Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Wednesday announced its election manifesto for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, placing strong emphasis on youth leadership, women’s safety, democratic reforms, economic recovery, and good governance.
The manifesto includes 26 priority commitments and 41 broader goals, which the party said would guide state governance if it comes to power. Jamaat leaders said the manifesto is built on the principles of justice, equality, accountability, transparency, and inclusive development.
According to the party, the manifesto aims to establish a sovereign, discrimination-free, and humane state, where public interest comes first and social justice is ensured for all citizens.
Focus on Youth and Women
A major focus of the manifesto is youth empowerment. Jamaat pledged to give young people priority in leadership and state decision-making. The party also promised to ensure women’s safety, dignity, and active participation in social, economic, and political life.
Law, Order, and Democratic Reforms
Jamaat promised major reforms in law enforcement to build a crime-free society, stop extortion and terrorism, and restore public trust. It also committed to ending corruption through honest leadership and institutional reform.
To strengthen democracy, the party pledged to ensure free and fair elections, introduce proportional representation, and restore the caretaker government system.
Economic and Job Plans
In its economic plan, Jamaat outlined steps to build a technology-based modern economy and create large-scale jobs in sectors such as technology, agriculture, manufacturing, and industry.
The party pledged free application for government jobs, recruitment based on merit, and an end to all forms of discrimination in public employment. It also proposed reforms in the banking and financial sectors to restore confidence, attract investment, and ensure transparency.
Human Rights and Justice
The manifesto commits to investigating and prosecuting past cases of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and political violence, while ensuring the protection of fundamental human rights.
Jamaat also promised to preserve the history of the July movement, rehabilitate affected families, and fully implement the July Charter.
Agriculture, Industry, and Environment
In agriculture, the party pledged to use modern technology to increase productivity and improve farmers’ incomes. By 2030, Jamaat aims to ensure adulteration-free food and implement a “Three Zero Vision”—zero environmental damage, zero waste, and zero flood risk.
Industrial development plans include expanding small and medium enterprises, setting up heavy industries, attracting local and foreign investment, and creating employment.
Welfare, Health, and Education
The manifesto highlights workers’ rights, including fair wages, safe workplaces, and better living conditions, especially for women workers.
Jamaat also promised modern healthcare, with gradual introduction of free quality treatment for the poor, and education reforms to provide free education in phases and align curricula with global needs.
Other Key Promises
Other commitments include controlling the cost of living, keeping essential goods affordable, improving transport and communication systems, ensuring affordable housing, establishing a universal social security system, and preventing the return of authoritarian rule.
The manifesto concludes with a pledge to ensure good governance, transparency, and accountability, with the goal of building a prosperous, just, and welfare-oriented Bangladesh.
Party leaders said the manifesto reflects Jamaat-e-Islami’s vision of a democratic and development-focused country, presenting the party as a reform-minded option in the upcoming election.