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Jamaat-e-Islami Vows Peaceful India Ties, Silent on Pakistan in Manifesto

Bangladesh's Jamaat-e-Islami party has released its election manifesto, promising to build peaceful and cooperative relations with neighboring countries, including India. The document outlines a broad foreign policy focusing on the Muslim world, developed nations, and expanding ties across Eastern Europe, Africa, and South America. It commits to addressing the Rohingya crisis and strengthening engagement with the UN and regional bodies like SAARC. Notably, the manifesto makes no direct mention of Pakistan in its foreign policy priorities.

Key Points: Bangladesh's Jamaat Pledges Peaceful India Relations in Manifesto

  • Pledges peaceful ties with India
  • Focus on Muslim world & developed nations
  • Aims to expand global diplomatic reach
  • Seeks solution to Rohingya crisis
  • Omits any mention of Pakistan
2 min read

Bangladesh polls: Jamaat-e-Islami promises 'constructive', 'peaceful' ties with India

Ahead of Bangladesh polls, Jamaat-e-Islami's manifesto promises constructive ties with India and global outreach, while notably omitting Pakistan.

"Constructive relations with neighbouring countries... based on mutual respect and fairness - Jamaat-e-Islami manifesto"

Dhaka, Feb 5

As Bangladesh heads to elections next week, radical Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami, in its election manifesto, pledged to pursue peaceful and cooperative relations with neighbouring countries, including India, rooted in "mutual respect and fairness".

"Constructive relations with neighbouring countries: Peaceful, friendly, and cooperative relations will be built with neighbouring and nearby countries -- including India, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Thailand -- based on mutual respect and fairness," read the manifesto issued by Jamaat.

Highlighting its foreign policy priorities, the party said it would focus on strengthening ties with countries of the Muslim world.

It also outlined a plan to enhance cooperation with developed nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, and Canada -- and to expand diplomatic, economic, and strategic engagement with Eastern Europe, Africa, and South America.

"Engagement with the developed world: Constructive and mutually beneficial relations will be fostered with developed countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, and Canada," the party stated.

"Expanding ties with Eastern Europe, Africa, and South America: Effective steps will be taken to broaden and deepen diplomatic, economic, and strategic relations with countries in Eastern Europe, Africa, and South America," it added.

The manifesto emphasised strengthening Bangladesh's engagement with the United Nations and other international organisations to tackle global issues, including peace, security, human rights, and economic development.

"Active engagement with the United Nations and international organisations: Bangladesh's active participation in the United Nations and its affiliated agencies will be further strengthened to address global challenges such as peace, security, human rights, and economic development," it noted.

Jamaat also reaffirmed Bangladesh's continued participation in regional organisations like SAARC and ASEAN.

"Active participation in regional organisations: Bangladesh will continue its active engagement in regional organisations such as SAARC and ASEAN," it added.

The party further said that in collaboration with the international community, "a peaceful and sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis will be pursued, ensuring their safe, dignified, and voluntary repatriation."

Jamaat also committed to continuing "Bangladesh's participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions," while pledging to "support and cooperate in the establishment of transparent, orderly, and lawful migration management systems."

Jamaat's election manifesto, ahead of the February 12 election, promises a broader and cooperative foreign policy outreach across several countries; however, it strikingly avoids any direct mention of Pakistan.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Stable and peaceful neighbours are good for the entire region's development. If this leads to better trade, less tension on the border, and cooperation on issues like water sharing, it's a positive step. 🤝 Let's hope for the best.
R
Rohit P
Notice how Pakistan isn't mentioned even once? That says a lot. Their focus on the Muslim world is clear, but avoiding their traditional ally in the manifesto is interesting. Maybe a pragmatic shift for votes?
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows foreign policy, this seems like a standard diplomatic playbook. Every party promises peace and cooperation. The real test is governance. India should engage but with clear-eyed realism.
K
Karthik V
The promise on Rohingya crisis is important for the region. A peaceful Bangladesh is in India's interest. But we must ensure their internal politics don't spill over and affect our northeastern states. Jai Hind.
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Nisha Z
With all due respect, a manifesto from a party with their past record needs more than just nice words. Mutual respect is a two-way street. Hope they genuinely mean it for the sake of common people on both sides of the border.

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