All About BNP: Founded on September 1, 1978 by President Ziaur Rahman
BNP was established to promote Bangladeshi nationalism and multi-party democracy.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is one of Bangladesh’s two major political parties and has played a central role in the country’s politics since the mid-1970s. Known for its centre-right, nationalist orientation, the party has alternated in power with the Awami League and has significantly shaped Bangladesh’s political trajectory, governance debates, and foreign policy outlook.
The BNP was founded on September 1, 1978, by Ziaur Rahman, a former army chief who rose to prominence during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War and later became president. The party emerged in the aftermath of political instability following the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975. Zia sought to consolidate various political groups, professionals, and former bureaucrats into a broad-based party that could provide an alternative to the Awami League’s leadership.
Ideologically, the BNP promotes Bangladeshi nationalism, a concept introduced by Ziaur Rahman that emphasised national identity rooted in sovereignty, territorial integrity, and cultural plurality, rather than linguistic nationalism alone. The party advocates a market-oriented economy, private enterprise, and a strong role for the military in safeguarding national security, alongside a more prominent place for religion in public life compared to its main rival.
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Ziaur Rahman led the BNP to power after winning the 1978 presidential election, and the party secured a parliamentary majority in 1979. Following his assassination in 1981, the BNP underwent a leadership transition, eventually coming under the control of Khaleda Zia, Zia’s widow. Under her leadership, the party became a dominant force in the 1990s, playing a key role in restoring parliamentary democracy after the fall of military ruler H.M. Ershad.
Since the 2000s, the BNP has faced prolonged political challenges, including electoral defeats, internal divisions, and legal cases against its leadership. Despite these setbacks, the party remains a major opposition force with a substantial support base, particularly in rural areas.
Today, the BNP continues to position itself as a counterweight to the ruling Awami League, advocating democratic reforms and competitive politics. Its origins under Ziaur Rahman and its emphasis on nationalism remain central to its identity, even as Bangladesh’s political landscape continues to evolve.
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