BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed confidence that his party will win the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election on its own and will not require support from any other party to form the government. In an interview with Reuters on Friday, he stated that even if BNP wins, it will not form a unity government with its main political rival.
Tarique said Muslims should be confident that BNP will secure a clear majority and that no external support will be needed to govern.
The 60-year-old politician is the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. His mother’s long-time political rival, Sheikh Hasina, was ousted during a student-led uprising on August 5, 2024, and returned to Bangladesh from London last December after nearly two decades in exile.
The BNP’s main competitor in the February 12 elections, Jamaat-e-Islami, is now politically strong despite being banned in the past. Between 2001 and 2006, BNP and Jamaat formed a coalition government. Jamaat has recently expressed readiness to join a national unity government for the sake of stability. Political unrest in 2024 caused significant losses to Bangladesh’s RMG sector.
Since Sheikh Hasina left for India in August 2024, Bangladesh has been governed by an interim administration. Tarique said from his party office, “How can I form a government with my political opponent? Who would remain in the opposition?” He added that he hopes the opposition will serve as a constructive counterforce.
BNP sources say the party is confident of winning more than two-thirds of the 300 parliamentary seats, contesting directly in 292, with allies competing in the remaining seats. Tarique declined to specify a number but said, “We are confident of having enough seats to form a government.”
Opinion polls predict a BNP victory, though Jamaat-led alliances, including a young opposition party that emerged from anti-Hasina movements, could pose strong challenges.
On foreign relations, Tarique said Bangladesh will maintain partnerships with countries capable of ensuring economic growth for its 17.5 crore citizens, without aligning with any single nation. He emphasized creating jobs and fostering business opportunities to improve citizens’ quality of life.
Asked if Sheikh Hasina’s children could return to politics, he said, “If the people accept them, everyone has the right to participate in politics.” Hasina-led Awami League has been barred from the election, and many of its senior leaders went abroad before and after her fall.
Regarding the Rohingya issue, Tarique said Bangladesh has hosted nearly 1.2 million Muslim refugees fleeing persecution in Buddhist-majority Myanmar. While he supports their eventual return, it must be to a safe environment. Until then, Bangladesh will continue to welcome them.
He stated, “We will try to ensure they can return to their country, but only when conditions are safe. Until then, they remain warmly welcome here.”
