BNP confident of election victory: Tarique Rahman

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman expressed confidence in his party’s victory in the upcoming national elections, while ruling out any post-election alliance with political rival Jamaat-e-Islami.

In an interview with Reuters at the BNP headquarters on Friday (February 6), Tarique was asked about the possibility of a unity government. He said, “How would I form a government with my political opponents? Then who would be the opposition?” He added that if Jamaat remains in opposition, the party is expected to play a responsible role.

Sixty-year-old Tarique returned to Bangladesh last December after nearly two decades in exile in London. He returned following a youth-led political upheaval that removed long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from power. Sheikh Hasina has been a long-time political rival of Tarique’s family.

The BNP has fielded candidates in 292 of the 300 parliamentary seats, with allies contesting the remaining constituencies. While Tarique declined to specify the exact number of expected victories, he said the party is confident of securing enough seats to form a government.

Public opinion surveys indicate strong support for BNP but also highlight challenges from the Jamaat-led alliance, which now includes the youth-led National Citizen Party (NCP) party.

On foreign relations, Tarique emphasised that Bangladesh will not align exclusively with any single country. He said economic growth and job creation for the country’s 17.5 crore people remain a priority, and Bangladesh will engage with partners offering the most beneficial proposals while safeguarding national interests and sovereignty.

Regarding the political future of Sheikh Hasina’s children, Tarique said, “If the people accept someone, everyone has the right to participate in politics.”

The ruling Awami League, barred from contesting due to the political upheaval, is largely absent from the election, with several senior leaders and family members now living abroad.