Election manifesto
For the coming general election, the political parties are announcing their election manifestoes. In the meantime, the big two political parties i.e. AL & BNP have already unveiled their respective charter. AL has selected the slogan “Charter for Change” and the BNP “Save Country, Save People”. It is not a surprise that the election manifestoes of both Al & BNP are full of promises having 23 pledges from AL & 36 from BNP. The promises include all aspects and expectations of the people, from eradication of corruption to ensuring job for at least one youth from each family. After creation of our beloved country Bangladesh 37 years ago, both AL & BNP got people's mandate to govern / serve the country. Probably the people did not forget what they did in the past. However, both the parties (any one of the two will form the next government) are now again going to the people with renewed promises. Renowned economists of the country already expressed their reservations about the election promises of these political parties as there is no clear indications where from and how they will generate funds / resources for achieving the goals. Adding 5000-7000 MW power to the national grid, setting up nuclear power plant, construction of Padma Bridge and a deep sea port, building an underground rail system or elevated monorail in the capital etc. will require massive investment and vast amount of resources. When some one promises something, there should also be another clause telling what the promising parties will do in case they fail to fulfil the promises against which the people will vote them. Each party can also add one more promise, that if it is voted to power but fails to fulfil 60% of its election promises within first three years of its tenure then the government will resign and handover power to the opposition for the remaining two years. This system will enable the people to decide easily the fate of the parties during the next general election. However, to evaluate the performance / achievement of the party in power, there should an independent body and that is the crux of the matter.
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