BNP vows rule of law, accountability if elected

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) today unveiled its comprehensive election manifesto, promising sweeping constitutional and administrative reforms aimed at establishing true rule of law, accountability, and democracy if the party secures power in the next general election.

Central to the party’s platform is the immediate restoration of the non-party caretaker government system. The manifesto stresses that this framework is crucial to creating an environment conducive to free, fair, and credible elections, addressing years of political contention regarding the electoral process.

In a significant move to limit executive power and promote institutional checks and balances, the BNP has pledged to impose a strict ten-year limit on the tenure of the prime minister, corresponding to two consecutive five-year terms. This commitment forms part of a larger plan to rebalance powers within the state, ensuring that no single office dominates legislative or judicial functions.

Addressing persistent concerns over governance and integrity, the party outlined a stringent approach to fighting corruption, declaring a zero-tolerance policy. To operationalize this commitment, the BNP intends to guarantee and strengthen the full independence of both the judiciary and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), providing them with necessary resources and autonomy to prosecute corruption regardless of political affiliation.

Administrative reforms are also heavily prioritized, focusing on transforming the public sector into a merit-based and neutral entity. The manifesto explicitly guarantees merit-based recruitment processes across all government sectors and promises the complete depoliticization of public administration to ensure civil servants act without political bias. The party aims to ensure administrative efficiency by making the bureaucracy accountable solely to established laws and regulations.

Economically, the manifesto dedicates attention to stabilizing the livelihoods of ordinary citizens. Key promises include immediate, effective measures to control persistent inflation and the introduction of robust social support programs specifically designed to aid low-income families struggling with the escalating cost of essential commodities.