‘Janatar Ishtehar’ platform launched to shape election manifestos

A technology-driven initiative titled “Janatar Ishtehar” (People’s Manifesto) has been launched to ensure that election manifestos of political parties reflect the aspirations of citizens from all social and professional backgrounds, and to allow public monitoring of their implementation after elections.

The platform—available as a website and mobile app—was unveiled at a ceremony at the Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka on Saturday.

It has been developed by TRACE Consulting, a policy and technology-focused private research organisation.

Speaking at the event, TRACE Consulting Chief Executive Fuad M Khalid Hossain said, “If citizens are allowed to directly participate in drafting manifestos, they will become more realistic and people-centric. Janatar Ishtehar is designed to bridge the gap between the public and political parties.”

Following his remarks, Fuad presented a multimedia demonstration explaining how public opinion will be collected, analysed, and transformed into data-driven policy recommendations for political parties.

He noted that the platform will enable citizen engagement in key areas such as education, health, employment, environment, and governance.

The event was attended by academics, civil society representatives, political analysts, diplomats, development partners, and media professionals.

Participating in a panel discussion, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the next national election will be held in February and called on political parties to work together in the interest of the country.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury termed the initiative timely and said his party is working to prepare a realistic and people-oriented manifesto.

Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque said, “Most political manifestos do not reflect people’s real demands. If Janatar Ishtehar enables direct input from citizens, it will be a remarkable step.”

How the platform works

Janatar Ishtehar is both an online platform and a nationwide civic engagement campaign. Citizens will be able to submit their opinions, suggestions, and grievances through the website, mobile app, SMS, social media, local booths, and door-to-door surveys. Public hearings, workshops, and local meetings will also be organised across the country.

All collected data will be analysed using technology and structured through the SMART method—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—allowing future tracking of implementation. A draft People’s Manifesto will then be compiled and shared with policymakers, political parties, and civil society groups.

In addition to a national manifesto, micro-manifestos will be prepared for each constituency. These will include constituency-specific issues, demands, and solutions based on local social, economic, and geographic realities.

Transparency and accountability

Unlike traditional manifesto initiatives, Janatar Ishtehar also includes a public monitoring mechanism to track whether political parties fulfil their commitments. Citizens will be able to view progress through a dedicated online dashboard.

A separate digital system called Promise Tracker will highlight which pledges are being implemented, delayed, or ignored—creating public pressure for accountability.

All gathered opinions and commitments will be published on an open platform for public access.