United News of Bangladesh

The government has cancelled the contractual appointment of M Siraj Uddin Mia to the post of Principal Secretary of Chief Adviser based on his resignatioin application. In a gazette notification dated Feb 16, 2026, the Ministry of Public Administration said that the contractual appointment of M Saraj Uddin Mia to the post of Principal Secretary was revoked.

At least 28 people were killed and dozens more injured when a market in Sudan’s Kordofan region was struck by drones, a rights group reported Monday, as the conflict between the army and a paramilitary force nears its third year. Emergency Lawyers, a group monitoring civilian casualties, said the attack occurred on Sunday in the Sudri locality of North Kordofan province, during peak market hours, worsening the humanitarian crisis. The group warned that the death toll could rise. “The repeated use of drones against populated areas shows a serious disregard for civilian life and signals an escalation threatening daily life in the province. We call for an immediate stop to all drone attacks by both sides,” the group said in a statement. Emergency Lawyers claimed that drones belonging to the army carried out the strike. However, two unnamed military officials told The Associated Press that the army does not target civilian sites and denied involvement. The attack comes just over a week after a drone strike near Rahad city hit a vehicle carrying displaced families, killing at least 24 people, including eight children. The day before, a World Food Program aid convoy was also targeted. Fighting between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted into full-scale war across the country in April 2023. According to the World Health Organization, the conflict has killed at least 40,000 people and displaced 12 million, though aid groups say the real toll could be much higher due to ongoing fighting in remote areas. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has described Kordofan as “volatile and a focus of hostilities,” with both sides accused of committing atrocities. A recent U.N. report said that more than 6,000 people were killed over three days during an RSF offensive in Sudan’s Darfur region in late October, involving acts that may constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity.

A fire broke out at a five-storey L-shaped building at the Karwan Bazar timber market area in the capital on Monday night, affecting parts of the third, fourth and fifth floors. The fire started around 10:22pm, said Talha bin Zashim, Station Officer of FSCD headquarter media cell. He said fire service teams received the report at 10:28pm and reached the spot at around 10:45pm. A total of 10 fire service units were working to bring the blaze under control. According to officials and employees of the building, warehouses of Huggies diapers are located from the second to the fifth floors of the building, while several timber warehouses are situated nearby. Fire service officials said details about the cause of the fire and the extent of damage would be known after the blaze is fully extinguished. No casualties were reported until the filing of this report.  

Police have arrested a husband and wife in Narayanganj’s Fatullah for allegedly printing and selling fake “family cards” by misusing references to BNP chairperson Tarique Rahman’s election manifesto. The arrests were made on Monday night along with a large number of illegally printed cards, said officials. The arrestees were identified as Russel Jilani and his wife Hasina. The matter was confirmed by Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) SM Fayez Uddin. The fraud came to light earlier in the morning when victims staged a protest in the Narsingpur area of Kashipur Union in Fatullah. According to the victims, a day after the February 12 national election, Russel and his wife started selling fake “family cards” in several areas of Fatullah, posing as BNP activists and using the name “Jisan Traders.” Ahead of Ramadan, they allegedly sold at least 300 cards at Tk50 each, promising monthly essentials at a subsidised price. Most buyers were poor, low-educated women. When promised goods were not delivered on Monday morning and phone calls went unanswered, the victims realised they had been cheated and later surrounded Jilani’s house in protest. A victim, Julekha Begum, said they were told the cards were officially issued. Two Jubo Dal leaders expelled in Kushtia Fatullah Thana BNP President Shahidul Islam Titu said the accused were not linked to the party and termed the incident an act of fraud, calling for legal action. UNO SM Fayez Uddin said he initially warned the accused and instructed them to submit the cards to the police. Later on Monday night, he confirmed that Russel and his wife had been detained by the Fatullah Model Police Station with a large number of fake cards. Police said legal action was being taken against the accused.

About 100 US troops, along with military equipment, have arrived in Nigeria to support training of the country’s armed forces, the Nigerian military said on Monday. In a statement, the military said the deployment came after the Nigerian government formally requested assistance from the United States for training, technical support and intelligence sharing. The move comes after a recent easing of tensions between the two countries, which had escalated when US President Donald Trump threatened action against Nigeria over claims that the government was failing to protect Christian communities.

