FE REPORT
Ruling BNP's electoral manifesto places strong emphasis on democracy, good governance, economic development and human values as part of its vision to build a "developed, prosperous and dignified Bangladesh".
Prime Minister and BNP chairman Tarique Rahman Wednesday stated this while outlining his the government's policy direction in parliament.
Responding to a question from lawmaker Md. Abul Kalam during the PM's question hour, he mentions that the manifesto underscores the need for free and fair elections, administrative transparency and accountability, as well as establishment of the rule of law, human rights and freedom of expression.
He says the government has set clear economic goals, including curbing corruption, increasing investment and industrialisation, generating employment and developing human resources to achieve sustainable growth.
"At the same time, greater emphasis has been placed on strengthening education, healthcare, agriculture and social-protection sectors to build an inclusive and equitable society.
Rahman says the government has also begun implementing policies guided by its foreign-policy principle "Bangladesh First", prioritising national independence, sovereignty, national interest, security and public welfare in all decisions.
"Efforts are under way to establish Bangladesh as a self-respecting state based on equality, fairness and mutual respect," he tells the lawmakers.
To implement the poll commitments, all ministries and divisions have prepared action plans for the next 180 days, the 2026-27 fiscal year and a five-year period.
Highlighting ongoing initiatives, the prime minister says the government has already undertaken several key programmes. These include plans to excavate and re-excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals and rivers over the next five years, introduce "Family Card" for marginal-and low-income households, and expand the "Farmer Card" scheme for peasant support.
He says allowances and festival bonuses will be provided to individuals serving in religious institutions, including mosques, temples, Buddhist monasteries and churches.
Additional initiatives include sports cards and stipends for athletes, a nationwide programme to plant 250 million trees over five years, and the waiver of agricultural loans up to Tk10,000, including interest.
The government is also working to designate and develop playgrounds in both urban and rural areas, introduce healthcare services through an "e-Health Card", and recruit 500,000 public employees.
He adds: in the current fiscal year, free school uniforms are being distributed to 200,000 primary schoolchildren, alongside other ongoing social-support programmes.
In a further announcement, the prime minister told the House that students of government primary schools will be provided with free shoes, as part of efforts to support education and reduce financial burdens on families.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com
