With just two weeks left until the 13th National Parliamentary Election, candidates are actively visiting voters door-to-door, while political leaders crisscross the country delivering speeches.
Most leaders are speaking at five to seven rallies daily. Except for occasional isolated incidents of violence, the campaign is proceeding in a festive atmosphere, with streets and neighborhoods alive with processions, slogans, posters, banners, billboards, and loudspeakers.
Traditionally, political parties announced their election manifestos well before the final phase of campaigning. This year, however, several major parties have not yet made their manifestos public. Campaign speeches are being delivered without manifesto-based promises or structured assurances, leaving voters questioning which party’s priorities will take precedence.
Some parties have indicated that their manifestos are in the final stages and will be officially released soon, with certain parties already setting announcement dates.
In the 2018 elections, the BNP released its manifesto at least 12 days before polling. This year, despite party Chairman Tarique Rahman addressing rallies nationwide, the party has not yet published its manifesto. BNP Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan told Dhaka Tribune that preparations are ongoing, and the final manifesto is expected to be announced by February 8–9. He said the manifesto will build on the 2030 framework announced by Begum Khaleda Zia in 2016 and Tarique Rahman’s 31-point program, incorporating many elements of the 2018 19-point manifesto, aiming to chart a path for a “new Bangladesh.”
Religious-based party Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has also yet to release its election manifesto. However, on January 20, party Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman presented future development plans at a policy summit at Hotel InterContinental, attended by representatives of various professions and diplomats. Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim said the party collected public feedback online to shape the manifesto, which will be formally announced at a press conference in the coming days.
The National Citizen Party (NCP) unveiled its manifesto yesterday. Party convener Nahid Islam officially unveiled the 36-point manifesto at a press conference at Lake Shore Grand Hotel
The manifesto, titled Manifesto for the Dignity of Youth, outlines plans to build a new Bangladesh, implement the July Charter, and prioritize education, health, and agriculture. It also emphasizes tolerance, religious freedom, and a women-friendly society.
Leftist alliance Democratic United Front announced its 18-point election manifesto on January 23 at the Dhaka Reporters Unity auditorium. Bazlur Rashid Firoz, coordinator of the alliance and general secretary of the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (BaSaD), said the manifesto focuses on media freedom, culture, democratic spirit, youth development, and reforming the education system. The alliance criticized the July Charter’s referendum process as undemocratic. CPB General Secretary Abdullah Al Kafi Ratan said the manifesto promotes a corruption-free, black-money-free, and communalism-free Bangladesh.
The National Solidarity Movement has prepared its central manifesto, with media coordinator Tahsin Mahmud expressing hope for a formal announcement within a day or two. Civic Alliance co-convener Sakib Anwar confirmed their manifesto is ready and will be released on Sunday.
Among religious-based parties, Islamic Movement Bangladesh’s manifesto is finalized, said party publicity secretary Sheikh Fazle Karim Maruf. It will receive final approval at a central leadership meeting on Friday and is expected to be published on Wednesday. Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis’s manifesto is also finalized and will be officially announced on Sunday, according to publicity secretary Maulana Hasan Junaid.
