The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is the largest opposition party in Bangladesh. It was founded in 1978 by Ziaur Rahman after he took power in a military coup. Ziaur Rahman established multi-party democracy and allowed the formation of political parties after the authoritarian rule of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The BNP aims to promote nationalism, democracy, and development in Bangladesh. In 2009, the BNP held its fifth national council, the first in 16 years, where Khaleda Zia was re-elected as chairperson. The council amended the party constitution and selected a new 19-member standing committee.