1. Background of the Proposal:

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has recently announced that— if it comes to power, women’s daily working hours in offices and courts will be reduced from eight to five.
The party’s Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, stated:

> “A woman is not only a professional member of society, but also a mother, a wife, and the cornerstone of her family. We want them to have justice and balance in both aspects of life.”

Through this statement, the party has expressed a new perspective aimed at ensuring humanity and family security in women’s lives. The initiative is progressive on one hand, and praiseworthy on the other.

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2. Purpose and Motivation:

The main goal of Jamaat-e-Islami’s proposal is to create a balance between women’s family and professional lives.
In Bangladesh, many women simultaneously manage their careers while taking responsibility for child-rearing. After an eight-hour workday, it becomes nearly impossible for them to give adequate time to their families.
This plan for a five-hour workday will provide them with—

More time for family,

Mental peace,

And a dignified position in society.

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3. A New Thought for Women’s Advancement:

Many experts are viewing this initiative as a realistic reform for increasing women’s participation.
Because not only is a woman’s presence in the workplace important, but her mental comfort and family security are also essential for building a prosperous society.

Economists and sociologists believe that—

Reducing working hours can make women’s productivity more focused and effective.

Even during motherhood or childcare periods, they can remain honorably connected to professional life without leaving the workforce.

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4. Possible Positive Impacts:

(a) Stronger Family Bonds:
Female employees will be able to spend sufficient time with their families and children after work. This will enhance children’s mental development and strengthen family relationships.

(b) Improvement in Professional Quality:
The mindset of achieving goals in less time can increase efficiency. In many developed countries, systems like ‘Flexi Hour’ or ‘Short Working Day’ have been shown to enhance productivity.

(c) Maternal Security and Humanitarian Support:
This policy can be regarded as a groundbreaking initiative in maintaining a balance between motherhood and professional responsibilities.

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5. Global Comparisons:

Similar measures have been taken in several countries around the world—

Sweden and Norway: Introduced a six-hour workday for women, resulting in increased productivity.

Japan and South Korea: Implemented alternate shift systems for working mothers.

These examples prove that reducing working hours does not mean idleness, but rather effective time management.

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6. Possible Implementation Guidelines:

If Jamaat-e-Islami gets the opportunity to implement this policy, it can be introduced gradually:

Starting from the administrative sector, then expanding to education and healthcare sectors,

Introducing a flexible task system to maintain productivity even with shorter hours,

Creating time-efficient office structures through technology-based management systems.

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7. Social Reactions:

A section of women in society has already described this proposal as a “time-conscious and family-friendly perspective.”
Several female employees commented:

> “We want to work and also care for our families— if the state stands beside us in maintaining this balance, it will be true progress.”

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8. An Unprecedented Decision in the Subcontinent:

Jamaat-e-Islami’s proposal for a five-hour workday has opened a new horizon of respect, humanity, and balance for women.
It aims to ensure an honorable and peaceful position for women in both home and workplace.

Bangladesh’s development and prosperity will be truly meaningful only when women can flourish with dignity and comfort in society, family, and the state.
Through this policy, a step has been taken in that very direction. It is indeed an unprecedented decision in the political history of the subcontinent.