Both BNP and Jamaat Put Science and Technology at the Heart of 13th National Election Manifestos
Ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election (2026), both the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami have positioned science, information technology and the telecom sector as core instruments for building a modern state in their respective election manifestos. Both parties have presented technology not merely as a sector, but as a key pathway to good governance and economic emancipation.
In its 54-page manifesto (51 points in the English version), BNP, under the slogan “Bangladesh First”, has outlined a vision of an “investment- and tech-driven” economy, placing science and information technology at the centre. A day earlier, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, in its 41-point manifesto (with 26 priority areas) under the slogan “An Uncompromising Bangladesh in National Interest”, placed the highest emphasis on building a “technology-driven modern and smart society.”
Key Commitments in BNP’s Manifesto
ICT Hub and Manufacturing:
Bangladesh will be transformed into a global ICT and hardware manufacturing hub, with a mega plan to create around one million jobs within the next 18 months.
Free Internet (Telecom):
Free high-speed Wi-Fi services will be provided in densely populated public spaces, including educational institutions, government offices, hospitals, railway stations and airports.
International Payment Gateway:
To accelerate the digital economy and support freelancers, world-class payment gateways, including PayPal, will be launched in Bangladesh.
Connectivity Master Plan:
A national connectivity master plan will be implemented to ensure fast and reliable internet access nationwide.
Artificial Intelligence (AI):
Bangladesh will be developed as a centre for artificial intelligence and ICT research.
E-Judiciary and Smart Administration:
Full digitalisation of the judiciary and public administration will be ensured, enabling citizens to access case information and government services from home.
Commitments in Jamaat-e-Islami’s Manifesto
Smart Society and AI Training:
Over the next five years, 10 million youths will be trained in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, cyber security and digital entrepreneurship. Employment for 5 million youths will be ensured by creating 1.5 million freelancers and 500,000 new entrepreneurs.
Digital Guardian App:
An app-based public service system will be introduced to build a smart society. A “Digital Guardian” app will allow citizens to report extortion or bribery anonymously to help curb crime.
‘My Money, My Account’ App:
To ensure transparency in public expenditure, citizens will be able to directly view government income and expenditure through this app. All government procurement and tenders will be made 100 percent digital to reduce corruption.
Digital Skills:
All educational institutions will gradually be transformed into digital and smart classrooms. Subjects such as artificial intelligence (AI), data science and robotics will be included in textbooks under technology training programmes.
Tech Labs and Incubation Centres:
“Youth Tech Labs” will be established in every upazila, along with nationwide incubation centres, to directly connect young people to the global market.
Technology-Driven Agricultural Revolution:
Agriculture will be modernised through drone technology, advanced data analytics and smart irrigation systems.
Initiatives (Comparison)
| Area | BNP | Jamaat-e-Islami |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Family cards will be provided to every lower- and middle-income family, with the woman listed as the head of the family. | Ration and assistance will be provided through a universal social security card. |
| Agriculture | Introduction of a ‘Farmer Card’ for direct subsidies, fertiliser and seeds. | Creating an agricultural revolution by increasing the use of technology and farmer support. |
| Youth | Skill development and special support for youths until employment is secured. | Monthly allowance of BDT 10,000 (up to two years) or interest-free loans for educated unemployed youths. |
| Health | Digital health profile cards for every citizen. | App-based healthcare services through a central database. |
| Education | Edu-ID and free public Wi-Fi. | Tech labs and AI training. |
| Governance | E-judiciary and introduction of PayPal. | App-based public services and a smart society framework. |
Both parties have moved beyond conventional education models to emphasise technology-driven and employment-oriented learning. They have pledged to enhance transparency in social safety programmes through digital tools and prioritised digital management to bring healthcare services closer to citizens. Eliminating corruption and increasing productivity through technological integration remain central goals in both manifestos.
While BNP has placed strong emphasis on freelancing, international payment gateways such as PayPal, and telecom infrastructure including free Wi-Fi, Jamaat-e-Islami’s manifesto prioritises AI training, specialised anti-corruption apps, and direct financial support for the unemployed.
DBTech/IH/MUM/OR
