The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Monday observed its 47th anniversary, carrying a legacy of sacrifice, pride, and nationalism, having long steered the nation’s pursuit of democracy, human rights, and citizens’ voting rights.

Bangladesh’s history is not only a story of independence but also a chronicle of sacrifice, defiance, and steadfast struggle for justice. At every turning point, when the Bengali nation faced threats to democracy or liberty, BNP led the resistance to restore freedom and sovereignty.

In 1975, after the imposition of the one-party BAKSAL regime created a political vacuum, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Proclaimer of Independence and Sector Commander in the Liberation War, founded BNP on 1 September 1978 under the banyan tree in Ramna, Dhaka, aiming to establish multiparty democracy.

Through programmes aimed at improving people’s lives, President Zia quickly gained widespread popularity. Following his assassination by rogue military personnel at Chattogram Circuit House on 30 May 1981, his widow, Begum Khaleda Zia, entered politics. Rising from a housewife to a stateswoman, her resolute leadership gave BNP new direction and hastened the fall of autocrat Ershad.

During the authoritarian Awami League rule, Begum Khaleda Zia was imprisoned in 2018 under a controversial corruption case. Since then, her son, Tarique Rahman, has led the party, reorganising its structure, energising the youth, and charting new strategies to advance BNP’s mission.

Marking the anniversary, Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman said, “The BNP’s primary goal is to alleviate people’s suffering, restore the country’s independence and sovereignty, and reaffirm the tradition of multiparty democracy.” He emphasised that the party, founded by President Ziaur Rahman, remains committed to uniting the people under nationalist ideals and ensuring Bangladesh’s full independence, sovereignty, and institutionalised democracy.

As BNP approaches five decades, it faces new challenges amid the political realignment that began on 5 August. The party seeks to transcend traditional politics, responding to a changing landscape.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told BSS, “Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman founded BNP to fill the political void, establishing pluralistic democracy and initiating a free-market economy. Begum Khaleda Zia fought against autocracy and later introduced the non-partisan caretaker government system.”

He added that Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s 31-point framework provides a roadmap to reform Bangladesh’s political and economic structures.

Fakhrul stressed that the nation looks to BNP as the only party capable of restoring democracy. “We have vowed to overcome all obstacles to firmly establish democracy and a free-market economy. We will unite all pro-democracy forces and build Bangladesh on the foundation of multiparty democracy.”

Standing Committee Member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain reflected, “At 47 years, we honour Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the initiator of multiparty democracy and founder of BNP, a party of the common people. Our leaders’ long-standing struggles culminated in the student-public mass uprising, inspiring our continued commitment to the country and its people under Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.”

Dr Moin Khan, another Standing Committee member, said BNP is moving forward inspired by renewed dedication to democracy and with a vision to build a future Bangladesh for the next generation.

“Soon, Bangladesh will be free from the arrogance of power, and its people will live with dignity. BNP will continue serving the people through politics, learning from past mistakes and promoting free and fair elections.”

Political analysts emphasise that BNP must now demonstrate that its 31-point reform agenda is substantive, not symbolic. Actions must reaffirm commitments to the public, build confidence, and exhibit democratic maturity to overcome looming challenges. Failure to do so could result in serious setbacks.

Eminent economist and political analyst Professor Dr Mahbub Ullah observed that the political landscape has changed, and citizens are closely watching whether BNP will deliver on promises made during its time in opposition. “To regain public trust, BNP must practice democracy internally, understand people’s aspirations, and act accordingly. All members, from leadership to grassroots, must embody Ziaur Rahman’s ideals.”

Founding Anniversary Programmes

BNP is observing a seven-day programme for its 47th anniversary. On 31 August, a discussion meeting titled The Purpose and Significance of BNP’s Founding was held at the Institution of Engineers auditorium in Ramna, Dhaka.

On Monday morning, at 6 am, the party flag was hoisted at the central office in Naya Paltan and at local offices nationwide. At 11 am, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with central leaders and grassroots activists, paid tribute to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman at his grave, offering wreaths and Fateha.

On Tuesday, colourful rallies and discussion meetings will be held across districts and metropolitan areas. On 2 September, a grand rally will start from the central office, with similar events at upazila and pourashava levels on 3 September.

Special newspaper supplements and commemorative posters have been released.

BNP will host roundtable discussions on contemporary national issues. Various events, including cultural programmes, tree-planting campaigns, fish releases, free medical camps, and sports competitions, are planned across Dhaka and other regions.