Staff Correspondent
Economists and political analysts on Saturday termed Awami League ‘election manifesto’ as positive but said political parties before election usually promise to do all good for the people and the country but when they go to power, they don’t implement their commitment.
To The Bangladesh Today, economist and political analyst Farhad Mazhar said “Any political party can say many things will be done for the people but it will only be proved right if the party implements the election manifesto after forming government. We are waiting to see what they will do if voted to power.”
He said election manifestos of Awami League and BNP as regards to their promise to contain price hike and develop economy are almost common except commitment for taking anti-terrorism steps made by the former.
“AL’s secular plan should be weighted in terms of the ongoing war against terrorism across the world. Western countries are already launching their drives against terrorism across the globe but after terrorist attacks in Mumbai a change has taken place in the stand of different political parties in Bangladesh ahead of poll. So basic difference between AL led alliance and BNP lies in AL’s pledge to fight against terrorism after going to power,” he added.
About implementation of economic policies taken by Awami League, he said practically implementation of economic policies is not within the power of AL or BNP and these things are controlled by World Bank and IMF. So, a party which will form next government should be highly technical in order to implement economic policies dismantling the above fetter, he said adding “A government may implement these only after severing connection with WB and IMF.”
Dr Atiar Rahman said Awami League has set an objective and achievable target by undertaking economic development policies in its election manifesto ahead of coming poll.
“This is first time that a political party has prepared its election manifesto underlining economic issues. In the past all political parties highlighted political issues in their manifesto. There is novelty in AL manifesto in terms of above consideration,” he said.
He said such setting target was necessary on the part of a party like Awami League to change the fate of the poor and destitute people due to the fact that if somebody sets target to go to Chittagong he will at least go to Comilla.
The question as to where will the AL get the money to implement these policies is immaterial because after going to power it will make out a plan to increase budgetary fund to implement those.
About AL plan of secularisation, Dr Atiar said, “Our country is always secular whereby religion is not seen to create feud and vendetta among people. Moreover AL manifesto will contribute to a lesson for other parties that they will abstain from using religion as shield for petty political interest.”
Courtesy: thebangladeshtoday.com
