Mentionable Parts of Election Manifesto of Bangladesh Awami League

Awami League President Sheikh Hasina today announced the party’s election manifesto for the 12th National Parliament Election slated for January 7, 2024.   Following is the full-text of the manifesto.  

Twelfth National Parliament Election

Declaration of Election Manifesto

Sheikh Hasina

President, Bangladesh Awami League

Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, Dhaka

Wednesday

12 Paush 1430

27 December 2023

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

Dear Countrymen,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Assalamu Alaikum,

I wish you all a very happy December, the month of victory.

On the occasion of the twelfth National Parliament Election, I wish everyone present here at the election manifesto declaration ceremony of Bangladesh Awami League. My sincere thanks and heartfelt wishes to those watching this event inside the country and abroad using television channels and social media platforms.

In the history of Bangladesh, 15 consecutive years of running the country under a democratic system are about to be accomplished. We achieved unprecedented development in Bangladesh because the five-year parliamentary system of government was stable. By this time, Bangladesh has transformed from the least developed country into a developing one.

Bangladesh achieved independence under the leadership of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He dreamed of establishing a hunger-poverty-free, prosperous 'Golden Bangla.'

He took on the responsibility of ruling a war-ravaged country plagued by hunger and poverty. He had only three years, seven months, and three days to lead the country. In 1972, the per capita income was 91 USD. The Father of the Nation raised it to 277 USD in 1975 in just three years. Bangladesh achieved 9 percent growth by his leadership. In this short period of time, he raised Bangladesh from the ruins to the status of a least-developed country. The Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was brutally assassinated on August 15, 1975, by the merciless bullets of the assassins. The killer took away all the prospects of Bangladesh's development and the spirit of great independence.

I recall with deep gratitude the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. I pay my tributes to the four national leaders, three million martyrs, and two hundred thousand dishonored mothers and sisters. I salute the brave freedom fighters.

Recalling with deep sorrow - my mother, Bangamata Fazilatunnesa Mujib, three younger brothers – valiant freedom fighter Captain Sheikh Kamal and valiant freedom fighter Lieutenant Sheikh Jamal, my ten-year-old younger brother Sheikh Russel; Kamal and Jamal's newlywed wife Sultana Kamal and Parveen Jamal, my only uncle crippled freedom fighter, Sheikh Abu Nasser, President's Military Secretary Brigadier General Jamil Uddin Ahmed, police officer ASI Siddiqur Rahman and all the martyrs who were brutally assassinated on August 15.I pray for the forgiveness of all those departed souls.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On this day, I respectfully recall the founding president of Awami League, one of the oldest political parties in this subcontinent, Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, founding General Secretary Shamsul Haque, the idol worshiper of democracy Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, Maulana Abdur Rashid Tarkbagish and all the late leaders of Awami League. I pay deep respect to the language martyrs who have sacrificed their lives to protect the dignity of our mother tongue, Bengali.

I was recalling Awami League leader Ivy Rahman and 22 leaders and activists who were killed in the grenade attack on August 21, 2004.

I recall all those who sacrificed their lives in the various democratic movements before and after our independence and the struggle for the right to vote and food.

Dear Countrymen,

My younger sister and I were abroad when the Father of the Nation and most of our family members were brutally killed on August 15, 1975. That is why we are alive. For six long years, we were forced to live in exile as refugees. The then-military ruler Ziaur Rahman created obstacles to come to our homeland. I returned to Bangladesh in 1981 with the support of its people and the Bangladesh Awami League. I came back to the country, ignoring the bloodshot eyes of the illegitimate ruling government, the assassins and conspirators of the Father of the Nation, and the war criminals. After that, I started the struggle to establish people's right to ballot and bread, and for that, I was targeted and hit again and again. I protested against the military regime for the democratic rights of the people and was arrested many times. At least 19 attempts have been made to kill me. But I didn't give up. Finally, I was able to return the right to vote to the people. Twenty-one years after the tragedy of 1975, Bangladesh Awami League formed the government by winning the general elections on 12th June 1996. This brought an end to killings, military cue, and military rule.

