With the determination to make the nation smart, defined as free from dogmatism and anchored in harmony, Awami League has announced its manifesto for the upcoming 12th National Parliamentary Election. The manifesto, with the slogan “Smart Bangladesh: Visible Development, Increased Employment,” was announced by Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (December 27, 2023) at the Pan Pacific Hotel Sonargaon in Dhaka. The manifesto focuses on the plans and commitments for ethnic and religious minorities. It outlines the steps the party will take for the communities if it returns to power. The manifesto not only addresses the next five years but also the vision of developing a prosperous Bangladesh by 2041. In this long-term vision, the lives, traditions, culture, history, and aspirations of ethnic and religious minorities are integrally linked with the development of Bangladesh. The manifesto outlines a clear path for these communities during this extended period, including specific steps to be taken. The President of the Awami League stated that discriminatory behavior against ethnic and religious minority communities will be eliminated. Prioritized efforts will continue to improve their living standards. Currently, Bangladesh is home to over 30 lakh people from approximately 45 ethnic minority groups. Their lives, traditions, culture, and history are deeply intertwined with Bangladesh. The Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, recognized equal rights and dignity of all communities, including ethnic and religious minorities, in the Constitution of Bangladesh. In line with this, Awami League continues to eradicate discriminatory behavior against these communities and prioritizes various initiatives to protect their lives, properties, places of worship, autonomy, and improve their living standards. Read: Bangladesh’s strong position in int’l arena due to AL’s successful foreign policy: PM  In Bangladesh, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and others can freely practice their religions, as affirmed by the leader of the Awami League. Development and Progress Measures have been taken to protect the land, homes, places of worship and other assets of religious and ethnic minorities. Various programs, including social safety schemes, are being implemented to integrate the people of ethnic minority communities into mainstream development. Special provisions and opportunities continue for the education and employment of children of underprivileged ethnic minorities and tea garden workers. Educational and health services for ethnic minorities have been expanded to remote areas, and other infrastructural facilities, including roads and electricity, have been improved.  The government encourages the preservation of the diverse customs and traditions of ethnic minority communities. To ensure greater political representation and social inclusion, the government has taken positive steps to increase the participation of ethnic minorities in decision-making processes. Various clauses of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord have been delegated to the Regional Council and District Councils, allowing development activities to be planned and implemented, considering local, geographical, and socio-economic contexts. Special measures have been taken for the development of tourism, food processing, small and medium industries, and traditional cottage industries in the three hill districts. High-value spice cultivation, coffee and cashew nut farming, cotton cultivation, and solar energy initiatives are being implemented for the public's benefit. Grants for the development of temples, crematoriums, pagodas, and churches continue, along with ongoing programs for the overall welfare of Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian communities through respective religious welfare trusts. Awami League’s Commitment Article 23A of the Constitution stipulates that the state will adopt measures to preserve and develop the unique local culture and tradition of the ethnic sects and communities. Initiatives to uphold this constitutional provision will continue. During the tenure of the Awami League government, the Vested Property Act was amended, and measures were taken to resolve issues related to vested properties. Obstacles in the implementation of the law will be removed. A National Minority Commission will be formed, and a special protection law for minorities will be enacted to safeguard the interests of minority communities. Awami League will continue to take necessary steps to ensure the safety and livelihood of religious and ethnic minorities, and underprivileged communities. Read: Rangpur abuzz with excitement in anticipation of PM's electioneering  During the BNP-Jamaat alliance government, religious and ethnic minorities faced brutal attacks and discrimination. Many from these communities were killed, numerous women were raped, and their homes, lands, and businesses were occupied and looted. Awami League will complete the judicial process for these inhumane incidents and prevent their recurrence. Awami League will maintain its policy of ending terrorism, discriminatory behavior, and human rights violations against religious and ethnic minorities. It will ensure the protection of their lives, properties, dignity, and equal rights in all spheres of state and social life. Priority will be given to the balanced development of underdeveloped areas, including slums, chars, haors, and coastal regions, and to improving the quality of life of their inhabitants. Neglected Communities A portion of Bangladesh's population consists of Dalits, Harijans, and Bede communities. These communities are neglected, isolated, and overlooked in society. Awami