United News of Bangladesh

BNP on Friday rolled out its manifesto for the 13th parliamentary election under the guiding vision of 'Bangladesh First', pledging wide-ranging political, economic and social reforms to build a welfare-oriented, democratic and prosperous country. The 44-page manifesto, announced by BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman at a formal ceremony at a city hotel in the afternoon, sets out 51 commitments under five broad sections, with nine priority pledges highlighted as the party’s immediate focus, if voted to power. Presenting the manifesto for nearly two hours, just six days ahead of the national election, Tarique Rahman said BNP’s plans would centre on restoring good governance by giving the highest priority to ending corruption, ensuring the rule of law and establishing accountability. “None of the plans and programmes we have placed before the nation can succeed unless corruption is eliminated, the rule of law is enforced and accountability is ensured,” he said, adding that if BNP forms the government it will act firmly on these three issues “at any cost”. With the slogan of building a 'welfare-oriented and prosperous Bangladesh', the manifesto identifies nine priority areas, which the party said are not merely election pledges but a declaration of a new social and state contract. The nine priorities include the introduction of a ‘Family Card’ to protect marginalised and low-income households, a ‘Farmer Card’ to ensure fair prices for agricultural produce, recruitment of 100,000 health workers, and the formulation of a skills- and values-based education policy aimed at creating a joyful and employment-oriented education system. Other priorities focus on creating jobs for young people, developing sports as a viable profession by expanding sports infrastructure and training facilities at district and upazila levels, strengthening environmental protection and climate resilience through public participation, excavation and re-excavation of 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals, plantation of 250 million trees in five years, and the introduction of a modern waste management system. Beyond the nine priorities, the manifesto outlines broader commitments, including the appointment of an ombudsman, recovery of laundered money, trial of crimes against humanity committed during what BNP described as the 'fascist era', and ensuring discrimination-free socio-economic development. The manifesto also pledges to introduce an international payment system to boost the digital economy and global connectivity. The BNP’s 51-point election manifesto outlines in detail the party’s plans for governing the country if voted to power, including proposals to ensure a significant presence of women in the cabinet and to introduce annual state funding for political parties. It also commits to launching a welfare programme involving honorariums and training for religious leaders at places of worship of all faiths, and introducing an international payment system to expand the digital economy and global connectivity. Framework and ideological foundation The manifesto has been framed by integrating BNP founder late President Ziaur Rahman’s 19-point programme, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s Vision-2030, Tarique Rahman’s 31-point proposal on state restructuring, and the July National Charter. It reiterates BNP’s ideological commitment to democracy, justice and moral governance, stating that the party’s core objective is to establish a fair and accountable society while upholding religious values and ethical principles. Democracy, Reforms and Accountability Emphasising electoral and constitutional reforms, the manifesto vows to restore voting as the sole legitimate source of state power and build a sustainable democratic framework through necessary reforms to the election system and the Constitution. BNP pledged zero tolerance for authoritarianism and foreign subservience, vowing to eliminate discrimination across society, ensure social justice, protect media freedom, and guarantee freedom of expression. The party also committed to preparing an accurate list of martyrs of the Liberation War through a state-led survey, ensuring due recognition and dignity of freedom fighters, preserving the correct history of the Liberation War, and encouraging investment by freedom fighter entrepreneurs. BNP to build equitable, knowledge-based society, hopes Zubaida Justice for July Uprising and Reconciliation The manifesto promises justice for the July mass uprising and the 16-year anti-authoritarian movement, including recognition, treatment and rehabilitation of injured activists and support for families of martyrs. BNP announced plans to establish a Truth and Healing Commission in line with its proposed National Reconciliation framework to ensure victim-centred, restorative justice and national unity. Anti-corruption and Governance Reaffirming a no-compromise stance on corruption, BNP pledged institutional reforms, legal restructuring, real-time audits, open tendering, performance