The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is one of the major political parties in Bangladesh, founded on 1 September 1978 by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. Emerging in the aftermath of Bangladesh’s independence, the BNP positioned itself as a center-right political force emphasizing nationalism, democracy, and economic self-reliance. It sought to unite diverse social and political groups under a vision of national identity grounded in Bangladeshi rather than Bengali nationalism.
Over the decades, the BNP has played a central role in shaping the country's political landscape, alternating in power with the Awami League. Under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia, the party formed several governments between 1991 and 2006. Despite facing political challenges, internal divisions, and legal hurdles, the BNP remains a significant player in Bangladesh’s politics, continuing to influence debates on governance, democracy, and national policy.