Pledging to restore power to the people and re-establish what it called a democracy destroyed during a past “fascist” regime, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday unveiled its election manifesto ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary election.
The manifesto was formally announced in the afternoon at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka.
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman said there had been no voting or accountability in the country in recent years. “In the past, there was no voting and no accountability in the country. This time, it is Bangladesh’s turn to be rebuilt,” he said in his opening speech.
He outlined constitutional and governance reforms, saying that if BNP comes to power, it will add “faith and trust in Allah” to the Constitution and reinstate the caretaker government system if a parliamentary majority is secured.
“We will introduce a provision so that one person cannot be prime minister more than twice. Besides, we will open up the issue of Article 70 of the Constitution,” he said. He added that an upper house of parliament would be formed based on the party’s 31-point reform framework.
Tarique also pledged to build a discrimination-free Bangladesh. “As a political party, we have a plan. Therefore, we will give priority to talent and competence everywhere. Whoever follows whichever political ideology, we will appoint them impartially.”
He addressed past injustices, saying, “Many people were disappeared and killed in the past. We, too, the leaders and activists of BNP, have been affected. But we do not seek revenge. Because revenge does not bring anything good.”
Referring to the party’s record, Tarique said: “From 2001 to 2006, BNP freed the country from the accusation of being a champion of corruption. In the future, we want to rein in corruption. We want to ensure good governance. For this, we will appoint impartial judges.”
“Speaking from my experience as a political activist, in the past I and my mother were victims of lawlessness. Since we are sufferers, we want to ensure justice,” he added.
According to the manifesto, the core philosophy of state governance under BNP will be humanity, justice, and economic inclusion.
Vision for rebuilding the state
Presenting an outline for state formation, Tarique Rahman referred to his special plan titled “I Have a Plan.” He said the initiative includes a roadmap to create permanent employment for 40 million youths and several hundred thousand women.
“We want to build a new Bangladesh. Our plan contains a specific roadmap to create permanent employment for 40 million youths and several hundred thousand women. Our goal is to build a prosperous state by harnessing the strength of the young generation,” he said.
Rahman also said the democratic political ideals of BNP founder martyred President Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia would be re-established in the country.
“To establish the rule of the people, ensuring accountability of power is indispensable. BNP will continue that practice,” he added.
‘Family Card’ for marginalized families
As a key commitment, BNP pledged to introduce a “Family Card” to provide protection for marginalized and low-income families. Beneficiaries will receive Tk 2,500 per month or essential commodities of equivalent value. The manifesto notes the amount of assistance will be increased gradually over time.
Farmers and the rural economy
To ensure fair prices for farmers’ produce, the manifesto promises subsidies, easy access to credit, agricultural insurance, and strengthened state-managed marketing through a “Farmer Card.” Fish farmers, livestock rearers, and small entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector will receive the same benefits.
Major recruitment drive in health sector
The manifesto outlines a plan to recruit 100,000 health workers nationwide to establish a corruption-free and humane health system. It also pledges to expand quality healthcare services at district and metropolitan levels, ensure comprehensive maternal and child healthcare, and strengthen preventive health programs.
Structural reforms in education
To promote joyful and employment-oriented education, BNP announced plans to formulate a skills-based and values-oriented education policy. The manifesto emphasizes primary education, provision of technological support for teachers and students, and the introduction of a mid-day meal program for students.
Employment and skills for youth
The manifesto highlights job creation, development of technical and language skills, support for startups and entrepreneurs, and integration with global e-commerce platforms to secure the future of youth. It also commits to ensuring merit-based recruitment in government jobs.
Sports, environment, and climate
To develop sports as a profession and a source of livelihood, BNP pledged to expand sports infrastructure and training facilities at district and upazila levels.
On environmental protection and climate resilience, the manifesto promises excavation and re-excavation of 20,000 kilometers of rivers and canals nationwide, plantation of 250 million trees over five years, and introduction of modern waste management systems.
Freedom fighters and Liberation War recognition
The manifesto pledged to increase allowances for freedom fighters in line with inflation if BNP comes to power, while ensuring the allowance management system remains free from corruption and administrative flaws.
It also announced plans to prepare a comprehensive list of martyrs of the Liberation War through an extensive, state-led survey and to ensure due state honor and recognition for the martyrs. The party further committed to formulating and implementing necessary policies to ensure the welfare of families of martyred freedom fighters.
The manifesto alleged that the previous “fascist” government had distorted the true history of the Liberation War, adding that appropriate steps would be taken to incorporate the authentic history of the war into the national education curriculum.
Religious harmony and digital economy
To strengthen religious and social harmony, the manifesto commits to introducing honorariums and training-based welfare programs for religious leaders of places of worship of all faiths.
In expanding the digital economy, BNP pledged to introduce the international payment system PayPal, establish regional e-commerce hubs, and boost exports of “Made in Bangladesh” products.
The manifesto announcement program was presided over by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and moderated by party Standing Committee member and Election Steering Committee Chair Nazrul Islam Khan.
