BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Feb 6, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has pledged to provide free education for women up to the postgraduate level if it comes to state power through people’s mandate in the 13th National Election slated for February 12.

Ahead of the election, the party has announced its election manifesto outlining a range of promises, including free school uniforms and Wi-Fi for students, tax exemptions for private universities, compulsory third-language education, and free education for girls up to the postgraduate level.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman unveiled the manifesto this afternoon at a ceremony held at a city hotel.

Regarding the introduction of free Wi-Fi, the BNP manifesto stated that the party plans to introduce free Wi-Fi in schools, colleges, cafés, and libraries to expand digital facilities in the education sector. This initiative aims to support students in their studies and research and help reduce the digital divide.

At the same time, the manifesto mentioned plans to provide free school uniforms to students through government initiatives.

In the area of higher education, BNP has promised to keep private universities tax-exempt. The manifesto noted that since the establishment of private universities began in 1991 under the patronage of the then prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, these institutions have made outstanding contributions to the expansion of higher education in the country. 

They have helped prevent brain drain abroad and saved foreign currency, while domestic talent has been utilized for national development. As private universities are non-profit institutions, education and teaching at these institutions will be kept tax-free in the interest of expanding education.

To improve the quality of education, BNP has announced the introduction of a “Learning with Happiness” system. From Class-VI onward, education will be made enjoyable through group work, personal skill development, and family, social, and moral education, with the goal of nurturing students as responsible citizens.

The manifesto put special emphasis on third-language education. To create employment opportunities at home and abroad and expand access to higher education, studying third-language such as Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Italian, Mandarin, and others will be introduced from the secondary level alongside Bangla and English.

To ensure that the educated population of the densely populated country does not remain unemployed, the manifesto stated that technical education will be made compulsory at the secondary level alongside general education. Under this plan, the curriculum will be designed so that even if a family cannot support a child’s education beyond SSC or Intermediate level, that education alone will enable the student to become self-employed.

Highlighting the priority given to health and nutrition, the manifesto stated that clean and pleasant environments will be ensured for teachers and students, hygienic toilets will be constructed, and a midday meal programme will be gradually introduced nationwide for students in marginal and remote areas.

Regarding the education of students with special needs, the manifesto outlined plans to ensure adequate opportunities through the recruitment of properly trained teachers, special education systems, and appropriate educational materials for students with physical, mental, and emotional challenges.

As part of its greening initiative, BNP aimed at implementing the “One Child, One Tree” programme. Under this initiative, every child in Bangladesh will be involved in tree-planting activities every year, with the goal of shaping students as pioneers in building a beautiful and sustainable future.

To develop responsibility and humane values among students, the manifesto proposed encouraging voluntary pet care in schools. From Class-V or VI, small teams of students will be formed to look after pets on a voluntary basis, with the main objective of fostering a sense of responsibility.

Addressing university students’ issues and quality improvement, the manifesto stated that urgent measures will be taken to resolve accommodation and library shortages. Effective initiatives will also be undertaken to make educational institutions completely free from terrorism and drugs.

To expand free education, BNP has pledged to ensure free education for girls up to the postgraduate level and for boys up to the undergraduate level or equivalent. Education stipend programmes for both male and female students will be expanded.

Regarding the health and safety of female students, the manifesto stated that efforts will be made to establish adequate common rooms for girl students and install special vending machines stocked with health-protection supplies in educational institutions.