BNP marks 47 years today

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Monday steps into 47 years with a legacy of sacrifice, pride, nationalism, as it was always at the helm of the nation's pursuit of democracy, human rights, and voting rights of the people.

In 1975, following the establishment of a one-party BAKSAL regime resulting in a political vacuum, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the Proclaimer of Independence and Sector Commander in the War of Liberation, founded this new political party, BNP, on 1 September 1978 under the banyan tree in Ramna, Dhaka, with the goal of establishing multiparty democracy.

Owing to various programs undertaken for changing people's fate, BNP's founder President Zia quickly rose in popularity. After his assassination by a group of misguided military personnel at Chattogram Circuit House on May 30, 1981, his spouse, Begum Khaleda Zia, entered politics. 

Rising from a housewife to a stateswoman, her firm leadership gave BNP a new direction. Her uncompromising stance on the streets hastened the fall of autocrat Ershad.

During the authoritarian rule of the Awami League, Begum Khaleda Zia was imprisoned in 2018 under a so-called corruption case. Since then, Tarique Rahman has taken the helm of the party. Through reorganising the party, accelerating the movement, involving the youth in politics, and introducing new strategies, he continues to move the party forward.

In a message marking the party's founding anniversary, BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman said, "The BNP's primary goal is now to alleviate people's sufferings by realising their rights, restoring the country's independence and sovereignty, and re-establishing the tradition of multiparty democracy."

He said, "With the aim of uniting the people under the nationalist ideology, the Proclaimer of Independence, President Ziaur Rahman, founded BNP on 1 September 1978." 

He added, "The day is one of joy, inspiration, and enthusiasm for the people of Bangladesh. The party is committed to ensuring complete independence of the territory of Bangladesh, safeguarding strong sovereignty, and institutionalising multiparty democracy."

As BNP marks nearly five decades of existence, it now faces a new challenge in the form of the political realignment that began on August 5. The party is now seeking to come out of traditional politics.

Founding Anniversary Programmes:

To mark the 47th founding anniversary, BNP is observing a seven-day programme. On August 31, 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, at 6 am, the party flag was hoisted at BNP's central office in the capital's Naya Paltan as well as at local party offices across the country.

At 11 am, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with members of the party's National Standing Committee, central leaders of affiliated and associated bodies, and grassroots activists, placed wreaths, paid tributes and offered Fateha at the grave of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman Bir Uttam, Proclaimer of Independence, initiator of multiparty democracy, and the founder of BNP.

On Tuesday, colourful rallies and discussion meetings will be held in districts and metropolitan areas across the country. 

On September 2, a grand rally will be held from the central party office, while on September 3, similar rallies and meetings will take place at upazila and pourashava levels.

In celebration of the anniversary, special newspaper supplements have been published and commemorative posters released. 

A roundtable discussion on contemporary and relevant national issues will be organised by BNP.

Additionally, at convenient times in Dhaka and elsewhere, various events, including cultural programmes, tree-planting campaigns, the release of fish, free medical camps, and sports events, will be held.