The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday unveiled its election manifesto ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election, outlining nine major pledges aimed at social protection, economic reform, employment generation, and democratic restoration.
The manifesto was formally announced in the afternoon at a programme held at Hotel Sonargaon in the capital, where BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman presented the party’s vision and commitments. Images of the event were later shared on the party’s official Facebook page. At the heart of the manifesto is the proposed ‘Family Card’ scheme, designed to provide direct support to marginalised and low-income households.
Family Card for Low-Income Households: According to the manifesto, BNP plans to introduce a Family Card that will ensure Tk 2,500 per month or equivalent essential commodities for poor and vulnerable families. The party said the amount of assistance would be increased gradually based on economic capacity and implementation experience. BNP leaders described the initiative as a social safety measure to protect families struggling with rising living costs.
Farmer Card and Agricultural Support: To ensure fair prices for farm produce, the manifesto promises the introduction of a ‘Farmer Card’, through which farmers will receive subsidies, easy loans, crop insurance, and state-supported marketing facilities. The scheme will also cover fisherfolk, livestock farmers, and small agri-based entrepreneurs, according to the party.
Health Sector Reform and Recruitment: In the health sector, BNP pledged to build a corruption-free and humane healthcare system by recruiting 100,000 health workers nationwide. The manifesto highlights expanded maternal and child healthcare, district- and city-level quality medical services, and strengthened disease prevention programmes.
Education, Youth, and Employment: The party also pledged to introduce a skills- and values-based education policy, prioritising primary education. Key commitments include technology support for teachers and students and the introduction of a mid-day meal programme in primary schools.
For young people, BNP promised large-scale job creation, expanded technical and language training, support for startups and entrepreneurs, access to global e-commerce platforms, and merit-based recruitment in government jobs.
Sports, Environment, and Social Harmony: Other pledges include expanding sports infrastructure and training facilities at district and upazila levels to help turn sports into a viable profession.
On environmental protection and climate resilience, BNP announced plans for excavation and re-excavation of 10,000 kilometres of rivers and canals, plantation of 150 million trees within five years, and the introduction of modern waste management systems through public participation.
To strengthen religious and social harmony, the manifesto proposes honorariums and welfare-oriented training programmes for religious leaders of all faiths.
Digital Economy and Global Connectivity: The final pledge focuses on expanding the digital economy, including launching international payment systems such as PayPal, establishing regional e-commerce hubs, and boosting exports of ‘Made in Bangladesh’ products.
Vision of Governance: BNP leaders said the manifesto is not merely a set of electoral promises, but a declaration of a new social and state contract. The party emphasised politics based on justice and humanity, rather than revenge or power.
“If entrusted with responsibility through the people’s vote, BNP will build a Bangladesh where votes matter, corruption and discrimination end, and no one stands above the law,” the party said, adding that citizens would be able to proudly say, “Bangladesh first.” The manifesto comes as political parties intensify campaigns ahead of the upcoming national election.
