BNP Plans Nationwide Childcare Initiative to Boost Women’s Workforce Participation

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is planning to introduce a nationwide childcare initiative aimed at increasing women’s participation in the workforce and strengthening Bangladesh’s economic growth.BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman announced the plan Thursday in a post on his verified Facebook profile, stressing that no woman in Bangladesh should have to choose between her family and her future.Citing the 2024 Labour Force Survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), Tarique noted that only 43 percent of women participate in the labour market, compared to 80 percent of men — a gap that reflects the loss of national potential and productivity.Our goal is to build a modern, people-centred Bangladesh where women can pursue careers and education without being held back by inadequate childcare,” he said.Under the proposed initiative, the BNP envisions:• Establishing daycare centres in all public universities• Gradually expanding daycare facilities to government offices• Making daycare mandatory for large ...

• 30 Oct 2025