League is committed to implementing programs to improve their living standards and integrate them into the mainstream. Social safety programs for the development of the living standards of the Bede and other underprivileged communities will continue. Vocational training will be provided to enhance their skills, enabling them to engage in income-generating activities and integrate into mainstream society. Cash assistance and housing programs for underprivileged communities will be expanded nationwide. Hijra Community The Hijra community forms a small part of Bangladesh’s total population. Throughout history, this community has been isolated and neglected. Awami League government has taken various programs to ensure the fundamental rights of the Hijra community and integrate them into mainstream society. The manifesto states that Hijras will be included in mainstream society, and their fundamental rights will be protected. Social justice will be ensured, along with improvements in education, housing, living standards, and social security. Awami League’s election manifesto also says that cash assistance and housing programs for the Hijra community will be expanded nationwide.  Read more: Avoid conflict, work peacefully for participation of voters in election: PM Hasina urges candidates

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that her government strongly believes in the values of secularism and any attempt to disrupt communal harmony are immediately dealt with. “As long as we are in power, we will continue to prioritize that and I always tell them (minority communities) that you are our citizens… this is your country too,” PM Hasina said in an interview with Indian News Agency ANI ahead of her visit to India. Hasina, however, said that extremism was not limited to Bangladesh as many countries, including India, were witnessing it. She said one of the reasons for the ongoing rise in extremism was social media. Read: “Differences can be resolved through dialogue, Bangladesh-India do precisely that” “Some incidents take place but we immediately take action… These are unwanted situations but you know very well, it is not only Bangladesh, in India minorities suffered too at times,” she said. “… You know Bangladesh is a secular country and we have many religions here… there is religious harmony here. So, one or two incidents, when these happen, immediately... especially my party... my party activists, they are very conscious about it and my government as well. We immediately take action,” she said. Asked to comment on the role of the community of bloggers and others on social media, Hasina said that it is not desirable that people write things to hurt each other and added that her government tried to curb such cases. “Look, extremism is everywhere… even in India and other countries... Because of social media it has become very... very bad nowadays,” Hasina said. Read Teesta mainly depends on India: PM Hasina tells ANI Hasina told ANI that while some incidents have occurred, Bangladesh has a tradition where people of all religions take part in all celebrations. “Together we celebrate... In Bangladesh, during Durga Puja, people celebrate together. So, the religious harmony is there but now some incidents happen here and there… Our government immediately takes action against it,” the PM said. Asked about the prevalence of cattle-smuggling from India into Bangladesh, Hasina said the issue was under discussion and the magnitude of the problem had also been reduced a lot. Read CEPA to be win-win for both countries: IBCCI President

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday came down heavily on a section of Hindus who try to imply that they are in very bad shape in Bangladesh. “I want to say one thing with grave regret that whenever any incident occurs here that is propagated at home and abroad massively as if the Hindu people do not have any right in this country,” she said. The prime minister said this while exchanging greetings with Hindu community virtually at Dhakeswari Mandir in Dhaka and JM Sen Hall in Chattogram on the occasion of holy Janmashtami from her official residence Ganabhaban. Also read: Hindus celebrate Janmashtami in Bangladesh She said that whenever any incident happens her government takes immediate action against the perpetrators. “But colour is given on that incident as the Hindus have no rights. But the actions of the government after the incidents do not get proper attention,” she said. In this connection, she said that while taking actions to protect mandirs many muslims were killed in police firing. “This kind of incident also took place.” She mentioned the incidents un Cumilla in support of her comments. “But these were not told properly. Instead, it is spread that Hindus are living in very much trouble in the country,” she added. Also read: Hindu temple vandalised in Kurigram over land dispute She said that the number of Puja Mandaps in Dhaka is higher than incWest Bengal or Kolkata. And across Bangladesh the Durga Puja is celebrated massively. Hasina said that her government is not only taking initiatives to repair or renovate mosques, it also renovates or repair temples, monastries and churches. “It is not right to say something that hurts anyone’s religious sentiment,” she said. The PM said that Bangladesh is a exceptional land in the world where people from all religions freely celebrate their religious festivals. “There is huge attempts to destroy this congenial religious atmosphere of the country. A section of people in every religion is there who often try to create problems,” she said. She also mentioned that the government and Awami League do not believe in undermining any religion. “We can say that clearly. Our government