BNP manifesto highlights Family Card, employment and healthcare among nine pledges

BNP has set out nine major commitments in its election manifesto ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election, including the launch of a “Family Card” scheme aimed at supporting marginalised and low-income households.

The manifesto was unveiled on Friday afternoon at a programme held at Hotel Sonargaon in the capital, where BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman formally announced the document.

According to the manifesto, the proposed Family Card would provide monthly assistance of Tk2,500 or essential commodities of equivalent value to marginal and low-income families, with the amount to be increased gradually over time.

To ensure fair prices for agricultural produce, BNP pledged to strengthen subsidies, provide easy loans, introduce agricultural insurance and expand state-managed marketing through a “Farmer Card”. The scheme would also cover fisherfolk, livestock farmers and small entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector.

In the healthcare sector, the party promised to recruit 100,000 health workers nationwide to establish a corruption-free and humane healthcare system. The manifesto also commits to expanding quality treatment at district and metropolitan levels, ensuring comprehensive maternal and child healthcare, and strengthening preventive health services.

For education, BNP pledged to introduce a skills- and values-based education policy to create a joyful, employment-oriented system. The manifesto prioritises primary education and promises technological support for teachers and students, along with the introduction of a mid-day meal programme. To secure the future of young people, BNP committed to creating employment opportunities, enhancing technical and language skills, supporting start-ups and entrepreneurs, connecting youth to global e-commerce platforms, and ensuring merit-based recruitment in government jobs.

The manifesto also includes a pledge to expand sports infrastructure and training facilities at district and upazila levels, with the aim of establishing sports as a viable profession and source of livelihood.

On environmental protection and climate resilience, BNP said it would excavate and re-excavate 10,000 kilometres of rivers and canals, plant 150 million trees within five years, and introduce modern waste management systems with voluntary public participation.

To promote religious and social harmony, the party pledged to introduce honorariums and welfare programmes, including training-based support, for religious leaders of all faiths at places of worship.

The manifesto further commits to expanding the digital economy and global connectivity by introducing international payment systems such as PayPal, establishing regional e-commerce hubs, and boosting exports of “Made in Bangladesh” products.

BNP said the manifesto is not simply a collection of electoral pledges but a declaration of a new social and state contract founded on justice, humanity and citizens’ rights.

The party added that, if voted to power, it would work to restore the dignity of votes, end terrorism, corruption and discrimination, uphold the rule of law, and build a Bangladesh where citizens can proudly say, “Bangladesh first.”