Election Manifesto 2018
Bangladesh Awami League
Speech by
Sheikh Hasina
President, Bangladesh Awami League
Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, Dhaka
Tuesday
4 Poush 1425
18 December 2018
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Dear Colleagues,
Distinguished Guests,
Representatives from Print and Electronic Media, Ladies and Gentlemen.
Assalamu Alaikum and a very good morning to you all.
I welcome you all at the declaration of the Election Manifesto of Bangladesh Awami League marking the 11th Parliamentary elections. I would like to thank the countrymen and the people outside of the country who have joined this event through television and social media.
I pay my deep homage to the greatest Bangalee of all times, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. I recall the 4 national leaders- Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmed, Captain M Monsur Ali and A H M Kamaruzzaman- who were murdered on the 3rd November 1975 in prison. I would like to pay my tribute to the 3 million martyrs and 2 lakh women who faced sexual violence during the Bangladesh Liberation War. I convey my sympathies to the wounded freedom fighters and the family members of the martyrs. To the freedom fighters, I salute.
I remember with deep pain my mother Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib, my three brothers – Captain Sheikh Kamal, Lieutenant Sheikh Jamal and ten-year-old Sheikh Rasel, Kamal and Jamal’s newlywed wives Sultana Kamal and Rozi Jamal, Bangabandhu’s brother Sheiklh Naser, his Military Secretary Brigadier Jamil and all the martyrs who were victims of the 15th August 1975 tragedy.
Today, I remember with respect, the founding president of Awami League, one of the oldest political parties in the subcontinent, Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, founding General Secretary Shamsul Haque, crusader of democracy Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, Maulana Abdur Rashid Tarkabagish and all the founding members of Awami League.
I pay my deep homage to the martyrs who have given their lives for Bangla language.
I remember 22 leaders and activists of Awami League, including Ivy Rahman, who were killed in the 21st August 2004 grenade attack.
I remember the 21 thousand leaders and activists, including former Finance Minister Shah AMS Kibria, Awami League leader Ahsanullah Master, Manjurul Imam, Momtazuddin Ahmed, who were the victims of the brutal killings by BNP-Jamaat alliance terrorists after 2001.
I remember with great respect the people who gave their lives during the violence and petrol bombs attacks carried out by BNP-Jamaat goons during the 5th January 2014 parliamentary elections and from the 4th January 2015. I pray for the salvation of the departed souls and extend my condolences to the wounded.
I pay tributes to all the martyrs, including Salim, Delwar, Noor Hossain, Babul, Fattah, Raufun, and Basunia, of the anti-autocracy movement and the movement for achieving the rights to food and vote.
Dear Countrymen,
Since the general election of 2008, Bangladesh Awami League government has been running the state affairs for 10 years. In 2008, Bangladesh Awami League won two-third majority in the 9th general election.
We declared our election manifesto `Vision-2021’ targeting the the Golden Jubilee of the independence and the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation. The main objective of it was to make Bangladesh a middle-income country by alleviating socio-economic condition of the people.
Before the 10th parliamentary election in 2014, Vision-2041 was declared pledging to build a developed-prosperous Bangladesh. In the 5th January election, for the second time, the people gave us the mandate to run the government to continue carrying out the process of implementing the Visions. All successes go to you.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today’s Bangladesh is financially strong. Small shocks cannot stop the progress of Bangladesh.
In 2015, the World Bank gave Bangladesh the status of a lower middle-income country. In March 2018, the United Nations declared that we have fulfilled the criteria for elevating to the status of a ‘developing country’.
Per capita income rose to USD 1,751 from from USD 543 in 2006. The foreign currency reserves increased from USD 3 billion to over USD 33 billion. Poverty rate decreased to 21.8 percent from 41.5 percent in 2006.
Bangladesh is one of the top 5 countries in the world of terms of economic progress. In the last ten years, the size of the GDP of Bangladesh has increased by more than 5 times from 4 lakh 82 thousand crore taka to about 22 lakh 50 thousand 479 crore taka. As per World Bank statistics, the economy of Bangladesh is the 31st based on purchasing power parity. According to the HBSC projection, Bangladesh will be the world’s 26th largest economy by 2030.
