The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday announced its manifesto for the 13th national parliamentary election, pledging to build a justice-based, humane and economically strong Bangladesh under the slogan “Bangladesh First.”
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman unveiled the manifesto at a formal programme in Dhaka, just six days before the February 12 general election. He said the manifesto reflects the party’s commitment to democratic renewal, social protection, economic growth and accountable governance.
The manifesto is based on several key documents, including late President Ziaur Rahman’s 19-point programme, former prime minister Khaleda Zia’s Vision-2030, Tarique Rahman’s 31-point state reform plan and the July National Charter.
At the core of the manifesto is a pledge to restore free and fair elections and ensure that political power comes only through the people’s vote. BNP promised reforms to the electoral and constitutional systems, protection of media freedom and freedom of expression, and measures to ensure social equality.
The party also pledged to update the official list of Liberation War martyrs, ensure dignity for freedom fighters, and preserve historical truth. Addressing the July mass uprising and the long anti-authoritarian movement, BNP promised justice, rehabilitation and support for victims and families of those killed. It also announced plans to form a Truth and Healing Commission to promote national reconciliation.
On governance and corruption, BNP promised legal and institutional reforms, transparent procurement, real-time audits of development projects and recovery of money allegedly laundered abroad over the past decade.
The manifesto places strong emphasis on social welfare. BNP pledged to introduce a “Family Card” system to provide Tk2,500 per month or essential goods to low-income families. A “Farmer Card” will be introduced to ensure fair prices for agricultural products through subsidies, easy loans and insurance. The party also promised expanded social safety nets and a pension scheme for private-sector workers.
Special support has been pledged for people with disabilities, orphans, underdeveloped regions and marginalised groups. To promote women’s empowerment, BNP said Family Cards would be issued in the name of female heads of households and promised free education for women up to postgraduate level.
To address unemployment, the party proposed setting up employment exchanges at district and upazila levels, expanding skills and language training for overseas jobs, and providing free public internet access points.
On the economy, BNP set a target of turning Bangladesh into a $1 trillion economy by 2034 through higher investment, support for small and medium enterprises, banking sector reforms and inflation control. Infrastructure plans include upgrading Chattogram and Mongla ports, expanding power generation and strengthening energy networks.
In the ICT sector, BNP pledged to create one million technology jobs, develop artificial intelligence, and make Bangladesh a regional digital hub. It also promised to introduce international payment systems such as PayPal and boost e-commerce exports.
The manifesto reaffirmed BNP’s commitment to religious freedom, stating that religion is personal and the state belongs to all citizens. The party also promised stronger legal protection for journalists and the formation of a National Journalists’ Welfare Board.
BNP outlined nine key electoral commitments covering social protection, agriculture, healthcare, education, youth employment, sports development, environmental protection, religious harmony and digital economic expansion.