BNP is drafting its election manifesto in line with former prime minister Khaleda Zia’s Vision-2030 and the 31-point agenda announced by party Chairman Tarique Rahman.
Party sources said the document consolidates proposals on state restructuring, implementation of the July National Charter, administrative and constitutional reforms.
Tarique Rahman is expected to formally unveil the manifesto within a day or two at a press conference, which is expected to draw a large public turnout.
If voted to power, BNP says it aims to restore democracy in Bangladesh, guided by the principles and ideals of late president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia.
Nazrul Islam Khan, a BNP Standing Committee member and head of the manifesto drafting committee, has said that all key issues will be addressed within the framework of the 31 points.
He said priorities would include constitutional and administrative reforms, free and fair elections, voting under a non-partisan government, independence of the Election Commission, protection of human rights, freedom of expression, transparent governance, and recovery of the national economy.
Party sources said the manifesto would also emphasise full independence for state institutions, including the Anti-Corruption Commission, alongside pledges to curb corruption, extortion, drug abuse, land grabbing, and the ensuring of women’s rights and security.
The commitments would also cover safeguarding judicial independence, decentralising administration and strengthening the anti-corruption framework, the sources added.
Building on the legacy of Ziaur Rahman’s 19-point agenda, the manifesto will announce the revival of a nationwide canal excavation programme.
Under the plan, around 20,000 kilometres of canals will be excavated across the country, alongside a large-scale greening drive involving the planting of 250 million trees over the next five years.
The initiative aims to ease waterlogging, protect the environment and improve urban living conditions.
In agriculture, the manifesto promises a waiver of interest on agricultural loans of up to Tk10,000, reduced prices for agricultural inputs, fair prices for farmers, and a transparent system for paddy and rice procurement.
It also proposes distributing family cards to 10 million households nationwide, introducing farmer cards, and taking targeted measures to address climate and environmental challenges.
In the health sector, BNP plans to introduce health cards, establish union-based community centres, and recruit 100,000 health workers nationwide to strengthen primary healthcare services, with 80 percent of the recruits being women.
The manifesto also includes plans to build medical colleges in divisional cities and key districts.
In education, the party pledges free and quality education up to the higher secondary level, an end to partisan influence over educational institutions, and the formation of citizen councils to expand public participation in policymaking.
The manifesto further commits to protecting the rights of religious and minority communities, including the development of Qawmi madrasas, the establishment of an Islamic research fund, modernisation of religious education, and ensuring an environment conducive to diversified religious practice.
It also promises special tribunals to prevent land grabbing from minorities, security cells, and state support during religious festivals.
On youth employment, the manifesto is expected to outline plans to create 10 million new jobs, establish start-up funds, expand IT training, open new overseas labour markets, and form an anti-drug task force.
The document also includes commitments to women’s empowerment, equal opportunities in the workplace, a women entrepreneurs’ fund, higher maternity allowances, and fast-track tribunals to ensure justice for victims and put an end to incidents of violence against women.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told TIMES of Bangladesh that the manifesto drafting process was currently in its final stage and that the document would be announced within the next few days.
