The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday officially released its manifesto for the 13th parliamentary elections, pledging to build a justice-based, humane and prosperous Bangladesh under the guiding principle of “Bangladesh First”.
The manifesto, announced at a ceremony led by BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, outlines the party’s vision for governance rooted in justice, democratic values and national interest.
The comprehensive manifesto integrates key frameworks from BNP founder late President Ziaur Rahman’s 19-point programme, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s Vision-2030, Tarique Rahman’s 31-point proposals and the July National Charter.
It focuses on four broad pillars: democratic reforms, economic transformation, institutional accountability, and social welfare.
On democracy and governance, BNP promises constitutional and electoral reforms to ensure that voting remains the sole source of state power. The party vows zero tolerance for authoritarianism and foreign influence and pledges to uphold media freedom, freedom of expression, and social justice.
A state-led survey will recognise and honour the martyrs of the Liberation War, while justice for the July mass uprising and anti-authoritarian movement will be ensured through a proposed Truth and Healing Commission.
The party reaffirms a strict anti-corruption stance, promising institutional reforms, performance audits of government projects, open tendering and recovery of laundered money.
BNP also proposes single-window clearance systems to improve transparency and efficiency in public institutions.
Social welfare measures feature prominently in the manifesto. The party pledges Family Cards for every household, Farmer Cards for small traders, farmers and fishermen, expanded social safety nets, and special support for persons with disabilities, orphans, and marginalised communities.
Education will be free up to postgraduate level, and women’s empowerment will be promoted through Family Cards issued in the name of female heads of households. Agricultural loans up to Tk 10,000 will be waived to support farmers.
Economic development and investment strategies include transforming Bangladesh into a $1 trillion economy by 2034 through investment-driven growth.
The manifesto emphasises attracting foreign direct investment, supporting SMEs and startups, strengthening the banking sector, expanding port infrastructure and boosting power generation to 35,000 MW by 2030.
BNP also proposes positioning Bangladesh as a global ICT and AI hub, creating one million new ICT jobs and improving internet connectivity nationwide.
The party has committed to balanced regional development, planned urbanisation, affordable housing, waste management and revenue reforms to raise the tax-to-GDP ratio to 15 per cent in phases. Religious freedom, the protection of journalists and enhanced welfare for religious leaders are also highlighted as key policy areas.
This is the first election manifesto released under Tarique Rahman’s leadership. In previous elections, BNP’s manifestos were announced by former party chairperson and Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
The release underscores BNP’s election strategy focused on governance reforms, social justice, economic growth and national reconciliation, setting the stage for the February 12 polls.
