The National Citizen Party (NCP) has unveiled an ambitious defence and security agenda in its newly released election manifesto, placing strong emphasis on modern warfare capabilities, intelligence reform and democratic oversight of security institutions.
The manifesto, titled “Manifesto of Youth and Dignity” and released under the slogan “Bangladesh through a new lens”, was formally presented by party convener Nahid Islam at an event held at the Lakeshore Hotel in the capital’s Gulshan area on Thursday (30 January).
Expansion of Defence Capabilities
In the field of national defence, the NCP has proposed the creation of a reserve force twice the size of the country’s conventional armed forces (or about 600,000 personnel). The party argues that a larger, well-trained reserve component would enhance national resilience and provide strategic depth during emergencies, natural disasters, or conflict scenarios.
A central feature of the defence proposal is the establishment of a full-fledged Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) brigade within the army over the next five years. According to the manifesto, the brigade is intended to strengthen modern warfare capabilities and significantly improve intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance functions.
The proposed UAV brigade would combine both offensive and monitoring roles. It would include strike UAVs capable of conducting precision attacks against specific targets, alongside ISR platforms tasked with round-the-clock surveillance of borders, coastal areas and key strategic installations. In addition, a large number of short-range drones would be deployed to support field-level security, real-time monitoring and rapid situational assessment for army and security forces.
The plan also envisages the deployment of approximately 2,000 personnel to support routine patrol duties, border security operations and internal assignments linked to drone-enabled surveillance and response.
Investment in Indigenous Defence Technology
The manifesto places particular emphasis on boosting domestic research, development and production of defence technology. The NCP states that reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and developing indigenous capabilities will be crucial for long-term military sustainability and technological independence.
Party sources estimate that the UAV brigade project would require an investment of around Tk2,500 crore over a five-year period. The NCP argues that the cost is justified by the long-term benefits of enhanced intelligence capacity, faster decision-making and improved crisis response in an increasingly technology-driven security environment.
Proposed Missile Defence Acquisition
Alongside drone capabilities, the manifesto also outlines plans to acquire medium-range surface-to-air missile systems. While specific systems were not named, the proposal signals an intent to strengthen air defence coverage and protect critical infrastructure and military assets against aerial threats.
Abolition of RAB and Police Reform
Beyond military modernisation, the manifesto outlines significant changes to Bangladesh’s internal security architecture. The NCP has pledged to abolish the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), citing allegations of its involvement in serious human rights violations.
In place of RAB, the party proposes establishing a modern, efficient and accountable elite force within the existing police framework. This force would follow what the NCP describes as a gendarmerie-style model, combining law enforcement functions with stricter accountability and legal oversight.
Restructuring of DGFI and Intelligence Oversight
The manifesto also proposes restructuring the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) through the introduction of a clear and stringent legal framework. According to the NCP, the objective is to prevent intelligence agencies from being used for political purposes or becoming involved in human rights abuses.
The proposed framework would clearly define the scope, responsibilities and accountability mechanisms governing intelligence operations. To ensure transparency and democratic oversight, the party has committed to regular parliamentary monitoring of intelligence agencies through relevant standing committees.
The NCP states that these reforms are intended to strike a balance between safeguarding national security and upholding citizens’ rights, the rule of law and constitutional accountability.
A Reform-Oriented Security Vision
As a member of the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance, which has secured 30 seats to contest in the upcoming national polls, the NCP’s manifesto presents a reform-oriented vision that combines military modernisation with institutional accountability.
If implemented, the proposals would mark a significant shift in Bangladesh’s defence posture, intelligence governance and internal security framework, placing greater emphasis on technology, legal oversight and civilian control in both military and policing domains.
Khaled Ahmed is a seasoned former intelligence analyst and military expert from the Netherlands, bringing over 15 years of specialised experience in operational intelligence, threat analysis, and strategic defence planning. Having served in high-level, classified roles within Dutch military intelligence, he possesses rare expertise in European security architecture, NATO doctrine, and asymmetric warfare. Khaled’s deep operational insight and international perspective enable him to deliver precision-driven intelligence analysis and forward-looking strategic forecasts. A trusted contributor to high-level risk assessments and security briefings, he offers readers clarity on complex defence and security challenges. Khaled leads the National Security and Fact Analysis sections at BDMilitary. He holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Groningen, The Netherlands, and is fluent in Dutch, French, and Arabic — combining linguistic dexterity with operational expertise to analyse security issues across cultures and regions.
