Islami Andolan unveils polls manifesto
Staff Reporter :
Islami Andolan Bangladesh on Wednesday unveiled its manifesto for the 13th national parliamentary election, promising to prioritise Shariah, or Islamic law, in state governance while implementing comprehensive welfare and development programs.
The manifesto, titled “Manifesto of People’s Expectations,” was presented at the party’s central office in Paltan by Islami Andolan Ameer Mufti Syed Rezaul Karim, widely known as Charmonai Pir. Party leaders said the document was designed to reflect public aspirations shaped by the Liberation War and the July Uprising, integrating these expectations into state governance.
Shariah at the Core of Governance
Under its policy on state formation, Islami Andolan pledged to govern according to the fundamental principles of Islam, emphasising justice, accountability, social security, rule of law, and responsiveness to citizens’ needs.
The party said these principles would guide all areas of state administration if it comes to power, while maintaining democratic processes and ensuring peaceful transfers of authority.
Minority Rights and Institutional Reform
The manifesto guarantees protection for religious and ethnic minorities, ensuring no citizen faces discrimination. It also pledges a foreign policy based on mutual respect and cooperation with neighbouring countries and the international community.
To strengthen governance, the party proposed institutional reforms including activation of the Ombudsman’s office, open publication of government spending and development data, regular disclosure of public representatives’ assets, and the creation of a central accountability portal for citizen complaints.
Anti-Corruption Drive and Electoral Reform
Addressing corruption as Bangladesh’s most pressing challenge, Islami Andolan announced a zero-tolerance policy against political and institutional corruption, with special attention to the banking sector, public recruitment, and service delivery.
The manifesto also proposes introducing a proportional representation (PR) system for national elections and balanced distribution of power to prevent excessive authority concentration.
Welfare Programs and Sector-Based Development
The manifesto lists 12 special programmes aimed at providing emergency and essential services, including monthly cash assistance for the poorest households, nutritious meals for primary students, interest-free loans for youth, universal healthcare, a national job portal, and housing for women workers.
In addition, 28 sector-based development plans cover the economy, employment, agriculture, education, health, energy, environment, communication, and defence. Islami Andolan claims that implementing these proposals could transform Bangladesh into a developed welfare state within 15 years.
The party framed its manifesto as a comprehensive roadmap for a just, accountable, and welfare-oriented Bangladesh, combining Islamic governance principles with modern institutional and socio-economic reforms.