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Published : 06 Feb 2026, 10:42 PM
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has pledged to develop a “politics-free, professional, and strong” armed force if his party wins the parliamentary elections and forms the government.
On Friday, he outlined what the BNP would do for the country and its people, emphasising that the armed forces “must remain above political disputes”.
The party’s election manifesto, structured around nine priority areas under the promise of building a “humane, inclusive and accountable state”, was unveiled on Friday at 3:30pm in the ballroom of Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka.
Tarique said, “Our defence policy will ensure the armed forces remain apolitical and free from all controversies. To build a truly strong military, we must focus on professionalism and keep the forces above politics.”
The BNP, last in power from 2001–06, lost the 2008 election under the military-controlled caretaker government and has remained in opposition since.
The party returned to prominence following the July Uprising, which toppled the Awami League government.
The manifesto marks Tarique’s first formal electoral declaration.
The manifesto also highlights that the BNP intends to implement one-rank-one-pension (OROP) for retired military personnel.
It emphasises a strong defence force as the foundation for national security, development, and fulfilling international responsibilities.
The BNP’s defence policy covers a modern, four-dimensional armed force with credible deterrence, national security strategy, and integrated planning.
It pledges to strengthen the Air Force, Navy, and maritime security, promote domestic defence industries, and adopt contemporary defence doctrines.
The manifesto underscores a firm stance against terrorism, militancy, and extremism, and calls for robust civil-military relations and preventive social strategies to safeguard the nation.
