Awami League

Photo: Collected

Sheikh Hasina reveals Awami League's election manifesto

The Awami League, in its election manifesto, which has the theme "Unnoyon drisshoman, barbe ebar kormoshongsthan (Development is visible, now it is time to increase employment)", emphasized on creating new employment opportunities for 15 million youth by 2030.

While revealing the manifesto, the Prime Minister said, “If the Awami League is elected to power, the youth will be involved in the transformation and development of Bangladesh. Employment opportunities for deserving youth will be expanded. 31 million youth will be trained at the district and upazila levels.”

Besides, PM unveiled the four pillars of the Smart Bangladesh 2041 plan – Smart Citizens, Smart Administration, Smart Economy and Smart Society.

The Awami League president said, "In the election manifesto of 2008, we announced Vision 2021, which was a charter of change. We successfully won the 2014 and 2018 elections and overcame hundreds of hurdles to govern the country.

She said, "Bangladesh has changed in the last 15 years. Today's Bangladesh is by no means poverty-stricken or economically fragile. I can unequivocally say that today's Bangladesh has changed. Bangladesh is now a fast-paced country moving forward with its potential. Small setbacks can hamper our economic progress today. We have proven that by facing various challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic.”

"Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, we celebrated the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 2020 and the golden jubilee of independence in 2021. During this time, the United Nations recognized Bangladesh as a developing country," the PM added.

Sheikh Hasina said that due to stability in governance, her party has carried out unprecedented development activities and Bangladesh has transformed from a less developed country to a developing country.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina then highlighted Bangladesh's development in the past 15 years of Awami League administration with facts and figures and promised individual health identity cards and automated hospital management for everyone in the country.

She said, “I will not claim that we have always been 100% successful in running the government despite our sincerity and dedication. However, Awami League does not believe in the politics of words. We do what we say. The implementation of the election manifesto of 2008, 2014 and 2018 is proof of that."

The Prime Minister said, "Our government has successfully managed the worst pandemic of the 21st century by turning the wheels of the economy."

She said when the pressure of the Covid-19 pandemic subsided, the Russia-Ukraine war first started and the Israel-Palestine war has started recently.

Photo: Collected

Hasina said, “The Russia-Ukraine war has turned into an armed conflict as well as a staggering global economic conflict. Sanctions and counter-sanctions have thrown the global economy into turmoil. Less developed and developing countries like us are forced to import products at higher prices. The massive devaluation of the domestic currency has led to an increase in inflation, affecting commodity prices and people's lives. Despite many multifaceted and all-out efforts, we have not been able to curb the rise in prices of essential commodities. This problem is not only in our country, this problem is affecting all the rich and poor countries. However, we are trying to reduce the plight of the lower and lower-middle class through various initiatives, including expanding the coverage of the social safety net. We hope we can overcome this hurdle very soon.”

Referring to the violent anti-election programs of some opposition parties, the Awami League chief said, "Just as you resisted them in 2013-16, let us resist them collectively this time."

She said, “We are responsible for all the mistakes that have been made in the management of the government in the last 15 years. Success is yours. See our mistakes with a forgiving heart. We promise to learn from past mistakes and conduct future operations in accordance with your expectations.”

"Bangladesh is currently passing through a transitional period. The country is going to join the ranks of developing countries from the list of least developed countries. This transition is an honor on the one hand, but a huge challenge on the other. The government formed through the January 7 election must have the ability to face this challenge. Only Awami League can face this challenge and take the country to new heights," PM Hasina added.

At the end of her speech, Sheikh Hasina said that Awami League will establish Bangladesh as a high-middle income country by 2031 and a developed, prosperous, smart country by 2041.

She said, “You vote for us; We will give you development, peace and prosperity.”

Awami League senior leaders, cabinet members, diplomats and dignitaries were present at the manifesto release ceremony.