Lack of Clear Plans Undermines Jamaat’s Manifesto, Says Fahmida

Bangla Press Desk: Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Fahmida Khatun has criticised Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s election manifesto, describing it as slogan-driven and lacking specific, time-bound commitments as well as a credible implementation framework.

Fahmida said the manifesto fails to provide clear timelines, measurable targets, or detailed financing strategies for its major promises. She also pointed to an apparent shift in the party’s branding, noting that the word “Islam” is entirely absent from the document.

Economic targets ‘unrealistic’

Fahmida identified two fundamental weaknesses in the manifesto’s economic agenda: the absence of starting dates for proposed initiatives and a lack of clarity on how increased allocations to different sectors would be funded.

The manifesto sets ambitious goals, including transforming Bangladesh into the world’s 20th largest economy and achieving a $2 trillion GDP by 2040. However, Fahmida argued that the proposals outlined are insufficient to reach these targets. She also expressed scepticism over the pledge to raise per capita income to $10,000, noting that the document does not include any targets for private sector investment—the primary driver of economic growth and employment.

While Jamaat proposes raising public investment to 20% of GDP and increasing foreign direct investment (FDI) to $15 billion, it fails to set benchmarks for private investment, which Fahmida said is crucial for sustained growth.

“To build a $2 trillion economy, GDP growth must not only reach 7% but remain at that level for a prolonged period. Jamaat mentions the 7% figure but does not specify when or how this will be achieved,” she added.

Labour market and fiscal inconsistencies

Fahmida also highlighted inconsistencies in the manifesto’s labour and fiscal policies. The party’s promise to create 70 million jobs, she said, is not supported by any timeline or investment plan.

She further noted that the manifesto pledges to reduce unemployment from “double digits to single digits,” despite Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics data showing the current unemployment rate to be below 4%.

In addition, a proposed target of raising the tax-to-GDP ratio to 14% is mentioned without outlining a roadmap to address the existing revenue shortfall.

Trade and social sector gaps

On trade policy, Fahmida said the manifesto lacks realism, particularly the goal of doubling exports within five years. Given the current global environment marked by tariff disputes and the expansion of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), she described the target as unattainable based on the priority sectors identified.

She also termed the proposed 30% import substitution target “unrealistic,” suggesting that policy focus should instead be placed on sectors where Bangladesh already enjoys a competitive advantage.

Regarding social infrastructure, the manifesto promises to gradually increase education spending to 6% of GDP and triple the health budget. However, Fahmida concluded that without clearly defined phases or timelines, such commitments remain largely symbolic.

Source : TBS

BP/SP