Party promises zero tolerance for corruption, interest-free loans and expanded welfare if elected to power

Two years ago, Mahbubur Rahman, a resident of Savar, worked in a garment factory on the outskirts of Dhaka.

As major political parties prepare to roll out their election manifestos, health experts say that ensuring quality primary healthcare for all and reducing high out-of-pocket expenditure should be their top priority.

With the national election approaching, Hamin Ahmed, a leading member of the popular band Miles, has called on political parties to present clear plans for music and culture in their election manifestos.

Sadly, education is one area that political parties often fail to prioritise in their election manifestoes beyond, of course, routine and vague pledges.

The trend of settling old scores about “who did what” decades ago should be seen as a distraction from the huge challenges facing any incoming government.

Hasina unveils election manifesto

The AL is vying for a fourth straight term, having won the 2008, 2014 and 2018 elections.

The Awami League’s main focus will be on generating employment in order to make Bangladesh a developed nation by 2041, said several leaders involved in drafting of the party’s election manifesto.

It is heartening to see that the media has been preparing statements based on the information in affidavits submitted by the candidates who are running for parliament.

The Awami League envisions a “Smart Bangladesh” by 2041, seeking to build a country that would be cost-effective, sustainable, innovative and knowledge-based.