The size of the budget in the fiscal year 2005-06 was Tk 61 thousand crore. In the fiscal 2018-2019, the budget has increased by about 7.6 times to Tk 4 lakh 64 thousand 573 crore.
In the 2005-06, export revenue was only USD 10.52 billion. In the year 2017-18, it has increased to USD 36.67 billion. We are moving forward with the goal of exporting USD 60 billion by 2021.
Dear Countrymen,
Bangladesh’s greatest achievements have come whilst being guided and led by Awami League. Bangladesh Awami League led the language movement by which Bangla was established as the state language. The struggle of independence and liberation war took place under the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The party also led the movement of overthrowing the autocracy and establishment of rights of food and vote.
Before the assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on 15th August 1975, he got the opportunity to govern the country for only three and a half years.
The Father of the Nation started his journey with an empty treasury, damaged communication systems and closed factories. It was a difficult task to bring 10 million refugees back home and to arrange their food and lodging. Moreover, domestic and international conspiracies started against Bangladesh. Combating these obstacles and conspiracies, he brought the country back to normalcy in just three and a half years. Bangladesh was included in the LDCs. And then, the father of the nation was killed to stop the country’s advancement.
Following his assassination, the rulers after 1975 turned Bangladesh into a dependent and beggar country.
During 1975 to 1996, Bangladesh was known as one of the poorest countries in the world. Bangladesh was the symbol of flood, drought, cyclones, and a country of the downtrodden.
Awami League formed the government after 21 years by winning in the general elections on 12th June 1996. After 21 years, people of Bangladesh got the taste of freedom and government of the people.
From 1996 to 2001- this 5-year was the golden period for the people of Bangladesh. The country has achieved unprecedented progress in the socio-economic sector. At this time, we signed the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Agreement and the 30-year Ganges Water Sharing Treaty with India. We constructed Bangabandhu Bridge on the Jamuna river and acquired self-sufficiency in food production.
Besides, we launched various welfare programs for the farmers, landless, destitute and helpless people. We introduced allowances for destitute people, widower, people with disability, freedom fighters, houses for the old citizens, ‘Asharian’ project for the homeless people and the ‘one house one farm’ project.
The Bangladesh Awami League was defeated by the dubious elections in 2001. The 5-year period after 2001, was a horrific time for Bangladesh Awami League and the common people of the country. Lives of people were intolerable due to killings, rapes, looting, and state sponsored terrorism.
Former Finance Minister Shah AMS Kibria, Member of Parliament Ahsan Ullah Master, Advocate Manjurul Imam of Khulna, Momtaj Uddin of Natore and 21,000 Awami League activists were killed. Hawa Bhaban was created and thousand of crores of taka was smuggled out abroad. Bangla-Bhai, JMB, Harkatul Jihad and many militant groups were created by using the state power.
These militant groups carried out numerous terrorist attacks across the country, including attacks in Udichi Program in Jashore, Bangla New Year’s celebrations at Ramna Batamul, Awami League office in Narayanganj and bombing at CPB meeting in Paltan. They tried to kill British High Commissioner Anwar Chowdhury in Sylhet, former mayor Badar Uddin Ahmed Kamran and Awami League leader Suranjit Sengupta by bomb attacks in Sylhet. On 17th August 2005, they carried out bomb attacks at 500 places simultaneously across the country, killed 10 people in Gazipur bar and 2 judges in Shariatpur in the same year.
On the 21st August in 2004, a brutal grenade attack was launched on an Awami League rally at Bangabandhu Avenue sponsored by the BNP-Jamaat alliance government. Although I personally escaped with the grace of the Almighty, 24 Awami League leaders and activists including Mohila Awami League President Ivy Rahman were killed and more than 500 people injured. Many of the wounded are still living in unbearable pain with numerous splinters in their bodies.
