12 political parties pledge investments, policy reforms

The Child Rights Manifesto, seen as a historic moment for the nation’s children, was signed by 12 political parties to the upcoming 2026 national election, pledging action to address 10 priority commitments designed to put childhood back on track in Bangladesh.

The political parties are Amar Bangladesh Party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Socialist Party of Bangladesh Communist Party of Bangladesh, Gano Forum, Ganosamhati Andolon, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Jatiyo Party, Khelafat Majlis, Nagorik Oikya and National Citizen Party.

The Manifesto is the result of an inclusive, multi-phase process engaging children, adolescents and young people, including marginalided groups, those with disabilities, and indigenous communities - through digital platforms like U-Report and in-person consultations.

Findings were validated with academia, civil society, private sector and development partners, before briefings on the data and evidence and the draft commitments were presented to political party leaders to secure public commitments ahead of the national elections.

It outlines practical goals that when implemented, will address the country’s most urgent child rights priorities, addressing the challenge to ensure that every child in Bangladesh survives, learns and is protected.

The commitments include strengthening quality education, skills, nutrition, and primary healthcare, creating safer communities free from violence, abusive practices, and hazardous child labour, tackling child poverty, ensuring coordinated leadership and monitoring on critical issues, and addressing climate challenges that threaten their future.

By signing the Manifesto, political parties commit to embedding these priorities into their policies and election agendas, and to act decisively once elected, said Unicef.

Underpinning each commitment is verified national data that highlights those areas where the rights and well-being of Bangladesh's nearly 35% child population are most at stake, reports UNB. 

“Children have spoken loudly and clearly: their future cannot wait. Today’s signing of the Child Rights Manifesto is a promise to turn words into action, and action into hope. The Manifesto outlines clear, achievable change for children today that drives human capital development and will result in a stronger Bangladesh tomorrow,” said Rana Flowers, Unicef Representative in Bangladesh.

Flowers said the most recent data tells us with urgency and clarity where children are being left behind. “With Unicef support, the leadership of the political parties has studied the data and the evidence on critical challenges facing children in Bangladesh, they have debated the gaps, and where the investments are needed, and today they are not making a hollow commitment, they are signing publicly to express a new era; a revamped agenda for children.”

Unlike other manifestos, Flowers said these promises are rooted in evidence and are based on a call from the most vulnerable and often least heard. “Today’s signing represents a lifeline for millions of children whose futures depend on the right decisions and investments the political leaders will make.”