Jamaat seeks public input for election manifesto through 'Janatar Istehar' initiative

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a seven-day initiative to collect public opinion as part of its efforts to draft its election manifesto for the upcoming national polls.

The programme, titled "Janatar Ishtehar" (People's Manifesto), will run from 18 to 24 December, during which the party will gather direct feedback from citizens across the country through a website and app-based digital platform.

Jamaat's Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar in a statement today (17 December), said the initiative aims to formulate a people-friendly, realistic and accountable manifesto by ensuring direct public participation in the process.

"In the conventional political culture, the opportunity for the public to directly participate in the formulation of the manifesto is limited. The main goal of this initiative is to change that trend through the 'Janatar Istehar' [People's Manifesto] programme and involve the public not only as voters, but also as co-authors of the manifesto," he said.

The Jamaat leader added that citizens will be able to submit their opinions, problems and policy suggestions at both national and local levels through a designated website and app-based digital platforms. In addition to written submissions, opinions can also be shared in audio and video formats.