Jamaat-e-Islami pledges peaceful India ties, regional cooperation, UN engagement, and global diplomatic outreach in its Bangladesh election manifesto ahead of the February 12 polls, outlining a constructive foreign policy vision.
As Bangladesh prepares for its national elections scheduled for February 12, Jamaat-e-Islami has unveiled an election manifesto outlining an ambitious and wide-ranging foreign policy agenda, placing particular emphasis on peaceful and cooperative relations with neighbouring countries, including India.
In a notable shift aimed at reassuring both domestic and international observers, the Islamist party pledged to build “constructive, friendly, and cooperative” ties with regional neighbours based on principles of mutual respect and fairness. According to the manifesto, Jamaat envisions strengthening diplomatic engagement with countries across South and Southeast Asia, explicitly naming India, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Thailand as priority partners.
The manifesto states that Jamaat-e-Islami seeks to promote regional stability through dialogue, cooperation, and respect for sovereignty. The party argues that balanced and peaceful neighbourhood relations are essential for Bangladesh’s economic development, regional security, and long-term diplomatic credibility.
Alongside its regional focus, Jamaat has underscored its intention to deepen ties with countries in the Muslim world, presenting this as a core pillar of its foreign policy framework. The party believes stronger engagement with Muslim-majority nations would enhance economic cooperation, political solidarity, and cultural exchange.
At the same time, Jamaat’s manifesto highlights a proactive outreach strategy toward developed nations. It commits to fostering “constructive and mutually beneficial” relationships with the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, and Canada. The party emphasised that engagement with these countries would prioritise trade, development cooperation, technology transfer, and strategic dialogue.
Beyond traditional partners, Jamaat has also outlined plans to expand Bangladesh’s diplomatic, economic, and strategic footprint in Eastern Europe, Africa, and South America. The manifesto suggests that diversifying international partnerships would open new markets, attract foreign investment, and strengthen Bangladesh’s global standing.
The party further reaffirmed its commitment to active participation in the United Nations and other international organisations. Jamaat pledged to strengthen Bangladesh’s role in addressing global challenges such as peace and security, human rights protection, humanitarian crises, and sustainable economic development through multilateral platforms.
Regional cooperation also features prominently in the manifesto. Jamaat confirmed that Bangladesh would continue its engagement with regional bodies such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), viewing these organisations as critical forums for dialogue and regional integration.
On humanitarian issues, Jamaat reiterated its position on the Rohingya refugee crisis, promising to work with the international community to achieve a peaceful, sustainable solution. The party committed to ensuring the safe, dignified, and voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar.
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Additionally, the manifesto reaffirmed Bangladesh’s continued participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions and expressed support for transparent, orderly, and lawful migration management systems at the global level.
Notably, despite its extensive foreign policy outline, Jamaat-e-Islami’s manifesto makes no direct reference to Pakistan, a silence that has drawn attention amid ongoing regional geopolitical sensitivities. As voters head to the polls, the manifesto signals Jamaat’s attempt to project a moderate, globally engaged image at a critical moment in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
