Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh on Wednesday, February 4, announced its election manifesto, pledging to transform Bangladesh into a $2 trillion economy by 2040 and raise per capita income to $10,000.
Unveiling the manifesto at a ceremony in Dhaka, Jamaat Amir Shafiqur Rahman said the party would prioritise technology-based agriculture, smart manufacturing, ICT, education, healthcare and the financial sector to achieve its economic goals.
According to the manifesto, Jamaat aims to elevate Bangladesh's position in the global economy from 35th to 20th place, although no specific timeline was mentioned for achieving this target.
On investment and trade, Jamaat pledged to formulate a modern trade policy within the next five years to raise foreign direct investment (FDI) to $15 billion and reduce dependence on imported goods by 30 per cent.
Jamaat unveils 41-point manifesto, pledges 'significant female representation' in cabinet
The party also promised to boost economic activity to gradually raise GDP growth to 7 per cent, increase revenue collection, and raise total public expenditure, including government investment, to 20 per cent of GDP.
To ease the cost of living for lower- and middle-income groups, Jamaat said it would raise the tax-free income threshold to Tk 5 lakh and cut the corporate tax rate to 20 per cent.
It also pledged to expand allowance programmes for workers who suddenly lose their jobs and to support the development of the Islamic banking and insurance sectors.
While the Jamaat chief has earlier promised at several election rallies to introduce a five-hour workday for women, with the government paying wages for the remaining three hours, the manifesto does not include this proposal. Instead, it states that a safe and dignified working environment for women will be ensured, and that working hours may be reduced to five hours during maternity, subject to the mother's consent.
Addressing unemployment, Jamaat announced plans to create 70 million jobs at home and abroad, including arrangements to send 50 lakh youths overseas for employment each year. The party also promised to take effective measures to reduce the cost of migration for overseas workers.