audits of government projects, and single-window clearance systems. The party also vowed to recover laundered money siphoned abroad during what it termed the “fascist era” and restore confidence in public institutions through transparency and accountability. Social Protection and Welfare BNP committed to building a humane, dignified and rights-based social protection system. Key pledges include: 1. Introduction of Family Cards for every household 2. Farmer Cards for farmers, small traders, fishermen and livestock farmers 3. Expansion of social safety nets and increased allowances 4. Establishment of an effective pension fund for private-sector workers 5. Special support for persons with disabilities, orphans, backward regions and marginalised communities Women’s empowerment has been prioritised, with a pledge to issue Family Cards in the name of the female head of household and provide free education up to postgraduate level. The manifesto promises agricultural protection through Farmer Cards and the waiver of agricultural loans with interest up to Tk 10,000. To tackle unemployment, BNP pledged to establish government employment exchanges at district and upazila levels, launch free internet services at key public locations, and set up overseas employment training and language centres. Economy and Investment BNP outlined an ambitious economic vision, aiming to transform Bangladesh into a $1 trillion economy by 2034 by shifting from consumption-driven to investment-driven growth. Increasing foreign direct investment to 2.5% of GDP, SME and startup support through guarantee schemes, cash-flow-based loans, crowdfunding and insurance, formation of an Economic Reform Commission to restore confidence in the banking sector, control inflation and rationalise interest rates— outlined in BNP manifesto. The party pledged to ensure autonomy of the Securities and Exchange Commission and establish a Capital Market Protection Commission, alongside a special probe into irregularities over the past 15 years. It also plans to develop Chattogram and Mongla ports into integrated logistics hubs, expand power generation capacity to 35,000 MW by 2030, and strengthen transmission infrastructure while reviewing costly rental and quick-rental power contracts. ICT, revenue and urban development BNP aims to position Bangladesh as a global ICT and AI hub, create one million new ICT jobs, ensure fast and reliable internet access, and implement a national connectivity master plan. The party pledged to raise the tax-GDP ratio to 15% in phases and ensure balanced regional development through planned urbanisation, affordable housing, land banks, waste management and citizen service centres. Religious Freedom and Media Reaffirming the principle “religion is personal, the state belongs to all,” BNP pledged to ensure full religious freedom, enhance the dignity and honorarium of khatibs, imams and muezzins, and expand religious welfare trusts. The manifesto also promises protection of journalists’ rights, an end to harassment, justice for journalist killings, and formation of a National Journalists’ Retirement Welfare Board. BNP cancels final Dhaka election rally scheduled for Feb 8 BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir presided over the programme, while Standing Committee member and Central Election Steering Committee Chairman Nazrul Islam Khan and member Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi moderated the event. Senior BNP leaders, alliance partners, veteran editors, senior journalists, academics, professionals and members of the foreign diplomatic corps were present at the ceremony. This is the first time BNP has unveiled an election manifesto under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, who is leading the party in the current parliamentary election. In previous polls—the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth national elections—the party was led by then chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, who personally announced each of BNP’s election manifestos during that period. Veteran editors including Shafik Rehman, Mahfuz Anam, Matiur Rahman, and Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, alongside senior journalists, representatives from various professions, and members of the foreign diplomatic corps. ​Among the senior BNP leaders present were Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, and Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury. Other prominent leaders included Vice Chairmen Shamsuzzaman Dudu and Dr. Asaduzzaman Ripon, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Chairperson’s Advisory Council members Ismail Zabihullah, Maj. Gen. (Retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar, Golam Akbar Khandakar, Masud Ahmed Talukder, Prof. Sukomal Barua, Nazmul Haque Nannu, Nazim Uddin Alam. ​The event also saw the participation of alliance leaders, including Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Biplobi Workers Party of Bangladesh; Advocate Subrata Chowdhury, Executive President of Gono Forum; Khandaker Lutfur Rahman, President of JAGPA; and Maulana Abdur Rab Yousufi, Senior Vice Chairman of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam. Distinguished academics and researchers, including Professor Mahbub Ullah, Professor AFM Yusuf Haider, Professor Kamrul Ahsan, and Professor ABM Obaidul Islam, were also in attendance.