The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has unveiled its election manifesto, pledging sweeping changes to the structure of state governance. The party has committed to restoring the non-party caretaker government system during elections, limiting the prime minister’s tenure, and rebalancing power between the president and the prime minister. BNP said that, if elected, it would undertake fundamental reforms to reestablish democracy, accountability, and the people’s right to vote.
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman formally announced the manifesto on Friday afternoon. The document outlines commitments across nearly all major sectors, including elections, state reform, the economy, social protection, education, health, agriculture, employment, the judiciary, and public administration. The launch ceremony at the ballroom of Hotel Sonargaon began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthem.
The event was presided over by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and conducted by Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, member secretary of the party’s central election steering committee. Diplomats from several countries stationed in Bangladesh were also present.
While reading out the manifesto, Tarique Rahman said: “Standing here today on behalf of my party, I want to say this much—if the Bangladesh Nationalist Party wins the election on the 12th and, God willing, forms the government, our highest and foremost priorities will be three issues: corruption, the rule of law, and accountability. At any cost, we will give these the utmost importance.”
He added: “This manifesto is not just an election pledge; it is a declaration of a new social and state contract.”
Tarique Rahman pledged zero tolerance for corruption, saying BNP would not compromise on the issue. “To rein in corruption that has spread like a malignant disease across all levels of society, we will ensure transparency and accountability through legal and systemic reforms,” he said. He added that reforms would be undertaken to strengthen the Anti-Corruption Commission and anti-corruption laws, noting that BNP considers the reforms adopted by the interim government to be insufficient.
Emphasizing merit-based recruitment in public service, the BNP chairman said: “If a political party fails to place the right people in the right positions, it is the party itself that suffers. I personally believe that regardless of political affiliation, if someone is appointed on the basis of merit, they will at least feel that they received the opportunity because a BNP government ensured fair, merit-based recruitment.”
Referring to the United Kingdom as an example, he said greater autonomy for local government could resolve many problems at the grassroots level. “Strengthening local government will strengthen democracy. We want to allocate adequate funds to local government institutions,” he added.
Tarique Rahman said the manifesto was prepared by combining BNP’s “31 Points for Repairing the State Structure,” Ziaur Rahman’s “19 Points,” Begum Khaleda Zia’s “Vision 2030,” and the “July National Charter.”
Key pledges in the manifesto
Restoring elections and voting rights
The manifesto announces the reintroduction of a non-party caretaker government system during elections. BNP argues that there is no alternative to holding polls under a neutral administration to ensure credible and participatory elections. The party also pledged to reestablish voting as the sole legitimate source of state power, stating that no government other than one elected through direct public votes would be allowed to govern the country.
Balancing power in state governance
To curb excessive concentration of power, the manifesto proposes limiting the prime minister’s tenure to a maximum of 10 years. It also commits to rebalancing authority between the president and the prime minister. BNP has proposed creating the post of vice president to add a new dimension to the state structure, saying this would improve the distribution of responsibilities and ensure greater stability. The manifesto also mentions the introduction of an upper house to make the parliamentary system more effective.
Judiciary, administration, and anti-corruption measures
Ensuring the full independence of the judiciary is one of BNP’s core pledges. The manifesto states that political interference in judicial processes will be stopped and that law enforcement agencies will be brought under accountability.
The party has also promised to build strong and effective institutions to combat corruption, end politicization of the administration, and ensure recruitment and promotion based on merit and competence.
Inflation control
BNP has prioritized controlling inflation, pledging to strengthen market management to reduce the prices of essential commodities and provide direct assistance to the poor and low-income groups.
The manifesto includes a promise to introduce a “Family Card” to protect marginal and low-income families, under which each family would receive Tk2,000 in cash or essential goods, including food, at subsidized rates.
Social security and allowances
As part of expanding social protection programs, BNP pledged to increase freedom fighters’ allowances in line with inflation. The party also committed to raising allowances for the elderly, widows, and persons with disabilities, and to making social safety net programs more targeted.
Education and health
In the education sector, BNP promised to improve quality and modernize curricula, with an emphasis on technical and technology-based education to better prepare young people for employment.
In health, the manifesto commits to upgrading infrastructure in public hospitals, increasing the recruitment of doctors and nurses, and delivering primary healthcare services at people’s doorsteps.
Agriculture, rural development, and employment
BNP pledged to ensure fair prices for farmers, increase subsidies, and provide agricultural loans on easy terms. The manifesto also promises improvements in agricultural storage and marketing systems, alongside the development of rural infrastructure.
To create jobs, the party said it would encourage industrial growth and private sector investment, expand skills development programs for youth, and strengthen diplomatic initiatives to protect migrant workers.
Foreign policy
On foreign policy, BNP said it would pursue a balanced and dignified diplomacy that prioritizes national interest. The party pledged to take independent decisions in international relations and to strengthen regional cooperation.