Dear Countrymen,
On the eve of the 11th parliamentary election, we again appear with the election manifesto of Bangladesh Awami League with the slogan ‘Bangladesh in the advancement of prosperity’.
We have prepared our manifesto in such a manner that we can implement it. Likewise, the continuity of the long-term action plans declared in the 2008 and 2014 election manifestos have also been preserved in the 11th Election Manifesto.
The Bangladesh Awami League’s 11th election manifesto has been published in the form of booklet. It is not possible to present it in detail in a short time. I briefly present a few things to you.
3.1 Democracy, Elections and Effective Parliament
In the last ten years, the national parliament was the center point of all national activities. If we are voted to office, we will further strengthen the ongoing process of institutionalization of democracy.
Initiatives will be taken to make the Parliament more effective. At the same time, efforts will be continued to strengthen the Human Rights Commission, Anti-corruption Commission, Media and Judiciary.
3.2 The Rule of Law and Human Rights Protection
Bangladesh Awami League has led a long struggle to restore the rule of law in the country. To improve efficiency and capacity of judges, and establishing justice for common people efforts, including infrastructure development of judiciary, ensuring transparency in the appointment of judges, establishment of rational pay structure and facilities for the judges, establishing village courts, using alternate methods to resolve disputes, and establishing Legal Aid offices in every district, are underway.
We have carried out the trials of the killings of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, four national leaders, war criminals, the 21st August grenade attack and BDR carnage, and the verdicts have been executed for the arrested ones.
If voted to office, the scope for getting the shelter and assistance of law for all citizens, and conserving and upholding the independence of judiciary, will be given due importance.
Along with ensuring universal human rights, any attempt to trample the human rights will be prevented. Efforts to ensure the independence and effectiveness of Human Rights Commission will continue.
3.3 Skilled, service-oriented and accountable administration
E-governance has been introduced at all levels of administration and `Right to Information Act-2009’ is made effective for making it mandatory to provide public service related information.
The pay and allowances of government officials and employees have substantially been increased for improving their living standard and dignified living. Work on building a modern, technology-based, skilled, corruption-free, patriotic and people-oriented administration will continue. The transparency, accountability, fairness and service of the administration will be ensured.
3.4 People friendly law enforcement agency to be built
To increase the capability of police force, various specialized police units, including industrial police, PBI, Tourist Police, river police, special security and protection battalion, Rangpur range, Rangpur RRF, Mymensingh range, two RAB battalions, Cyber police, Gazipur and Rangpur metropolitan police, Anti-terrorism unit and Counter terrorism and transnational and crime unit, have been formed during the last ten years.
If voted to office, recruitment in law enforcement agencies, including police, will be made proportionate with the population of the country in the next 5 years.
3.5 Zero tolerance policy against corruption
Our campaign against militancy, drug and corruption will continue. We will undertake zero tolerance policy against corruption. Apart from strengthening the Anti-corruption Commission, public awareness programs against corruption will be strengthened. Besides, steps will be taken to bring corruption to zero level utilizing ICT.
3.6 Terrorism, militancy, communality and drug abuse
Our zero tolerance policy against militancy, communality, terrorism and drugs will continue. Highest priority will be given in uprooting terrorism, extortion and land grabbing.
3.7 Local government: People’s empowerment
The UP, Upazila and Zila parishads, Pourashova and city corporations have been strengthened through decentralization of power. The process will further be strengthened.
If we voted to power, more financial and administrative authority will be decentralized to the local government bodies. The government’s assistance and efforts will continue to widen and improve the civic amenities. Steps will be taken to ensure transparency, accountability and peoples participation in planning of land use at towns and cities, planned development and city management.
3.8 Macro economy: High income, sustainable and inclusive development
The GDP growth will be increased to 10% in the next five years. Bangladesh will be a middle income country in 2021, the year when the golden jubilee of our country will be celebrated. The per capita income of the people of Bangladesh will be over US$ 5,479. In 2041, Bangladesh will emerge as a developed country in the comity of nations. The poverty rate will come down to zero.
