Ahmad Shafi’s remarks ‘unexpected’, says BNP

BNP on Sunday expressed surprise over the 'unexpected' and 'regrettable' remarks by Hefajat-e-Islam chief Shah Ahmad Shafi asking parents not to send their girls to schools and colleges, reports UNB.

"I've got stunned and surprised at Hefajat-e-Islam ameer Allama Shah Ahmed Shafi's comments on not sending girls to schools and colleges," said BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

In a statement, he further said, "The remarks of Allama Shafi against women education are unexpected and regrettable."

The BNP leader said such remarks in the 21th century will only embarrass Bangladeshis to the international community.

Mentioning that there is no conflict between women education and religion, Fakhrul said BNP thinks women's development and real empowerment will not be possible to ensure if women are not enlightened with proper education.

Earlier on Friday, Ahmad Shafi at a parogramme in Chattogram's Hathazari urged parents not to send their daughters to schools and colleges for further education after they complete fourth or fifth grades.

Shafi said, "If you allow your girls to be educated up to eight, ninth or tenth grade, or to have MA or BA degree, they would no longer remain yours. Somebody else would take them away from you after marriage. Don't you see incidents like this in newspapers?"

Fakhrul in his statement further said education is crucial for women to play a due role in building the nation and strengthening the country's economy coming out of old taboos and superstations. "It's BNP's declared principle."

The BNP leader said well-educated mothers are necessary to teach their children morality and good education as the offspring get primary education from their mothers. "The women education is compulsory to eliminate social injustice and discrimination."

He also said women will not get rid of social deprivation, exploitation, harassment and deception by inhuman and wicked persons if they do not get educated.

"Women must pursue education to avoid harassment and disgrace. Otherwise, our country and society will remain far behind from the advanced world," Fakhrul observed.