Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Jan 30, 2026 (BSS) - Ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Elections, the National Citizen Party (NCP) today unveiled its 36-point manifesto today, outlining its vision for a future free from corruption and misgovernance. 

Among the standout promises, the party has pledged to ensure six months of fully paid maternity leave and one month of paid paternity leave across all institutions in the country.

The manifesto, titled 'Youth and Dignity Manifesto,' was formally presented today at a hotel in the capital's Gulshan area. NCP convenor Md Nahid Islam and spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, along with other senior party leaders, were present at the occasion, marking the launch of the party's electoral agenda for the upcoming elections.

As a part of its comprehensive plan to promote gender equality and empower women, the NCP promises to implement a range of policies that focus on improving women's rights and workplace welfare. The centerpiece of these commitments includes mandatory six-month paid maternity leave and one month of paid paternity leave for all employees, both in the public and private sectors.

The initiatives aim to support new parents while ensuring their financial stability during a critical period in their lives. Furthermore, the party has vowed to introduce additional leave for mothers experiencing complications during childbirth, offering them the necessary time for recovery and care.

In a groundbreaking move to address women's health issues, the NCP also committed to introducing a voluntary 'period leave' for female employees, initially on a half-pay basis in government offices. The manifesto highlights that over time, this provision will be extended to all sectors, with plans for government subsidies to support workers taking period leave.

Besides, NCP proposes the mandatory establishment of daycare facilities in all government workplaces, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for working mothers. The party also intends to offer incentives to private institutions that implement similar daycare services, fostering a more inclusive and family-friendly work culture.
 
During the event, Asif Mahmud emphasized the importance of these policies, stating that they represent a key part of the NCP's broader vision to build a nation that supports its people in all aspects of their lives. "Our goal is to create a society where every citizen, regardless of gender, can contribute to and benefit from the nation's progress without facing discrimination or hindrance," Mahmud said.

The manifesto, which addresses a wide range of issues from economic stability to social reforms, lays out the NCP's plan to establish a fairer, more just society. 

The 36 points also include measures for tackling corruption, ensuring greater transparency in governance, and strengthening democratic institutions. The manifesto calls for the creation of an independent commission to oversee the implementation of laws concerning human rights violations and war crimes, underscoring the party's commitment to ensuring justice for the victims of past atrocities.

As part of its economic agenda, the NCP has promised to establish sustainable policies aimed at controlling inflation, boosting job creation, and improving public services. The manifesto also pledges to ensure that every citizen has access to basic healthcare, with plans to establish specialized medical zones for the treatment of complex diseases.

Moreover, the manifesto highlights the NCP's intention to improve labor laws, guarantee fair wages, and create incentives for industries to adopt green technologies. 

In foreign policy, NCP reiterates its commitment to maintaining a strong stance on national sovereignty, promising to address unresolved issues with neighboring countries through diplomatic channels.

With the manifesto now in the public domain, the NCP is setting its sights on the upcoming election, hoping to win the support of a broad spectrum of voters, especially the youth, who the party believes will drive the country's future. 

The party's leaders have expressed confidence that the proposals outlined in the manifesto will resonate with the people, marking the beginning of a new era for Bangladesh, free from corruption and dedicated to the welfare of its 
citizens.