BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has ruled out the possibility of forming a coalition government with Jamaat-e-Islami after Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election. In an interview with Reuters on February 6 at his party office, he said the BNP is confident in its ability to form a government on its own. Rahman also discussed strengthening ties with China, the Gen Z vote, and the Rohingya issue.

Jamaat-e-Islami, once banned but now re-emerging as a political force, is considered BNP’s main rival in the upcoming election. The two parties previously governed together from 2001 to 2006. Jamaat has expressed interest in joining a unity government to stabilize the country, but Rahman questioned how he could form a government with political opponents, suggesting Jamaat could instead serve as a strong opposition. BNP has fielded candidates in 292 of 300 constituencies and expects to win more than two-thirds of the seats.

Rahman added that Bangladesh would maintain partnerships based on national interest and sovereignty, not alignment with any specific country, emphasizing the need for economic growth and job creation for the youth.