The New Nation - Internet Edition

Pankaj Karmakar

Members of the civil society and other professionals yesterday welcomed the electoral manifesto of Awami League (AL), but expressed apprehension over the implementation of the pledges.

The reaction came following the announcement of the manifesto by the party president Sheikh Hasina at a five star hotel in the capital in presence of hundreds of people of different professions.

In the manifesto AL pledged to achieve self-reliance in food production, curb corruption, contain price hike, enhance electricity producing capacity, fight terrorism, eradicate poverty and so on.

Dr Akbar Ali Khan, Former Adviser to the Caretaker Government and Chairman of Regulatory Reforms Commission, in his instant reaction said, "The manifesto of AL has definitely been drafted for the welfare of the people, but it seems it will be difficult to implement it properly."

He also opined for the arrangement of public debate over the manifestos of country's major political parties to ensure clearance and accountability.

Annisul Haque, President of Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI), said, "The manifesto of AL is a timely one. The country will be self-reliant, if Vision-2021 can be materialised."

On behalf of the business community, he also gave assurance of providing all assistance needed to implement the pledges in the manifesto.

Former Adviser to the Caretaker Government ASM Shajahan said, "The announcement of an excellent electoral manifesto is not all, the prime task is to implement the manifesto in letter and spirit. So AL should have to be more concerned on implementing the manifesto."

Replying to a question over phone on the establishment of 'Digital Bangladesh' by 2021, as promised by the AL, Dr Jamilur Reza Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of BRAC University, said, " If any government works sincerely to implement the existing ICT policy, it is possible to establish a 'Digital Bangladesh' before the year 2021."

Prof AAMS Arafin Siddique, former president of Dhaka University Teachers'Association, said, " AL has put appreciable emphasis on education. Dissemination of education is the prerequisite of a developed country. So I think, the manifesto is practical one."Dr Aminul Islam, professor of Philosophy Department of Dhaka University and President of Bangladesh Philosophy Society, termed the AL electoral manifesto public welfare oriented and pro-people.

He demanded complete implementation of the manifesto.

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ashraful Huda said, "The traditional rules and regulations are the main obstacles on the way of establishing good governance. There should be some provision of bringing reform in these traditional rules."

He thinks that the law enforcement agencies should be above party politics to curb terrorism and militancy.

Beside this people of different walks of life hoped that the manifesto will be able to fulfill the their hopes and aspirations through achieving self-reliant in food production and controlling the price spiral.

Moreover, the inhabitants of the northern part of the country welcomed the manifesto as Sheikh Hasina announced the declaration of Rangpur as a separate administrative division.