The Bangladesh National Party (BNP) achieved a smashing win in Friday’s general elections garnering a two-thirds majority, a result which is expected to bring stability following months of unrest after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in a Gen Z-led uprising.
Led by Tarique Rahman, the son of BNP founder and former president, Zia ur Rahman, the party will come into power again after 20 years. Rahman is widely expected to be sworn in as the prime minister. The motto of the BNP’s manifesto is “Bangladesh before all.”
Reforms
The BNP promises to implement all of the points in the July Charter including the establishment of new constitutional bodies and a bicameral parliament. Broader reforms are planned to comply with the commitments by political parties.
Trade and Industry
The party wants to revive closed industries and expand the export sector. Measures will also be introduced so that legally operating foreign businesses can repatriate profits to their countries of origin within 30 days.
Employment and Skills
The BNP aims to provide almost one million jobs in the information and communication technology sector.
The wages would be subject to inflation and would be reviewed on a 2-year basis. Programmes to develop technical and language skills among the youth along with merit-based recruitment by the government, are also promised.
Economic Initiatives
Economic reforms involve the introduction of international payment systems, development of regional e-commerce centres, and boost “Make in Bangladesh” movement. A Family Card will help low-income families to have monthly provisions of essential commodities.
Health and Social Programs
The party plans to gradually raise public spending on health to 5% of GDP, hire 100,000 people for the health sector, and to extend preventative healthcare.
Social initiatives include a mid-day meal program, new skills and values-based school curriculum, improved sports infrastructure and training-centred welfare programs for religious leaders of all faiths.
Also read: Bangladesh elections 2026: BNP in the lead over the 11-party alliance
