Islami Andolan issues 30-point manifesto

Islami Andolan Bangladesh has issued its election manifesto, pledging to run the country with Shariah law given precedence in the interests of a "permanent peace" and the "total liberation of humanity".

The religion-based party says that if it wins the 13th parliamentary election and comes to power, it will introduce a "morally rich, action-orientated, and science-based" education system. It will not only give women equal rights but also "prioritise" them. It adds that it will also ensure religious freedom, security and "mutual coexistence".

The party's chief, Charmonai Pir Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, declared the manifesto from the party's central office in Dhaka's Purana Paltan on Wednesday.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh has issued its election manifesto, pledging to run the country with Shariah law given precedence in the interests of a "permanent peace" and the "total liberation of humanity".

The religion-based party says that if it wins the 13th parliamentary election and comes to power, it will introduce a "morally rich, action-orientated, and science-based" education system. It will not only give women equal rights but also "prioritise" them. It adds that it will also ensure religious freedom, security and "mutual coexistence".

The party's chief, Charmonai Pir Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, declared the manifesto from the party's central office in Dhaka's Purana Paltan on Wednesday.

"I am declaring this manifesto to present the policies and ideology of the Islami Andolan Bangladesh and its outline and programmes for nation-building in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary elections."

THE MANIFESTO'S 30 POINTS

1. A qualitative change in politics for the purpose of permanent peace in the country and the overall liberation of humanity.

2. The establishment of a welfare state free from corruption, misrule, terrorism, extortion, encroachment, and drugs. 3. Establishment of equality, human dignity, good governance, and justice.

4. The primacy of Shariah at all levels in state administration.

5. Creation of an economically prosperous country free of unemployment and poverty through bringing about an agricultural and industrial revolution. 6. A work-orientated, science-based education system rich in morals. 7. Universal employment. 8. Phased state reforms. 9. A commitment to the expectations of the Liberation War and the July Uprising.

10. Increasing economic, military, and diplomatic capacity.

11. Protection of the fundamental human rights of all people, including the rights of women, workers, and marginalised groups.
12. Elimination of inequality in the state, society and economy.

13. An improved and affordable healthcare system for all.

14. A focus on preventing environmental pollution, disaster management and combating climate change. 16. Not only will corruption and terrorism be suppressed, but programmes to eradicate them will also be adopted.

17. Not only the rule of law, but also establishing the rule of justice.

18. Implementing the proportional representation (PR) system to properly reflect public opinion, establish fair elections and create an effective parliament.

19. Harmonising religion and politics to establish the overall welfare of the people.

20. Banning those involved in corruption, terrorism, murder and immoral professions from politics.

21. Eliminating murder, enforced disappearances, false cases, abductions, oppression, torture and misrule. 22. Ensuring freedom of speech of the people and the security and independence of the media.

23. Not only will women get equal rights, but they will also be prioritised. 24. Loans to industrialists, as well as the adoption of one-stop service programmes for gas, electricity, water, sewage, and import-export activities.

25. Nationalisation of all 

educational institutions.

26. To give qualified Ulama-e-Kerams, including those with degrees from Qawmi Madrasas, opportunities for government appointments.

27. Taking all necessary measures to make roads safe.

28. Turning Bangladesh into a developed welfare state within 15 years.

29. Establishing the dignity of workers through fair labour rights.

30. Dismantling all syndicates to prevent price fixing.

In addition, the party has announced a 12-point list of special programmes to ensure emergency services to citizens.

1. Cash assistance of Tk 5,000 per month for the extremely poor and at-risk populations.

2. One nutritious meal per day for all primary school students.

3. Provision of interest-free, collateral-free one-time loans for youth aged 18 to 24.

4. A universal health protection programme or health card, alongside the provision of agricultural inputs at subsidised prices and the introduction of a Krishi Card (Farmer Card) for easy access to various services.

5. Launching a national job portal, where job seekers of all professions can find jobs across the country and abroad, provide advice and receive training.

6. Establishing the necessary number of day care centres for working mothers.

7. Government-controlled and franchise-based bus management in all cities, including Dhaka.

8. A service-centric tax system.

9. Seamless citizen services for all.

10. Accommodation for women garment workers.

11. Dismantling illegal syndicates to control prices.

12. Full implementation of the recognition of the Qawmi Charter and the appointment of Ulama-e-Keram to state positions.