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Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Omits Pakistan from Manifesto

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, February 16th 2026 at 4:44 GMT by ThePrint
      Locales: BANGLADESH, INDIA, PAKISTAN

Dhaka, Bangladesh - February 16th, 2026 - In a significant political development, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has unveiled its election manifesto, marking a conspicuous departure from decades of tradition by completely omitting any mention of Pakistan. The 17-page document, released on Sunday, instead emphasizes "constructive ties" with India and prioritizes domestic issues like economic development, governance, and social welfare. This strategic shift signals a deliberate effort by the party to rebrand itself and broaden its appeal to the Bangladeshi electorate.

For decades, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, a major Islamic political party in the country, has maintained historical connections to Pakistan, stemming from its origins during the 1971 Liberation War. References to Pakistan were a consistent feature of its electoral platforms, often sparking controversy and limiting its reach amongst a population increasingly focused on national identity and progress. A senior JI leader, speaking to The Print in November of last year, foreshadowed this change, stating plainly: "Pakistan should not be mentioned in our manifesto. It's the past, we need to focus on the future." This statement, now fully realized in the published manifesto, reveals a calculated move to shed a potentially divisive association.

Analysts suggest the omission of Pakistan is a direct response to changing political realities within Bangladesh. "Pakistan has become a liability for Jamaat," explains Dhaka-based political analyst Asif Nazrul. "By dropping Pakistan from its manifesto, Jamaat hopes to project itself as a more moderate and pragmatic party, capable of governing effectively in a modern Bangladesh." The move attempts to address a common criticism leveled against the party - that its ideological roots are too closely tied to a nation viewed with increasing skepticism by many Bangladeshis. The 1971 Liberation War remains a pivotal moment in national memory, and aligning with a nation perceived as an antagonist during that conflict has historically proven to be a political disadvantage.

The manifesto itself details a range of policy proposals aimed at addressing key domestic concerns. These include strengthening the independence of the judiciary, ensuring free and fair elections, actively curbing corruption, and prioritizing the creation of employment opportunities for the growing Bangladeshi workforce. The document also outlines plans to improve the quality of education and healthcare, two areas consistently identified as crucial for national development. Notably, the manifesto commits to protecting the rights of minorities and guaranteeing religious freedom, attempting to counter accusations of sectarian bias. These pledges, while common among most political parties, are presented by Jamaat as integral to a vision of inclusive national progress.

However, the manifesto has also drawn criticism. Several commentators argue it falls short in addressing critical long-term challenges facing Bangladesh, most notably the escalating threat of climate change and the persistent issue of widespread poverty. While economic development is a central theme, the specific strategies for mitigating climate-related disasters and lifting millions out of poverty are considered lacking in detail. Critics point out that Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable nations to the effects of climate change, and a comprehensive plan to address sea-level rise, increased flooding, and agricultural disruption is essential.

Despite the shift away from Pakistan and the focus on domestic issues, the manifesto reaffirms Jamaat's commitment to Islamic values and principles. This positioning is crucial for maintaining the support of its core constituency, who expect the party to uphold religious beliefs. However, the challenge lies in balancing these traditional values with a broader appeal to a more secular and progressive segment of the population. It remains to be seen whether this delicate balancing act will prove successful in the upcoming elections.

The decision to prioritize ties with India also represents a strategic realignment. While historically complex, India is a major economic partner for Bangladesh, and fostering closer relations is seen as beneficial for trade, investment, and regional stability. Acknowledging this reality in the manifesto signals a willingness to engage with India constructively, further solidifying the party's effort to present a forward-looking image.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this significant manifesto shift will translate into electoral gains for Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. The party faces a challenging landscape, competing against established political forces and navigating a complex web of national sentiments. However, by distancing itself from the past and focusing on the future, Jamaat is attempting to forge a new path towards political relevance in a rapidly evolving Bangladesh.