Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has stepped into the election spotlight with the unveiling of its 40-point manifesto, promising to build what it calls a “safe and humane Bangladesh” ahead of the 13th National Parliament elections.
The announcement was made by the party’s Amir, Dr Shafiqur Rahman, at the Grand Ballroom of Hotel Sheraton in Banani, Dhaka, where he declared that Jamaat’s vision rests on uncompromising protection of independence, sovereignty, and national interests.
The slogan chosen for the campaign, “Bangladesh without compromise in national interests,” sets the tone for a document that blends religious, social, and economic principles with modern governance goals.
At the heart of the manifesto lies a pledge to empower the youth, positioning them as the drivers of national progress. Jamaat promises to ensure their active participation in state management, while also committing to establishing a safe, dignified, and participatory system for women.
The party envisions a Bangladesh free from drugs, extortion, and terrorism, achieved through reforms in law and order and the overall strengthening of public safety. Alongside this, Jamaat vows to eradicate corruption by instituting honest leadership and comprehensive institutional reforms, promising a state built on justice and fairness.
The economic vision outlined in the manifesto is ambitious and wide-ranging. It calls for the creation of a modern, smart society rooted in technology, with massive employment opportunities generated across IT, manufacturing, agriculture, and industry.
Jamaat pledges to make government job applications free, ensure merit-based recruitment, and eliminate discrimination in hiring.
The party also promises reforms in the financial sector, including banks, to restore public confidence, while building an investment-friendly, sustainable, and transparent economy. Industrialisation, food security, environmental sustainability, and harnessing the blue economy are presented as key pillars of growth, alongside affordable housing, social security, and welfare provisions for vulnerable groups.
Democracy and governance feature prominently in the manifesto. Jamaat proposes the introduction of a proportional representation electoral system, the establishment of a strong caretaker government, and reforms to ensure a fair electoral environment.
The party also pledges decentralisation to empower local governments, digital governance to improve service delivery, and grievance redress mechanisms to give citizens a voice. These measures, it argues, will consolidate democracy and restore trust in institutions.
On human rights, Jamaat promises justice for past state-sponsored murders, disappearances, and extrajudicial killings, while committing to uphold fundamental freedoms for all citizens.
The manifesto also touches on historical memory, pledging to preserve the legacy of the July Revolution. It promises rehabilitation for the families of martyrs, injured and disabled fighters, and implementation of the July Charter. This emphasis on history is framed as part of Jamaat’s broader commitment to justice, national dignity, and patriotic unity. Beyond politics and economics, the manifesto outlines a social agenda that includes universal healthcare, educational reform, provision of basic necessities, cultural preservation, and youth development through skill training and entrepreneurship. Women’s empowerment is highlighted as a cornerstone of social progress, with promises of inclusion in leadership and workforce participation.
Agriculture and rural development remain central to Jamaat’s vision. The manifesto pledges subsidies and fair prices for farmers, investment in climate-resilient farming, and expansion of rural infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and irrigation. It also calls for innovation in agro technology, food processing, and exports to strengthen the agricultural sector. Environmental sustainability is another priority, with commitments to renewable energy, pollution control, forestry protection, and biodiversity conservation. Climate change adaptation policies, including flood control and disaster management, are presented as essential to safeguarding the nation’s future.
Law, order, and security reforms are also detailed. Jamaat promises police modernisation, accountability, and training, alongside reforms in the justice system to ensure fair trials and reduce case backlogs. Community policing and stronger national defence are proposed to tackle crime, terrorism, and extremism. Religion and morality are woven into the manifesto, with pledges to combat immorality, addiction, and social decay, while ensuring religious freedom and promoting ethical governance. Internationally, Jamaat promises to protect the rights of Bangladeshi expatriates, expand global trade integration, strengthen regional cooperation, and advocate for fairness in international institutions.
In his closing remarks, Dr Shafiqur Rahman declared that if Jamaat e Islami comes to power, a new Bangladesh will be built with the highest priority on people’s security, human dignity, and justice. The manifesto, spanning 26 issues, positions Jamaat as a party promising sweeping reforms across governance, economy, society, and morality, all under the banner of uncompromising national interest. It is a vision that seeks to combine modernisation with tradition, and reform with preservation, offering voters a comprehensive roadmap for the next five years.