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to announce the party’s election manifesto for the 13th parliamentary election on Friday. BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan said the manifesto will be unveiled at 3:30pm at Sonargaon Hotel in the capital. He said party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will preside over the programme while Nazrul Islam Khan, a standing committee member and chairman of the party’s central election steering committee, will conduct the programme. Diplomats and intellectuals and noted citizens and prominent figures from various professional groups have been invited to the programme. Tarique Rahman is leading the BNP in this parliamentary election, making it the first time he will formally present the party’s election manifesto. In the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth parliamentary elections, the party was led by his mother and then BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who announced the manifestos on those occasions. Although the BNP-led Jatiya Oikya Front took part in the 11th parliamentary election in 2018, Khaleda Zia was in jail at the time, and the manifesto was announced on December 18 that year by Mirza Fakhrul at Lakeshore Hotel in Gulshan. The BNP boycotted the 10th and 12th parliamentary elections held under Sheikh Hasina’s government. Speaking about the upcoming manifesto, Mahdi Amin, spokesperson of the BNP’s central election steering committee, said the party worked with people from all walks of life under the guidance of Tarique Rahman. He said the manifesto has been prepared based on the party’s 31-point outline and feedback collected from grassroots levels across divisions, districts, upazilas and wards, aiming to address people’s problems and improve their lives. Mahdi said the document reflects both the vision of the party’s top leadership and the needs of ordinary citizens, focusing on realistic and sustainable planning. BNP to hold its final election rally in Dhaka on Feb 8 He also said Tarique Rahman’s plans centre on people’s empowerment, freedom, self-reliance, security and inclusive development, with the goal of building a Bangladesh where citizens enjoy ownership of the state and better living conditions for their families. Party sources said the manifesto gives priority to young people, females, farmers and workers, with corruption eradication, establishment of good governance, creation of new jobs and economic liberation of people set as the party’s main goals. Special programmes have also been included to attract new voters. According to party insiders, BNP’s core promises will centre on eight major areas, including family cards, farmer cards, social security, job creation, youth and women’s empowerment, demand-based education, improved healthcare and family-friendly policies. These programmes, already shared with the public, will receive the highest priority in the manifesto. The manifesto will also include pledges to waive agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000 including interest, construct the Padma Barrage in response to India’s Farakka Barrage, implement the Teesta mega plan and address region-specific problems across the country. Restoration of democratic governance, rebuilding the electoral system, judicial independence, administrative decentralisation, protection of human rights and strengthening anti-corruption institutions have been included as central themes. Party policymakers said BNP’s commitment is to return state ownership to the people and establish an administration free from partisan influence.

BNP will hold its final election rally on Sunday in the capital on February 8, ahead of the national election. The rally will take place at the party’s central office in the capital’s Nayapaltan area at 2:00 pm, with BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman set to address the gathering as the chief guest. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed shared the information with reporters on Thursday morning after a joint meeting at the party’s Nayapaltan central office. Rizvi said all preparations have been completed to make the final election rally a success. He said Tarique Rahman will speak at the event, while BNP candidates from Dhaka and nearby areas will also be present. Expressing hope for a peaceful election, Rizvi said voters are expected to be able to exercise their right to vote without fear. He said BNP has always come to power with support from people and that despite severe repression, the party could not be suppressed. “The people of the country see the sheaf of paddy not just as a symbol, but as an emotion. Carrying that spirit, people will cast their votes on February 12,” Rizvi added.

