Describing election manifestos as legally and politically binding pledges rather than mere formal declarations, Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Sujan) secretary Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar warned that failure to implement manifesto commitments could invite judicial scrutiny.
Badiul Alam made the remarks at a press conference titled "What kind of manifesto is it" at the National Press Club on Monday.
"The manifesto is not a formal announcement, it is a political pledge. If we come to power, we will have to implement that pledge," he said adding, "If we fail to fulfil the pledge, the citizens will approach the court."
He said that although manifestos of almost all political parties were filled with "a bouquet of good words," many of the commitments were already being violated in practice. "The parties have included everything that the people want to hear in the manifesto," he said, pointing specifically to promises on women's representation. "Even a five percent quota has been mentioned for women's representation.
However, in reality, one party has not fielded any women candidates, while another party has fielded less than five percent. This clearly shows that they have violated their manifestos." Stressing post election accountability, the Secretary said the organisation would closely monitor the performance of any incoming govt. "We will evaluate the government every 60 to 100 days and present to the public what it has done and what it has not done," he said, framing the process as a form of civic oversight consistent with constitutional norms and democratic accountability.
