Jamaat places special emphasis on foreign, defence policy in election manifesto
The party also says it would prioritise consideration of introducing voluntary military training for youths aged 18 to 22 for a period of 6-12 months.
Highlights
- Balanced foreign policy based on mutual respect, fairness and equal dignity
- Commitment to improving the acceptance and prestige of Bangladeshi passports
- Focus on stronger ties with neighbours, Muslim countries and developed world
- Plan to expand relations with Eastern Europe, Africa and South America
- More active role for Bangladesh at the UN, Saarc and Asean
- Emphasis on a sustainable, dignified solution to the Rohingya crisis
- Call for a strong, modern and self-reliant national defence system
- Proposal to establish a national military research institution
- Gradual increase in defence budget and domestic arms production by 2040
- Consideration of voluntary military training for youths aged 18–22
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has given special importance to foreign affairs and defence policy in its election manifesto, describing a balanced foreign policy and a self-reliant, modern defence system as prerequisites for national independence and sovereignty.
The party unveiled its manifesto ahead of the upcoming national polls this evening (4 February) at a hotel in the capital.
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In the manifesto, Jamaat pledged to pursue a foreign policy based on mutual respect, fairness and equal dignity, with the goal of enhancing Bangladesh's standing in the world and expanding regional and global relations.
It also stressed the need for a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis, a more active role at the United Nations, and the development of effective and modern defence capabilities.
According to the manifesto, the top priority of foreign policy will be to increase the dignity and global image of Bangladesh and its citizens.
Jamaat also committed to strengthening diplomatic efforts to improve the acceptance and prestige of Bangladeshi passports worldwide.
On relations with neighbouring and nearby countries, the party said it would work to build peaceful, friendly and cooperative ties based on mutual respect and justice with India, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Thailand.
The manifesto highlighted prioritising stronger relations with Muslim-majority countries, while also emphasising constructive engagement with developed nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan and Canada.
It further pledged to expand relations with countries in Eastern Europe, Africa and South America.
Jamaat said Bangladesh would play a more active role at the United Nations and its affiliated bodies in addressing global challenges related to peace, security, human rights and economic development.
It also vowed to strengthen Bangladesh's role in regional organisations such as Saarc and Asean.
On the Rohingya issue, the manifesto underscored the need for a peaceful and sustainable solution through the safe and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas with the support of the international community.
It also reiterated Bangladesh's continued participation in UN peacekeeping missions. In terms of defence policy, the party described a strong, modern and self-reliant defence system as a fundamental requirement for protecting national independence and sovereignty.
Taking note of current global realities, Jamaat announced plans to formulate a time-appropriate national defence policy through coordination with all defence stakeholders.
The manifesto also proposed modernising Defence Vision 2030 and introducing a new Defence Vision 2040. To achieve self-reliance in military research and technology, Jamaat pledged to establish a national military research institution aimed at acquiring advanced defence technologies and building domestic capacity in key military equipment.
The party said it would gradually increase the defence budget and aim to achieve the capability to produce a significant portion of weapons and military equipment domestically by 2040.
In addition, the manifesto promised modernisation, reform and restructuring of intelligence agencies to ensure state and military security, along with enhancing the capacity of border forces to prevent drug trafficking and other illegal activities.
Jamaat also said it would prioritise consideration of introducing voluntary military training for youths aged 18 to 22 for a period of 6-12 months, and gradually increase the number of armed forces personnel in proportion to the country's population.
