The BNP promised to end all political and social division in its election manifesto, emphasising that “we are all Bangladeshis” amid a wave of attacks on Hindus.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), headed by late former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s son Tarique Rahman, released its manifesto for the upcoming national election scheduled for February 12, focusing on nation-building, economic measures, religious freedom and sustainable development.
The manifesto had five key priorities: State reform, socio-economic development and sustainable state capacity, rebuilding and restoring Bangladesh’s economy, regional balanced development, and measures concerning religion, society, sports and culture.
In its manifesto, the BNP promised to end all political and social division, emphasising that “we are all Bangladeshis”. It said people, regardless of Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, or Christian, will build national unity and an indivisible national identity.
Focus On Religious Freedom
The BNP’s manifesto promised to ensure religious harmony, emphasising that “religion is individual, the state is for all”. It promised to ensure the right to perform religious rituals and celebrate festivals without any hindrance and implement strict legal protections for religious minorities.
This came after Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, faced criticism for a wave of attacks on Bangladesh’s religious minorities, particularly Hindus. Several Hindus in Bangladesh have been lynched by Islamist mobs in the past few months, while houses belong to Hindu families have been set on fire.
The attacks have further strained ties between New Delhi and Dhaka, with India last week strongly criticising the Yunus–led interim government for attempting to whitewash the communal nature of the crimes.
Zero-Tolerance Policy Against Terrorism
While the manifesto made no mention of India, it outlined a foreign policy basis of ‘Bangladesh Before All: Friend Yes, Master No’ in relations with other countries based on equality and self-dignity.
“Bangladesh will not interfere in other states’ internal matters and will not allow interference in its own matters,” it affirmed. The BNP assured effective measures to claim a fair share of water from the Teesta and Padma Rivers, and promised a strict position on stopping border killings and smuggling.
It also vowed to build a ‘Strategic Partnership’ with the Muslim world, along with making SAARC effective and efforts to get ASEAN membership. The BNP also promised a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, militancy and extremism and outlined a ‘Made in Bangladesh’ initiative to meet the demand of its Armed Forces’ to build a self-reliant defence industry.
Reforms, Anti-Corruption Push
The manifesto also promised to eliminate inequality and form a people-oriented and inclusive government. “If BNP gets the opportunity to run the state in the upcoming national election, anti-corruption and law and order control will be the top priority,” it said.
The manifesto reinstated the Caretaker Government System, introducing an Upper House in Parliament, and creating a Vice-President post. It also proposed a 10-year limit for the Prime Minister’s term.
