Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has unveiled its election manifesto for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, pledging to protect Bangladesh’s sovereignty in a changing global order and restore the country’s lost international prestige.
Beyond traditional political promises, the manifesto presents an ambitious roadmap for radical changes in foreign and defense policies.
Key highlights include building fairness-based friendships with neighbors, redefining relationships with the Muslim world, and achieving 100% self-reliance in the military sector by 2040. This “Vision 2040” has sparked significant discussion across political circles.
The manifesto was formally released on Wednesday evening (February 4) during a grand ceremony at a five-star hotel in the capital.
Foreign Policy: Mutual Respect and Equal Dignity
Jamaat-e-Islami emphasized a foreign policy rooted in mutual respect, fairness, and equal status. Key points include:
Elevating National Prestige: Initiatives to increase the global standing of Bangladesh and enhance the credibility and mobility of the Bangladeshi passport.
Neighborly Relations: Establishing peace, friendship, and cooperation with India, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Thailand based on fairness and respect.
Muslim World: Prioritizing and strengthening ties with Muslim-majority nations.
Developed World: Building constructive relationships with the US, UK, EU, Japan, and Canada.
Expanding Horizons: Taking effective steps to broaden diplomatic and economic ties with Eastern Europe, Africa, and South America.
Global & Regional Engagement: Strengthening active participation in the UN, SAARC, and ASEAN to address issues like peace, security, and human rights.
Rohingya Crisis: Ensuring a peaceful, sustainable solution and safe repatriation for Rohingya refugees with international support.
Peacekeeping: Continuing Bangladesh’s active participation in UN Peacekeeping Forces.
Defense Policy: Vision 2040 and Self-Reliance
National Defense Policy: Formulating a modern “National Defense Policy” in coordination with all defense stakeholders to meet contemporary global realities.
New Military Doctrine: Modernizing the old “Vision 2030” into a timely “Vision 2040.”
National Military Research Institution: Establishing a centralized body to lead research and development, aiming to equip Bangladesh with cutting-edge defense technology and self-sufficiency in critical equipment.
Budget & Modernization: Gradually increasing defense spending to enhance overall military capacity and develop indigenous military technology.
100% Self-Reliance: Aiming to achieve full military self-reliance by 2040, including the domestic production of a significant portion of the country’s weaponry.
Intelligence Reform: Modernizing, reforming, and reorganizing military intelligence agencies to ensure state security.
Voluntary Military Training: Prioritizing the introduction of 6–12 months of military training for youths aged 18–22 on a voluntary basis.
Manpower: Increasing the number of army personnel in proportion to the country’s population.
Border Security: Enhancing the capacity of border guard forces to prevent drug smuggling and other illegal cross-border crimes.