Polls manifesto must pledge to implement July Charter: Badiul

Bangla Press Desk: Secretary of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN), a citizen platform for good governance, Badiul Alam Majumder said on Saturday that election manifestos must include a clear and unambiguous commitment to implement the July National Charter and explicitly state each political party’s position—‘yes’ or ‘no’—on the proposed referendum.

He made the remarks while addressing a press conference titled “What kind of manifesto do we want in the aspiration of mass uprising” at the Jatiya Press Club in the capital this morning, ahead of the upcoming 13th general elections slated for 12 February.

Badiul said election manifestos are written and signed documents through which political parties present their views and commitments to the people, stressing that opinions must be specific and promises must be implementable.

Highlighting key demands, he said ensuring accountability of state machinery and law enforcement agencies is essential to prevent enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and past abuses. 

He also emphasised the need for institutionalising democratic bodies, noting that a democratic state depends on strong, independent, neutral and effective institutions.

Badiul further called for structural reforms to restore constitutional balance, particularly between different branches of government and between the powers of the president and the prime minister.

 “We want Bangladesh to transition to and institutionalise democracy through this election. For that, democratic and transparent political parties are necessary.” 

He also underscored the need for an institutional fight against corruption, demanding that the Anti-Corruption Commission be declared a constitutional body and that political parties commit to an all-out anti-corruption drive.

Additionally, he urged parties to pledge to build a merit-based society by investing in youth, technology, quality education and healthcare.

“Our future depends on developing our young talents and creating opportunities for them so that the democratic dividend is reflected in reality,” he added.

Among others, Prof and Dean of the School of Business and Economics at North South University AKM Waresul Karim, SHUJAN Treasurer and Board of Trustee member Syed Abu Naser Bakhtiar Ahmed, national committee member and election coordinator Ekram Hossain, and central coordinator Dilip Kumar Sarker were present at the press conference.