Highlights
- BNP aims to build a trillion-dollar inclusive economy by 2034
- Plans to create millions of new jobs across sectors
- Focus on daycare centers for working mothers and students
- Commitment to ensure equal opportunities and women’s empowerment
- Tarique says, “Childcare is not charity—it’s part of the nation’s economic structure.”
A Vision for Bangladesh’s Economic Future
Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has announced his plan to build an inclusive trillion-dollar economy by 2034, which he says will create millions of new employment opportunities.
Alongside this goal, he emphasized ensuring a women-friendly work environment, particularly by establishing daycare centres in workplaces and educational institutions for working mothers and female students.
Women’s Empowerment and Childcare Facilities
In a Facebook post on Thursday (October 30), Tarique Rahman highlighted the importance of childcare support for mothers in the workplace.
“মায়েদের কর্মপরিবেশে শিশু পরিচর্যার ব্যবস্থা থাকলে উৎপাদন বাড়ে, অর্থনীতি গতি পায়। এজন্য ক্ষমতায় এলে এ বিষয়ে পদক্ষেপ নেয়া হবে।”
Translation: “If working mothers have access to childcare at their workplace, productivity increases and the economy gains momentum. The BNP will take action on this if it comes to power.”
Tarique Rahman noted that when young mothers or students are forced to quit their jobs or studies due to the absence of childcare facilities, the country loses potential, productivity, and progress.
“বাংলাদেশ হারায় সম্ভাবনা, উৎপাদনশীলতা এবং অগ্রগতি। তাই বিএনপি এমন একটি আধুনিক, গণমুখী বাংলাদেশ গড়তে চায় যেখানে কোনো নারীকে তার পরিবার ও ভবিষ্যতের মধ্যে যে কোনও একটিকে বেছে নিতে না হয়।”
Translation: “Bangladesh loses its potential, productivity, and progress. BNP wants to build a modern, people-focused Bangladesh where no woman has to choose between her family and her future.”
Data Shows the Gender Gap in Workforce
Referring to data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), Tarique pointed out that the labor force participation rate for women is much lower than that of men — only 43% of women are in the workforce compared to 80% of men.
“নিজের ব্যবসার জন্য এখন নিজের ওয়েবসাইট — মাত্র কয়েক মিনিটে Storola দিয়ে!”
He said this gap highlights that Bangladesh is leaving behind the talents and skills of half its population, which could otherwise strengthen the nation’s economy.
Detailed Plan for Women and Childcare Facilities
In his post, Tarique Rahman outlined a comprehensive plan to improve women’s participation and support in the workforce. The plan includes:
- Setting up daycare centers in all public universities
- Establishing daycare centers in government offices in phases
- Making daycare facilities mandatory for large private institutions and factories
- Providing tax benefits and CSR credits to employers who introduce childcare facilities
- Offering training and certification for caregivers under the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs
According to Tarique, this single reform could increase women’s employment, raise household income, strengthen the middle class, and boost GDP by up to 1%.
Recognizing Women in the Workforce
Tarique Rahman noted that since two-thirds of workers in the garment sector are women, their contributions must not be overlooked. Citing research by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), he added that factories with childcare facilities have higher employee retention, lower absenteeism, and can recover costs within a year.
He compared daycare centers to national infrastructure:
“সড়ক যেমন বাজারকে সংযুক্ত করে, তেমনি ডে-কেয়ার সেন্টার নারীদের কর্মজীবনে সাফল্যের সঙ্গে সংযুক্ত করে।”
Translation: “Just as roads connect markets, daycare centers connect women to success in their careers.”
Read More: “BNP Will Bring Smiles to Frustrated Youth,” Says Emran Saleh Prince
Inclusive Economic Growth and Equality
Tarique Rahman concluded his message by reaffirming BNP’s commitment to building an inclusive trillion-dollar economy by 2034, where every citizen—especially women—can contribute with pride.
“২০৩৪ সালের মধ্যে একটি অন্তর্ভুক্তিমূলক ট্রিলিয়ন-ডলারের অর্থনীতি গড়ে তোলা হবে… যেখানে প্রতিটি নাগরিক, বিশেষ করে নারী, গর্বের সঙ্গে দেশের প্রবৃদ্ধিতে অবদান রাখবে।”
Translation: “By 2034, we will build an inclusive trillion-dollar economy where every citizen, especially women, will proudly contribute to national growth.”
He further stated that BNP rejects any backward ideas that limit women’s potential.
Source: Jamuna Tv
