The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is observing its 48th founding anniversary on Tuesday, with a series of programs in Dhaka and across the country.
The party was founded by then president Ziaur Rahman on September 1, 1978, and has since remained one of Bangladesh’s major political forces, alternating between periods in government and opposition.
Marking the occasion, BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman extended greetings to party leaders and activists, supporters, well-wishers and the people of Bangladesh.
In a message, Tarique described the anniversary as a day of “joy, enthusiasm and inspiration” and said the BNP’s history was marked by “courage, struggle, sacrifice and success.”
He said Ziaur Rahman founded the BNP in September 1978 at the premises of Ramna Restaurant in Dhaka, describing the move as a landmark in the country’s political history and the restoration of democracy.
Tarique said the one-party system, Baksal, was introduced on January 25, 1975, curtailing freedom of speech, individual liberty and democracy. He claimed Ziaur Rahman later restored democracy and reinstated the right of banned political parties to engage in politics.
Against this backdrop, Tarique said, the BNP was founded in response to the political needs of the time and contributed to the revival of multiparty democracy.
He paid tribute to Ziaur Rahman, describing him as the founder of the BNP and a statesman who played a role in shaping modern Bangladesh.
He also paid tribute to former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, saying her leadership helped expand the party’s support base across the country.
Tarique said the BNP had worked to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty while pursuing democracy and good governance.
He also recalled the contributions of party leaders and activists who were killed or injured during movements for democracy and good governance.
According to Tarique, the BNP was entrusted with governing the country whenever people had the opportunity to vote freely in fair and credible elections.
He said the party undertook various initiatives while in power to strengthen and institutionalize democracy, including the restoration of parliamentary democracy and expansion of women’s education.
Tarique said that after what he described as more than a decade of “fascist rule and exploitation,” the people again entrusted the BNP with governing the country through a free, fair and neutral election.
“The BNP wants to repay the people’s trust by establishing an accountable state,” he said, adding that his government was working to build Bangladesh as a welfare-oriented state.
He urged party leaders, activists, supporters and well-wishers to remain committed to serving the country and preserving public trust.
Tarique said the people of Bangladesh, particularly those committed to democracy, were the source of the BNP’s political strength. He described the party as synonymous with the struggle to build a welfare-oriented, democratic and self-reliant Bangladesh.
Five-day program
The BNP has announced a five-day program to mark its founding anniversary.
The program was announced at a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office last Wednesday by BNP Secretary General and the prime minister’s political adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.
Party flags will be hoisted at 6am today at the central office and party offices across the country.
At 9am, Tarique Rahman, the acting secretary general, central leaders, and leaders and activists of the party’s affiliated and associate organizations will pay floral tributes and offer prayers at the graves of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia.
A discussion titled “The Purpose and Significance of the Establishment of the BNP” will be held at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh auditorium at 3pm on September 5.
Tarique Rahman will attend the program as the chief guest, while senior BNP leaders and prominent intellectuals are expected to participate.
The party will also publish posters and organize tree-planting and fish-release programs.
BNP Joint Secretary General Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel will lead the fish-release program, while Joint Secretary General and Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee will lead the tree-planting program.
District and metropolitan BNP units, along with other grassroots units, will organize discussions and other programs across the country.
From Ziaur Rahman to Khaleda Zia
The BNP was established on September 1, 1978, with nationalism, independence, sovereignty and multiparty democracy becoming key elements of its political philosophy.
Ziaur Rahman, the party’s founding chairman, was assassinated on May 30, 1981. His wife, Khaleda Zia, subsequently took over the party’s leadership.
Under her leadership, the BNP came to power three times, with Khaleda Zia serving as prime minister during each term.
Over nearly five decades, the BNP has alternated between government and opposition while leading and participating in various political movements.
The party is marking its 48th anniversary with programs being organized by its central leadership as well as grassroots units across the country.