BNP prioritises good governance, inclusive growth to make country prosperous: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday outlined the government’s policy direction in parliament, saying the 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”.

Responding to a question from lawmaker Md Abul Kalam during the question-and-answer session, the prime minister said the manifesto underscores the need for free and fair elections, administrative transparency and accountability, as well as the establishment of the rule of law, human rights and freedom of expression.

He said 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 the education, healthcare, agriculture and social protection sectors to build an inclusive and equitable society.

Rahman said the government has also begun implementing policies guided by its foreign policy principle of “Bangladesh First”, prioritising national independence, sovereignty, national interest, security and public welfare in all decisions.

He added that efforts are under way to establish Bangladesh as a self-respecting state based on equality, fairness and mutual respect. 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 said 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 Cards” for marginal and low-income households, and expand the “Farmer Card” scheme to support farmers.

He said 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 of up to Tk 10,000, 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, Rahman said.

He added that, 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 said that students of government primary schools will be provided with free shoes as part of efforts to support education and reduce the financial burden on families.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com