US Embassy’s Charge d’Affaires Tracy Ann Jacobson Jamaat-e-Islami leaders at the party’s central office at Moghbazar on Monday. – Collected Photo
The central office of Jamaat-e-Islami in Moghbazar buzzed with a rare and powerful moment of unity on Monday, July 21.

Leaders from the party’s women’s department sat alongside top male leaders, including party amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman, to meet US Embassy’s Charge d’Affaires Tracy Ann Jacobson.

The gathering, marked by a heartfelt exchange of a Jamdani saree and candid discussions on tariffs, reforms, and democracy.

The meeting, held in a “sincere and cordial” atmosphere, saw Jamaat’s women leaders – Assistant Secretary Sayeeda Rumman, Central Working Committee Member Professor Dr Habiba Chowdhury Sweet, and former MP Dr Amina Rahman – take centre stage alongside the amir, naib-e-amir Dr Syed Abdullah Md Taher, Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Parwar, and others.

James Stewart, a US Embassy official, accompanied Jacobson, adding weight to the dialogue at a time when Bangladesh navigates post-revolution reforms and global pressures.

The presence of women leaders was more than symbolic. Saida, Habiba, and Amina brought their voices to discussions on election reforms, security, and US tariffs, signalling participation of women in Jamaat’s policy body.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman seized the moment to address the crippling 30% US tariffs threatening Bangladesh’s garment sector, a lifeline for millions.

“Our amir made a special request to the US president and government through the ambassador to reconsider these tariffs,” Dr Taher said in a press briefing.

The women leaders, too, underscored the human cost. “Garments aren’t just exports; they’re jobs, families, dreams,” Dr Amina later told Jago News, her voice steady but heavy. “We urged the envoy to see the people behind the numbers.”

Dr Taher outlined Jamaat’s stance to Jacobson: a demand for fair elections, sweeping reforms, and a “zero tolerance” policy against corruption and extortion politics. “We want to build a corruption-free Bangladesh,” he said. “Our foreign policy is friendship with all, enmity with none.” The party’s vision, shared by its women leaders, emphasizes democracy rooted in inclusivity and accountability, a message resonant in a nation healing from the July uprising’s wounds.

Addressing regional security, Taher clarified Jamaat’s firm stand against terrorism and its commitment to stability.

The women leaders echoed this, with Professor Habiba stressing, “We want peace and progress, but not at the cost of our values.” The meeting also touched on the controversial UN Human Rights Commission office in Dhaka. Taher was unequivocal: “If it goes against our culture or religious teachings, we will oppose it.”

As Dr Taher concluded, “We spoke for a fair, free Bangladesh.” For the women at the table, it was also a moment to show that their voices, too, will shape that dream.