For the first time, Feb. 7 -- e-Islami rally in Sylhet on Saturday witnessed significant participation by women, marking a notable shift in the party's outreach and engagement in the region.

Such a scene has never been seen at a Jamaat rally before, with women openly taking part for the first time.

The election rally, organised by the district unit of Jamaat-e-Islami, was held at the Alia Madrasa ground. The party's Ameer, Dr Shafiqur Rahman, addressed the gathering as the chief guest. A large number of women attended the rally.

UNB observed that separate seats had been set aside for women at one end of the ground. The area was enclosed with a bamboo fence, with access allowed only for women. Jamaat leaders said that around 5,000 chair...