Dhaka, Feb 16 (UNB)--Bangladesh has climbed three places in the latest Henley Passport Index, moving up to 93rd position from 96th in the previous ranking. According to the new list, Singapore remains at the top of the index, retaining its position as the world’s most powerful passport. Japan and South Korea jointly hold the second spot. Sweden and the United Arab Emirates are ranked third. Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Switzerland share the fourth position. Among South Asian countries, India ranks 75th, ahead of Bangladesh. Pakistan stands at 97th, four places behind Bangladesh, while Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the index.

A 32-year-old woman in Feni’s Parshuram upazila has allegedly been divorced by her husband for voting for the BNP’s “Sheaf of Paddy” symbol in the 13th national election held on February 12. The incident took place in Paglirkul village under Chithlia union and sparked a stir in the area after it came to light on Monday afternoon. The woman, Runa Akhter Munni, claimed that on the night before the election, her husband, Nur Mohammad Sumon, asked her which symbol she would vote for. “I told him I had seen my father vote for the Sheaf of Paddy since childhood and I would do the same. He then forbade me from going to the polling station,” she alleged. Runa said that after her husband left home on election day, she went to Rajshapur Ali Azzam High School polling centre and cast her vote for the Sheaf of Paddy. “When he returned at night, he said he had voted for the Scale symbol and that it had won here. When I told him I had voted for the Sheaf of Paddy, he did not say anything further that night,” she said. According to her, the next morning he allegedly beat her and their eldest son, took land documents from the house and left. “He later told neighbours that he had divorced me through the court,” she added. However, when contacted by phone, Sumon denied divorcing his wife over voting. He said he had ended the marriage due to family disputes. “It was not because of voting. She was not even a voter, so how could she vote?” he claimed, adding that he had registered the divorce through an affidavit at the Feni Notary Public Office on February 15 and sent the divorce notice by post. Documents seen by UNB show that an affidavit, No. 170, regarding the divorce was issued on February 15 under the signature of lawyer Rabiul Haque Robi of the Feni Notary Public Office. In the petition, Sumon cited various family issues, including alleged misconduct and failure to maintain family life. Local sources said Runa is a registered voter, with voter number 4229560646 and voter slip number 578. Mohila Dal leader found dead in Feni; police suspect suicide Runa and Sumon were married on November 7, 2014. They have two sons — Mobarak Hossain Murad, 10, and Mohammad Mostakim Hossain, 3. Sumon runs a shop named Bhai Bhai Store at Rajshapur Bazar. Neighbour Kausar Alam said Runa informed him about the matter after Sumon left home. Farmer Abdul Kader said Sumon had called him last Sunday, saying a divorce notice had been sent from the court and asking that she be told to leave the house. After the matter became public, local BNP leaders, including Chithlia Union BNP President Munshi Nazrul Islam Jahangir and General Secretary Master Sheikh Ahmed, visited Sumon’s house. Upazila BNP Convener Abdul Halim Manik alleged that Sumon divorced his wife for voting for the Sheaf of Paddy. “Such incidents are reprehensible and harmful to society,” he said.

