The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), established on September 1, 1978, has played a significant role in the country's political landscape as one of its largest political parties. It has won parliamentary elections three times since its inception, with the most recent victory in 2026, following widespread protests known as the 'Bangladesh Blockade' that led to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ousting in mid-2024. This latest election win marks a significant comeback for the party after years spent in political opposition.

The BNP was founded by former president Ziaur Rahman, who led the party to its first electoral victory in 1979, providing him with parliamentary legitimacy. His tenure was cut short by a military coup that resulted in his assassination in 1981. Following this, his widow, Khaleda Zia, took over the party's leadership in 1984, continuing the party's legacy in challenging the power dynamics within Bangladesh's political arena.

Ideologically, the BNP aligns itself with Bangladeshi nationalism, emphasizing the importance of national identity while maintaining Islamic references in its platform. The party promotes the protection of national sovereignty and independence while advocating for a market economy with reduced state intervention in various sectors. This ideological stance appeals to a base that seeks to balance national pride with economic pragmatism in a rapidly changing political environment.