In the lead-up to Bangladesh's general election scheduled for February 12, 2026, Jamaat-e-Islami, a major Islamic party, has unveiled its election manifesto, outlining a vision for the country's future and its relationships with neighboring nations. A key highlight of the manifesto is the party's pledge to maintain "constructive and cooperative" relations with India, emphasizing mutual respect and fairness.
The 41-point manifesto, dubbed the "People's Manifesto," was formally announced on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at an event in Dhaka. Jamaat-e-Islami leaders stated that the agenda would guide governance if the party wins the upcoming 13th national parliamentary elections. The manifesto prioritizes 26 key areas and includes 41 broader vision goals, focusing on state reform, establishing good governance, and building a self-reliant Bangladesh. The core pillars of the party's political program include justice, equality, accountability, technological advancement, and inclusive development.
Jamaat-e-Islami's manifesto emphasizes several key areas. A central theme is youth empowerment, with pledges to prioritize young people in state governance and leadership, while ensuring women's safety, dignity, and active participation in national life. The party also promises sweeping reforms in law enforcement to create a crime-free society, eliminating extortion and terrorism, and restoring public trust through honest leadership and institutional reform to eradicate corruption.
In its economic blueprint, Jamaat outlines plans to build a technology-driven, modern society and generate large-scale employment across sectors including technology, manufacturing, agriculture, and industry. The manifesto pledges free application for government jobs, merit-based recruitment, and the elimination of all forms of discrimination in public employment. To stabilize the economy, the party proposes reforms in the banking and financial sectors to restore confidence, encourage investment, and establish a transparent, sustainable, and business-friendly economic environment. The party aims to grow Bangladesh's economy to approximately $2.0 trillion by 2040, with a per capita income of around $10,000.
Regarding foreign policy, Jamaat-e-Islami commits to a cooperative approach with neighboring countries, particularly India. The manifesto highlights plans to enhance Bangladesh's global standing and improve international mobility for Bangladeshi passport holders.
Other key proposals in the manifesto include introducing mandatory military service for all citizens aged 18 to 22, and nominating a significant number of women to the cabinet. Jamaat's chief, Shafiqur Rahman, stated the party's intention to include a "significant number of women in the cabinet" if elected, despite not fielding any female candidates. The manifesto also pledges a safe working environment for women, upholding their dignity, and suggests reducing working hours for women during maternity to five per day with the mother's consent.
The unveiling of Jamaat-e-Islami's manifesto comes amidst a complex political landscape in Bangladesh, with the Awami League suspended and not participating in the election. This has created a "bipolar contest" between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the 11 Party Alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP). The election will be held under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. Key campaign issues include unemployment, corruption, proportional representation, and promises to the youth and minority vote bank.