'If wife works, society is destroyed': Bangladesh star sparks uproar over sexist remarks

Bangladesh's young fast bowler, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, marked an impressive debut against the Indian team during the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 match last week. The 20-year-old pacer showcased his skills by taking 2/32 in a match where Bangladesh surprised eventual champions India, winning by a margin of six runs in a match that had no bearing on the tournament. Tanzim made a significant impact by dismissing Indian captain Rohit Sharma and debutant Tilak Varma during his remarkable initial spell. This was only the second time India lost to Bangladesh in the Asia Cup. 

3 things you need to know

• Tanzim Sakib was part of Bangladesh's U-19 World Cup winning squad in 2020
• He recently put on a solid performance against India in the Asia Cup 2023
• Tanzim is facing a lot of criticism for his old comments on women

Also Read: Bangladesh Recalls Mahmudullah And Tamim For ODI Series Against New Zealand

Bangladesh pacer faces flak for misogynist remark

Tanzim's newfound fame took a sour turn as his old Facebook posts containing derogatory comments about women resurfaced, causing widespread outrage on social media. In one particularly controversial post, Sakib wrote, "If the wife works, the husband's rights are not ensured. If the wife works, the child's rights are not ensured. If the wife works, her elegance is damaged. If the wife works, the family is ruined. If the wife works, the veil is ruined. If the wife works, society is destroyed."

In another post, Tanzim cautioned men that their sons would not have a 'modest' mother if they married 'a woman who is accustomed to free mixing with her male friends in a university.' These comments sparked a backlash, with Paris-based feminist writer Jannatun Nayeem Prity highlighting that the Bangladesh team jerseys were predominantly made in factories staffed by women. She added, "I'm saddened to know that you don't even consider your mother as a normal person."

The BCB has acknowledged the issue and has reportedly spoken to Tanzim. Jalal Yunus, the chief of cricket operations at BCB, confirmed their awareness of the situation, saying, "From the cricket operations (of BCB), we have spoken to Tanjim Sakib. We had brought into his notice of the Facebook posts he had made. He said that he didn't have the intention to hurt anyone through those posts. He took responsibility for the misogynist posts, but said he is not against women. We have told him to be wary and we have relayed to him that BCB will monitor any further posts he makes." 

Also Read: 'I Have To Learn..': Shubman Gill Takes Responsibility For India's Loss Against Bangladesh

Notably, Bangladesh failed to reach the Asia Cup 2023 final after suffering defeats in their first two Super 4 matches against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. In the final, India emerged victorious, defeating Sri Lanka by 10 wickets after bowling out the Lankans for just 50 runs.

Image: AP