The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has outlined a wide-ranging plan centred on religious harmony and equal citizenship in its election manifesto, promising stronger legal protection for all faith communities, expanded welfare support for religious institutions and reforms aimed at ensuring freedom of worship.
Framing its vision around the principles of the Liberation War, the party said equality, human dignity and social justice would guide its approach to religion and society. According to the manifesto, BNP rejects the idea of dividing citizens into minorities and majorities, stressing that all Bangladeshis share a single national identity regardless of religious affiliation.
Equal rights and freedom of worship
The party’s proposals emphasise the principle that “religion is individual, the state is for all,” pledging that every citizen will be able to practise their faith freely. BNP says people of different religions and communities will be able to celebrate festivals and cultural traditions without fear or obstruction, while legal measures would be strengthened to prevent actions that hurt religious sentiments.
The manifesto also outlines plans for stricter enforcement against vandalism or attacks targeting homes, businesses and places of worship belonging to religious and ethnic communities. BNP promises exemplary punishment for those involved in communal violence and property grabbing, alongside broader social initiatives aimed at building collective resistance against intolerance.
Welfare support for religious leaders and institutions
A significant part of the proposal focuses on improving the financial and social status of religious leaders. Khatibs, imams and muezzins would receive monthly honorariums and festival allowances under government supervision, while leaders of Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and other religious institutions would also be included in similar welfare schemes.
The party says skill development programmes and alternative part-time employment opportunities would be introduced to support additional income for religious figures, with the goal of enhancing their social dignity and economic stability.
BNP has also pledged to increase budget allocations for religious welfare bodies, including the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust, Buddhist Welfare Trust and Christian Welfare Board. The Islamic Foundation would undergo reforms to make it more transparent and effective, with expanded responsibilities and funding.
Islamic research, Hajj management and education
The manifesto proposes expanding Islamic research activities to the upazila level and ensuring the participation of recognised religious scholars in relevant decision-making processes. BNP says scholars would be able to carry out their work freely and with dignity under the proposed framework.
Another key pledge involves overhauling Hajj management. The party promises an affordable and expatriate-friendly system, with diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing the cost of pilgrimage for Bangladeshi citizens.
In the education sector, BNP plans to expand mosque-based mass education programmes originally introduced during its previous tenure in government, saying the initiative would be scaled up nationwide.