TOPIC

Bangladesh Nationalist Party

The latest news and top stories on Bangladesh Nationalist Party. A prominent Bangladesh-based political party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was founded on 1 September 1978 by President Ziaur Rahman. Headquartered in Dhaka, its primary mission is to foster national unity, economic development and democratic advancement based on Bangladeshi nationalism. The BNP has been a dominant force in the nation’s politics, winning several elections and contributing to the restoration of parliamentary democracy. Its activities focus on political engagement, economic reforms and public welfare initiatives, including expanding education and promoting female schooling.

Protesters in Mumbai, India, celebrate after the country’s education minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, resigned following nationwide protests over irregularities in the conduct of the national medical school admission exams, on July 26. Photo: AP

Protests around the world

Opinion | South Asia’s Gen Z protests offer one lesson in common

From Sri Lanka and Nepal to Bangladesh and India, youth protests have shaken or even toppled governments, but creating lasting change has been more challenging.

9 Aug 2026 - 5:30AMvideocam

Bangladesh Nationalist Party

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | South Asia’s Gen Z protests offer one lesson in common

From Sri Lanka and Nepal to Bangladesh and India, youth protests have shaken or even toppled governments, but creating lasting change has been more challenging.

Bangladesh’s Sheikh Hasina vows to return despite believing she ‘may be killed’

Bangladesh president quits, leaving Hasina isolated ahead of return from exile

Sheikh Hasina’s return bid threatens to upend Bangladeshi politics

The ousted leader, who has been sentenced to death, plans a December homecoming in a high-stakes bid to resurrect her banned party.

What the BJP’s historic West Bengal victory means for Modi’s India

Narendra Modi’s ruling coalition now controls roughly 70 per cent of India’s state legislatures, giving him a historic grip on power.

A Delhi-Dhaka thaw? India opens door to Sheikh Hasina extradition talks

The former Bangladeshi leader and close Indian ally remains ‘a strategic asset for Delhi’, an analyst says.

Vaccine coverage gaps spur Bangladesh’s deadly measles outbreak

Health authorities launched an emergency vaccine campaign on Sunday, with UN agencies aiming to protect more than 1.2 million children.

Bangladesh faces daunting post-election challenges in economy, garment sector

A key concern for Dhaka is the upgrade to developing nation status, with the key garment sector set to face stiffer competition.

Opinion | Bangladesh’s BNP could struggle to enact reforms despite election win

While the BNP’s margin of victory should help ensure stability, its roots in the old order could limit the speed and reach of reforms.

Bangladesh’s outreach to India ‘a good beginning’ for easing strained ties

Dhaka’s invitation to attend the swearing-in and Modi’s message of support show both sides are ready to turn the page, analysts say.

Bangladesh PM-to-be celebrates landslide win, thanks protesters

Prime minister-in-waiting Tarique Rahman dedicated his victory to those who ‘sacrificed for democracy’ after the first polls since a deadly 2024 uprising.

Bangladesh’s BNP set to balance ties with powers to avoid crossing ‘red line’

The party will focus on economic growth after the election while fostering cordial ties with India, Pakistan, China and the US, analysts say.

Bangladesh’s political parties campaign over revolution’s legacy

The centrist Bangladesh Nationalist Party is the front-runner, rivalling the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami and the student uprising-founded National Citizen party.

Outcry in Bangladesh over politician’s call to curb women in workforce

The proposal has sparked concerns that it would damage the country’s vital garment sector, which is dominated by female workers.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Video | Can Bangladesh’s student movement win an election?

The student-led National Citizen Party has joined an electoral alliance with the Islamist Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami party.

Not cricket? Political sticky wicket forces Bangladesh out of T20 World Cup

Bangladesh’s national election on February 12 has brought tensions among the South Asian neighbours to the forefront.

Bangladeshi student leaders ousted Hasina. Now their political future is unsure

The party born of protests that toppled Sheikh Hasina now finds itself overshadowed by a resurgent Jamaat-e-Islami.

India-Bangladesh talks over Ganges waters may turn murky over politics, UN pact

Bangladesh’s election, Hasina’s presence in India and Dhaka’s signing of the UN water convention could complicate the 1996 Ganges agreement.

‘Clear advantage’: why return of Zia’s son may influence Bangladesh’s election

The death of ex-prime minister Khaleda Zia may have boosted voter support for her son Tarique Rahman, who is contesting in the election.

Will Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh ease tensions, restore stability?

Rahman could help consolidate the BNP’s position as the dominant electoral force, while tempering a volatile political climate, analysts say.

Aspiring Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman welcomed home after 17 years abroad

The political heavyweight is to lead the BNP through an election after ex-premier Sheikh Hasina’s exit following a student-led uprising.

India’s partial visa suspension signals unease over Bangladesh’s recent unrest

India halted visa services from its Chittagong mission after violent protests, underscoring its concern over security and stability.

Violence erupts in Bangladesh after shot leader of youth uprising dies

Sharif Osman Hadi was attacked by assailants in Dhaka and airlifted to a hospital in the city state, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Bangladesh to airlift injured uprising leader to Singapore after shooting

Attackers shot student leader Sharif Osman Hadi shortly after a date was announced for elections, following on from last year’s uprising.

Are India and Bangladesh sidestepping Hasina’s exile to improve frayed ties?

A national security bilateral meeting and Narendra Modi’s message of support for Khaleda Zia signal that ties are on the mend.

Why a leading party in Bangladesh is facing uncertainty as election looms

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s leadership crisis threatens to undermine its advantage ahead of the February election, analysts say.

Bangladesh mass grave from 2024 uprising exhumed with UN support

The UN says up to 1,400 people were killed in the crackdowns, forming the basis for the former prime minister’s conviction for crimes against humanity.

‘Utmost inspiration’: Bangladesh ex-PM Khaleda Zia in ‘very critical’ condition

Zia was jailed for corruption in 2018 under Sheikh Hasina’s government, which also barred her from travelling abroad for medical treatment.

Opinion | South Asia’s Gen Z protests offer one lesson in common

Video | Can Bangladesh’s student movement win an election?