In a move to redefine national identity and ensure social cohesion, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap for religious harmony in its manifesto for the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Under the guiding principle, “Religion is personal, but the state belongs to everyone,” the party has promised a series of reforms ranging from legal protections for minorities to monthly honorariums for religious leaders of all faiths.
A Unified ‘Bangladeshi’ Identity
At the heart of the manifesto is the commitment to a non-discriminatory national identity. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman emphasized that the party seeks to build a “Rainbow Nation” where the primary identity of every citizen—regardless of their faith—will be “Bangladeshi.” This move aims to eliminate the political and social divisions that have historically polarized the nation.
Key Pledges for Religious Harmony & Welfare:
- Security for Minorities: BNP has pledged “strict legal protection” to safeguard the lives, property, and places of worship of religious minorities. The manifesto outlines a zero-tolerance policy against any form of communal violence, ensuring that all citizens can practice their faith and celebrate festivals without fear.
- Honorarium for Religious Leaders: For the first time, the party has committed to providing a monthly honorarium and festival bonuses for religious heads, including Imams and Muezzins, as well as leaders from other religious communities. This move is seen as a way to recognize the social contribution of spiritual leaders.
- Religious Trust & Budget Expansion: The party plans to significantly increase the budget for religious trusts. This includes the expansion of Islamic research initiatives and the implementation of a more “affordable and efficient” Hajj management system for pilgrims.
- Education and Social Outreach: The manifesto proposes the nationwide expansion of mosque-based children’s and mass education programs, aiming to use existing religious infrastructure to boost literacy and moral education at the grassroots level.
A Shift Toward Inclusive Governance
The BNP leadership described these measures as part of a “new social contract.” By integrating religious welfare into the state budget and ensuring the security of minority groups, the party aims to move away from the “politics of vengeance” toward a model of “national reconciliation.”
“Our goal is to ensure that every citizen, whether Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, or Christian, can proudly say that Bangladesh is their safe haven,” the party stated during the manifesto launch.
