Dhaka is buzzing with election fever as Bangladesh gears up for its 13th parliamentary polls on February 12. Political parties are rolling out ambitious promises to woo voters, and the hardline Islamist group Jamaat-e-Islami has just unveiled its manifesto, making headlines with its foreign policy vision.
In a surprising move, the party has committed to fostering peaceful and cooperative relations with India and other neighbors, grounded in mutual respect and fairness. The manifesto explicitly states: ‘Good relations with neighboring countries: Peaceful, friendly, and cooperative ties will be established with neighbors and nearby nations like India, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Thailand based on mutual respect and honesty.’
This pledge comes amid heightened scrutiny of Jamaat’s intentions, given its controversial history. The document outlines a broad foreign policy agenda, prioritizing stronger bonds with Muslim-majority nations while expanding outreach to global powers.
Jamaat emphasizes deepening ties with the United States, UK, European Union, Japan, and Canada for mutual benefits. It also plans to broaden diplomatic, economic, and strategic engagements with Eastern Europe, Africa, and South America. ‘Engagement with the developed world and expansion in emerging regions,’ the manifesto declares, signaling an ambitious global footprint.
On the international stage, the party vows active participation in the United Nations and its agencies to tackle peace, security, human rights, and economic development challenges. It reaffirms Bangladesh’s role in regional forums like SAARC and ASEAN.
A key focus is the Rohingya crisis, with promises to collaborate internationally for a peaceful, sustainable resolution ensuring safe, dignified, and voluntary repatriation. Jamaat also pledges continued support for UN peacekeeping missions and a transparent migration management system.
Notably absent from the manifesto is any direct mention of Pakistan, despite historical affiliations. As elections approach, this comprehensive foreign policy blueprint positions Jamaat as a player seeking balanced diplomacy, though skeptics question its feasibility given domestic political tensions.