Online Desk: Awami League has unveiled its manifesto for the 12th National Parliamentary Election with a comprehensive plan to build a ‘Smart Bangladesh’. The manifesto places a significant emphasis on the youth and lays out both immediate goals and future plans for the nation’s progress.

Sajeeb Wazed, a key figure in the 2008 declaration of ‘Digital Bangladesh’, has played a crucial role in shaping the technological aspects and strategies of the current manifesto. His involvement is seen as pivotal in establishing the foundation for a Smart Bangladesh, mirroring his influential role in the Digital Bangladesh initiative.

At the recent “Let’s Talk with Sheikh Hasina” event organized by the Centre for Research and Information (CRI), Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina discussed various aspects of the manifesto. She revealed that she had consulted with her son, Sajeeb Wazed, on the finer details of the Smart Bangladesh initiative.

Sajeeb Wazed, who played a significant role in the 2008 Digital Bangladesh vision, is expected to continue his involvement in implementing the Smart Bangladesh vision. During a “Let’s Talk” session with youths in November, he engaged in discussions about the government’s policies and strategies for building Smart Bangladesh and took note of several suggestions from them. These discussions are believed to have influenced his consultations with the Prime Minister.

At the “Let’s Talk” event with the youth, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina listened to the aspirations and advice of the young participants, taking notes of their suggestions. The Awami League has crafted the manifesto with a primary focus on the opinions of the youth, addressing their employment opportunities, challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, economic development, and integration of youth in technological advancements. Following the successful implementation of the Digital Bangladesh initiative, the Awami League has now adopted a blueprint for the construction of Smart Bangladesh.

The manifesto showcases a commitment to harnessing the potential of the youth in driving the country towards a technologically advanced and economically prosperous future.