Call to implement development manifestos by political parties

The political parties should be held accountable for being unable to implement their pledges, and the citizens should become more vocal to this end, observed participants at a dialogue on Saturday.

They said it is not possible to implement the promises mentioned in the manifestos of political parties unless they are sincere when in power.

Sushasoner Jonno Nagorik (Shujan) and Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) arranged the dialogue in collaboration with UN Democracy Fund (UNDF) on “Commitment to national development: education, decent employment, gender equality” in which the panellists focused on the implementation of promises of manifestos by the political parties.

CPD’s Research Director Khandaker Golam Moazzem presided over the dialogue.

In his address, he said, “We need to have a culture of listening to each other and respecting one another as well in order to build an accountable society.”

Highlighting the importance of the election manifesto Sushasoner Jonno Nagorik secretary and Country Director of the US-based Charity -- The Hunger Project – Badiul Alam Majumdar said political parties need to be held accountable for not being able to keep their election pledges, and the citizens should become more vocal.

Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Joint Director Avro Bhattacharya presented the keynote speech at the programme.

In his presentation, Avro highlighted the situation in Rajshahi region with various indicators.

He discussed the election manifesto of Bangladesh Awami League for 2018 elections, various commitments and progress on education, decent employment and gender equality.

The speakers pointed out that the region of Rajshahi has had massive development over the years but there is lack of ensuring mass people’s involvement in the development work.

According to Saiful Islam Badsha, executive member of Rajshahi district Awami League, the tourism industry in the region needs to be developed in a planned way and the famous Chalan Beel must be protected.

He also emphasized the need for creation of adequate employment opportunities for educated youth and also expressed concern over the declining groundwater level, saying “we need to be careful now”.

Former Professor Raquib Ahmed of Rajshahi University maintained that many students who graduate from the universities of Bangladesh are not getting jobs in the private sector.

“Although there are many educational institutions in Rajshahi, they are lagging behind other regions in terms of competition,” he said.

Samina Begum, coordinator, Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), stated that a wide range of discussion at local level is needed before making manifesto and information on local needs should be gathered long before the election.

“Before the expiration of the term, the government should disclose to what extent it has been able to implement its manifesto,” she suggested.

Samina pointed out that women are being tortured in their own homes; so in order to implement women’s rights, this torture must be stopped.

She also stressed the use of the Right to Information Act.