3.9 Mega projects for infrastructure development
For the first time in the country’s history, ten mega projects are being implemented. These are: Padma bridge, Rooppur Nuclear power plant, Rampal coal-fired power plant, Deep sea port, Dhaka Mass Rapid Development transit project, LNG terminal, Moheshkhali-Matarbari intregreted infrastructure development project, Payra sea port, Padma bridge rail link and construction of Rail truck between Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar. We are committed to implementing these mega projects. Work on the construction of Nuclear power plant is progressing fast. Development work of Payra port is going on. Sonadia deep sea port, Rampal power plant and Matarbari power plant projects are under implementation. The construction of LNG terminal has been completed and supply of LNG to national grid started.
3.10 ‘My village-my town’: Expansion of modern civic amenities at each village
If we voted to power, we will undertake and implement programs aimed at turning villages into towns. The facilities of towns will be reached to villages. In the next five years, electricity will be provided at every house. All villages of the country will be connected with Upazila/Zilla through pucca roads.
Scope for education of the children in improved environment will be ensured. Potable water and improved sanitation will be ensured. Infrastructure for healthy entertainment and sports will be built. For employment, mills and factories will be built at Zila/Upazila levels. Internet and modern technology will be reached all over the country.
3.11 The youths: The strength of youth, prosperity of Bangladesh
The youths are the main driving force to build digital Bangladesh and materialize the golden Bangla of Bangabandhu. Bangladesh Awami League is committed to build an organized, disciplined and production oriented youth force.
The national service program is aimed at creating employment, and the program will be expanded gradually to all Upazilas. Youth training centers will also be set-up in all Upazilas.
An integrated database for less educated, medium educated and higher educated youths will be prepared at national level. We are providing up to two lakh taka collateral-free loan through Karma Shangstan Bank to increase creating entrepreneurship and self-employment. In future, the facilities will be widened.
For ensuring healthy entertainment for the youths, entertainment center will be built at each Upazila and youth sports complex at each district.
If we voted to power, we will create employment opportunities for one crore twenty eight lakh people in the next 5 years. Employment opportunities for one thousand youths and young women from each upazila will be created outside the country.
3.12 Women empowerment
Bangladesh Awami League is committed to establishing equal rights and dignity of women and male at all levels of the states and lives and participation of women and male at all levels of national lives. Child marriage will be decreased to near zero. Equal wage for male and female will be ensured. To encourage women entrepreneurs, separate banking and loan facilities will be ensured.
3.13 Poverty elevation and decrease of inequality
At presents, 4 crore 92 lakh people are getting various financial assistance under social safety-net programs. In the next five years, the number will be doubled and the amount of the assistance will also be increased. Poverty rate will be decreased to 12.3% and that of extreme poverty to 5%.
Regular income for at least one member of a family will be ensured. The implementation of one house one farm project will continue.
The poor people will be provided with soft-term loan to engage themselves in income-generating activities.
3.14 Agriculture, food and nutrition: Achievement of food security.
The unprecedented success of increasing agricultural production in Bangladesh and achieving food self-sufficiency is lauded by the world community. Efforts will be made to continue the success of increased agricultural production and achieving food-autarky.
Subsidy in agricultural inputs will continue. The agricultural equipments will be made easily available and cheaper. A skilled supply chain/value chain for agricultural products and crop processing will be built. Allocation in the budget for agricultural research will be increased. Soft-term loan, subsidy, technological and policy support for small and medium-sized milk and poultry farms and fish cultivation will be widened.
3.15 Power and energy
The power generation capacity in 2009 was 4,900 megawatt and daily supply was 3,200 megawatt. At present electricity production capacity is 20,400 megawatt. Electricity will be ensured for all by 2020. By 2023, the power generation capacity will be 28 thousand megawatt and 5 thousand CFT LNG supply will be ensured.
3.16 Industrial development
We have been putting emphasis on labor intensive small and medium industries for creating employment. We have undertaken programs to setup 100 economic zones under public and private initiatives. So far, policy decision to establish 89 zones have been undertaken and work on 14 zones is progressing. The economic zones will add additional US$ 40 billion in the export earning and create nearly 10 million jobs.
