In anticipation of the upcoming 12th parliamentary election scheduled for January 2024, the Awami League, which has been in power since 2009, has established a sub-committee responsible for crafting their election manifesto. A political manifesto in advance of a national election serves as a party’s declaration of their goals and priorities across major sectors of national development, intending to convince citizens to vote for them. In return, the party bears the responsibility of upholding the promises they make to the electorate.
The Awami League is placing significant emphasis on including measures to address youth unemployment in its upcoming election manifesto. The party aims to foster employment opportunities by promoting the development of a Smart Bangladesh. In preparation for the upcoming parliamentary elections, the ruling political party, the Awami League, is prioritizing the issue of youth employment.
This announcement was made during the manifesto drafting committee meeting at the central political office of the Awami League, located at 23 Bangabandhu Avenue on Sunday. A discussion was conducted with representatives from various sectors, including professionals, alongside the election manifesto preparation committee of the Awami League. Prominent individuals including Finance Advisor to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Awami League Advisory Council Member Professor Dr. Sadeka Halim, Minister of State for Planning Shamsul Alam, and Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University Maqsood Kamal, participated in the meeting.
Key Objectives in the 12th Parliamentary Election Manifesto
Highlights:
- Generation of Employment for Educated Youth
- Building an Educated Society
- Addressing Economic Challenges
- Poverty Reduction
- Promoting Production-Oriented Industries
- Inclusive Development and Good Governance
- Cultural Enrichment
- Towards a Prosperous and Advanced Nation
As per sources from the meeting, the generation of employment for educated youth will hold paramount importance in the election manifesto. The Awami League envisions a prosperous and developed nation, emphasizing a Smart Bangladesh and intelligent employment as its primary goals. As a result, the Awami League’s manifesto places utmost importance on various strategies aimed at building an educated society and enhancing the skills of the youth.
Md. Abdur Razzak, a member of the Awami League presidium and the convener of the manifesto drafting committee, stated, “I stand on the election platform, and it is your responsibility to evaluate our performance. The Awami League will construct the manifesto to reflect the hopes and aspirations of the nation. This time, the election manifesto will face numerous challenges. While we are self-sufficient in grain production, we lag behind in the production of nutritious foods, such as milk and eggs, which must be addressed in the future. This is a significant challenge for us.”
Razzak added that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war had hindered Bangladesh’s economic growth, requiring the restructuring of the economy to regain its former momentum. The upcoming election manifesto will focus on objectives such as per capita income and poverty reduction.
Expressing his commitment, Razzak stated, “We aim to reduce Bangladesh’s poverty rate from 18.4 percent to 12 percent and decrease extreme poverty from 9 percent to 5 percent. The Awami League is dedicated to achieving these goals.”
Addressing unemployment and the need for greater production-oriented industries, Razzak commented, “To create employment opportunities, we must boost production-oriented industries, currently at 30 percent, with a target to increase it to 40 percent in the future. The Awami League is committed to ensuring good governance in development activities through inclusive discussions and aims to build a democratic state and society, guaranteeing everyone’s participation.”
Razzak stressed the importance of cultural development to uphold the spirit of the liberation war. He emphasized the necessity of cultural enrichment and participation in cultural activities to counter bigotry and sectarianism, making culture an integral component of all future development activities.
He concluded, “Smart Bangladesh and employment will be the primary objectives of the Awami League. Our goal is to become a prosperous and advanced nation globally and take pride in our achievements. Through the election manifesto, we will assure the people that we will rekindle the momentum of progress and propel the country and the nation toward prosperity.”
Taking a glimpse into the manifesto of 2018
Prior to the 11th parliamentary election in 2018, the Awami League released its manifesto, titled “Bangladesh marches towards Prosperity,” in which it delineated its commitments regarding education. The manifesto initiated by showcasing the substantial accomplishments of the previous five years and subsequently outlined the goals and tactics for the forthcoming five-year period.
Notable accomplishments included the adoption of the National Education Policy 2010, the incorporation of 26,000 community-built primary schools into the national system, the widespread distribution of free textbooks to students, the recruitment of new educators, and the construction of various educational facilities. The recognition of the Dawra-e-Taklim from Qawmi madrasas as equivalent to a general master’s degree was also celebrated as a success.
The Government’s strategic vision for 2019-2023 revolved around education, with a primary focus on allocating a significant portion of resources to this sector. This encompassed a substantial project aimed at training language and mathematics teachers in primary and secondary schools. Their overarching objective was to eliminate illiteracy in Bangladesh, minimize primary school dropout rates, introduce universal school meals in rural and low-income urban areas, and maintain the provision of student stipends. Furthermore, the government intended to address the salary structure of primary school teachers with careful consideration.
In the context of recent advancements, primary education in the nation now boasts an outstanding 98% enrollment rate for children. The primary school dropout rate in 2006 was a concerning 50.5%, but by 2022, it had dropped significantly to a remarkable 13.95%, illustrating a remarkable improvement in primary education access and retention.
Also, the girls’ stipend program remains a pivotal reference point, highlighting outstanding accomplishments in improving access, retention, and diminishing dropout rates. Additionally, the government had introduced a supplementary initiative designed to cater to the requirements of female students, encompassing the establishment of dedicated restroom facilities and the introduction of a curriculum aimed at enhancing girls’ health and hygiene.
In the run-up to the 12th parliamentary election, the Awami League has set its sights on crafting a manifesto that not only reflects the nation’s aspirations but also addresses critical issues like youth unemployment. Their commitment to building a Smart Bangladesh and nurturing intelligent employment showcases their dedication to progress. As we reflect on their past accomplishments, such as remarkable improvements in primary education and the empowerment of female students, we see a party that strives for a prosperous and advanced nation.
