BNP vows 'zero tolerance' against corruption

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has vowed 'zero tolerance' against corruption as the party unveiled its election manifesto ahead of the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections under the guiding vision of 'Bangladesh First'.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman announced the 44-page manifesto at a hotel in the capital on Friday afternoon. 

Tarique Rahman pledged to give the 'utmost priority' to curbing corruption and establishing the rule of law and accountability if his party wins the general election.

"None of the plans and programmes we have placed before the nation can succeed unless corruption is eliminated, the rule of law is enforced and accountability is ensured," he said.

The manifesto identifies nine priority areas, which the party said are not merely election pledges but a declaration of a new social and state contract.

The nine priorities include the introduction of a 'Family Card' to protect marginalised and low-income households, a 'Farmer Card' to ensure fair prices for agricultural produce, recruitment of 100,000 health workers, and the formulation of a skills- and values-based education policy aimed at creating a joyful and employment-oriented education system.

Other priorities focus on creating jobs for young people, developing sports as a viable profession by expanding sports infrastructure and training facilities at district and upazila levels, strengthening environmental protection and climate resilience through public participation, excavation and re-excavation of 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals, plantation of 250 million trees in five years, and the introduction of a modern waste management system.

Beyond the nine priorities, the manifesto outlines broader commitments, including the appointment of an ombudsman, recovery of laundered money, trial of crimes against humanity committed during what BNP described as the 'fascist era', and ensuring discrimination-free socio-economic development.

The manifesto also pledges to introduce an international payment system to boost the digital economy and global connectivity.

The BNP's 51-point election manifesto outlines in detail the party's plans for governing the country if voted to power, including proposals to ensure a significant presence of women in the cabinet and to introduce annual state funding for political parties.

It also commits to launching a welfare programme involving honorariums and training for religious leaders at places of worship of all faiths, and introducing an international payment system to expand the digital economy and global connectivity.

Full independence of the judiciary will be ensured. Access to speedy, harassment-free justice and modernization of judicial services will be achieved. 

A law on the appointment of judges will be enacted and a Judicial Commission will be formed, while maintaining continuity of the Supreme Judicial Council.

At the same time, the police will be developed as a people-friendly, service-oriented force. Steps will be taken to rebuild police morale, expand online complaint filing systems, and review the Police Commission Act.