Financial incentives in the exports of jute goods will continue. Facilities will be given to agro processing sectors.
Modern industrial city will be built on the banks of the river Padma. IT parks will be established in each divisional city where a huge number of youths will be employed in next five years.
3.17 Labor welfare and labor policy
Minimum wage for the laborers of 40 sectors out of 43 sectors has been restructured. Minimum wage for garments workers has been increased to 8 thousand from 1600 taka in 2008. Steps have been taken to remove inequality of wages between female and male. All basic rights of the workers will be protected. 4-month maternity leave with full salary for female workers will be materialized. The ongoing health care and housing facility, security at work place and entertainment facilities will continue. Rationing system for all workers and hardcore poor and rural landless farm laborers will be introduced.
3.18 Education
We have formulated an education policy acceptable to all. From 2010 to date, we have distributed 260 crore 85 lakh 91 thousand textbooks among students up to secondary level.
One technical institute will be established at each Upazila. Work on one hundred such institutes is progressing. Highest budget allocation will be ensured for education sector and all out steps will be taken for improving the standard of education. School-feeding program will gradually be introduced at all villages, semi-muffashal towns and for the poor. The ongoing stipend programs from primary to higher education level will be continued. The madrasha education will be harmonized with the main stream education. The Daware Hadith of Kawmi Madrasha has been given the status of master’s degree.
Education in the languages of the ethnic groups will be ensured and their books will be distributed at free of cost. The inequality which exists in some cases, including the pay scale of the government primary teachers will be resolved judiciously.
3.19 Health service and family welfare
At present the rural people are getting healthcare service from nearly 16,500 community clinics across the country. 30 various kinds of medicines are also being distributed at free of cost. The average life expectancy is increased to 72.8 years from 68.8 years in 2009.
Children under 1 year and citizens over 65 years will get health service at free of cost.
One medical university will be setup at each divisional city. The facility of community clinics including its building will be modernized.
3.20 Communication
During the last 10 years revolutionary changes have taken place in the communication sector. The Roads and Highway department have completed works of solidification, expansion, carpeting or rehabilitation of 24 thousand km of highways. So far, 420 km national highways, including Dhaka-Chattagram, Dhaka-Mymensingh and Nabinagar-Chandra, have been upgraded to 4-lanes or more than 4 lanes. An 80 km marine drive from Cox’s Bazar to Teknaf has been constructed. Some 914 bridges and 3,977 culverts were constructed or reconstructed during the period.
Under the Local Government and Engineering Department, some 52,280 km roads have been renovated. Besides, maintenance work on 75,773 km roads and 31,637 meter bridge/culverts was carried out. Some 301,311 meter bridge/culverts were constructed or reconstructed. To modernize the communication system of Dhaka city, Metro Rail is being implemented under Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit development project.
The work on Uttara-Agargaon portion will be completed by 2019 and that of up to Bangladesh Bank by December 2020. The 3rd phase from Pallabi to Uttara will be completed by 2022.
The 47 km 4-lane Dhaka Elevated Expressway from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Kutubkhali of Narayangonj will be constructed in three phases.
Another 35 km long elevated express way from Airport to Chandra via Ashulia will be constructed. Besides, a 40 km elevated expressway styled as East-West Elevated Expressway will be constructed between Hemayatpur of Savar and Madanpur of Narayanganj.
Bullet trains between Dhaka and divisional cities will be introduced.
In the next 5 years 10 thousand km of waterways will be brought under dredging. The four rivers around Dhaka will be re-excavated.
A new international airport will be set up. The existing domestic and international airports will be modernized.
Modern bus service will be introduced in the capital for bringing discipline in mass transport system.
Underpass/overpasses will be constructed adjacent to educational institutions situated near highways. A tunnel will be constructed under the river Jamuna for easing communication with northern region.