In a contest that evoked memories of their fierce football rivalry, England narrowly avoided a shocking upset against T20 World Cup debutants Italy at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Despite a spirited fightback from the Azzurri, the defending champions held their nerve to secure a 24-run victory and book their spot in the Super Eight. With this win, England finishes the group stage with 6 points from 4 matches, joining the West Indies as the second team to qualify from Group C. Chasing a formidable target of 203, Italy gave England a serious scare, reaching 178 before being bowled out on the final ball of the 20th over. Rashid Khan creates history with 700 T20 wickets The chase was spearheaded by a blistering knock from Ben Manenti, who smashed 60 off just 25 balls, including 6 sixes. His 92-run partnership with Justin Mosca (43 off 34) threatened to take the game away from the English. However, the turning point came in the final two overs. Needing 30 runs from 12 balls, Italy faltered against Sam Curran’s disciplined bowling in the 19th over, which conceded just 5 runs and claimed the crucial wicket of Grant Stewart (45 off 23). Jamie Overton then sealed the deal with a double-wicket maiden in the 20th over. Earlier, England posted 202 for 7 after opting to bat first. All-rounder Will Jacks provided the late flourish, remaining unbeaten on 53 off just 22 balls as England plundered 78 runs in the final 5 overs. Italy’s chase began disastrously, losing both openers for just 1 run in Jofra Archer’s opening over. Despite being reduced to 22 for 3 by the fourth over, the counter-attack led by Manenti and Stewart kept the contest alive until the very end, earning the newcomers respect on the global stage.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday said the just-held national election is not just a process of transferring power; rather it is the beginning of a new journey for the country’s democracy, the birth of a new Bangladesh. “We have delivered a festive, free, impartial, peaceful, clean, and credible national election, through which the people have regained their right to vote,” he said in a televised speech, expressing his deep respect and gratitude to those who were behind this achievement. Prof Yunus paid tribute to the young protesters who took to the streets in July 2024, as well as to those who were injured or lost their lives. “This transformation would not have been possible without their unprecedented sacrifice.” Reflecting on his tenure, Prof Yunus said, “My colleagues and I have sought to honour that promise. Where we have succeeded and where we have fallen short - that judgment rests with the people.” He emphasised that his government placed accountability above political considerations, prioritising the prosecution of crimes against humanity, corruption and systemic irregularities without regard for partisan interests or retribution. Implementation of July Charter to block fascism’s paths to return: Prof Yunus  “We have initiated administrative, commercial and financial reforms in fragile institutions to ensure that no future government can entrench itself against the will of the people,” the Chief Adviser said. Outlining the broader vision of a new Bangladesh, Prof Yunus said when his administration assumed office, the country’s law and order situation was deeply precarious. “Police stations were empty, and public confidence had eroded, replaced by fear and uncertainty. Step by step, we have worked to restore stability and rebuild trust,” he said.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday identified the July National Charter as the biggest achievement of the interim government, on the basis of which the people of the country decided to implement it with a huge majority in a referendum. “If the July Charter is implemented, the paths to the return of fascism will be closed forever. I hope it will be implemented within the stipulated time frame,” Prof Yunus said in a televised address to the nation. Even if the interim government forgets many things, big and small, good and bad, the nation will never forget the July Charter, Prof Yunus said. “Today, I congratulate all the political parties, social organisations, and human rights organisations who worked tirelessly to draft this charter and get it passed in the referendum,” he said. Before his speech, National Citizen Party (NCP) signed the July National Charter, giving it compete shape on the aspects of approval of all stakeholders. Earlier, NCP remained absent from signing the instrument saying signing would be meaningless without clarity on implementation. In the presence of the Chief Adviser, NCP Convener Nahid Islam and Member Secretary Akhter Hossain signed the charter at State Guest House Jamuna on Monday evening. National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz, Commission Member Badiul Alam Majumdar, and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Monir Haider were present on the occasion. Prof Yunus sees vast economic prospects in wider regional cooperation For the first time, Prof Yunus said, the opportunity has been created for expatriates to vote in this election. “When a voter proudly shares his experience of voting in this election and the referendum on social media, as a citizen, I cannot contain my joy. I hope that many more expatriates will be able to participate in this process safely in the future,” he said. “When we took office, the economy was in turmoil. The banking system had collapsed, and money laundering was rampant. We have brought structural reforms in revenue management, tax policy, currency management and financial sector,” Prof Yunus said. He said the ‘bottomless economy’ was left for them by the previous fascist government. “Now, while leaving, I am relieved that we have been able to deal with the situation. And I can leave the foundation of a new economy. Now the creditors will not come to chase us anymore,” Prof Yunus said. He said the reserves are now 34 billion dollars. “This reserve is gradually increasing with the remittances of our patriotic expatriate brothers and sisters.”

Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin on Monday said he never compromised on ethics during his time in office. “I came here with a very negative impression about you. Today I am leaving with gratitude. I believe you are an asset to the country. You have shown that you can work well under the right leadership,” he said. He made the remarks at a farewell reception organised by the Ministry of Commerce. Extra flight fees to be waived for 3 days: Commerce Adviser Speaking at the event, he said the change brought by the 2024 student uprising should be reflected in officials’ behaviour. “If anyone asks you to do something illegal, you should say it is not possible. Or politely explain how it should be done properly,” he said. He added that the arrival of the new leadership on the 18th should be a day of celebration for the ministry. “Please support the new minister in carrying out his responsibilities. If you disagree with him, you should express your views respectfully and clearly,” he said. The adviser said he had never compromised on moral principles after taking charge of the ministry and would never do so. “I have worked for Bangladesh and for our children. I am returning to my previous work with happy memories, knowing that all wings and departments of the ministry worked together,” he said. Businesses raise edible oil prices without government approval: Commerce Adviser Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman presided over the event. Among others who spoke were Additional Secretary (Export) Md Abdur Rahim Khan, Additional Secretary (FTA) Ayesha Akhter, Bangladesh Tea Board Chairman Major General Md Mejbah Uddin Ahmed and Competition Commission Chairperson AHM Ahsan. Officials of the Ministry of Commerce and heads of its various departments and organisations attended the farewell reception.

