By actively involving citizens in shaping their vision for the country, the party reflects the essence of democratic governance
In a democratic and progressive move, the Bangladesh Awami League has declared its commitment to incorporating public opinion into the development of its manifesto for the upcoming 12th parliamentary elections. The party’s intention was communicated through an official notice that encourages citizens to express their views on various issues they believe should be included in the manifesto.
The notice, which was issued on October 4th and signed by Dr. Salim Mahmud, member secretary of the Awami League’s Manifesto Drafting Sub-committee, underscores the importance of recognizing and implementing the people’s expectations in shaping the manifesto. The committee’s convener is AL Presidium Member Abdur Razzaque.
While this approach aims to represent the collective voice and aspirations of the citizens, it is crucial to emphasize the accountability and effective implementation of the proposed strategies, policies, or reforms. Ensuring transparency in this participatory process is essential.
Citizens are invited to submit their responses by mail or email, accommodating both offline and online interactions to reach various age and demographic groups. The explanations, arguments, and proposals received by October 20th will serve as the foundation for the Awami League’s manifesto.
Role of the Manifesto: Binding Governance to Citizens’ Will
The idea of a political manifesto signifies a commitment to democracy, with political parties presenting their vision, objectives, and planned actions for their time in power. Making these proposed policies public enhances transparency and provides a basis for the public to assess the candidates running for office.
As a result, the Bangladesh Awami League’s proactive efforts to involve citizens in the formation process are a commendable democratic strategy. This underscores the importance of ensuring that governance aligns with the will and consent of the public.
A Step Towards Strengthening Democracy
This move by the Bangladesh Awami League represents a constructive step towards strengthening democracy within the nation. By promoting greater civic engagement in the political arena, the party is not only arming itself with a thorough grasp of current challenges but also gaining insight into the public’s views on potential solutions.
While striving to mirror the collective will of the populace, a crucial aspect is upholding the transparency of this democratic procedure. As the governing party persists in enacting initiatives that prioritize the active involvement of citizens, the country is poised to experience significant progress in its democratic landscape.
Previous Election Manifestos of Awami League
Conducting impartial elections to choose representatives is a fundamental necessity for fostering effective governance and upholding democratic principles. In a democracy, elections serve as a crucial means for citizens to convey their thoughts to their elected officials. Since gaining independence under the inspirational leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh MujiburRahaman, the founding father of the nation, the people of Bangladesh have consistently expressed their viewpoints by participating directly in both national and local government elections. Bangladesh’s democratic journey began in 1973 with its inaugural parliamentary election, and the country has also witnessed periods of presidential governance in its history. So far, the 11th national parliament elections have been held in Bangladesh.
Key points of the 11th Election Manifestos of Bangladesh Awami League are discussed below:
- My Village, My Town (Expansion of modern city facilities to every village of the country).
- The strength of youth and prosperity of Bangladesh (Transforming the youth into skilled manpower and ensuring employment)
- Zero tolerance policy for corruption
- Women empowerment, parity between sexes, and children’s welfare
- Nutritious and safe food security
- Abolishing terrorism, communalism, terrorism and drugs
- Speedy implementation of mega projects ensuring optimum standard
- Strengthening democracy and the rule of law
- Poverty eradication
- Increasing the quality of education at all levels
- Quality Health Care coverage for all
- Broader use of digital technology for overall development.
- Ensuring electricity and energy security
- Modern agricultural system- incorporating automation
- Efficient and service-focused public administration
- People-friendly law enforcement agencies
- Blue Development of sea resources
- Ensuring safer roads
- Welfare for the elderly, disabled, and autism
- Prosperous Bangladesh with sustainable and inclusive development
- Increasing public and private investment
Achievements of The Bangladesh Awami League
For the past 52 years in Bangladesh, the Awami League has had the opportunity to govern the country for 23 and a half years, overcoming numerous challenges. During this period, Sheikh Hasina led the nation for 19 years, and under her strong leadership, the Awami League government successfully eradicated hunger and poverty, electrified every corner of the country, and improved domestic business and connectivity by upgrading the main roads from Teknaf to Tetulia.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina won the 2014 elections by pledging a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and militancy, in line with the spirit of the Liberation War and her Vision 2021. After winning the 11th election in 2018, she is now serving as Prime Minister for the fourth consecutive term, guiding Bangladesh towards its dream of becoming a developed nation. Digital Bangladesh has become a global marvel, expanding the horizons of possibilities, and the Bengali nation has regained its honor on the international stage.