After completing a five-year term from 23 June 1996 to 15 July 2001, the Awami League handed over power peacefully for the first time in the history of Bangladesh. During 1996-2001, we made the country self-sufficient in food by increasing the production of rice and pulses. Increase enrollment rate, increase power generation, take up social security programs, introduce old age, widower, and disabled allowances, and provide collateral-free agricultural loans to farmers.

In the National Parliament Elections held on 1stOctober2001, the BNP Jamaat alliance came to power by promising to sell gas, the country's only natural resource. While they were in power, extreme corruption, misrule, murder, and rape were started. Including Hindu-Muslim-Christian-Buddhist, innumerable Awami League leaders and activists were subjected to inhumane torture. They established a reign of murder, terror, and disappearances in the entire country.

On 21stAugust2004, Awami League's peace rally was attacked by grenades, killing 22 activists and injuring more than 500 people. Bomb attacks in districts, clanging of weapons in educational institutions, jamming of sessions, and uncertain lives of students were the common picture during the BNP-Jamaat coalition government. Militancy, terrorism, arms smuggling, money laundering, embezzlement of bank money, and public life became miserable under the dual rule of Hawa Bhaban.

In 2006, the BNP-Jamaat alliance was supposed to hold an election after the end of their term, but they did not hold this. Instead, they resorted to various tricks to keep the power forever. To rig the election, they set up an Election Commission that promised to carry out only their orders and produced 1 crore 23 lakh fake voters. These activities led Bangladesh to the path of darkness. The military seized power from behind by imposing a state of emergency in the country. This government of Iajuddin, Fakhruddin, and Mainuddin took away the rights of the people and started running a steamroller on them. They take the initiative to break up the established political parties. Many leaders of my party, leaders of other political parties, and I were imprisoned. They formed different parties and took the initiative to hold a farcical election.

But aware countrymen stand united against their plot. In the face of the people's movement, they were forced to hold the 9th parliamentary elections. However, they implemented some of the demands of the electoral reforms that the Awami League-led Grand Alliance presented - such as the preparation of voter lists with photographs, cancellation of 1 crore 23 lakh fake voter lists, and use of transparent ballot boxes.

The Awami League-led Grand Alliance won the general elections on December 29, 2008. Awami League won 233 seats, and BNP alone won only 30 seats. The rest of the seats go to the members of both alliances.

Dear Countrymen,

In the 2008 election manifesto, we announced Vision 2021, which was a charter of change. We successfully ran the country after overcoming hundreds of hurdles by winning the 2014 and 2018 National Parliament elections.

Bangladesh has been transformed in the last 15 years. Today's Bangladesh is by no means poverty-stricken or economically fragile. I can unequivocally say that today's Bangladesh is now a ‘Changed Bangladesh.’ Bangladesh is now a fast-paced country moving forward with its potential. Minor setbacks cannot hinder our economic progress today. We have left that proof by facing various challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we celebrated the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in 2020 and the Golden Jubilee of Independence in 2021. At this time, the United Nations recognized Bangladesh as a developing country.

In 2006, the last year of the BNP-Jamaat coalition government,

I would like to present a brief comparative picture of where Bangladesh was regarding various socio-economic indicators and where it stands now.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Looking forward to the twelfth election, we have once again appeared before you with the election manifesto of Bangladesh Awami League. As a continuation of the past, this time, we have prepared an implementable election manifesto by setting specific targets. The continuity of the long-term action plans announced in the 2008, 2014, and 2018 election manifestos has also been maintained in the twelfth election manifesto.

The twelfth election manifesto of Bangladesh Awami League has been published in the booklet. It is not possible to explain it in detail here in this short time. I have briefly presented some points before you in my written statement.

3.1 Transition from digital to smart Bangladesh

Technological capabilities are essential to survive global competition in the fourth industrial revolution era. That is why we announced the building of 'Smart Bangladesh.' Smart Bangladesh has four pillars – Smart Citizens, Smart Government, Smart Economy, and Smart Society. The Awami League government has worked in every field to establish Smart Bangladesh. If elected by the people's vote, we will make Bangladesh a hunger-poverty-free smart country by 2041, Inshallah.

