Family Card, jobs, healthcare among nine key pledges in BNP election manifesto

BNP has outlined nine key pledges in its election manifesto ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election, including the introduction of a ‘Family Card’ to support marginalised and low-income households.

The manifesto was unveiled on Friday afternoon at Hotel Sonargaon in the capital, with BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman formally announcing the document.

According to the manifesto, the ‘Family Card’ will be introduced to ensure monthly assistance of Tk2,500 or essential commodities of equivalent value for marginal and low-income families, with the amount to be increased gradually.

To ensure fair prices for agricultural produce, BNP pledged to strengthen subsidies, easy loans, agricultural insurance and state-managed marketing through a ‘Farmer Card’. Fisherfolk, livestock farmers and small entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector will also be brought under the scheme.

The manifesto promises to recruit 100,000 health workers nationwide to build a corruption-free and humane healthcare system. It also commits to expanding quality treatment at district and metropolitan levels, ensuring comprehensive maternal and child healthcare, and strengthening preventive health services.

In the education sector, BNP pledged to introduce a skills- and values-based education policy aimed at creating a joyful and employment-oriented system. The manifesto prioritises primary education and promises technology support for teachers and students, along with the introduction of a mid-day meal programme.

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To secure the future of the youth, BNP pledged to create employment opportunities, enhance technical and language skills, provide support for start-ups and entrepreneurs, connect young people to global e-commerce platforms, and ensure merit-based recruitment in government jobs.

The manifesto also commits to expanding sports infrastructure and training facilities at district and upazila levels to establish sports as a viable profession and livelihood.

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

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

The manifesto further promises to expand the digital economy and global connectivity by introducing international payment systems (PayPal), establishing regional e-commerce hubs, and boosting exports of ‘Made in Bangladesh’ products.

BNP said the manifesto is not merely a set of electoral promises but a declaration of a new social and state contract, centred on justice, humanity and citizens’ rights.

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