A teacher was arrested with Tk7 lakh on Monday while allegedly trying to bribe a senior education official to secure MPO enlistment for one teacher and three employees of a secondary school in Kurigram. The arrest took place in the afternoon at the office of the Deputy Director of Secondary and Higher Education in Kachari Bazar area of Rangpur city. The arrestee was identified as Maidul Islam Khan, son of Haji Abdur Sabur Khan of Kajikata Datbhanga area in Roumari upazila of Kurigram. Confirming the matter, Officer-in-Charge of Rangpur Metropolitan Kotwali Police Station Shahajan Ali said the money was seized from Maidul at the spot. According to police and officials, Haji Abdur Sabur Khan founded Kajikata High School in Roumari upazila. Maidul allegedly went to the office of the Deputy Director of Secondary and Higher Education of the Rangpur region to offer bribe money to get MPO status for one teacher and three staff members of the institution. Jashore district primary education officer held by ACC with Tk 1.20 lakh bribe Deputy Director Mosammat Roksana Akter said Maidul had visited her earlier with the same proposal. On Monday, he again offered cash, claiming he had brought Tk7 lakh in total. She immediately informed the Anti-Corruption Commission and the police. Following her complaint, a team from the ACC and police reached the office and arrested Maidul with Tk7 lakh in cash. ACC Rangpur Deputy Director Md Shaon Mia said preliminary investigation at the spot confirmed the allegations. He added that legal proceedings were underway and a case would be filed with the Rangpur Metropolitan Kotwali Police Station.

An initiative to issue digital bank licenses just a day before the formation of a new government has been stalled following strong protests from the Bangladesh Bank Officers Welfare Council. The Council demanded the cancellation of an emergency board meeting scheduled to approve the licenses on Monday. Although the meeting of the Board of Directors took place in the afternoon, no licenses were approved. Instead, the board was briefed on the evaluation scores of the applicant institutions, effectively halting the approval process amidst day-long tension at the central bank. Bangladesh Bank announces banking timings for Ramadan During a press conference leaders of the Officers Welfare Council expressed deep concern over the timing of the emergency meeting. They noted that the meeting was called with only one day’s notice while the process of government formation following the 13th National Parliamentary Election (held on February 12) was still underway. The Council alleged that the primary objective of the meeting was to grant a license to a specific group. They pointed out a potential conflict of interest, noting that the current Governor previously served as the chairman of a bank owned by that same group. "This initiative is contrary to the fundamental principles of neutrality of the central bank," the Council stated. They further alleged that unqualified individuals were being appointed as consultants based on personal ties to the Governor and that outsiders were being allowed to attend critical board meetings without official approval. The Council raised several legal objections, citing the ‘Bank Company Act’, which prohibits one bank from being a subsidiary of another. They also highlighted that government approval is mandatory for holding more than 10 percent of shares. Taking such a major policy decision during a political transition is a violation of both law and established custom, the officials argued. Bangladesh Bank lowers floor of interest rate corridor to boost interbank liquidity Furthermore, the Council emphasized the fragile state of the banking sector, where the default loan rate exceeded 36 percent as of September 2025. With 61 scheduled banks already operating and many struggling to return depositors' money, they questioned the immediate necessity of new digital banks without a transparent and thorough review. In the wake of the protest, the central bank issued an official order prohibiting employees from making statements to the media or at public gatherings regarding bank policies without prior approval. Arif Hossain Khan, spokesperson for Bangladesh Bank, clarified to the media that the emergency meeting only reviewed a progress report on the digital bank applications and that no final decisions were made. According to central bank data, 13 entities have applied for digital bank licenses.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday renewed his emphasis on the economic opportunities in the region, underscoring the vast growth potential of a broader regional cooperation encompassing Nepal, Bhutan and northeastern India. In a televised address to the nation ahead of Tuesday’s handover of power, Prof Yunus outlined Bangladesh’s maritime access as a strategic asset. “Our open sea is not merely a geographical boundary; it is a gateway to the global economy,” he said, highlighting connectivity as central to the country’s next phase of development. Prof Yunus said through economic zones, trade agreements and access to duty-free markets, a strong foundation will be established for this region to become a global manufacturing hub. “We have come a long way in signing agreements with the best international port management companies to take the efficiency of our ports to the international level. If we cannot increase its efficiency, we will lag behind in economic achievements,” he said. The Chief Adviser said they have been able to firmly restore these three fundamental foundations of Bangladesh's sovereignty, national interests, and the country's dignity in foreign policy. “Bangladesh is no longer a country with submissive foreign policy or dependent on the instructions and advice of other countries, today's Bangladesh is confident, active and responsible in protecting its independent interests,” he said. Prof Yunus said they are committed to building relations with all countries of the world based on mutual respect and interests. At the same time, he said, Bangladesh has established itself today as a state capable of taking necessary strategic decisions for the future while maintaining balance. Prof Yunus said the Rohingya crisis has created a serious and long-term strain on the national security, regional stability and economy. CA Prof Yunus thanks NCP for signing July Charter Unfortunately, he said, for a long time, no effective and coordinated international initiative was visible to resolve this crisis. “Since assuming office, we have been able to bring this issue, which was moribund in the international arena, back to the center of global attention.” Realising the importance of this crisis, he said, the United Nations has stood by Bangladesh. The UN Secretary-General himself has visited Bangladesh and pledged to help find a sustainable solution to the problem, he said, adding that at his request, a special conference on the Rohingya issue was held at the UN.

