Untold Facts

Election Manifestos: BNP pragmatic, Awami League strategic

In a democratic system, political parties that aspire to be in power publicly pledge what they want to achieve for the people and the country as they hit the campaign trail. In Bangladesh during the fifteen years of uninterrupted democratic rule the two major parties – BNP and Awami League promises every five years a host of promises to the voters – some are substantive and others are symbolic and emotive in nature. Yet with every election the party that came to power, little seemed to change in the political culture and promises remained unfulfilled. In fact, before the scheduled elections of 2007, the major parties in their bickering for power did not get time to bring out their elections manifestos. There seems to be a marked departure this time as the major parties and alliances have already declared their elections manifestos for the 2008 elections. This is indeed a welcome change in the practices of political parties in Bangladesh.

At first glance, both BNP and Awami League seem to be highly competitive in their list of promises and intend to deliver as much as they can to win the voters. Awami League published its manifesto in both Bangla and English whereas BNP brought out its manifesto in Bangla, the later showing more sensitivity to national perspective. Both the manifestos carry the photographs of top leaders and party symbols on the cover page vindicating loyalty and traditional bond. The introductory part of the two manifestos briefly outlined the history of the parties, their evolution and achievements clearly from two different ‘interpretations of Bangladesh history’, and highly critical of one another’s past role and record. This shows that the inter-party relations have not improved over the past years and one intends to survive and prosper at the expense of the other.

Bangladesh Awami League framed a background of their election manifesto on the allegations of misrule and corruption of the BNP-Jamaat alliance. BNP, on the other hand, highlighted their past successes and promises to build on those in the future years. Awami League tried to be more intellectual in their approach in listing of priorities; BNP is more straightforward and practical. Awami League takes a broad and strategic view in identifying the issues, BNP is more specific and targeted that may come from their past record and experience. Awami League has taken a more eclectic approach. BNP seems to have taken a more governance approach. But both have covered all the issues that can come under political governance and economic management framework. But no party has outlined even cursorily the way they could be materialized or how to mobilize resources to implement all these promises of good governance and economic recovery within their tenure.

Awami League still seems to be entrenched in the past despite providing a “Vision -2021” that wants to transform a Bangladesh to ‘a liberal, progressive and democratic welfare state’ with the prospect of middle income country. This vision is however not matched by outlining the strategy of change that is promised to be done in the future. BNP, on the other hand listed almost every thing that is needed for ‘a constitutional, democratic state system based on the rule of law and will of the people’ as well as a happy and prosperous state. In order to achieve this goal, BNP promises to: reduce prices of commodities for the common people; restore public order and deter terrorism; combat corruption; develop economy, trade and commerce; improve electricity distribution system and ensure food through developing agriculture and expand education and health facilities.

In fact, both BNP and Awami League have included almost all areas of socio-economic development and political governance. But none has specific focus on streamlining the administration and public management system and improve their efficiencies for delivery of services to the people. There should be more emphasis on the education sector, particularly the universities and colleges that need to provide a quality and appropriate education for the large number of new entrants. Notwithstanding, it is a step forward for the major political parties in Bangladesh to outline Election manifestoes so comprehensively. Let us hope these will not be mere words printed in booklets, these need to be conveyed to the people who should be able to judge accordingly and vote. And the political parties whoever come to power should honour their commitment and keep promises as members of the parliament and ministers.

In their final call in the manifesto, Awami League resorted to rhetoric of good governance and development, and appealed to the participation of younger generation in politics and national reconstruction. This is an important addition to Awami League’s publicity and policy – a marked departure from its previous preoccupation with the old leadership, myths and abstract ideals. BNP, who has already progressed more in terms of incorporating new leadership, has added a new dimension to its agenda by seeking inputs from experts and think-tanks as consultants in their goal of improving policy making process and implementation. This is indeed a praiseworthy step by BNP that needs to be realized for the development of the party to cope with the complex demands and needs of Bangladesh people and state.

- Professor Dr. Ataur Rahman
Source: Probe Magazine