BNP confident of election victory, rules out coalition with Jamaat

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed strong confidence that his party will secure a clear mandate in the upcoming national election, dismissing suggestions of forming a coalition or unity government with Jamaat-e-Islami.

In an interview with Reuters, Tarique questioned the logic of joining forces with a political rival, asking, “How can I form a government with my opponents, and then who would be in the opposition?”

He added that if Jamaat remains in opposition, he hopes the party will act as a constructive counterbalance.

Historically, BNP and Jamaat governed together between 2001 and 2006, and Jamaat has recently floated the idea of reviving the partnership to form a unity government, citing the need to stabilise Bangladesh’s economy after months of turmoil in 2024 that disrupted the nation’s garments sector.

Tarique, who returned from nearly two decades in London exile in December following a youth-led uprising that removed long-serving leader Sheikh Hasina, said BNP is targeting a majority in the 300-seat parliament.

While he did not specify exact numbers, he expressed confidence that the party and its allies would secure enough seats to form a government independently.

Opinion polls largely predict a BNP win, though they indicate that the Jamaat-led alliance, including a new Gen Z-focused party born from anti-Hasina protests, could present a strong challenge.

On foreign policy, Tarique stressed pragmatism over alignment with any single country. Asked whether Bangladesh might pivot towards China, he said the government would seek partnerships that advance economic growth, job creation and better living standards for its nearly 175 million citizens, prioritising national interest above geopolitical preference.

Addressing the Rohingya refugee issue, Tarique acknowledged the humanitarian imperative while emphasising safety as a precondition for repatriation.

“We want them to return home when conditions allow it. Until then, they are very welcome to stay in Bangladesh,” he said, highlighting the country’s ongoing role as a host to roughly 1.2 million refugees.

Tarique’s comments signal a BNP strategy focused on securing a decisive parliamentary mandate, asserting independent governance, and navigating domestic and international challenges with a people-centred and pragmatic approach.