3.21 Digital Bangladesh: ICT
Some 200 digital services are being provided to the people through 5,737 digital centers and 8,200 e-post offices.
Optical fibre has been expanded up to union level. Bangladesh entered into the era of space science through sending Bangabandhu Satellite-1 in the Orbit.
If we are voted to office, we will introduce 5-G by 2021-23. The price of internet and mobile usage will be reduced to a reasonable level.
3.22 Sea Conquest: Blue-Economy-opened the horizon of development
A scope has been created for huge employment in the economic activities in the sea, maritime tourism industry etc with the settlement of maritime disputes with Myanmar and India.
If we take responsibility, we will ensure the maximum use of sea resources.
3.23 Climate Change and Environmental Protection
In 2009, Bangladesh prepared Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan and 145 action plans were undertaken. Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund with about 400 million dollar has been set up with our own fund.
In order to help the affected people due to climate change, the allocation for ‘Bangladesh Climate Trust Fund’ will further be increased. The size of the productive forest will be increased from 13.14 percent in 2015 to 20 percent.
4.24 Child Welfare
Today’s Child is our future. Strengthening social security, and health, education, scholarships and various activities will be developed and expanded aimed at ending child labour. Vocational education system will also be improved and expanded. Moreover, rehabilitation of street children and their safe accommodation, establishment of childcare for poor and destitute children and compulsory primary education for them will be introduced.
3.25 The Disabled and Senior Citizens’ Welfare
Good health, education, dignity and safe future for all children with disability will be ensured. Special measures will be taken to ensure the education, employment, mobility, communication, treatment of the disabled people and their social status will be upgraded.
Income generating programs in possible sector and proper measures to create awareness and responsibilities for the senior citizens will be taken.
3.26 Freedom Fighters’ Welfare and the implementation of the Sprit of Liberation War
Our government has already introduced elderly freedom fighters’ old-age maintenance cost-free and free health care services. The government has also started free travel facilities in rail, bus and launch for freedom fighters at the age of 60 or above as respected citizens. These activities will be continued.
Special actions will be taken to protect the memories of the Liberation War throughout the country, prevent distortion of history and to protect genuine history. The mass killing sites and mass graves during liberation war will be identified. The names and details of martyrs will be found out and memorials will be established across the country.
3.27 Religion and Culture
As per the constitution, all citizens will be guaranteed freedom of religion. ‘The religion belongs to individual but the festivals for all’- the policy will be upheld. Bangladesh will be built in a non-communal spirit.
There will be no law against the Quraan and Sunnah. 560 mosque-cum-Islamic Cultural Centers will be built across the country.
In order to preserve and develop non-communal and democratic traditions of Bangalee culture, the policy and action plan followed by the Awami League government will be continued. State sponsorship will be expanded to increase the continuous excellence and practice of all sections of the industries including Bangla language, literature, arts and crafts, music, Jatra, drama, film and creative publications.
3.28 Games and Sports
The glorious position of Bangladesh in the world of cricket will be further strengthened. Efforts will be taken for all games and sports including football and hockey to reach international standard. Planned activities will be taken for the development of sports management, infrastructural facilities, and expansion of training facilities. Construction of mini stadium in each upazila will be completed.
2.29 Ethnic Groups, Religious Minorities and Backward Communities
Initiatives will be taken to implement those sections of the CHT Peace Accord which have not yet been implemented. The right of the original proprietors will be reinstated in the land within the prescribed time. National Minority Commission will be constituted. All kinds of laws and systems for discrimination towards ethnic minorities and ethnic groups will be terminated.
3.30 Independence of mass media and free flow of information
Effective Measures will be taken to prevent propagation of fake news and unexpected rumor. The journalism and news media which are loyal to social liabilities will be promoted from the government side.
Inspiration for investigating journalism and necessary training for the journalists will be given. The security of journalists and media staff will be ensured for their professional duties.
Media friendly Act will be formulated. There will be no misuse of any law against journalist and mass media.
