Shariah will guide state governance if voted to power: Islami Andolan in manifesto

Islami Andolan Bangladesh has said it will prioritise Shariah, or Islamic law, in state governance if it comes to power, as the party today (4 February) unveiled its manifesto for the 13th national election.

The manifesto was announced at the party's central office in Paltan, where Islami Andolan Ameer Mufti Syed Rezaul Karim, widely known as Charmonai Pir, formally presented the document. 

Titled "Manifesto of People's Expectations," the charter outlines the party's vision for state reform, good governance, anti-corruption measures, elimination of discrimination and the establishment of a welfare state.

At the event, party leaders said the manifesto was drafted to reflect public aspirations shaped by the spirit of the Liberation War and the July Uprising, and to incorporate those expectations into state governance.

The document is structured in three sections: the party's policy stance on state formation, a state reform framework, and sector-based development plans.

Shariah at the core of governance vision

Under its policy stance on state formation, Islami Andolan said it would govern in accordance with the basic principles of Islam, or Sharia, across all areas of state administration.

The manifesto states that Islam provides a comprehensive framework for governance that has guided societies for centuries, emphasising justice, accountability, social security, rule of law and sensitivity to citizens' interests. The party said it would uphold these principles in full if elected to power.

At the same time, Islami Andolan pledged to exercise state power through democratic means and ensure the peaceful transfer of power.

Minority rights, foreign policy and institutional reform

The manifesto also commits to protecting the rights and dignity of religious and ethnic minorities, stating that no citizen would face discrimination on the basis of religion or ethnicity. 

It further promises to pursue foreign relations based on mutual respect and cooperation with neighbouring countries and the international community.

To strengthen good governance, transparency and accountability, the party proposed a series of institutional reforms, including activating the Ombudsman's office, publishing government spending and development project data on an open digital platform, regularly disclosing the assets of public representatives, and launching a central accountability portal for citizen complaints.

Anti-corruption drive and electoral reform

Describing corruption as the country's most pressing challenge, the manifesto outlines a zero-tolerance policy against political and institutional corruption, with particular emphasis on the banking sector, public recruitment processes and service delivery institutions.

As part of its proposed state reforms, Islami Andolan pledged to introduce a proportional representation (PR) system for national elections, arguing that the system could help address entrenched political instability and unhealthy political culture. 

The party also called for a balanced distribution of power to prevent excessive authority being concentrated in a single individual or institution.

Welfare programmes and development targets

The manifesto announced 12 special programmes aimed at ensuring emergency and essential services for citizens, including monthly cash assistance for the poorest households, nutritious meals for primary school students, interest-free loans for youth, universal healthcare, a national job portal and housing facilities for women workers.

In addition, the party outlined 28 sector-based development plans covering areas such as the economy, employment, agriculture, education, health, energy, environment, communication and defence. 

Islami Andolan claimed that implementation of these proposals could transform Bangladesh into a developed welfare state within 15 years.