With just days left before Bangladesh’s 13th general election on February 12, the campaign trail is alive with manifesto launches. Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami has dropped its election blueprint, spotlighting a commitment to harmonious relations with India that could reshape regional dynamics.
The manifesto prioritizes ‘peaceful, friendly, and cooperative relationships’ with India alongside Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Thailand, all built on principles of respect and integrity. This overture to New Delhi stands out in a document rich with global ambitions.
Shifting focus to the wider world, Jamaat aims to fortify links with the Islamic ummah while pursuing pragmatic partnerships. It eyes mutually beneficial ties with powerhouses like the US, UK, EU, Japan, and Canada. Further afield, the party intends to intensify diplomatic, economic, and strategic connections across Eastern Europe, Africa, and Latin America.
Global engagement forms a cornerstone, with pledges for robust involvement in UN bodies addressing security, rights, and growth. Bangladesh’s steadfast presence in SAARC and ASEAN is highlighted, alongside joint efforts to resolve the Rohingya refugee crisis through safe returns.
The party recommits to UN peacekeeping contributions and advocates for orderly, legal migration frameworks. Strikingly, Pakistan finds no explicit reference, prompting analysis on Jamaat’s strategic silences.
As Dhaka’s political landscape heats up, this manifesto paints Jamaat as a forward-looking force in foreign affairs, blending ideology with diplomacy. Voters will decide if these visions translate into votes, amid a fiercely contested race.