The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a landslide victory in the 13th national parliamentary polls, signalling more than just electoral success — it represents a decisive public endorsement of Chairman Tarique Rahman’s pro-people political agenda.
For years, guided by the core philosophy of “Bangladesh First”, Tarique Rahman, who succeeded his mother, the Muslim world’s first female prime minister, Begum Zia, last month—has emphasised a return to citizen-centric governance. His focus has been on democratic restoration, economic relief, institutional accountability, and development across urban and rural Bangladesh.
The election results indicate that this strategy resonated widely, with voters endorsing a carefully crafted agenda designed to address the needs of ordinary citizens. At the heart of BNP’s victory lies his “Plan to Build the Country”, presented in his manifesto and during election campaigns.
Pro-People Programmes
Among the flagship initiatives is the Family Card, aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of underprivileged and marginalised households. The card will gradually cover every household nationwide, providing either BDT 2,000–2,500 per month or essential commodities such as rice, lentils, oil, and salt. The programme is hailed as a comprehensive pro-people agenda targeting poverty alleviation, hunger eradication, and women’s empowerment.
For farmers, Farmer Cards will facilitate access to subsidised fertilisers, seeds, pesticides, agricultural machinery, low-interest loans, crop insurance, and fair market prices. Mobile-based weather and market updates, crop treatment services, and benefits for fish farmers and livestock breeders will also be included.
Tarique Rahman’s nationwide employment policy aims to generate one crore jobs, including 800,000 positions in the IT sector, covering cybersecurity, outsourcing, and semiconductor manufacturing. Low-interest loans for SMEs and cottage industries will expand opportunities, while export promotion, merit-based recruitment, and banking transparency form integral components of his economic agenda.
Education and technology reforms include the “One Teacher, One Tab” initiative, compulsory technical education at the secondary level, modernised classrooms, midday meals, third-language instruction, and integration of sports and cultural activities.
In healthcare, Tarique Rahman promises to recruit 100,000 healthcare workers, 80% of whom will be women, and to strengthen primary, maternal, and neonatal care at village and district levels. Affordable treatment for life-threatening diseases, low-cost essential medicines, locally produced vaccines, and year-round mosquito control programmes are also planned.
Social Welfare and Development
Tarique Rahman’s vision extends to religious welfare, offering monthly stipends, festival allowances, and professional training for imams, muazzins, and khatibs, while expanding mosque-based child and adult education programmes.
Infrastructure and environmental priorities include the excavation and re-excavation of 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals, modernisation of the Teesta Barrage, completion of the second Padma Barrage, and plantation of 250 million trees within five years. A nationwide integrated waste management system will produce energy and organic fertiliser from waste.
Sports development is also a key focus, with programmes to professionalise sports careers, scholarships for talented youth, indoor sports facilities in all 64 districts, and the establishment of BKSP branches in every division. Physical education will be compulsory from Grade Four, with sports officers appointed at the upazila level.
Governance and Constitutional Reform
Tarique Rahman has outlined constitutional reforms, including reinstating absolute trust in Almighty Allah as a fundamental principle of state governance, reintroducing caretaker government provisions, judiciary reform, redistribution of executive powers, and term limits for prime ministers. Plans also include creating youth employment, building a trillion-dollar investment-driven economy, forming a National Reconciliation Commission, and ensuring justice for historical grievances, including the Liberation War and the July mass uprising.
Anti-corruption measures, capital market investigations, and adherence to BNP’s 19-Point Plan, Vision-2030, and his 31-Point State Reform Plan form the basis of his governance blueprint.
People’s Mandate
The landslide victory demonstrates widespread voter approval of Rahman’s agenda for qualitative national transformation. His focus on social justice, economic development, institutional accountability, and citizen-centric governance has positioned him as a statesman, while the electorate’s overwhelming mandate endorses his vision for a just, humane, and prosperous Bangladesh.
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