What are the key priorities of the BNP — winner of Bangladesh election

The Bangladesh National Party (BNP) won a decisive two-thirds majority on Friday in general elections, a result expected to bring stability to the nation after months of tumult following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a Gen Z-led uprising.

The party, led by Tarique Rahman, will return to power after 20 years. Rahman, the son of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman, is widely expected to be sworn in as prime minister.

Here are some of the key promises made by the BNP in its election manifesto, which has the motto ‘Bangladesh before all’:

Reforms

The party aims to implement all points of the July Charter, which sought to create new constitutional bodies, introduce a bicameral parliament, along with broader changes in line with political parties’ commitments.

Trade

One of the key promises made includes undertaking initiatives to restart closed industries and diversify the export sector. The party has also vowed to undertake measures so that legally operating foreign businesses can repatriate their stipulated profits to their home countries within 30 days.

Employment

On employment, the BNP has promised to create nearly 1 million new jobs in the information and communication technology sector. They have also promised to ensure fair, price-index-based wages in line with inflation and a review system to be launched every two years.

The party has said that it will develop technical and language skills among the youth and ensure merit-based government recruitment.

Economy

BNP has promised to introduce international payment systems, establish regional e-commerce hubs and boost ‘Make in Bangladesh’. Another key priority includes the launch of a ‘Family Card’ for low-income families with monthly provisions to buy essential commodities.

Health

On health, the party said it will increase public spending on health to 5 per cent of GDP gradually and promised to recruit 100,000 health workers across the country and expand preventive healthcare programmes.

Social

BNP has promised to launch a mid-day meal program for students and a new skills and values-based education policy for schools. The party also pledged to build better sports infrastructure and training facilities.

Additionally, it plans to set up training-based welfare programs for religious leaders of all faiths at places of worship.