Dhaka, Dec 14 – Jatiya Party in its election manifesto yesterday said it would go for the provincial government and bring changes in the electoral system if it comes to power. The party has also pledged that they would bring back the democratic atmosphere and establish good governance in the country if they can form the government.
ABM Ruhul Amin Howlader, the special assistant to JP chairman HM Ersahd, unveiled the party’s 18-point pledges ahead of the general election scheduled on December 30 at their party office in the capital.
As their party chairman is ailing and staying in abroad, Howlader presented the election manifesto along with party’s other leaders. He said he announced the party manifesto after getting the consent of their
chairman.
“Jatiya Party will set up provincial government system for bringing changes in the government system if we are voted to power. We are participating in the poll with a commitment of bringing back democratic atmosphere and establishing good governance in the country,” he said.
“Besides, we want to ensure people’s welfare by bringing a meaningful change in the democratic practices,” he added.
The manifesto also covers the set up of full-fledged Upazila system, independence of the judiciary, reforms of the educational system, expansion of health services, curbing the terrors.
“If we want to make democracy meaningful, we have to work for the welfare of the people,” he added.
About the provincial government, the manifesto stated that the eight divisions would be upgraded into eight provinces – Uttarbanga, Barendra, Jahangirnagar, Jahanabad, Jalalabad, Chandradwip, Maynamati
and Chattala.
The party will establish two layers of government – the central government will be a federal government consisting of 300 seats while provincial governments will run the provinces. Each upazila or Thana will be considered as the seat of the provincial government.
If the provincial government is established, at least 50 per cent of offices of the capital will be transferred to the provincial capitals.
About the election system reforms, the manifesto said the Election Commission will get full independence and it will be reformed totally.
The local government structure will be strengthened by setting up Upazila court and family court. The Upazila chairman will be entrusted with the power of the upazila.
The judiciary will enjoy full independence and the backlog of cases will be reduced to zero within five years. The political cases will be reduced and the high court benches will be there in the provincial
capitals.
The education system will get full reforms by erasing the two terminal examinations in class V and Class VIII. The coaching centres will be abolished and the dependence on tuitions will be reduced. The women
education up to honours level will be free.
The religious values will get the highest place if voted to power and the 30 seats will be reserved for the religious minorities, the manifesto said.
The Palli rationing system will be introduced and initiatives would be taken to expand health services in union levels and the prices of gas, electricity will be stable.
The farmers will enjoy soft loans and the interest of the Charland farmers will be protected.
The party has also pledged to set up agro-based industries in each Upazila and in the backward areas. The clustered villages and Pathakali Trust will be re-established.
Above all Jatiya Party pledged that their government will take stern action against terrors, extortions within three months if voted to power.
Hawlader while unveiling the manifest said their party will rebuild a new Bangladesh upholding the dreams of the young generations to be fulfilled. – Staff Reporter
