Jamaat’s Jobs-and-Justice Manifesto Targets Freelancing and Youth Empowerment
Ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has unveiled its election manifesto, outlining an ambitious plan to create 1.5 million successful freelancers and 500,000 new entrepreneurs nationwide over the next five years. To achieve this goal, the party has pledged to establish e-Work Hubs and Youth Tech Labs in every upazila, provide internationally standard, technology-driven skills training, and ensure direct connectivity with global freelancing marketplaces. The manifesto also includes a plan to install CCTV cameras across all government offices to ensure transparency in public administration. While giving a green signal to honesty, unity, justice, efficiency, and employment, the manifesto firmly rejects corruption, fascism, hegemony, unemployment, and extortion.
The manifesto was formally announced at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, February 4, at Hotel Sheraton in Banani, Dhaka. Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman officially unveiled the document. Speaking at the event, he said a zero-tolerance policy against corruption would be strictly enforced. Anyone involved in corruption at any level would face stringent legal action, alongside the implementation of systemic reforms. He added that public services would be fully digitalised at all administrative levels to eliminate direct contact and lobbying.
Dr Rahman further stated that the education system would be reformed by incorporating curricula focused on moral education, ethical leadership, and social responsibility, with the aim of nurturing honest and value-driven citizens. To ensure accountability, corruption-related offences would be addressed through expedited trials and swift enforcement of punishment.
According to the manifesto, a strong and time-relevant youth policy will be formulated. Over the next five years, 10 million young people will be provided with internationally recognised, technology-based training. These programmes will cover Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, cybersecurity, green technology, and entrepreneurial skills.
The party has announced plans to establish Youth Tech Labs in every upazila, offering training through online, offline, and hybrid methods. Alongside international-standard training, initiatives will be taken to create access to global freelancing opportunities. Guided by the principle of “Entrepreneur first, not job first,” e-Work Hubs will be set up in each upazila with the target of producing 1.5 million successful freelancers and 500,000 new entrepreneurs within five years.
Special funds will be created for women, marginalised communities, and ethnic minority entrepreneurs, while dedicated opportunities will be introduced to help women engage in digital work and entrepreneurial platforms. To connect rural youth with global markets, provisions will be made for high-speed internet, computers, co-working spaces, and freelancing training. Direct integration with global marketplaces such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer will enable individuals to earn globally while working from home.
To ensure comprehensive youth inclusion, the manifesto sets a target of creating employment for 5 million young people over five years through government initiatives. Until employment is secured, educated unemployed individuals will be provided with Tk 10,000 per month for up to two years as Qard-e-Hasanah (interest-free loans) under a “skills diversification allowance.” The manifesto also commits to the principle of “Merit in government jobs, age no barrier.”
Plans include the introduction of district-based Youth Job Banks and the establishment of incubation centres in divisional cities, offering training, mentoring, and investment support. The party also intends to organise national and regional job fairs annually. To promote physical wellbeing among young people, private initiatives will be encouraged to set up community-based gyms, playgrounds, and swimming pools.
Additionally, the manifesto pledges to develop the necessary training infrastructure to achieve success in Olympic and international sporting events, organise annual nationwide “talent hunts,” and keep the sports arena free from syndicates and partisan influence. State patronage will be provided to preserve and expand traditional sports such as ha-du-du, wrestling, and boat racing.
The manifesto envisions transforming sports into a social movement for building a healthy and resilient nation. Alongside ensuring universal participation of children, adolescents, and youth, the party has set a target of producing 500 internationally standard athletes within five years. Commitments include merit-based athlete selection, monthly stipends, science-based training, support for participation in international tournaments, and the establishment of a Sports Science Institute.
DBTech/DPM/ES/OR
