Bangladesh elections: What is BNP’s ‘strict position’ pitch for relations with neighbors?
Bangladesh’s main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday unveiled its election manifesto, promising electoral reforms and accountable governance, while outlining a tougher foreign policy stance, centred on border security and river-water sharing. The manifesto was launched by BNP chairman Tarique Rahman in Dhaka. The party pledged to uphold the “dignity of the vote” and ensure that no one is above the law, committing to a government that is accountable and directly answerable to citizens.A key feature of the manifesto is its emphasis on long-standing flashpoints in Bangladesh’s relationship with India, although New Delhi hasn’t been mentioned in as many words in the bullet points, including cross-border shootings, alleged “push-ins” and unresolved sharing of common rivers. The BNP said it would adopt a more assertive approach to frontier management and river diplomacy if voted to power.Under what it calls a “Bangladesh Before All” doctrine, the party framed its foreign policy around “equality and self-dignity” and the slogan “Friend Yes, Master No”. It said Dhaka would not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries and would not allow interference in its own.The strongest language came for border-related concerns. The manifesto vows to take “a strict position” to stop “border killing, push-in, and smuggling”, reflecting persistent Bangladeshi complaints over deaths along the India-Bangladesh border and allegations of people being pushed across without due process. On river-water sharing, the BNP promised “effective measures” to secure Bangladesh’s “fair share” from common rivers “like Teesta and Padma”. It proposed implementing a “Teesta Master Plan”, pursuing a Padma barrage project and strengthening the Joint River Commission (JRC), the bilateral body responsible for managing shared rivers.Although India is not explicitly named in the manifesto’s bullet points, the border and river issues highlighted are central to Dhaka-New Delhi ties. The manifesto also signals interest in reviving regional platforms, promising to make SAARC “effective” and to pursue ASEAN membership, potentially broadening Bangladesh’s diplomatic options beyond its immediate neighbourhood.The manifesto was unveiled just six days ahead of Bangladesh’s national elections scheduled for February 12, the first since the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024. With the Awami League barred from contesting, BNP is widely seen as the front runner in the upcoming elections. The political landscape remains polarised, and international observers, including the International Crisis Group, have raised concerns over electoral credibility and the risk of unrest.
