India (Commonwealth Union)_ In the context of this week’s parliamentary elections in Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed a commitment to maintaining cooperative and amicable relations with India if her Awami League party emerges victorious. The PM made this affirmation in her party’s manifesto, which outlined their vision for the general elections slated for January 7. Prime Minister Hasina underscored her party’s dedication to fostering collaborative development with nations globally, with specific reference to the resolved issues of land boundary demarcation and enclave exchange with India.
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The manifesto highlighted these achievements as catalysts for sustained multilateral cooperation and friendly ties with India. The manifesto stated, “The long-standing problem of demarcation of land boundaries and exchange of enclaves with India has been resolved. This achievement has encouraged continued multilateral cooperation and friendly relations with India.” Emphasizing foreign policy priorities, the manifesto assured that cooperation with neighboring countries would persist across various domains, encompassing cross-border communication, transit, energy partnerships, and equitable water sharing.
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The document also conveyed Bangladesh’s unwavering determination to prevent the presence of militants, international terrorists, and separatist groups within its borders. Furthermore, it proposed the establishment of a South Asia Task Force to combat terrorism and militancy in the region. It added, “Bangladesh is firmly determined to prevent the presence of militants, international terrorists, and separatist groups on its territory. The Awami League government will play an important role in forming the South Asia Task Force to combat terrorism and militancy to root it out from the entire region.” Regarding collaborative efforts with India, Bhutan, and Nepal, the manifesto outlined expanded cooperation beyond trade and security to include energy cooperation and joint management of river water.
Additionally, the Awami League’s electoral agenda intends to position Bangladesh as a technologically advanced “smart” nation by 2041, with a focus on 11 key areas. Prime Minister Hasina, in her manifesto presentation, prioritized job creation and underscored the party’s commitment to comprehensive development, particularly concentrating on economic growth and employment generation. The 98-page manifesto outlined strategies for controlling the prices of essential commodities, advancing technology, improving agriculture and industries, and strengthening the financial sector, including banks.
The Supreme Court’s clearance on December 27 allowed the Election Commission (EC) to conduct the 12th parliamentary election, scheduled for January 7. This sets the stage for a crucial electoral process as Bangladesh navigates its political landscape. Meanwhile, an official statement stated that army deployment commenced today in 62 districts in order to ensure the peaceful conduct of the 12th national elections, which are scheduled for January 7. The deployment is expected to last until January 10.
In accordance with a statement released by the Ministry of Defense, the armed forces personnel will collaborate with the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) in the forty-seven upazilas that border Bangladesh. Additionally, the Bangladesh Navy is scheduled to execute its operations in 19 upazilas, which include the coastal districts. The Bangladesh Air Force is also prepared to furnish essential helicopter support to polling stations situated in remote highland regions, in addition to offering emergency electoral assistance.
