Bangladesh Elections – As Bangladesh prepares for its upcoming national elections scheduled for February 12, the political party Jamaat-e-Islami has released its election manifesto, highlighting its plans for diplomatic engagement and international relations. The party has outlined its intention to maintain peaceful and collaborative ties with neighboring countries, emphasizing balanced partnerships grounded in fairness and mutual respect.
The manifesto underscores the party’s commitment to building stable and cooperative relations with countries surrounding Bangladesh. It states that Jamaat-e-Islami aims to strengthen diplomatic and economic engagement with India, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Thailand. According to the document, these partnerships would be based on respect for sovereignty and equitable cooperation, with the goal of promoting regional stability and economic growth.
The party has positioned these regional relationships as a key pillar of its foreign policy vision. By enhancing dialogue and cooperation with neighboring nations, Jamaat-e-Islami aims to foster long-term peace and encourage cross-border trade and development initiatives.
In addition to regional outreach, the manifesto highlights a plan to deepen Bangladesh’s connections with countries across the Muslim world. The party has expressed interest in building stronger diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations with these nations. This approach is presented as part of a broader effort to expand international collaboration and increase Bangladesh’s presence in global Muslim forums.
The manifesto suggests that strengthening ties with Muslim-majority countries could open new avenues for economic partnerships, educational exchanges, and investment opportunities, which the party believes would contribute to national development.
Jamaat-e-Islami has also outlined plans to improve Bangladesh’s working relationships with developed economies, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, and Canada. The manifesto states that the party would prioritize mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, and strategic partnerships.
Alongside its focus on developed nations, the party has expressed interest in expanding diplomatic outreach to countries in Eastern Europe, Africa, and South America. The manifesto mentions that strengthening relations with these regions could create opportunities for Bangladesh to diversify trade markets and enhance global economic cooperation.
The manifesto places considerable importance on Bangladesh’s continued participation in international organizations. Jamaat-e-Islami has pledged to strengthen the country’s involvement with the United Nations and affiliated agencies. The party believes that active participation in global platforms is essential for addressing major international challenges such as security concerns, human rights protection, peacekeeping efforts, and economic development.
The party also reaffirmed its commitment to engaging with regional organizations, including the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. These regional platforms are viewed as important channels for promoting cooperation, regional connectivity, and policy coordination.
Another significant element of the manifesto is its approach to the Rohingya refugee situation. Jamaat-e-Islami has stated that it would work with the international community to pursue a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the crisis. The party has emphasized the importance of ensuring that displaced Rohingya individuals can return to their homeland safely, voluntarily, and with dignity.
In addition, the manifesto outlines a commitment to supporting transparent and regulated migration systems. The party has also expressed its intention to continue Bangladesh’s participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions, describing these contributions as part of the country’s responsibility to global peace and security.
While the manifesto outlines an extensive foreign policy framework covering multiple global regions, it does not include any direct mention of Pakistan. The omission has drawn attention as observers review the party’s broader diplomatic vision and priorities ahead of the national election.