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas on Wednesday called upon all, regardless of religion or caste, to work together to build a beautiful and peaceful Bangladesh. “I have not received any complaints from the Christian community so far, but I will stand by them if needed in the future,” he said while meeting members of the Christian community at St Mary’s Cathedral in Kakrail, Dhaka, during a views-exchange meeting in the afternoon. He mentioned that the cathedral and some religious institutions were not part of his constituency earlier, but were included in the recent boundary redrawing. The BNP leader said that although the Christian community is relatively small, it has been living in peace and harmony in Bangladesh, maintaining good relations with all. He thanked the community leaders for their role in fostering peaceful coexistence. “No one is a minority or a majority in Bangladesh—we are all citizens with equal rights,” he said, adding that using the word ‘minority’ singles out a community unfairly and indirectly insults them. Mirza Abbas also said Islam teaches that everyone has the right to their own religion and no religion should be interfered with, which is why people of different faiths live together peacefully in Bangladesh. He pointed out that attempts by some groups to spread hatred are collectively resisted. Abbas warns of election engineering as some candidates claim victory Addressing the Christian community, he said no vote should be considered insignificant and urged people of all faiths, including Hindus, Buddhists and Christians, to vote and encourage others to do so. The BNP leader, who is contesting the Dhaka-8 constituency, said the election campaign period is very short. “I have only 21 days to campaign, which is my first experience in political life,” he said, expressing hope of winning with the combined support of all communities in the constituency.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman on Wednesday said she hopes to build an equitable, knowledge-based Bangladesh that upholds the dignity of labour after listening to the problems faced by the residents of Karail, Bhashantek and Sattala areas. “You have taken your valuable time to come here, listened to us and shared your problems with us. As far as we can, we will listen more, learn more and try to understand one another so that we can find proper ways to solve these problems and present a beautiful, equitable and knowledge-based country that values labour,” she said. Dr Zubaida, also an eminent cardiologist, made the remarks at a views-exchange meeting held at the open gallery of the Hatirjheel Amphitheatre in the afternoon. The programme was organised by the professionals’ wing of the Dhaka-17 constituency election steering committee. After hearing the grievances of people from the three areas, she said proper planning and sincere efforts are needed to resolve these problems and pave the way for an equitable state that respects labour and is free from exploitation. Zubaida said BNP believes in planned politics and development. “This is the time for a new sunrise of pride. We believe in ‘we’ before ‘me’, ‘country’ before ‘us’, ‘people’ before power, and above all Bangladesh.” Tarique Rahman’s wife also said BNP believes in equality, not division, and in equal opportunities for all, along with dignity of labour. “We want recognition of merit, merit-based jobs and rights, justice, and rights before any form of exploitation. We want to present such a society and such a state to the people where the people come before leaders,” she said.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said spreading confusion in the name of religion can never be acceptable or proper politics. “They speak in the name of Islam but deceive people. They are saying that voting for the “Scale” symbol will ensure entry into heaven. No true Muslim can believe such claims,” he said in an oblique reference to Jamaat-e-Islami. The BNP leader was addressing a street rally at Kismat Daulatpur Dakhil Madrasah ground in Thakurgaon. Bangladesh to face danger if voters fail to make right choice: Fakhrul Fakhrul said prominent Islamic scholars, including those from Charmonai, have stated that ‘Jamaat-e-Islami is not an Islamic party’. He added that Muslims believe salvation depends on deeds, not symbols. “Only Allah decides who goes to heaven and that depends solely on one’s actions,” he said. The BNP secretary general said a political group, previously unseen in active politics, is now emerging ahead of the election. “There is no objection to anyone taking part in politics or elections but please do not lie, do not spread slander like backbiters and do not defame others,” he said. Referring to media reports, Fakhrul said the Jamaat Ameer had used obscene language against women. “Can a leader who cannot respect mothers and sisters, who speaks offensively about them, ever claim moral high ground or do good for society?” he questioned. The BNP leader said the people of the country had been deprived of their voting rights for the last 15 years.  “InshAllah, this time people will be able to vote and a free and fair election will be held,” he said. BNP believes in constructive politics and criticism, not personal attacks and its politics focuses on development and restoring people’s rights. Fakhrul said BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has emerged very much in the footsteps of his father Shaeed President Ziaur Rahman. He said Tarique Rahman has announced a clear plan, including creating jobs for one crore youths within a year, introducing family cards for women, agriculture cards for farmers, and waiving agricultural loans up to Tk 10,000. If BNP comes to power, he stressed, the new government will take responsibility for repaying loans taken from NGOs. He urged voters to go to polling centres on January 12 and cast their votes in favour of BNP’s ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol.  

