Shafi's remarks about girls’ education unexpected: BNP

BNP on Sunday expressed surprise over the 'unexpected' and 'regrettable' remarks by Hefajat-e-Islam chief Allama 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, Allama Shafi at 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?"
Disapproving the Hefajat chief's comments, Fakhrul said irrespective of gender male and female cannot understand the innate message of slam for social welfare and the economic and human problems without education.
Stating that half of the country's total pollution is women, he 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."