The local office of the Bangladesh Awami League was reopened in Betagi Upazila of Barguna on Monday, around 18 months after its activities were declared banned. The office, located at Betagi Bazar, was unlocked around noon by leaders of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League, witnesses said. The reopening was carried out under the supervision of former Chhatra League joint general secretary Asaduzzaman Nadim. RAB detains two JMB members in Borguna Photographs of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina were also displayed inside the office. Among those present were Betagi Upazila Chhatra League general secretary Sifat Sikder and former upazila general secretary Mostafa Jamal Shamim, along with a number of other leaders and activists. Eyewitnesses said leaders and activists of Jubo League and the banned Chhatra League gathered in front of the office and chanted slogans. Later, a banner reading “Reopening of Betagi Upazila Awami League office after 18 months” was hung inside and outside the office. U-16 Women’s Football: Borguna, Magura make good start No immediate reaction from the local administration was available in this regard.

Additional traffic police will be deployed across the capital to ease congestion and ensure smooth movement of vehicles and pedestrians during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan, a senior Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) official said on Monday. Md Anisur Rahman, Additional Commissioner (Traffic) of the DMP, made the announcement at a coordination meeting with representatives of shopping malls and business communities held at the DMP headquarters on Monday. DMP launches election hotlines to report code violations In his speech, chief of the DMP's Traffic division urged business owners to remain vigilant alongside police so that roads remain free from congestion and pedestrians can move freely on footpaths during Ramadan. Anisur Rahman also called on shopping mall authorities to deploy volunteers in front of and around their establishments to help manage crowds and traffic flow. The meeting discussed overall security, law and order, and traffic management in shopping centres across the Dhaka metropolitan area ahead of Ramadan. Speaking at the event, Md Sarwar, Additional Commissioner (Admin) of DMP, said traffic congestion remains one of the major problems in Dhaka city. He said, alongside members of the Traffic Division and Crime Division, additional police personnel will be deployed during Ramadan to reduce traffic congestion. DMP Commissioner orders highest security at Dhaka polling centres Sarwar urged all to comply with traffic rules and expressed hope that with sincere cooperation from all quarters, the holy month of Ramadan would pass smoothly. Senior DMP officials, including joint police commissioners, deputy police commissioners and representatives of various shopping malls and business bodies, attended the meeting and shared their opinions on ensuring security during Ramadan.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party-affiliated Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal has expelled two of its leaders in Kushtia for failing to work with the party-backed candidate in the 13th parliamentary election. The decision was announced in a press release signed on Monday by Jubo Dal Central Executive Committee Assistant Office Secretary Minhajul Islam Bhuiyan. The expelled leaders are Md Zakaria Ansar Millon, convener of Kumarkhali Upazila Jubo Dal, and Md Hanif Kabiraj, a Jubo Dal activist under Ailchara Union in Kushtia Sadar Upazila. The expulsion order was issued following a decision taken by Jubo Dal Central Executive Committee President Abdul Monayem Munna and General Secretary Mohammad Nurul Islam Nayan, according to the press release. It said Millon was expelled on clear charges of working against the BNP-nominated sheaf of paddy candidate in the 13th parliamentary election. Candidates concern over illegal arms in Kushtia: SP pledges strict action Md Hanif Kabiraj was expelled from all posts including his primary membership for violating the party's ideology and unity. The press release also noted that Hanif has been facing allegations of extortion and other criminal activities in the Khajanagar Kabur Hat area, one of the country’s second-largest rice trading hubs, since August 5. On Monday afternoon, angry local residents staged a road blockade in the area demanding his arrest and exemplary punishment. Vehicular movement on the road came to a halt during the protest. Later, members of the army arrived at the spot and brought the situation under control.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will address the nation at 9:15pm on Monday. Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar will broadcast his speech, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Earlier, he delivered a farewell address to officers and staff at the Chief Adviser’s Office, marking the end of the interim administration’s tenure. Following his speech, he joined officials and employees for a photo session at the office. The interim government, which assumed office on August 8, 2024 under Prof Yunus, is set to conclude its term with the swearing-in of a new government on Tuesday (February 17). The BNP-led alliance is poised to form the next government after securing a landslide victory in Thursday’s national election, winning 212 seats, while the Jamaat-e-Islami led alliance won 77 seats.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday appreciated the National Citizen Party (NCP) for signing the July National Charter. NCP Convener Nahid Islam and member secretary Akhtar Hossain signed the charter on behalf of the party in the presence of the Chief Adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna in the evening. “The nation had the faith that the NCP would sign this charter, and today that faith has been fulfilled. Thank you for participating in this great work,” the CA said. Prof Yunus delivers farewell speech as interim govt prepares to hand over power Prof Yunus said the charter should guide actions at every level to build a new, humane Bangladesh, emphasising that all stakeholders must remain vigilant in implementing its principles. The Chief Adviser also mentioned that the oath-taking ceremony for the members of the new parliament would be held on Tuesday and wished everyone success in the days ahead. Nahid Islam said the MPs elected from his party would take their oaths tomorrow. “Although we were the last to sign the charter, we have been most active in implementing it. We will honor the trust the people have placed in us.” Army Chief meets Chief Adviser Prof Yunus National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz, Commission member Badiul Alam Majumder and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Monir Haider, were present. The NCP delegation included Monira Sharmin, Sarwar Tushar, Javed Rasin and Zahirul Islam.

