Jamaat manifesto targets $2t economy, $10,000 per capita income by 2040
The party also promised to boost economic activity to gradually raise GDP growth to 7%, increase revenue collection, and raise total public expenditure, including government investment, to 20% of GDP.
Highlights
- $2 trillion economy target by 2040
- Per capita income aimed at $10,000
- Focus on tech-driven agriculture and smart manufacturing
- FDI target set at $15b within five years
- Tax-free income threshold to rise to Tk5 lakh
- Plan to create 70 million jobs at home and abroad
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami today (4 February) announced its election manifesto, pledging to transform Bangladesh into a $2 trillion economy by 2040 and raise per capita income to $10,000.
Unveiling the manifesto at a ceremony in Dhaka, Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said the party would prioritise technology-based agriculture, smart manufacturing, ICT, education, healthcare and the financial sector to achieve its economic goals.
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According to the manifesto, Jamaat aims to elevate Bangladesh's position in the global economy from 35th to 20th place, although no specific timeline was mentioned for achieving this target.
On investment and trade, Jamaat pledged to formulate a modern trade policy within the next five years to raise foreign direct investment (FDI) to $15 billion and reduce dependence on imported goods by 30%.
The party also promised to boost economic activity to gradually raise GDP growth to 7%, increase revenue collection, and raise total public expenditure, including government investment, to 20% of GDP.
To ease the cost of living for lower- and middle-income groups, Jamaat said it would raise the tax-free income threshold to Tk5 lakh and cut the corporate tax rate to 20%.
It also pledged to expand allowance programmes for workers who suddenly lose their jobs and to support the development of Islamic banking and insurance sectors.
While the Jamaat chief has earlier promised at several election rallies to introduce a five-hour workday for women, with the government paying wages for the remaining three hours, the manifesto does not include this proposal. Instead, it states that a safe and dignified working environment for women will be ensured, and that working hours may be reduced to five hours during maternity, subject to the mother's consent.
Addressing unemployment, Jamaat announced plans to create 70 million jobs at home and abroad, including arrangements to send 50 lakh youths overseas for employment each year. The party also promised to take effective measures to reduce the cost of migration for overseas workers.
