Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)
Background and India Relations
The BNP was founded in 1978 by General Ziaur Rahman, Tarique Rahman's father, who was assassinated in 1981. The party has historically maintained a more sceptical posture toward India compared to the Awami League, which was seen as closely aligned with New Delhi. BNP governments in the past (1991-1996, 2001-2006) pursued relationships with China and had periods of tension with India over issues including alleged support for insurgent groups operating in India's northeast.
- Tarique Rahman assumed acting chairmanship of BNP from his mother Khaleda Zia (founding chairperson), who has been in ill health.
- BNP's 2026 election manifesto included pledges to restore democracy, pursue sovereign foreign policy, and renegotiate terms of agreements perceived as unfavourable to Bangladesh.
- Historical concerns from India's side include BNP's periodic closeness with Jamaat-e-Islami (a party with roots in opposing Bangladesh's 1971 liberation) and its stance on cross-border issues in India's northeast.
● Tracked since February 13, 2026 · last seen February 17, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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