3.2 Good Governance

a) Democracy, Elections, and Effective Parliament

Since its foundation, the Awami League has always been fighting for the establishment of democracy. Awami Leagueis always active in ensuring people's fundamental and democratic rights. A functioning parliament through elections in a democratic governance system can protect the people's interests.

If we get elected and form the government, the practice of transparency, accountability, good governance, and democratic values will be strengthened in all aspects of state management.

 b) The Rule of Law and Protection of Human Rights

Bangladesh Awami League is always vocal about the rule of law and human rights. We aim to establish Bangladesh free from exploitation by eradicating social inequality, which was the dream of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, where the rule of law, fundamental human rights, political, economic, and social equality, freedom, and justice will be ensured.

The independence and dignity of the judiciary will be preserved. Measures to ensure the independence and effectiveness of the National Human Rights Commission will continue.

c) Freedom of Media and Free Flow of Information

Awami League government has ensured the free flow of information and freedom of media. In the 1996-2001 tenure, we were the first to open television& radio to the private sector.

Mass media has developed tremendously in the last 15 years. The number of newspapers in the country is 3 thousand 241. 33 private TV channels, 23 FM radios, and 18 community radio stations are currently broadcasting. Arrangements will be made so that journalists cannot face torture, intimidation, or false cases. As per the newly enacted law, 'The Cyber Security Act of 2023', the privacy and information of individuals will be protected, and appropriate measures will continue to be taken to prevent misuse. The process of forming the 10th Wage Board for journalists is underway. Financial and medical assistance to journalists will be further extended under the Journalist Welfare Trust.

d) Public Welfare-oriented, Accountable, Efficient, and Smart Administration:

Bangladesh Awami League is committed to providing better and quality services to the people and establishing good governance by building citizen-centric, transparent, accountable, knowledge-based, welfare-oriented, integrated, and efficient smart administration. Efforts will continue to create an efficient, enterprising, IT-based, corruption-free, patriotic, and public welfare-oriented administrative system through recruitment based on merit.

e) Building a People-friendly Law Enforcement Force

Bangladesh Awami League has always worked towards establishing a modern, advanced, humane, and people-friendly law and order force. Due to this, the capacity of the law enforcement agencies has been immensely enhanced. The law enforcement force of Smart Bangladesh will be made smart and modern.

f) Adoption of a Zero-tolerance Policy Against Corruption

Awami League has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. To this end, we have taken a concerted initiative with the people and are working to root out corruption from society. To inculcate an anti-corruption attitude among the students, chapters on the evils of corruption and what to do to prevent corruption will be added to the education curriculum.

g) Terrorism and Communalism

The Awami League is committed to fighting against terrorism, establishing democratic rights for all citizens, and improving people's quality of life. The supremacy of the constitution in the country's governance, the establishment of the rule of law, and the formation of a society free from terrorism will be ensured.

Bangladesh is home to people of all religions, castes, and professions. We want a non-communal Bangladesh.

h) Local Government

As an integral part of the central budget, local governments at various levels will continue to build capacity for budget formulation and project implementation to achieve balanced development. The distribution of responsibilities among Zilla Parishad, Upazila Parishad, and Union Parishad will be more precise.

(j) Digital Land Management

Due to the scarcity of land and its lengthy management & complexity, there is a long-standing need to ensure full governance in land management. The Awami League government is continuously trying to solve land-related problems effectively through administrative reforms and the application of digital technology. Through the Land Development Tax Management System, 100% e-registration has been ensured from 1 July 2019 in 61 districts except three hill districts. E-registration and collection of land development tax have been implemented at various spots in Dhaka city on a limited basis through mobile land service centers, which will be further expanded.

3.3 Economics

a) Macroeconomics: High Income, Sustainable and Inclusive Development:

In the last decade and a half, Bangladesh has established itself as a dynamic and fast-growing global economic power. Bangladesh is currently the 33rd economy in the world regarding national income. During this time, the production and supply of various products and services increased significantly due to the revolutionary changes in the country's agriculture, industry, and service sectors.

If elected, the Awami League government will adopt the necessary policies and strategies to implement the goals and plans. A correlation between market value and income will be established.

