On foreign policy, the NCP has said it will approach international organizations and courts over border killings by India, fair sharing of trans-border river waters and bringing back Sheikh Hasina and other Awami League leaders. On the other hand, the BNP has said that it will give top priority to the national interest, sovereignty and security of Bangladesh in all foreign relations.
Although many parties have promised massive state spending across sectors, there has been little emphasis on raising revenues through tax reforms and domestic resource mobilisation. Nevertheless, these policy pledges are undoubtedly contributing to the qualitative improvement in Bangladesh’s electoral politics. However, this progress will be undermined if a violence-free electoral environment is not maintained. Voters are looking towards the government and the Election Commission for peaceful elections.
*Altaf Parvez is a researcher
#The views expressed are the author’s own.
#This article, which was originally published in Prothom Alo print and online editions, has been rewritten in English by Rabiul Islam