In preparation for the elections, Bangladesh's ruling party has presented a detailed 108-page election manifesto. The manifesto, unveiled by the Sheikh Hasina government, emphasizes the party's dedication to enhancing ties with India and broadening cooperation across multiple domains. It outlines a commitment to persisting policies aimed at collaborating with India in areas including cross-border connectivity, transit, energy partnerships, and fair water sharing.

The manifesto explicitly declares that the government will sustain bilateral trade and security cooperation with India, reflecting the ongoing positive engagement between Bangladesh and India in recent years. Collaborative initiatives, such as the development of an oil pipeline and India's utilization of Bangladesh ports, highlight the joint efforts and mutual cooperation between the two nations.

The document notably extends its focus beyond regional partnerships, affirming a commitment to forge new avenues of cooperation with India, Bhutan, and Nepal for hydropower generation and joint management of shared river basins. Highlighting key foreign policy achievements, such as resolving long-standing issues with India through land boundary demarcation and enclave exchanges, it emphasizes these as pivotal successes during the government's tenure.

The manifesto underscores how these achievements have contributed to fostering continued multilateral cooperation and amicable relations with India. Additionally, it recognizes the settlement of maritime boundaries with Myanmar and India as a significant accomplishment, unlocking substantial potential for the blue economy.

In a global context, the Awami League expresses its ambition to cultivate a "strong friendship" with Russia with the aim of expanding the energy sector. The manifesto declares Dhaka's willingness to "strengthen relations... in terms of development financing" with China. The party outlines its vision to enhance relations with ASEAN countries while also aspiring to foster improved and closer ties with Australia and Pacific nations.

The manifesto reaffirms a commitment to "strengthen and diversify development cooperation" with key nations including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, and Canada. It emphasizes the government's "determination" to prevent the presence of militant, international terrorists, and separatist groups within its territory.

Among the listed achievements in the manifesto, the ruling party proudly highlights Bangladesh's active participation in ten global peacekeeping missions, deploying over 7000 peacekeepers. The manifesto positions this as a "manifestation of Bangladesh's significant contribution to international peace and security." Additionally, the document underscores the publication of the Indo-Pacific framework in April 2023, aimed at "promoting open, peaceful, secure, inclusive, equitable prosperity for all."

Image source: Dhaka Tribune