Money Supply and Banking System

Policy interest rates will be the main means and instruments for controlling money supply and inflation. Credit provision for self-employment of employable trained youth will be extended. Import and export trade will be balanced, reducing uncertainty in the supply of foreign exchange. Laws will be strictly enforced to recover defaulted loans. It will be ensured that the bank will maintain the prescribed provision for defaulted loans.

Investment and Development

• The Awami League will continue the importance of the private sector in economic development and use opportunities for joint investment between the public and private sectors where reasonable.

Establishing Order in the Financial Sector and Combating Financial Crime:

• Effective action will be taken against money launderers.

• Eradication of bribery and corruption at all levels of the state and society, prevention of unearned income, and punishment of debt-tax-bill defaulters and corrupt persons will be executed through the judicial system. Their illegal money and property will be confiscated.

b) Poverty Alleviation and Inequality Reduction

We have set targets to reduce the poverty rate to 11 percent, end extreme poverty, and reduce the poverty rate to 3 percent by 2041. If elected, we will implement it.

c) 'Amar Gram-Amar Shohor': Extension of Modern Urban Facilities to Every Village

If we are elected and form the government, we will continue to improve roads, communication, clean water, modern health care and medical treatment, quality education, improved sewage and waste management, increased electricity and fuel supply, computers, and high-speed internet facilities, expanding the market for quality consumer goods including electrical appliances. We will continue to ensure that every village has all the facilities of a modern town. Self-employment will be arranged in the village to reduce the tendency of the village youth to move towards the city.

d) Young Youth: ‘The Power of Youth – Prosperity of Bangladesh’

If Awami League is elected, the youth will be involved in the transformation and development of Bangladesh. Employment opportunities will be expanded for work-worthy, qualified youth and youth. 31 lakh youth will be trained in the district and upazila, and the program will continue supporting their self-employment.

e) Agriculture, Food and Nutrition

If we are elected, support and subsidies for agriculture, i.e., investment support in agricultural materials to increase agricultural production, will continue. Usable agricultural machinery will be made readily available and accessible. Subsidy on agricultural machinery will be continued.

Commercial agriculture, biotechnology, genetic engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence, nano-technology, including the development of rural non-agricultural sectors, and suitable strategies will be adopted to deal with globalization. Particular emphasis will continue to be given to the modernization of agriculture, technological innovation, and expansion of agricultural research facilities.

Fisheries and Livestock

Livestock productivity will be increased by 1.5 times by 2028. Soft loans, necessary subsidies, technical advice, and policy support will be provided to establish commercial dairy and poultry farms, increase self-employment, and alleviate poverty.

f) Industrial Development

More than 2 million new people join the country's labor force annually. One of the main goals of the Awami League is to create employment opportunities for each of them. To achieve this, we have developed 100 Special Economic Zones. To develop the Industry Sector, we will establish new industries. If elected, we will formulate appropriate policies and programs to attract the entrepreneurial class.

Small, medium, and cottage industries, handloom, and sericulture will be preserved, and competitiveness will be enabled for employment expansion. Banarasi and Jamdani industries will be encouraged.

We will take initiatives to diversify leather and jute products and make these industries profitable. Private sector initiatives in the jute industry will be encouraged.

The government will continue special initiatives to develop blacksmiths and potters. Incentives will be given as per requirement for these industries.

g) Electricity and Fuel

In the last three terms, groundbreaking and revolutionary developments have been made in the country's power sector. Uninterrupted and quality power and energy supply are assured, and long-term plans have been adopted to increase power generation capacity to 40,000 MW by 2030 and 60,000 MW by 2041.

Ten thousand megawatts of electricity will be produced from clean energy. The process of modernizing the grid to transmit electricity generated by renewable and nuclear power plants has started.

Energy Sector

Gas supply will be ensured in the northern and western regions of the country, and the supply of gas and LPG will be significantly increased.

h) Communication

Aiming to establish vision-2041, a comprehensive program implemented in the last 15 years to build a secure, quality, and development-friendly advanced communication system.

Development of waterways, roads, railways, and Bangladesh Biman will continue. Safe communication systems will be improved from the capital to villages.

