The BNP has presented to the international community its electoral strategy and vision for future governance if it comes to power.
Thirty representatives from different countries, including the ambassadors of China and Malaysia, as well as representatives from the United States, the UK, India, Pakistan, and Russia, attended a discussion on Tuesday.
The party organised the discussion titled “Policy Dissemination on Priority Social Policies” at Hotel Sheraton in Dhaka’s Banani area.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir delivered the keynote speech as chief guest. The event was chaired by BNP Joint Secretary General (International) Humayun Kabir. BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan, Dhaka University Pro‑Vice Chancellor (Education) Mamun Ahmed, BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Mahadi Amin, and International Affairs Secretary Rashedul Haque were also present.
While addressing the event, he said that after 2009, the fascist Awami League government destroyed the country’s economy and turned it into a “mafia economy.” The country was turned into a paradise for a small group, and banks were systematically looted. Huge amounts of money from the banking sector were laundered abroad, making some individuals owners of vast wealth. The national economy was transformed into a “mafia economy,” he added.
Commenting that the “development” of the past 15 years was disconnected, unaccountable, and riddled with corruption, he said, “The country was pushed towards unprecedented election rigging, where voters were practically absent from the electoral process. This situation ultimately led to the student‑people’s uprising in July, which created new hope and new opportunities.”
He said there was no significant employment or meaningful investment within the country. Since the declaration of independence, BNP has worked as a people‑friendly and development‑oriented political party, advancing through political and economic reforms since its inception.
The BNP secretary general said that today’s challenges are immense, but the party has already worked hard to formulate policies capable of steering the devastated economy towards a civilised and sustainable path. These policies will pave the way for sustainable development and enable low‑income people to rise. Under the concept of economic democracy, a new era will begin through the participation of the broader population in the economic development process.
He said the economy will be inclusive, participatory, and growth‑oriented, and society will be built on democratic values and culture, with people at the centre of all decisions. Referring to the programme proposed by the party chief, he said there is a promise of visionary leadership, advanced ideas, new technology, and the creation of new opportunities.
In the keynote paper, BNP Chairman’s Adviser Ziauddin Haider presented a detailed social policy framework under BNP’s 31‑point programme for state reforms. He also advocated moving from divisive politics to results‑based governance and outlined eight priority areas to address citizens’ daily crises amid economic pressure, high inflation, and rising poverty.
The eight key social policies
Family Card
A rights‑based social protection programme, where families will receive monthly assistance (Tk2,000–2,500) through an adult woman, ensuring food security, enhancing savings capacity, and building family resilience.
Farmer Card
A digital tool for farmers to ensure access to subsidised inputs, easy loans, insurance, and markets, thereby securing livelihoods and food security.
Health
Transformation into a preventive service‑based system; comprehensive primary health units in every union and ward, with referral systems connecting to higher‑level hospitals.
Education
Focus not only on enrollment but also on quality, relevance, and joy of learning; teacher development, modern classrooms, a third language, mainstreaming technical education, and protection for girls.
Employment and skills
Youth‑centred strategies, skill‑enhancement training, integration with IT, blue economy, and overseas employment; targeted support for entrepreneurs and marginalised groups.
Sports
Making physical education compulsory, ensuring infrastructure, creating career pathways, and especially increasing women’s inclusion to turn sports into a nation‑building policy.
Environment and climate resilience
Large‑scale water management including canal excavation and embankments, extensive afforestation, and waste management to enhance resilience against climate impacts.
Dignity and welfare of religious leaders
Providing financial security and honorarium for all religious leaders to strengthen social stability and communal harmony. In addition, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman held separate meetings with ambassadors of several countries at different times on Tuesday.
