“His (Shafi’s) anti-women remarks are unexpected, untoward and unfortunate,” the BNP secretary general said in a statement on Sunday. “I am stunned and shocked at the Hifazat chief’s remarks asking that girls not be sent to schools and colleges,” added Fakhrul, who had earlier supported the Hifazat’s activities. In a statement, he claimed he commented against coeducation, not female education in particular. Deputy Education Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury Nowfel said Ahmed Shafi’s remarks were “unacceptable, discriminatory and inconsistent” with the country’s policy but the government will not pursue any action against him for his “personal” opinion. Mirza Fakhrul said Shafi’s remarks about half the population will “embarrass Bangladesh in the 21st century world”.

Source: bd News24 January 13, 2019 14:48 UTC