Bangladesh’s National Citizen Party (NCP) has promised to introduce six months of fully paid maternity leave and one month of paid paternity leave for all employees if it comes to power, unveiling the proposal as part of its newly announced election manifesto ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Elections.
The pledge forms part of the party’s 36-point manifesto, titled Youth and Dignity Manifesto, which was formally launched on Friday at a hotel in Dhaka’s Gulshan area. The event was attended by NCP convenor Md Nahid Islam, spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan and other senior party leaders, marking the official start of the party’s election campaign.
According to the manifesto, the proposed parental leave policy would apply to both public and private sector employees, with the aim of supporting working parents while ensuring financial stability during childbirth and early childcare. The party has also committed to providing additional paid leave for mothers facing medical complications related to pregnancy or delivery.
The NCP has further pledged to introduce a voluntary “period leave” for female employees, initially on a half-pay basis in government offices. The manifesto states that the scheme would later be extended to all sectors, supported by government subsidies to minimise the financial impact on workers.
To improve workplace conditions for women, the party has promised to make daycare facilities mandatory in all government institutions. Private organisations that establish similar childcare services would be offered incentives under the proposed policy framework.
Speaking at the launch event, NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud said the manifesto reflects the party’s commitment to building a society free from discrimination. He said the proposed reforms were designed to ensure that citizens, regardless of gender, could participate fully in national development without institutional barriers.
Beyond social welfare, the manifesto outlines a broader agenda focused on tackling corruption, strengthening democratic institutions and improving transparency in governance. The party has proposed the formation of an independent commission to oversee the implementation of laws related to human rights violations and war crimes.
On the economic front, the NCP has pledged to introduce measures aimed at controlling inflation, expanding employment opportunities and improving public services. The manifesto also promises universal access to basic healthcare, alongside plans to establish specialised medical zones for the treatment of complex diseases.
Labour law reforms, fair wage guarantees and incentives for industries adopting environmentally sustainable technologies are also included among the party’s commitments. In foreign policy, the manifesto reiterates the NCP’s stance on national sovereignty, stating that unresolved issues with neighbouring countries would be addressed through diplomatic engagement.
With the manifesto now in the public domain, the NCP is seeking to position itself as a reform-orientated alternative ahead of the elections, with party leaders expressing confidence that the proposals will resonate with voters, particularly the youth.
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