- During the BNP-Jamaat government, the per capita income stood at just $543
- The Awami League quadrupled it, reaching $2,824 in 2022, or BDT 263,464 annually in Bangladeshi currency
- The total domestic product (GDP) for 2022-23 reached Tk 44,39,273 crores
- Even amidst the challenges posed by the Corona pandemic, Bangladesh has managed to maintain a stable economy, with GDP growth rising from 5.24% in FY 2019-20 to 7.25% in FY 2021-22
Over the past era, the economic condition of the Bangladeshi people has improved significantly. During the BNP-Jamaat government, the per capita income stood at just $543, but the Awami League government quadrupled it, reaching $2,824 in 2022, or BDT 263,464 annually in Bangladeshi currency. Although the per capita income has slightly decreased due to fluctuations in the Dollar price, the total domestic product (GDP) for 2022-23 reached Tk 44,39,273 crores. Even amidst the challenges posed by the Corona pandemic, Bangladesh has managed to maintain a stable economy, with GDP growth rising from 5.24% in FY 2019-20 to 7.25% in FY 2021-22.
The construction of 500 model mosques has been undertaken to promote religious and cultural education. Maternity leave for women has been extended to six months, and the social safety net has been strengthened to provide security for the elderly, women, and children. The nation is advancing towards prosperity while upholding the values of humanity.
Bangladesh has garnered global attention due to its economic capacity, human resource development, and efforts to establish a sustainable economy, leading to its recognition by the United Nations as a developing country, moving away from the list of least developed nations.
One era of good governance has brought about transformative changes in the lives of the people, a feat that eluded the country for more than three decades after its independence. In the last decade alone, over 50 million people have transitioned from the lower class to the middle class, whereas in the 1990s, only 2.3 million managed to cross the poverty line.
- During the BNP-Jamaat government, the poverty rate was at 38.4%
- Presently, it has dropped to less than 18.7%, with the ultra-poor population decreasing from 24.2% to 5.6%
Access to free higher education has been guaranteed for all, and village clinics and union health centers have been established. Thirty types of life-saving medicines are distributed free of charge through these facilities. Digitalization is making inroads into the rural economy, transforming the lives of marginalized populations. Bangladesh has transitioned from a nation facing food shortages to one with a surplus. The average life expectancy has risen to over 71 years, with women living an average of 75 years and men 71 years, reflecting an improved quality of life.
The entire country now enjoys access to electricity, marking a remarkable achievement by the Awami League government. Every household has an electricity connection, ending the days of power outages. Additionally, the completion of the Padma Bridge project is a testament to Sheikh Hasina’s unwavering determination, despite the numerous conspiracies and obstacles it faced. The Awami League has demonstrated, once again, its commitment to fulfilling promises.
Under the visionary leadership of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh is progressing in various economic indicators such as;
- Including gender equality
- Export-oriented industrialization
- The establishment of 100 special economic zones
- The launch of the Bangabandhu satellite-1, and an increase in export income
Mega projects such as the nuclear power station, deep seaport, and Dhaka Metro Rail are advancing rapidly. The Dhaka Metro Rail has already commenced partial operations, and the people are already reaping the benefits of this long-awaited project. The Payra Deep Sea Port and Payra Thermal Power Plant have also become operational.
conclusion
The Bangladesh Awami League’s commitment to public participation in manifesto creation for the upcoming elections is a commendable step towards strengthening democracy. By actively involving citizens in shaping their vision for the country, the party reflects the essence of democratic governance. However, the success of this initiative will depend on transparent implementation and accountability. The Awami League’s achievements over the years demonstrate its dedication to improving the lives of the Bangladeshi people, and with continued good governance, the nation is poised for sustainable development and progress.