(i) Large Scale Infrastructure Development Projects (Mega Projects)

Awami League government has initiated and implemented different large projects (mega-projects) in three terms. It is hoped that all these projects, including the Padma Bridge, a symbol of pride for the nation, will significantly contribute to development, as expected.

J) Blue Economy

We have established a marine research institute to utilize marine resources for economic and social development properly. Measures have been taken to extract marine resources, oil, gas, minerals, fisheries, and aquatic resources.

Seaports and deep seaports have been constructed, which have created opportunities for the expansion of trade and commerce.

k) Achieving MDGs and SDG (Sustainable Development) Implementation Strategy (2016-30):

MDGs have been implemented very successfully. We have successfully started implementation in all the necessary areas, including housing, food security, education, health care, clean water, sanitation facilities, reduction of child and maternal mortality rates, and ensuring gender equality in implementing sustainable development. We are taking steps to invent and implement new strategies considering the global situation in terms of socio-economic development.

l) Delta Plan-2100.

In line with national development, Delta Plan-2100 aims to:1. eradicate extreme poverty by 2030;2. Achieving upper-middle income country status by 2030 and 3. Achieving the status of a prosperous country by 2040.

Delta Plan-2100 has six desired goals.  These are: 1. ensuring security from floods and climate change-related disasters; 2.Ensure significant water efficiency and safe water; 3. Ensuring integrated and sustainable river basin and estuary management; 4. Ensuring the conservation of climate and ecosystems and its appropriate use; 5. Building effective institutions and good governance for the sound management of intra- and inter-regional water resources; and 6. Ensuring optimal integrated use of land and water resources.

3.4 Social Security and Services

A) Universal Pension: A Time Befitting Initiative

The Universal Pension Management Act was enacted in January 2023, and the Universal Pension System was inaugurated on 17 August 2023.

It is for people from all aspects of the society. There are four schemes: 1. 'Probash' for expatriate Bangladeshi citizens; 2. 'Progoti' for Officers/Employees of Privately Owned/Private Institutions; 3. 'Surokkha' for self-employed citizens; and 4. 'Somota' for the self-employed ultra-poor people.

We urge all citizens to take this opportunity to safeguard their future lives.

B) Education

We are working relentlessly to develop skilled human resources imbued by the spirit of the Liberation War and possessing humane qualities and richness in science and technology to meet the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

If elected, the Awami League Government will devote itself to pursuing and implementing the education policy goals mentioned in Article 17 of the Constitution.

The development of Education imparts momentum to development activities, overall national development, and poverty alleviation. Based on this belief, Awami League will increase the budget allocation for the education sector and ensure its effective use. The proportion of female teachers in Primary and Secondary education will continue to increase gradually. To implement Smart Bangladesh, more importance will be given to language, higher mathematics, and science education at Secondary and Higher Secondary levels. Appropriate laboratories for science education will be expanded to the village level. Special Scholarships are being awarded to meritorious science and mathematics students.

To modernize Madrasa education, appropriate Curriculum formulation and implementation has been undertaken. The stipend will continue to increase in line with the expansion of Women's education. The access to higher education for the Children of poor and weaker communities will be further expanded.

C) Health Care and Family Welfare

In continuation of Vision-2021, basic health, and family welfare services will be enhanced and expanded under the programs of Vision-2041.

Primary health care and medicine distribution free of cost will be continued through community clinics. To ensure digital healthcare, a unique health ID will be provided to every person in the country, and hospital automation management will be introduced. A Universal Health System will be established to ensure equal health care for all citizens. A super-specialized hospital of international standards has been set up in Dhaka. Special grants have been allocated to health science research.

Health Insurance will be introduced, and Centers for Non-communicable Disease Treatment and Rehabilitation of Senior Citizens will be set up under the Healthy Aging Scheme.

The country's API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) industry will be encouraged. The use of antibiotics will be controlled.

Mental health and autism healthcare facilities at all levels will be made more effective.

D) Culture

Awami League is committed to providing full cooperation in the practice and development of culture. Awami League believes that civilization, humanity, universality, and nationality are enriched and developed through culture.

We will continue to sponsor the excellence of Bengali language and literature, music, arts, drama, film, and creative arts to contain the traditions of Bengali culture and create harmony with world culture.

