Dhaka: Ahead of the 13th National Assembly elections, a website has been launched featuring the election manifestos of major political parties that have contested parliamentary elections since 1991, as part of an important research project.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the website was created under the research project titled ‘Political Party Manifestos in Bangladesh Elections’. It has preserved and published the manifestos released by various parties in all national elections held after 1991. Additionally, manifestos already published for the upcoming 13th National Parliament elections, scheduled for February 12, have been added to this comprehensive database. The project is spearheaded by distinguished political scientist Professor Ali Riaz and writer and researcher MM Musa.
The main objective of the website is to assist researchers, journalists, and ordinary citizens in reviewing and analyzing the promises and policies made by different political parties in their election manifestos since 1991. This has been achieved by creating an easily accessible and information-rich platform that compiles manifestos published during various elections.
The research project description highlights the significance of elections as a fundamental and essential part of a democratic system. In a parliamentary democracy, citizens elect their representatives to the legislature through national elections, and free, fair, and participatory elections enable citizens to engage actively in the governance of the state.
Political parties typically publish an election manifesto, which defines their ideological stance, policy objectives, and future programs. An election manifesto is seen as a document reflecting a party’s commitment to the citizens. It serves as a critical standard for assessing the party’s progress in implementing its promises after assuming power through elections.
Professor Ali Riaz is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Politics and Government at Illinois State University, USA, and serves as President of the American Institute of Bangladesh Studies (AIBS). He is currently acting as Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser in an advisory role. MM Musa, on the other hand, is a writer and researcher with a background in journalism, regularly contributing to various media outlets in the country on topics related to development, social change, and the livelihoods of marginalized communities.