BNP Pledges 1 Crore Jobs, Family Card if Elected: Fakhrul Urges end to election Disruptions

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has unveiled a significant socio-economic platform for the upcoming general election, promising to create one crore jobs and launch a ‘Family Card’ scheme if his party forms the next government. He also committed to prioritizing reforms in the health and education sectors.

The senior leader made these commitments during separate view-exchange meetings with residents of the Gareya and Shukan Pukuri Unions in his Thakurgaon-1 constituency this morning and noon.

Call for Electoral Peace and Unity:

In a powerful statement, Mr. Fakhrul directly addressed all political parties, urging an immediate halt to all ongoing protest movements that he claims are causing political discord and destabilizing the electoral process.

"Do not create further division, do not raise any more demands to incite discord. Stop all movements regarding referendums and PR (Proportional Representation)," Fakhrul implored. “Let the election happen, let the people of the country survive. To save the country's people, let the vote take place quickly.”

He suggested that controversial issues like Proportional Representation could be properly debated and discussed by the subsequently elected parliament, accusing current protesters of having ill intent and aiming to "foil the election." He pleaded, "Please, let the election happen, let the elected parliament come, and then these issues can be discussed. We do not want the politics of hatred. Not a single person should be killed by a bullet.”

Details on Reform and Bicameral Parliament:

Discussing the party’s proposed political overhaul, the BNP leader confirmed that the 'July Charter'—a document detailing the party's reform proposals—is scheduled to be signed this Friday, October 17. He likened the reform effort to essential maintenance, stating, “A charter is like putting new tin on a house... The country's politics must be reformed, which is why we are reforming.”

Fakhrul also elaborated on the BNP's vision for a reformed parliamentary structure featuring a bicameral system with an upper and a lower house:

Lower House:

To consist of candidates nominated by the party and elected through direct votes.

Upper House:

To comprise members from the scholarly community, the intellectual community, and will include representatives from minority communities such as Hindu and Buddhist groups, who will work and speak on behalf of the public. Reflecting on his political career, the Secretary General noted he had been incarcerated 11 times over the last 15 years, spending three and a half years in prison, which he attributed to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina considering him a "cause for fear."

Concluding his remarks, Fakhrul reaffirmed the party’s commitment to an inclusive, peaceful state, stating, "We are striving to make the country beautiful."

The Secretary General has been actively campaigning across his constituency since Tuesday, seeking support for the 'Sheaf of Paddy' symbol. He was accompanied by local party officials, including Thakurgaon District BNP General Secretary Paygam Ali, Municipal Branch President Shariful Islam Sharif, Sadar Upazila President Abdul Hamid, General Secretary Mahabub Hossain Tuhin, and former UP Chairman Zafrullah.