BNP pledges truth and healing commission, outlines 9 major commitments in manifesto
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman unveiled the 51-point manifesto today (6 February) at a city hotel in the capital.
Ahead of the 13th national election, the BNP today (6 February) unveiled its election manifesto, pledging to form a truth and healing commission and implement nine major commitments aimed at rebuilding the country over the next five years.
The 51-point manifesto, announced under the banner "Korbo Kaj, Gorbo Desh" (We will work, we will build the nation), carries the slogan "Shobar Ageh Bangladesh" (Bangladesh Before All).
It is divided into five sections and outlines what the party described as a clear roadmap for governance if voted to power.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman unveiled the manifesto at a city hotel in the capital this afternoon. He is leading the party into the upcoming election, marking the first time a BNP manifesto has been announced under his leadership.
Nine key electoral commitments
- A "Family Card" will be introduced to protect marginalised and low-income families, ensuring Tk2,500 per month or essential commodities of equivalent value. The amount of assistance will be increased gradually.
- To ensure fair prices for farmers' produce, subsidies, easy loans, agricultural insurance and state-supported marketing will be strengthened through a "Farmer Card." Fish farmers, livestock rearers and small agri-entrepreneurs will also benefit.
- To build a corruption-free and humane healthcare system, BNP plans to recruit 100,000 health workers nationwide, ensure quality treatment at district and metropolitan levels, provide comprehensive maternal and child healthcare, and expand preventive services.
- To establish an enjoyable and employment-oriented education system, the party pledges to formulate a value- and skills-based education policy, prioritise primary education, provide technological support to teachers and students, and introduce a mid-day meal programme.
- To secure the future of youth, BNP promises job creation, enhancement of technical and language skills, support for startups and entrepreneurs, integration into global e-commerce platforms, and merit-based public sector recruitment.
- Sports infrastructure and training facilities will be expanded at district and upazila levels to turn sports into a viable profession and livelihood.
- To strengthen environmental protection and climate resilience, BNP plans to excavate and re-excavate 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals, plant 250 million trees within five years, and introduce modern waste management systems with public participation.
- To reinforce religious and social harmony, a welfare system including honorariums and training will be introduced for religious leaders of all faiths.
- To boost the digital economy and global connectivity, BNP pledges to introduce international payment systems such as PayPal, establish a regional e-commerce hub, and expand exports of "Made in Bangladesh" products.
According to the party, the manifesto is not merely an electoral promise but a declaration of a new social and state contract.
BNP states that it believes in politics of justice and humanity, not revenge; rights of the people, not power; production, not plunder; rights, not fear; and fairness, not discrimination.
If entrusted with responsibility through public mandate, BNP pledges to build a Bangladesh where the sanctity of votes is upheld, terrorism, corruption and discrimination are eliminated, no one stands above the law, and every citizen can proudly say, "Shobar Aage Bangladesh".
'Three foundational pillars of the manifesto'
BNP says its political foundation rests on the 19-point state philosophy of former president Ziaur Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia's Vision 2030, and the 31-point state reform outline announced by the Tarique Rahman.
According to the party, its politics is not slogan-driven but plan-based, guided by the vision of "Shobar Aage Bangladesh" and Tarique Rahman's declaration, "We have a plan."
Under this framework, the BNP aims to build a "humane, inclusive and accountable state" focused on employment, good governance, healthcare, education, sports, balanced development, climate change mitigation, rule of law, and social and food security.
