Tarique Rahman, the leading contender for the post of prime minister, has rejected the idea of forming a unity government with his main political rival Jamaat-e-Islami after the upcoming election, saying his party is confident of winning enough seats to form the government on its own. In an interview with an international news agency, he stated that forming a government with political opponents would leave no effective opposition, which is essential for a functioning democratic system. Returning to the country last December after nearly two decades abroad, Tarique Rahman said his party is focusing on securing a clear mandate from the people. In the 12 February election, the BNP’s main rival is expected to be the Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami, which, despite facing restrictions in the past, has re-emerged as a strong political force. Although the two parties previously governed together, the BNP has now dismissed the proposal for a unity government. Rahman said a strong opposition is necessary to ensure accountability and protect the interests of the people. His aides have indicated that the party is optimistic about winning more than two-thirds of the 300 parliamentary seats, with BNP candidates contesting in 292 constituencies while its allies are contesting the rest. Though he declined to specify the number of seats the party expects to win, Rahman expressed confidence that they would secure enough to form the government. Opinion polls have suggested a lead for the BNP, but they also indicate a strong challenge from the Jamaat-led alliance, which includes a new political group formed by the younger generation that emerged from recent protest movements. The country is currently being run by an interim government formed after the departure of the former prime minister. On foreign relations, Rahman said his party would not align itself exclusively with any single country but would instead build ties with nations that can support Bangladesh’s economic growth, employment generation, and national sovereignty. He emphasized the need to accelerate economic development for the country’s large population and create jobs for the youth. To achieve this, he mentioned plans to attract foreign investment and create a business-friendly environment. He also said that anyone accepted by the people should have the right to participate in politics. With a major political party unable to contest the upcoming election, the electoral equation has changed significantly, and under these circumstances, the BNP is entering the race with the goal of forming the government independently, Rahman said.