The BNP government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has launched an ambitious plan to create one crore jobs within the first 18 months of its tenure, prioritizing employment as a key election pledge. The plan targets nine priority sectors including industry, agriculture, information technology, SMEs, overseas employment, energy, retail trade, blue economy, and the informal sector. Ministries have been instructed to prepare coordinated action plans, with specific performance checklists to monitor progress.

Experts have praised the initiative’s scale but warned that achieving such a large employment target in a short time poses a serious challenge, especially amid global instability caused by the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran. The government’s plan includes reopening closed factories, waiving agricultural loans for 1.25 million farmers, and expanding IT training and startup support. It also envisions 600,000 green jobs through tree planting and waste management programs.

Analysts and business leaders, however, question the feasibility of the timeline, citing high energy costs, banking sector weaknesses, and limited foreign investment. They urge the government to adopt realistic strategies, create a favorable investment climate, and strengthen skilled workforce development.