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Jamaat-led 11-party alliance candidate for the Dhaka-11 constituency Nahid Islam on Wednesday said the BNP has failed to field any ‘credible challenger’ in the national election scheduled for February 12. Talking to reporters during electioneering in Malibagh, Nahid alleged that the candidates contesting against them are either loan defaulters, dual citizenship holders, or involved in land grabbing, terrorism and extortion. “We are facing candidates who are either loan defaulters or dual citizens; otherwise, they are land grabbers, terrorists or extortionists. The opposition alliance could not nominate any worthy opponent,” he said. Referring to what he described as multi-layered conspiracies surrounding the election, Nahid claimed that both domestic and foreign plots are underway, with indications of ‘major conspiracies’ originating from a neighbouring country. Expressing confidence about forming the next government, Nahid said public response in favour of the 11-party alliance has been unprecedented. “You can see it yourselves—the people are responding overwhelmingly. I am hopeful that this alliance will secure the required number of seats in Parliament to form the government.” Claiming a strong position in his own constituency, Nahid said voters in Dhaka-11 are rallying behind them. “On February 12, people will deliver their verdict against corruption, extortion and terrorism. The ‘Shapla Koli’ symbol will emerge victorious in this constituency.” Nahid also alleged that a political party is exerting pressure on the media, accusing it of influencing coverage ahead of the polls. “The media is giving coverage to a particular party. There are also attempts to ensure that incidents like the takeover of polling centres on February 12 do not get reported,” he claimed.

BNP Vice Chairman and Feni-3 candidate Abdul Awal Mintu on Tuesday said that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami should never be allowed to come to power, describing the party as a group of hypocrites. He made the remarks on Tuesday while speaking at an election rally at Sonagazi Municipality in Feni. Mintu accused Jamaat-e-Islami of obstructing development and creating unrest in the country. “They do not want the people’s progress; instead, they want to turn this country into a place like Syria or Lebanon,” he said. He alleged that the party spreads lies, creates conflicts and acts opportunistically, urging people not to join Jamaat-e-Islami. Calling on voters to support the BNP’s electoral symbol ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ in the election, Mintu said Bangladesh would move forward with Allah’s blessings if BNP leader Tarique Rahman became the prime minister. He also promised development work in his constituency, including riverbank protection, improvements to schools and better healthcare facilities in Sonagazi and Daganbhuiyan. Many central and district BNP leaders were present at the rally, including Joint Secretary Shaheena Akhtar Shanu, district Joint Convener Gazi Habib Ullah Manik and leaders of Sonagazi Upazila BNP.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday expressed concern that fascism could reemerge in the country in a new form and through different tactics. “Fascism must not rise again. We all need to be careful so that no one can establish autocracy in a new way, with new tactics or a new appearance,” he said while speaking at the inaugural session of a views-exchange meeting with members of the Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy at a hotel in the capital’s Gulshan area. He urged all to remain alert to protect democracy so that no authoritarian force can return under a new guise. The BNP leader said people were not able to cast their votes freely over the last 16 to 17 years and the festive atmosphere normally associated with polling was destroyed. “Elections are meant to be a festival of people’s participation. But in the past, that environment was ruined through the capture of polling centres and intimidation,” he observed. Praising the role of journalists, Rizvi said reporters bravely highlighted many incidents during periods of political repression, which helped save the lives of many leaders and activists. He said there were times when party activists were picked up late at night. “Even when police denied it, journalists exposed the incidents. As a result, many people were rescued.” BNP to make women self-reliant if voted to power: Tarique Rizvi also warned that recent incidents suggest a rise in rude and aggressive behaviour in politics, which reflect a fascist mindset. He cautioned that any attempt to establish authoritarian rule by using religion will be even more dangerous. The BNP leader said if voting rights are ensured, people will make the right decisions and democratic forces will be reflected. Rizvi expressed hope that the next election will be held in a free and inclusive environment. BNP Standing Committee member and chief of the party’s central election steering committee Nazrul Islam Khan, BNP Chairperson’s adviser Ismail Zabiullah, and adviser to the BNP Acting Chairman and spokesperson of the election steering committee Mahdi Amin, among others, were present at the meeting.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said women would be made self-reliant if his party is voted to power in the national election. He said mothers and daughters would receive primary healthcare services at home without visiting hospitals for basic treatment, he said addressing a rally at Bell’s Park in Barishal city. Tarique Rahman also pledged a series of measures to support farmers, including the construction of cold storage facilities, to ensure fair prices for agricultural produce. He said BNP would introduce an agriculture card to provide farmers with seeds and fertilisers according to their needs. Loans amounting to Tk 10,000 taken by farmers would be waived, he promised. Tarique said industries would be set up using gas from Bhola, creating jobs for local people and alongside contributing to regional economic development.