Due respect will be given to the teachings and values of all religions, and special importance will be laid on social awareness, science-mindedness, cultural practice, and the creation of a liberal humanist spirit.

Folk culture and folk heritage and ethnic groups' language, culture, and lifestyle characteristics will be protected.

E) Sports

The construction of Mini Stadium in every upazila is going on. Distribution of sports equipment free of cost by forming sports clubs in all educational institutions and at the union levels will be continued. Planned initiatives will be taken to develop playgrounds, increase infrastructural sports facilities, and expand training facilities for sports-related people, including players, coaches, and officials at the union level.

Necessary steps will be taken to popularize traditional rural sports across the country, take cricket to a more concrete position in the international arena, and boost promising sports like football, hockey, shooting, archery, and kabaddi to the world standard.

F) Labor Welfare and Labor Policy

Labor rights and welfare-related provisions under the ILO Conventions and legislation will continue to be followed. Barriers to women's labor participation will be removed, and women's labor organizations will be consolidated. Eco-friendly green factories have been built. Daycare centers have been established in garment factories. We have made the provision of maternity leave.

The readymade garment workers would get 800 Taka in 1996; the Awami League government made it 1,600. In the 2009-2023 tenure, we increased the wages to 12,500 Taka.

The right to form and operate trade unions, safe and healthy working environment, statutory working hours, security of employment, compensation for workplace accidents, health care, accommodation, recreation and labor welfare, and other facilities prescribed by the Labor Act will continue to be guaranteed.

Foreign Employment

We will expand the trade-based training system, considering international needs to increase the export of skilled manpower. We will continue to take effective measures to provide legal assistance to workers abroad. Legal measures will be taken to safeguard the fair treatment of women workers abroad.

Mobile banking systems have been introduced to facilitate receiving expatriates’ income through banking channels.

G) Women Empowerment

• Activities for women empowerment, gender equality, economic empowerment, and creating a supportive environment for women’s development will continue. Rural women's social status will be improved, and opportunities to participate in labor will be increased. Rural women are being trained to conduct activities through online.

• The Awami League government has strengthened regional cooperation to crack down on women and child trafficking and prevent trafficking, which will be more proactive and effective.

• Necessary measures will be taken for greater participation of women in industry, trade, and commerce.

• The effective role of the Joyeeta Foundation in developing women entrepreneurs and businesswomen will be expanded.

H) Child Welfare

We will continue creating suitable opportunities for nutrition, education, and entertainment for the proper physical and mental development of children and teenagers to make them good citizens of the future.

Rehabilitation and safe housing of street children, establishment of orphanages for destitute and deprived children, and Primary and Vocational Education programs will be implemented and expanded.

Social security measures will be taken in phases to stop child labor.

Law has been enacted to end discrimination against girl children, stop torture, and ensure the safety of them.

Expanding the range of globally accepted activities for autistic children.

I) Welfare of Freedom Fighters

Freedom fighters are the greatest sons of the soil. If elected, we will continue to remove the inconsistencies in the list of freedom fighters and make necessary corrections.

The recognition of the contribution of the freedom fighters and the welfare measures taken by the Awami League government will be continued.

J) Welfare of People with Special Needs and the Disabled

Opportunities for the inclusion of persons with special needs in national skill development and national action plans will be expanded. 'Bangabandhu Protibondhi Surokkha Bima' has been launched.

Actions and measures will be taken so that children with special needs can learn in an environment suitable for them, and the work of transforming government services into disability-friendly will be continued.

Allowances are being provided to disabled persons via mobile phone or online.

Tax exemptions and special incentives are given to businesses and industries if disabled people are appointed there.

To empower persons with disabilities politically, they will be encouraged to participate in political parties and cast their votes.

The welfare of the Aged

Opportunities to include persons with special needs in national capacity building and national action plans will be expanded.

We have taken comprehensive measures to keep the elderly active, increase their contribution to the progress of society and the country, and safeguard them.

Adequate measures will be taken to ensure access to all facilities and technological equality of the senior citizens in digital technology and the use of advanced and modern information technology for the welfare of the aged.

There is a hospital for the aged in the Agargaon area of Dhaka. Geriatric services have already started in Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Effective measures will be taken to introduce geriatric services in all government hospitals in the country.

