Bangladesh Nationalist Party-BNP

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party commonly referred to as the BNP, is the mainstream center-right political party in Bangladesh. It is currently the largest opposition party in the Jatiyo Sangshad, the Parliament of Bangladesh. Founded in 1978 by Major General Ziaur Rahman, the Seventh President of Bangladesh, the party has evolved into one of the most powerful political entities in South Asia. The

BNP was established by President Zia to provide a politica undefined l platform for him after his assumption of power during Bangladesh"s volatile period of martial law from 1975 till 1979. The BNP also accommodated not just his supporters, but also those traditionally opposed to its principal rival, the Awami League. Ideologically, the party has professed Bangladeshi nationalism, described as the Islamic consciousness of the people of Muslim majority Bangladesh, in order to counter the secular Awami League. The BNP has been opposed to communism and socialism since its inception and advocates vigorous free market policies. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party has held power in Bangladesh for five separate terms. Amongst its leaders, four have become President of Bangladesh and two have become Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Within the party, power has remained exclusively in the hands of the Zia family, with Begum Khaleda Zia leading the party since the assassination of Ziaur Rahman, her husband and the party"s founder.