Document of dreams and recycled ideas: Sabbir Ahmed
He also raised concerns about what he described as structural confusion in some of the proposed reforms.
Dhaka University Professor of Political Science Sabbir Ahmed has described BNP's election manifesto as a mix of dreams and recycled ideas, questioning the party's ability to implement its pledges.
Reacting immediately after the manifesto launch yesterday, Sabbir said the document promises sweeping reforms but offers limited assurance that the BNP can overcome internal partisan practices.
"Partisanship is a major virus. When party interests override national interests, everything collapses," he said, adding that entrenched party-based alignment remains a serious obstacle to meaningful reform.
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While the manifesto commits to eliminating discrimination and ensuring good governance, Sabbir pointed out that allegations of extortion and intimidation involving party activists have already begun to surface even before the election.
"The biggest challenge for the BNP is the BNP itself," he said, questioning whether the leadership would be able to rein in corruption and nepotism among grassroots activists after nearly 17 years out of power.
He also raised concerns about what he described as structural confusion in some of the proposed reforms. Sabbir questioned the relevance of introducing a vice president within a parliamentary system, where the president's role is largely ceremonial.
"There is no clarity on what such a position would actually do," he said, suggesting the proposal reflects uncertainty about constitutional design.
He further criticised the proposal to place a division for the "July Uprising" under the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, arguing that the 2024 uprising carries its own political and historical significance.
"The 2024 uprising has its own dignity. Placing it under an existing ministry feels inappropriate. It deserves a separate ministry or an independent commission," he said.
The professor was particularly critical of the proposal to revive the Gram Sarkar, or village government, system, calling it an outdated and partisan concept associated with the Ziaur Rahman era.
"Reviving a 50-year-old idea reflects a lack of creativity," he said, arguing that national priorities have shifted significantly. He added that restoring river navigability through dredging should now take precedence over revisiting old administrative models.
According to Sabbir, the return to such concepts suggests the BNP is "recycling past policy ideas" rather than responding to contemporary governance and environmental challenges.
Comparing the BNP manifesto with those of other political parties, he said it lagged behind in terms of innovation and policy depth, citing Jamaat's manifesto as more comprehensive and forward-looking.
