Reviewing the election platforms of five political parties, Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Shujan) stated yesterday that the manifestos of the two major parties are overly ambitious, lacking financial estimates for their proposed programs. This has raised concerns among citizens regarding the feasibility of fulfilling these promises given the undisclosed funding sources, as highlighted by Dilip Kumar Sarkar, the organization’s chief coordinator.
During a press conference at Jatiya National Press Club, Sarkar emphasized the absence of specific budgetary details in the parties’ manifestos. He pointed out the costly nature of the commitments made by the BNP, such as creating 10 million jobs, boosting the economy to one trillion dollars by 2035, incorporating 40 million families into a family card system, and hiring 100,000 health workers. The lack of clarity on the farmer card program and its associated subsidies further complicates the assessment of the financial implications.
Sarkar also mentioned the necessity of significantly expanding the tax base to achieve the BNP’s tax-to-GDP ratio goal, potentially facing resistance from affluent groups when attempting to include wealthy citizens in the tax net. He added that ensuring good governance is crucial for fulfilling Jamaat’s pledges, emphasizing the need to tackle corruption to support the proposed tax reduction and increased public spending initiatives effectively.
Shujan highlighted that enhancing the tax base, promoting meritocracy in government operations, and reducing losses in state-owned sectors could facilitate the implementation of the manifestos. The organization identified economic security as the primary concern for voters in the current socio-economic landscape, characterized by high inflation, unemployment, and income disparity.
While all parties emphasize development, they vary in their economic approaches – BNP favors a market-based model, NCP advocates for a citizen-centric economy, CPB supports state control, and Jamaat envisions a modern, just, and high-growth economy. Regarding the July National Charter, Shujan emphasized its significance as a symbol of transparent elections, state accountability, and citizen rights restoration. The organization noted diverse interpretations of the charter among the parties, with BNP and NCP viewing it as a post-authoritarian transition foundation, Islamic parties seeing it as an opportunity for moral governance, and CPB considering it a framework for state reform.
Badiul Alam Majumdar, secretary of Shujan, also addressed the audience during the event.
