Thursday, 05 February, 2026
Jamaat-e-Islami has unveiled a 26-point election manifesto, promising to build what it called a “safe and humane Bangladesh” as the country moves towards a high-stakes national election marked by deep political polarisation and mounting public anxiety over governance, security and the economy.
The manifesto, titled Manifesto for a Safe and Humane Bangladesh, was formally released at a press briefing in Dhaka Wednesday, where senior Jamaat leaders said the document set out a comprehensive roadmap for restoring public trust, strengthening the rule of law and ensuring safety for citizens “regardless of faith, opinion or political affiliation”.
“The people of Bangladesh want safety — in their lives, their livelihoods and their beliefs,” a Jamaat spokesperson said. “Our 26-point programme is about rebuilding the state on justice, accountability and moral governance.”
According to the party, the manifesto identifies 26 priority issues grouped under 10 broad commitments, outlining how Jamaat would run the state if voted to power. Before and after the launch, the party screened two video presentations highlighting its political vision, policy goals and long-term plans.
At the core of the manifesto is a pledge to establish an independent and effective judiciary, dismantle what Jamaat described as a “culture of impunity”, and ensure equal protection of the law. The party promised sweeping reforms to law-enforcement agencies, including depoliticisation of the police and security forces, and vowed to prevent enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and political harassment.
Electoral reform features prominently in the document. Jamaat called for a neutral election administration, transparent vote counting and full protection of political rights for all parties, insisting that free and fair elections were “non-negotiable” if Bangladesh was to emerge from its prolonged political crisis.
On the economy, the manifesto pledged strong measures to curb corruption, recover laundered money and stabilise prices of essential commodities. Jamaat said it would prioritise job creation—particularly for young people—and support small and medium-sized enterprises through easier access to credit and reduced bureaucratic obstacles. The party also committed to reforming the banking sector, strengthening regulatory oversight and ending what it described as politically backed loan defaults.
Social protection is another major pillar of the 26-point plan. Jamaat pledged to expand welfare programmes for the poor, ensure fair wages, and improve access to healthcare and education. The manifesto promises greater investment in public health and proposes modernising madrasa education alongside the mainstream education system.
The party reiterated its commitment to protecting religious and cultural rights, arguing that a “safe Bangladesh” must guarantee freedom of worship and dignity for all communities. Jamaat rejected allegations that its political vision would undermine minority rights, insisting that justice and security could not be selective.
On foreign policy, the party said it would pursue balanced international relations based on national interest, sovereignty and mutual respect, while seeking greater economic cooperation abroad and fair treatment for Bangladeshi migrant workers.
Addressing controversy over a recent social media post from his X account that drew criticism as misogynistic, Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman said he rejected what he termed the “politics of revenge” and had forgiven those who attacked him.
“I am like a wounded bird now,” he said. “If I cannot forgive others, how will I ask forgiveness for my own mistakes?”
Shafiqur said there was little peace at home or abroad ahead of the election, describing a sense of widespread distress across society. He criticised corruption, looting and money laundering during the previous government’s tenure, saying Jamaat was committed to building a corruption-free country based on justice and fairness.
In a lengthy speech, he said the manifesto was the product of extensive consultation. “I do not seek Jamaat’s victory; I seek the victory of 180 million people,” he said, adding that millions of citizens—from grassroots to national level—had contributed ideas.
Among specific pledges, Shafiqur promised state-funded repatriation of the bodies of expatriate Bangladeshis, employment opportunities instead of unemployment allowances, improved working hours for women, and pensions and healthcare for retired citizens.
“We want to build a country where even a youth from a tea garden can become prime minister,” he said, describing the manifesto as a “living document” and a national commitment rather than a mere party programme.
The manifesto launch was attended by leaders of political parties, business figures, diplomats and Jamaat’s professional supporters, including teachers, lawyers and doctors.
As campaigning intensifies, Jamaat’s 26-point pledge signals its bid to project itself as a disciplined, values-driven force promising order and security in an increasingly volatile political landscape. Whether that promise resonates with voters will be decided at the ballot box.
