Dhaka, Feb 28 (UNB) – Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Friday said political parties must change their election manifestos in line with public expectations, changing times and the needs of youth.

He said politics is not static but dynamic. Therefore, not only election manifestos but also the goals, aims and declarations of political parties should reflect people’s hopes, demands of the time and youth aspirations.

Govt working to curb artificial price hikes, break syndicates: Minister Salahuddin

The minister made the remarks while speaking at a discussion and iftar programme marking the first anniversary of the National Citizen Party (NCP) at the Abahani Limited Dhaka ground in the capital.

Salahuddin said he felt hopeful when the NCP began its journey as a political party in the democratic arena.

He said participation of young people in politics would bring greater dignity and energy to the country’s political landscape and help move the nation forward.

He expressed hope that as a new political party, NCP has already come a long way.

Changes likely at top of police administration: Minister Salahuddin

He noted that the party secured six seats in the national parliament by joining electoral alliances and said the number of seats could increase in the future, even leading the party to state power one day.

The minister said ups and downs are natural in politics and those who fail to accept them do not survive.

He added that people want a political environment that reflects public needs and encourages all citizens to engage in politics.

He said NCP would practice politics that truly represents the people and carries forward public aspirations, including the expectations of students and citizens during the July 2024 mass uprising.

He also said he attentively read the party’s election manifesto and found it encouraging.

Calling on all to remain united in the national interest, Salahuddin Ahmed said there would be debates in the National Parliament, but unity must be maintained on national issues.

He said the National Parliament would be turned into the main centre of discussion, where all issues would be addressed and solutions would be found through dialogue and debate for the nation.

Later in the day, the home minister attended an iftar and doa programme organised by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.