Dhaka 25 September, 2026

BNP Drafting People-Centric Manifesto for Upcoming Election

Shameem Chowdhury, RTV

Publish : 18 Jan 2026, 09:26 AM

Following the tradition of political parties offering various pledges to attract voters ahead of an election, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is focusing on a "people-centric" agenda.

In the wake of the fall of the former regime, public expectations have surged, and the BNP aims to bridge the gap between those aspirations and reality.

Rather than making false promises, the party is reportedly crafting a manifesto focused on actionable public issues.

This year’s document is being framed not just as a list of electoral pledges, but as a comprehensive roadmap for state restructuring, economic recovery, and human resource transformation.

The party’s nation-building plan will be presented across eight distinct packages.

A Blend of Visionary Policies
The manifesto will draw heavily from the established ideological pillars of the party, incorporating the "19-Point Program" of the late President Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia’s "Vision 2030," and the "31-Point Reform Outline" recently championed by Tarique Rahman.

Key highlights of the proposed manifesto include:

  • Social Safety Nets: Introduction of "Family Cards" and initiatives to make women self-reliant.
  • Agricultural Support: Implementation of "Farmers' Cards" to boost the agricultural sector.
  • Economic Growth: Specific roadmaps for job creation and attracting foreign investment.
  • Religious & Minority Affairs: Increasing the status and dignity of Khatibs, Imams, and Muazzins, alongside special provisions and protections for minority communities.

Expert and Party Perspectives
The BNP leadership asserts that the manifesto is being developed based on a planned roadmap designed to improve the quality of life for people across all professions and social classes.

Professor Muhammad Ainul Islam, Director of the Center for Democratic Practice at Dhaka University, noted that the party's long-term preparation might pay off:

"From what I have gathered regarding the issues the BNP is bringing into their manifesto, it appears they will meet public expectations. They have been refining these concepts for the last 17 years."

The BNP is expected to officially unveil the full manifesto in the coming days.

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