By ALI HUSNIAN

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is one of the leading political parties in Bangladesh. It was founded on 1 September 1978 by President Ziaur Rahman. According to the party's founder, the nation's economic progress, democratic advancement, national unity based on Bangladeshi nationalism, and the instillation of a spirit of independence in the populace have been the party's key goals. Another important goal was to protect territorial integrity, national independence, and sovereignty. Its central theme has been the 19-point Programme of Action. Democracy, full confidence, and faith in the Almighty Allah, nationalism, and socialism—which have been its guiding principles—are the four main tenets of state policy. Economic and social justice has been seen as their central values. Right from its inception, the BNP has begun its activities mainly to foster national unity. Rejecting the policy pursued by the post-independence government, especially its pro-Indian bias and Bangladesh's close linkage with the Indo-Soviet axis at the exclusion of other actors in international politics, BNP adopted a kind of foreign policy which was considered by many observers as 'neutral' and 'independent'.

BNP also has some additional benefits bestowed upon it. The party's platform is so open and widely shared that the students in general and those attending universities were drawn to it because of its independent role in global politics. Even some of the nation's academics and intellectuals came to embrace its goal of promoting national unity. Businesspeople and manufacturers started to embrace its goal of gradually eliminating the socialist fervor from economic activity and increasing the constructive cooperation between the private and public sectors. In response to the BNP's democratic goals of restoring multi-party democracy in the nation, the liberals started to support them.

The forthcoming elections of 2023 in Bangladesh are of great importance and challenging as well in order to decide and chose the right leadership which would be the most effective decision by Bangladeshis for their future. The BNP party workers and supporters have come up with more strength and patience. Further, The Bangladesh High Court also delivered a split verdict over whether imprisoned former prime minister and the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party's chief, Khaleda Zia, should be allowed to contest the upcoming general election.

It appears that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is waking up from its slumber. Amanullah Aman, a top BNP leader, announced on October 8 that the party would stage processions and demonstrations across the nation that would result in Khaleda Zia, the party's chairperson, and Tarique Rahman, the acting chairperson, taking control of the government on 10^th December. The BNP, Bangladesh's major opposition party, has been staging public protests since Aman's declaration on October 8. So far, three rallies have been held without incident. Although the government tried to prevent people from attending the rally by, for example, closing down public transportation, the rallies were well-attended. On, the capital city of Dhaka will host the last rally.

In recent months, the BNP seems to have rejuvenated itself and is holding large public rallies across the country. At a rally in Narayanganj on July 31 to mark the 44th anniversary of the BNP’s founding, an activist was shot dead and scores of others were injured. Moreover, the BNP also has accumulated manpower as on October 22, people in small groups started moving towards the rally venue marching and chanting Shibbari intersection in Khulna. The places around the BNP rally venue were already filled with BNP supporters and activists before time. Further Ferryghat Intersection was also swarming with people. Their love and support for the party is extraordinary. Most of the leaders and activists arrived at the venue on the night before the rally. More than a thousand people have already taken positions in the vicinity of Dakbangla intersection, Ferryghat intersection, and Khulna railway station in Khulna city.

The BNP is in great support of restoring democracy in the state and as well the people of Bangladesh. Although BNP is facing so many hurdles in campaigning and completing preparations for the upcoming elections by the current government in Bangladesh yet it is determined and enthusiastic in organizing different peaceful rallies throughout the state. The BNP’s motto is clear and critical that almost all of the literate mass is supporting it and welcoming it countrywide. The forthcoming election in Bangladesh is so critical and could be proven as a game changer in Bangladesh if the right leadership for Bangladesh is elected using democratic rights.