Support for Hindus, a halt to cross-border infiltration, and a Bangladesh First policy... the BNP's 51-point manifesto contains many promises.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has indicated it will improve relations with all neighboring countries, including India. The party has also announced strict measures to prevent border killings and illegal immigration.

The BNP on Friday released a 51-point manifesto for the national elections and referendum scheduled for February 12. Party chief Tarique Rahman, at a press conference, promised to increase funding for the welfare of Hindus and other religious minorities.

Promise to improve relations with neighboring countries including India

He said the BNP would develop balanced and positive relations with other countries while upholding the nation's interests, independence, and sovereignty. According to him, the party would advance relations based on equality, cooperation, and friendship, founded on mutual respect and understanding.

In its manifesto, the BNP stated "Bangladesh First" as its core ideology. The party stated it would prioritize implementing the late President Ziaur Rahman's 19-point program, Khaleda Zia's Vision 2030, Tarique Rahman's 31-point state reform plan, and various provisions of the National Charter.

Resolve to increase funding for the welfare of Hindu minorities

Although the document did not directly name any country, it clearly mentioned India and expressed its commitment to ensure Bangladesh's 'fair share' in the water sharing of the Padma (Ganga), Teesta and other trans-border rivers.

It also calls for strict measures to prevent border killings, infiltration, and other unseemly activities. The manifesto also stated that the BNP will aim to play a strong role in promoting peace, security, and economic prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

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