Dhaka, Feb 5 (NationPress) As Bangladesh approaches its elections next week, the radical Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami has made a commitment in its election manifesto to cultivate peaceful and cooperative relations with neighboring nations, including India, grounded in mutual respect and fairness.

According to the manifesto released by Jamaat, it states, “Constructive relations with neighboring countries will be established: Peaceful, friendly, and cooperative ties will be nurtured with neighboring and nearby nations -- including India, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Thailand -- based on mutual respect and fairness.”

Emphasizing its foreign policy goals, the party indicated a commitment to strengthening connections with countries within the Muslim world.

Additionally, it outlined a strategy to bolster cooperation with developed nations such as the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Japan, and Canada -- while expanding diplomatic, economic, and strategic partnerships with regions in Eastern Europe, Africa, and South America.

“Engagement with the developed world: Constructive and mutually beneficial relations will be nurtured with developed nations, including the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Japan, and Canada,” the party highlighted.

“Expanding ties with Eastern Europe, Africa, and South America: Proactive measures will be taken to broaden and deepen diplomatic, economic, and strategic relations with nations in Eastern Europe, Africa, and South America,” it further elaborated.

The manifesto stressed the importance of enhancing Bangladesh’s role within the United Nations and other international organizations to address global challenges, including peace, security, human rights, and economic development.

“Active engagement with the United Nations and international organizations: Bangladesh’s active participation in the United Nations and its affiliated bodies will be intensified to confront global challenges such as peace, security, human rights, and economic development,” it noted.

Jamaat also reaffirmed Bangladesh’s ongoing involvement in regional organizations like SAARC and ASEAN.

“Active participation in regional organizations: Bangladesh will maintain its active engagement in regional bodies such as SAARC and ASEAN,” it stated.

The party further declared that, in collaboration with the global community, “a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the Rohingya crisis will be sought, ensuring their safe, dignified, and voluntary repatriation.”

Jamaat also committed to continuing “Bangladesh’s participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions,” while promising to “support and cooperate in the establishment of transparent, orderly, and lawful migration management systems.”

The election manifesto, ahead of the February 12 election, outlines a wider and collaborative foreign policy outreach across several nations; however, it notably omits any direct reference to Pakistan.