K) Small Ethnic Communities, Ethnic Groups and Religious Minorities

The initiative to protect the rights of every person in the light of the Constitution will be continued.

During the tenure of the Awami League government, the Jatiya Sangsad amended the Vested Property Act, and measures were taken to resolve the issues related to vested property. Obstacles to law enforcement will be removed.

To protect the interests of minorities, the National Commission for Minorities will be formed, and the Special Protection of Minorities Act will be enacted. Awami League will continue to take necessary steps to ensure the security of life and livelihood of religious minorities, small ethnic groups, and backward communities.

L) Backward Communities

Dalits and Neglected Communities

Flats are built for Dalits and Horijon for their residential facilities. For slam dwellers, flats are also being constructed. Two katha land and houses free of cost are provided for Leprosy patients, Gypsy, and backward communities.

Our Undertaking

Social security programs will continue to improve the quality of life of the Bede and backward communities.

Vocational training will be provided to enhance the skills of the disadvantaged and backward communities so that they can come into the mainstream of society by engaging in income-generating activities.

Hijra Community

Hijras will be included in the mainstream of society, and their fundamental rights will be preserved, social justice will be ensured, education, housing, and quality of life will be improved, and social security will be ensured.

Cash assistance and housing programs free of cost for the Hijra community will be expanded nationwide.

M) Climate Change and Environmental Protection

According to the Global Climate Risk Index 2021, Bangladesh ranks 7th among the ten countries most affected by climate change. Successfully addressing and adapting to climate change challenges is Bangladesh's biggest physical-natural challenge.

Our Undertaking

The policies and plans already adopted by the government to protect Bangladesh from the effects of climate change and global warming, to create a pollution-free environment, and to protect water resources will continue to be implemented.

The following programs will continue to be implemented to address climate change risks: (a) Productive/social forestry increased to 20 percent; (b) improvement of air quality in Dhaka and other major cities; (c) promotion of zero-emission/disposal of industrial waste; (d) conservation, restoration, and protection of wetlands in various cities according to the law; (e) construction of 500 meters wide permanent green belt along the seacoast.

N) NGOs and Government

All private institutions will be registered as per the rules of the government. The government will monitor and evaluate their activities.

The private institutions will be governed by their own rules. The right to work by their own rules and customs regarding poverty alleviation, socio-economic development, and microcredit will be continued.

Funded NGOs' activities and income-expenditure accounts must be transparent and accountable to local people and government regulatory bodies.

3.5 Independence and Sovereignty

A) Foreign

We believe in peace but not in war. Bangladesh has occupied a strong and prestigious place in the international arena due to the success of Awami League's foreign policy, following the principle of 'friendship to all, malice towards none' as directed by the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

If elected, Bangladesh's development cooperation with all the countries will continue.

Cooperation with neighboring countries will continue in various areas, including cross-border communication, transit, energy partnership, and equitable water sharing.

Bangladesh is firmly determined to prevent the presence of militants, international terrorists, and separatist groups on its territory. The Awami League government will play an important role in forming the South Asia Task Force to combat terrorism and militancy to root it out from the entire region.

B) Defense: Security and Protection of Sovereignty

To enhance the defense capability of the armed forces to protect the security, sovereignty, and integrity of the country, the formulation and implementation of 'Forces Goal-2030' is ongoing in the light of the 'Defense Policy, 1974' formulated by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Our Undertaking

The efficiency and discipline of the Defense Forces will continue to improve, and management will continue to develop in light of Forces Goal 2030.

Necessary measures will continue to be taken to increase the professional skills of the officers and soldiers of the armed forces and their job opportunities according to the country's capability.

To ensure the security of the country and the people, the capacity building of the defense system will continue. New welfare-oriented schemes and programs will be taken up for all ranks of the armed forces.

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

I will not claim that we have always been 100% successful in running the government despite sincerity and devotion. However, the Bangladesh Awami League does not believe in the politics of words. We do what we say. The implementation of election manifestos of 2008, 2014, and 2018 is proof of that. But at times, man-made, natural, and global obstacles slow down our progress. During 2013-16, we had to move forward by confronting the attempts of BNP-Jamaat to spread terrorism and militancy. Since 2009, we had to deal with several natural disasters. The biggest blow came in 2020 when the global coronavirus pandemic broke out. The pandemic devastated economies and health systems around the entire world.

