For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, a leader of Bangladesh Islami Andolon, or Islamic Movement, does not want any reserved seats for women in the parliament.
Speaking at a rally of the movement's associate organisation, the Islamic Youth Movement, in Dhaka's Suhrawardy Udyan on Friday afternoon, he argued that reserving seats for women would make them appear weak.
Due to vehicles bringing in rally participants, traffic on the Shahbagh to Matsya Bhaban road was nearly completely halted, reports bdnews24.com.
At the rally, Faizul Karim said: "There are 505 seats in parliament (according to the recommendation of the reform commission). Whether the seats are fewer or more, MPs should be elected based on voting everywhere."
The commission formed by the interim government for constitutional reform has proposed a bicameral parliament with 505 seats, of which 400 would be in the lower house. Out of these, 100 seats would be reserved for women.
Referring to this recommendation, Faizul said: "We had fought against quotas before. If a quota for women is implemented now, it will mean that our movement has failed. There will be no quota for women."
Addressing BNP, he said: "Elections will be held after the reforms. To those who are blocking reforms today, I ask, where were you for 16 years?"
"You said there would be protests after every Eid. Countless Eids have passed, and you have failed to take action. You are conspiring to destroy the gains made through the student-public movement."
He added, "Since 5th August, extortion and land grabbing have resumed. The people of Bangladesh do not want to see corruption and extortion. Those who made Bangladesh a champion in corruption five times, the people do not want to see them in power again."