As political parties release their manifestos for the 13th national elections, a research project has published the election manifestos of major political parties in Bangladesh since 1991 on a dedicated website.

The website, www.votemanifesto.com, includes the manifestos already published for the upcoming national elections scheduled for February 12.

Titled “Manifestos of Political Parties in the Elections of Bangladesh,” the research project has been conducted by Professor Ali Riaz and M.M. Musa.

According to the project description, the database has been created to help researchers, journalists and citizens examine the promises and policy commitments made by political parties in their election manifestos since 1991.

The project notes that elections are a vital part of a democratic system. In a parliamentary democracy, citizens elect their representatives through national elections, and free, fair and participatory polls allow people to take part in governance. Alongside nominating candidates, most political parties publish election manifestos outlining their ideology and future plans. These manifestos serve as a public promise and provide a basis for judging the performance of parties that come to power.

Professor Ali Riaz is a Distinguished Professor of Politics and Government at Illinois State University, USA, and President of the American Institute of Bangladesh Studies (AIBS). He is currently serving as a Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser.

M.M. Musa is a writer and researcher who has worked as a journalist and regularly writes on development issues and the lives of marginalised communities in various national media outlets.