shilpi described his comments as “deeply insulting” and “extremist misogyny.”

During today’s parliamentary session, Rumeen Farhana, member of parliament for the Brahmanbaria-2 constituency, addressed the speaker, saying, “I am seeking justice regarding the hideous language used by another member of parliament during a religious sermon against me and my female colleagues present in this parliament.”

In the statement, the Bangladesh Narimukti Kendra asserted that such “base and foul” remarks about female representatives from a fellow member of parliament are not only a violation of personal boundaries but also an insult to the women of the entire country. 

They further noted that such comments reflect a consumerist perspective toward women and stand contrary to the equality, human rights, and social justice guaranteed by the Constitution.

They warned that such rhetoric could incite a culture of hatred, discrimination, and violence against women in society, thereby threatening their safety, dignity, and professional environment. 

They emphasised that such irresponsible remarks from an individual in a position of political and religious leadership are unacceptable.

The Bangladesh Narimukti Kendra has demanded that Amir Hamza immediately withdraw his statement and offer an unconditional apology to the women of the nation.