BNP has officially announced its election manifesto for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election, presenting a comprehensive vision for state reform and governance.
The manifesto was unveiled by the party’s Chairman Tarique Rahman during a ceremony held at Hotel Sonargaon in the capital on Friday afternoon.
The event saw the participation of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, members of the party’s Standing Committee, foreign diplomats, leaders of various political parties, and senior journalists and editors.
Constitutional, parliamentary reforms
A cornerstone of the BNP’s proposal is the introduction of a 10-year term limit for any individual serving as prime minister. The party further intends to create the post of Vice President and introduce an Upper House in Parliament to ensure a more balanced legislative process.
In an effort to foster inclusive governance, the BNP has pledged that 20 per cent of seats in the Upper House will be reserved for women, and the role of deputy speaker will be allocated to the opposition party.
The manifesto also outlines the restoration of the Caretaker Government system, the amendment of Article 70 of the Constitution, and the reintroduction of “absolute trust and faith in Almighty Allah” as a guiding principle of state policy.
Justice and national unity
The BNP has committed to establishing a “Truth and Healing Commission” as part of a broader effort to move beyond the politics of vengeance and retaliation.
The party believes that “Bangladeshi Nationalism” should serve as the foundation for ending political and social divisions, uniting citizens regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds.
For the purpose of ensuring judicial independence, the party proposes the formation of a Judicial Commission and a separate secretariat under the Supreme Court, while also strengthening the Supreme Judicial Council.
The BNP also intends to enact specific laws for the appointment of judges in accordance with Article 95(2)(c) of the Constitution.
Good governance and anti-graft measures
If entrusted with the mandate to govern, the BNP has stated that its primary priorities will be corruption control and the maintenance of law and order.
Proposed measures include the appointment of an Ombudsman, the implementation of real-time audits, and the recovery of laundered money sent abroad during the previous regime.
The party also envisions a “Meritocracy’s Bangladesh,” pledging to fill 500,000 vacant government positions with transparency and speed.
To reform the security apparatus, a “Police Commission” will be established to create a force suitable for a democratic society, and a “Administrative Reform Commission” will be formed to ensure a pro-people bureaucracy.
Social safety nets and empowerment
The manifesto introduces several initiatives to support the livelihoods of citizens, including the issuance of “Family Cards” for households and “Farmer Cards” for those in the agricultural and livestock sectors.
For employees in the private sector, the BNP proposes the creation of a “Pension Fund” to provide security in old age.
Regarding women’s empowerment, the party has pledged free education up to the postgraduate level, the establishment of day-care centres at workplaces, and the implementation of strict legal penalties for gender-based violence and online bullying.
Employment and Economic Development Under the principle of “Work for all, build the nation,” the BNP aims to prioritise job creation and support for the youth.
The party intends to offer unemployment benefits for the jobless, provide free Wi-Fi at IT parks, and facilitate training for freelancing and outsourcing with links to global platforms like Amazon and Alibaba.
In the agricultural sector, the party has promised to waive agricultural loans up to Tk 10,000 including interest, pay one year’s instalment of microloans on behalf of borrowers, and restart the Barind project.
Additionally, a dedicated department will be established under the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs to support the families of martyrs and those injured in the recent mass uprising and anti-fascist movements.