is very much cautious about it. I can assure you that," she asserted. She said that all people of the country irrespective of their religions will enjoy the equal rights. “We want that people of all religions will live in the country with their equal rights. You are people of this country, you have the equal right in here, you have the same rights like me," she said. The prime minister requested the Hindus never to consider themselves as minority. “You always think that you are the citizens of this country, you will enjoy equal rights, and we also want to see you like that way. Please do not undermine yourselves. You were born in this country, and you are the citizens of this country," she assured the audience. She said that if every one can move with this confidence then the evil quarter, from every religion, will never be able to harm the religious harmony of the country. “We have to keep that belief and unity among us. I want that from you all," she said. Talking about Coronavirus pandemic, Russia-Ukraine war, sanctions and counter-sanctions, she said that these caused great problems for all. “We have increased the fuel oil price, and as a result prices of everything have been increased. Some people are increasing the prices unnecessarily to make extra profits,” she said. She said that the government is making arrangements for monitoring the prices and taking steps. She mentioned about the government’s move to provide rice to 50 lakh families at the rate of Tk 15 per kilogram. She said that the government will provide special family cards to one crore people by which they will be able to procure essential commodities like rice, lentil, oil and sugar at fair price. “We are trying to put the prices under purchasing capacity of the mass people so that they do not suffer," said the PM. Referring to the food scarcity around the world and possible famine, she urged the people of the country to utilise every inch of land for production.

With two days left to apply for the Joy Bangla Youth Award (JBYA), youth organizations promoting religious harmony and working for religious and ethnic minorities, transgenders, dalits, and backward communities have been encouraged to apply for the award. The award is designed to recognize countrywide young changemakers, help them network among themselves and enhance the services they are already providing to their communities. Read: 'Joy Bangla Youth Award' set for Nov 17 Since its inception in 2014, Young Bangla has been conferring Joy Bangla Youth Award to the youths and youth organizations successfully involved in changing the social paradigm in their respective areas. Youths across the country reached out with assistance to the distressed Hindu people who had become victims of the communal attacks following the Holy Quran desecration staged by some fanatics, said a media release on Saturday.    Such youth organizations, among others, are encouraged to apply for the award, said the Young Bangla. Youths both from the majority Muslim and minority communities registered their protests on social media and the streets against religious violence and reached out to the victims with assistance. Like the previous year, the fifth installment of JBYA, an award celebrating youths and youth organizations for transforming communities through social initiatives, has included this criterion. JBYA’s invitation for applications has commenced on September 24 and will wrap up within two days, said the award's organizer Young Bangla, the youth Secretariat of Centre for Research & Information (CRI). Speaking on the impact of the award, 2018-JBYA winner Sadat Rahman, who later received International Children's Peace Prize-2020 for his initiatives to stop cyberbullying and violence against children, said Joy Bangla Youth Award helped him build a network with other young changemakers, get in touch with the country's policymakers.   "It helped me groom for more impactful service to my community that earned me the international award that I received from Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai." The JBYA 2021, named after the most iconic slogan behind the 1971-Liberation War of Bangladesh, Joy Bangla, features two new additions - an award conferring ceremony and lifetime achievement awards. Young Bangla will present Lifetime Achievement Awards to individuals who have significant contributions to the post-independent nation-building process through their leadership, service, initiatives, and research. There will be 10 awards under two broad categories - Social Inclusion and Integrated Community Development. Youth organizations working to improve the ability, opportunity, and dignity of marginalized and disadvantaged people through different initiatives can apply under 'Social Inclusion, which is split into six sub-categories - Women Empowerment, Child Rights, Empowering People with Disabilities, Empowering Marginalized People, Youth Development, Empowering Extreme Poor.   Youth organizations making significant contributions to their community through their time, actions, talents, and dedication can apply under 'Integrated Community Development', which is divided into another six sub-categories - Anti-Drug Awareness Campaign, Environment, and Climate Change Activity, Disaster Risk Reduction & Emergency Response, Health Care and Awareness, Education, Sociocultural Initiatives.  Young Bangla will also encourage university-based clubs working for the youth community within the university through community service, campaigns, and activities to apply for this award. Lifetime Achievement Awards will be conferred based on four criteria - Development Programmes and Projects, Public Policy, Research & Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Creativity.