Jamaat-e-Islami pledges three insurance schemes, including national health insurance

Staff Correspondent: Jamaat-e-Islami has pledged to introduce three insurance-based schemes, including national health insurance, as part of its manifesto for the 13th National Parliament election.

In the manifesto, the party said it would gradually roll out a national health insurance system to ensure healthcare for all. It also promised to introduce a digital health card in phases. The party said the initiative could help people receive services faster, store medical records and make identity verification easier during treatment.

The manifesto also includes measures focused on students. Jamaat-e-Islami proposed forming a ‘Student fund’ to support emergency and critical illness treatment. It also pledged to introduce an insurance scheme specifically for students.

On labour protection, the party said it would expand the scope of the allowance programme for workers who suddenly lose their jobs. It also promised to introduce employment insurance. Under this plan, workers would receive economic assistance for a specific period after losing employment.

The manifesto also outlines plans for economic sector reform. Jamaat-e-Islami pledged to form a Financial Sector Reform Commission to restore discipline in the sector. It also committed to bringing down default loans in banks and non-bank financial institutions to a tolerable level in a short time.

The party said it would support the development of Islamic banking and the insurance industry. It also proposed gradually raising the tax-free income threshold to Tk 5 lakh to ease the cost of living for lower- and middle-income groups.