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Jamaat-e-Islami has unveiled a 26-point election manifesto, promising to build what it called a “safe and humane Bangladesh” as the country moves towards a high-stakes national election marked by deep political polarisation and mounting public anxiety over governance, security and the economy.
The manifesto, titled Manifesto for a Safe and Humane Bangladesh, was formally released at a press briefing in Dhaka Wednesday, where senior Jamaat leaders said the document set out a comprehensive roadmap for restoring public trust, strengthening the rule of law and ensuring safety for citizens “regardless of faith, opinion or political affiliation”.
“The people of Bangladesh want safety — in their lives, their livelihoods and their beliefs,” a Jamaat spokesperson said. “Our 26-point programme is about rebuilding the state on justice, accountability and moral governance.”
According to the party, the manifesto identifies 26 priority issues grouped under 10 broad commitments, outlining how Jamaat would run the state if voted to power. Before and after the launch, the party screened two video presentations highlighting its political vision, policy goals and long-term plans.
At the core of the manifesto is a pledge to establish an independent and effective judiciary, dismantle what Jamaat described as a “culture of impunity”, and ensure equal protection of the law. The party promised sweeping reforms to law-enforcement agencies, including depoliticisation of the police and security forces, and vowed to prevent enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and political harassment.
Electoral reform features prominently in the document. Jamaat called for a neutral election administration, transparent vote counting and full protection of political rights for all parties, insisting that free and fair elections were “non-negotiable” if Bangladesh was to emerge from its prolonged political crisis.
On the economy, the manifesto pledged strong measures to curb corruption, recover laundered money and stabilise prices of essential commodities. Jamaat said it would prioritise job creation—particularly for young people—and support small and medium-sized enterprises through easier access to credit and reduced bureaucratic obstacles. The party also committed to reforming the banking sector, strengthening regulatory oversight and ending what it described as politically backed loan defaults.
Social protection is another major pillar of the 26-point plan. Jamaat pledged to expand welfare programmes for the poor, ensure fair wages, and improve access to healthcare and education. The manifesto promises greater investment in public health and proposes modernising madrasa education alongside the mainstream education system.
The party reiterated its commitment to protecting religious and cultural rights, arguing that a “safe Bangladesh” must guarantee freedom of worship and dignity for all communities. Jamaat rejected allegations that its political vision would undermine minority rights, insisting that justice and security could not be selective.
On foreign policy, the party said it would pursue balanced international relations based on national interest, sovereignty and mutual respect, while seeking greater economic cooperation abroad and fair treatment for Bangladeshi migrant workers.
Addressing controversy over a recent social media post from his X account that drew criticism as misogynistic, Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman said he rejected what he termed the “politics of revenge” and had forgiven those who attacked him.
“I am like a wounded bird now,” he said. “If I cannot forgive others, how will I ask forgiveness for my own mistakes?”
Shafiqur said there was little peace at home or abroad ahead of the election, describing a sense of widespread distress across society. He criticised corruption, looting and money laundering during the previous government’s tenure, saying Jamaat was committed to building a corruption-free country based on justice and fairness.
In a lengthy speech, he said the manifesto was the product of extensive consultation. “I do not seek Jamaat’s victory; I seek the victory of 180 million people,” he said, adding that millions of citizens—from grassroots to national level—had contributed ideas.
Among specific pledges, Shafiqur promised state-funded repatriation of the bodies of expatriate Bangladeshis, employment opportunities instead of unemployment allowances, improved working hours for women, and pensions and healthcare for retired citizens.
“We want to build a country where even a youth from a tea garden can become prime minister,” he said, describing the manifesto as a “living document” and a national commitment rather than a mere party programme.
The manifesto launch was attended by leaders of political parties, business figures, diplomats and Jamaat’s professional supporters, including teachers, lawyers and doctors.
As campaigning intensifies, Jamaat’s 26-point pledge signals its bid to project itself as a disciplined, values-driven force promising order and security in an increasingly volatile political landscape. Whether that promise resonates with voters will be decided at the ballot box.
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