The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has placed economic restructuring at the centre of its election manifesto, promising a “democratisation of the economy”, deep financial sector reforms and an ambitious target of transforming Bangladesh into a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2034.
Framing the current economy as fragile and concentrated in the hands of a few, the party says its strategy will focus on job creation, investment-led growth and institutional reforms aimed at restoring confidence among businesses and investors.
Push for inclusive growth and trillion-dollar vision
At the core of BNP’s economic agenda is a plan to reshape what it describes as an oligarchic structure by ensuring broader participation in economic decision-making. The party proposes shifting the growth model toward investment and productivity, with employment generation identified as the top priority.
According to the manifesto, Bangladesh would aim to reach upper-middle-income status within a decade, supported by coordinated fiscal and monetary policies and closer alignment between revenue collection and central bank oversight.
To attract investment, the party promises to reduce the cost of doing business through deregulation, digitalised licensing and a “single-window clearance” system designed to cut bureaucratic delays. A common application platform for investors and expanded financing for small and medium enterprises are also part of the plan.
Foreign investment and banking reforms
BNP’s proposals place strong emphasis on foreign direct investment (FDI), with a target of raising inflows to 2.5 percent of GDP. The manifesto includes measures such as faster profit repatriation, investor protection regulations, commercial courts for dispute settlement and a dedicated “FDI captain” backed by a 24-hour helpdesk.
Priority sectors for foreign investment include IT, digital services, pharmaceuticals and renewable energy. The party also promises stable tariff, tax and currency policies to ensure predictability for investors.
In the banking sector, BNP proposes abolishing the banking division and placing state-owned banks directly under Bangladesh Bank’s supervision. It pledges strict action against non-performing loans, enhanced oversight of financial institutions and the creation of an Economic Reform Commission to guide restructuring efforts. Depositors affected by troubled Islamic banks would be compensated under a proposed deposit protection ordinance.
Capital market overhaul and trade strategy
The manifesto outlines an extensive reform plan for the capital market, including greater independence for the securities regulator, the formation of a capital market reform commission and the launch of a “Digital IPO Express” system to approve listings within 30 days.
BNP also proposes expanding bond markets, introducing blockchain-based systems and creating a national gateway for investment by non-resident Bangladeshis. Trade liberalisation through strategic free trade agreements and integration with global e-commerce platforms is expected to drive export diversification beyond garments.
Key export sectors highlighted include pharmaceuticals, agro-processing, IT services, handicrafts, cosmetics and jute-based products. The party plans to establish a National Trade Competitiveness Council and introduce funds to stabilise industry and modernise textiles.
ICT-led employment and digital economy
A major pillar of the economic plan is the expansion of the ICT sector, with a target of creating one million jobs through digital services, cybersecurity, AI data processing and content creation. BNP aims to increase ICT’s contribution to GDP to between 5 and 10 percent, backed by nationwide high-speed internet and a connectivity master plan involving submarine cables and low-orbit satellites.
Proposals include free high-speed internet in public institutions, a national cybersecurity centre, AI-driven data centres and a “Made in Bangladesh” initiative for software and hardware exports. The party also promises a national crowdfunding platform and policy incentives to attract multinational technology companies.
Industry, energy and infrastructure expansion
BNP’s economic vision ties industrial growth to infrastructure and energy reforms. The party targets 35,000 megawatts of power generation by 2030 alongside smart grid development, contract transparency and reduced import dependency. Renewable energy is expected to account for 20 percent of the energy mix by the same year.
Transport plans include a national expressway grid, electrified railways, bullet train corridors linking Dhaka with regional cities and the development of Chittagong and Mongla as logistics hubs. Aviation upgrades and a push to turn Bangladesh into a regional air cargo hub by 2034 are also outlined.
Fiscal reforms and revenue mobilisation
On fiscal policy, BNP proposes raising the tax-to-GDP ratio to 15 percent by 2035 through expanded tax coverage, modernised administration and the introduction of property and wealth taxes. The manifesto emphasises expenditure discipline, reduced exemptions and what it calls a new “fiscal social contract” linking fair taxation with visible public benefits.