3.31. Defense: Security, Sovereignty and Integrity Protection
We have formulated and are implementing the Forces Goal-2030. Army, Naval and Air force are provided with modern weapons, vehicles and technologies.
In addition to this, we have taken initiative to increase the efficiency of members of the armed forces. Three cantonments in Sylhet, Ramu (Cox’s Bazar) and Barishal have been established. We have established many units including 3 infantry divisions and Padma Bridge composite Brigade.
If we elected, our policy of safeguarding the Armed forces from all controversies will be continued. The ongoing process of modernization of Army, Navy and Air Forces will be continued.
3.32. Foreign Affairs
The image of Bangladesh has been brightened during the last 10 years. We have been directed our Foreign Policy based on “ Friendship to All, Malice to None’’ as introduced by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
We have peacefully resolved the dispute of maritime boundary with India and Myanmar. The misery of the inhabitants in the enclaves has been removed through implementing the Land Boundary Agreement with India.
If we form government, we will continue our efforts to have just share of the waters of all common rivers, including Teesta, and bilateral trade and security cooperation with India. The bilateral cooperation with neighboring countries will be increased.
We would continue our policy not to shelter any militant, international terrorist and separatist in our soil.
More than 1.1 million Rohingyas were forced to enter into Bangladesh to escape tortures in Myanmar. We have extended our assistance towards them for humanitarian grounds. Bangladesh is lauded by the world community for this humanitarian decision.
We are trying our best in various bi-lateral, regional and international forums, in addition to bi-lateral discussion, to send them safely and with dignity to their country.
3.33. NGO
Non-government organizations will be conducted autonomously according to their own rules and regulations. The coordination between nongovernment organizations and government/local government bodies will be enhanced.
4. Achievement of MDGs and Implementation of SDGs
Bangladesh achieved success in attaining 4 goals of MDGs like poverty and hunger elimination, gender balance and empowering women, reduction of child mortality rate, and maternity health development. The SDG goals will be achieved through incorporating it with the 7th 5-Year Plan.
5. Delta Plan 2100
We have taken 100 years plan styled as `Delta Plan 2100’’ for facing the challenges of climate change to achieve the desired development of our country. This plan will be helpful in attaining middle income country by 2030 and developed one by 2041. Delta Plan 2100 will create a necessary link between the short-term, mid-term and long-term planning.
Dear Countrymen,
We don’t believe in word but in deeds. The commitment of this time, we will ensure sustainable investment and inclusive development.
It’s clear as daylight that the people of Bangladesh prosper when Awami League runs the government. Opportunities and potential of livelihoods and welfare of general people are created.
To err is human. There may be mistakes from my part or my colleagues while discharging duties. I, on my own behalf and on behalf of my party, would like to request the countrymen to forgive such mistakes.
I promise that we will build a brighter future taking lessons from the past. We will build a hunger-, poverty- and illiteracy-free secular Sonar Bangladesh as dreamt by the Father of the Nation.
Dear Countrymen
I have nothing to personally seek. I have lost my father, mother, brothers and relatives. My politics is only for fulfilling the dream of the Father of the Nation and for the welfare of my people.
My only aim is to create an environment where the general people will get better and developed lives.
We will celebrate the 100th anniversary of our Father of the Nation’s birth in 2020 and the Golden Jubilee of our country’s independence in 2021. Only Awami League, the party that led the war of liberation, may take the country forward at these glorious moments. If any anti-liberation force is in power at that time, it would be a disgrace for our liberation war and freedom fighters.
So, my earnest appeal to the countrymen, please cast your valuable votes in favour of Awami League and ensure our victory on the 30th December. If you cast your vote for boat, we will ensure development and prosperity.
47 years ago, Bangalee earned victory on the 16th December in 1971 through a 9-month long bloody war. I have faith on our people that Bangalee will make victory of boat, the symbol of independence, through the ballot on 30th December in 2018. Victory is ours, Insha Allah.
I wish you all good health. May the Almighty Allah be kind on us all.
Khoda Hafez.
Joi Bangla, Joi Bangabandhu
May Bangladesh Live Forever.