Our government has successfully handled this terrible pandemic of the 21st century and kept the wheels of the economy running. However, no sooner did the pressure of the coronavirus pandemic stop; first, the Russia-Ukraine war broke out, and this year, the Israel-Palestine war started. Any war is not limited to using military weapons only by two neighbors.

For example, the Russia-Ukraine war has transformed into an armed conflict as well as a staggering global economic conflict. The sanction and anti-sanction against each other have thrown the world economy into turmoil. The Least developed and developing countries like ours are being forced to import products at higher prices. A massive depreciation of the domestic currency has led to an increase in inflation, which has an impact on commodity prices and people's lives. Several times, despite multifaceted and all-out efforts, we have not been able to curb the rise in prices of daily necessities. This problem is not only for our country, but this problem is also for all rich and poor countries. However, we are trying to reduce the plight of the lower and lower-middle-class people through various initiatives, including expanding social safety net coverage. We hope that we can overcome this obstacle very soon, InshaAllah.

Dear Countrymen,

Whenever the election comes, an anti-liberation, anti-Bangladesh, and anti-development circle becomes active with a leap of conspiracy. They enter the field by using tricks or rigging or through the back door to come to power. If unsuccessful, they jump on the people in the spirit of revenge. They want to intimidate the public through arson, vehicle burning, bombing, sabotage, or terrorist activities. This time was no exception. This time, they are also making conspiracies from abroad.

Realizing that they will not get the people's mandate, they have already indulged in terrorist activities. In the name of the hartal-blockade, vehicles are being burnt, people are being killed, railway lines are being thrown up, and various vandalisms are continuing. The burnt bodies of the mother and child have deeply shaken everyone's conscience. Such heinous acts can no longer be tolerated. Without getting the response of the people, mercenary forces are continuing this vandalism and damaging the vehicles. The people of this country will never let them fulfill their dream of disrupting the election through terrorism. As you resisted them in 2013-2016, let us collectively resist them this time. This anti-independence, anti-development vulture party will never again be able to wound Bangladesh with poisonous teeth and claws - let's take this oath in the month of victory.

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

We are responsible for all the mistakes made during the last 15 years of running the government. Success is yours. Look at our mistakes with a forgiving eye. We promise to learn from past mistakes and conduct future activities according to your expectations.

Having lost my parents, brothers, and relatives, I came into politics only to accomplish the unfinished work of my father, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and to bring smiles to the people of this country. While doing this work, I had to face death repeatedly. But thinking about father, thinking about you, I did not get back down. As long as Allah keeps me alive and healthy, I will not deviate from what I have accepted as a duty. I want to fulfill my father's dream by working as your servant.

Dear Countrymen,

 Right now, Bangladesh is standing in a transitional period. The country is going to join the ranks of developing countries from the list of least developed countries. This transition is an honor on one side and a huge challenge on the other hand. The government formed by the January 7 election must have the capacity to face this challenge. Only the Awami League can face this challenge and take the country to new heights. This country's outstanding achievements- starting from establishing the right to speak the mother tongue and achieving the motherland's independence, have come from the hands of the Awami League. Bangladesh will be established as a high-middle-income country by 2031 and a developed, prosperous, smart one by 2041 by the Bangladesh Awami League, the bearer of the spirit of the liberation war. Come, once again allow us to serve you by voting for BOAT, the election symbol of Bangladesh Awami League. You vote for us; we will give you development, peace, and prosperity.

I want to say in the words of poet-

“Don't be afraid of the cloud

The sun smiles behind it;

Missing smile of the lost moon

Comes back in the darkness.”

 Stay well everyone, stay healthy. May Allah help us.I have dedicated myself to the service of you.

 “Whose message do I hear at the start of journey

Fear not, oh fear not

He who sacrifices his life selflessly

For him, there is no erosion.”

 Khoda Hafez.

Joi Bangla, Joi Bangabandhu.

May Bangladesh Live Long.

BSS