National Citizen Party Convener Nahid Islam on Monday vowed to ensure justice for Sharif Osman Bin Hadi and the perpetrators of the July uprising killings. In a Facebook post on Monday afternoon, he said that implementing the July Charter and taking a firm stance against looting, corruption, and extortion remain key commitments of his party. Nahid Islam, who contested the national election from Dhaka-11 constituency, won by a margin of more than 2,000 votes. Running with the Shapla Kali (water lily bud) symbol, he secured 93,872 votes. After meeting Jamaat Ameer, Tarique meets NCP chief Nahid Meanwhile, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman paid a courtesy call on Nahid at his residence on Bailey Road in the capital around 8:30 pm on Sunday.

Newly elected MPs are set to take oath as members of the 13th parliament and also the Constitution Reform Council on Tuesday. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin will administer the oath in line with the Constitution as the posts of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament are currently vacant. The swearing-in ceremony will be held at the oath-taking room of the Jatiya Sangsad.   BNP’s MPs-elect will take oath at 10am, while those of Jamaat-e-Islami will do so at 12pm, said Parliament Secretariat Secretary Kaniz Moula. “Both oaths of the elected MPs as members of parliament and as members of the Constitution Reform Council will be held at a time (the same event),” she told UNB on Monday evening. Besides, the Election Commission on Monday wrote to the Parliament Secretariat asking to take necessary measures as the Chief Election Commissioner will administer the oath of newly elected members of the 13th parliament and also members of the Constitution Reform Council at 10am on Tuesday. EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed wrote the letter to the Secretary of Parliament Secretariat. However, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday raised constitutional concerns regarding the oath of the Constitution Reform Council, casting uncertainty over whether such an oath can legally be administered now. DMP issues traffic guidelines for oath-taking ceremony “If the Constitutional Reform Council is incorporated into the Constitution through an amendment, and if a specific oath format is included in the Third Schedule of the Constitution with a designated authority to administer that oath—only after all these conditions are met could such a process take place,” he said. While the Third Schedule of the Constitution specifies the oaths for various offices, including that of Members of Parliament, it does not mention any oath for members of a Constitution Reform Council, he said. Responding to questions from journalists, Salahuddin Ahmed, also a newly elected MP, said the constitutional responsibility of the Election Commission is to conduct the national parliamentary and presidential elections. Officials at the Parliament Secretariat said newly elected MPs will sign the oath book and provide fingerprints, images and digital signatures for preparation of their digital identity cards following the ceremony. The 13th parliamentary election and referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order 2025 were held on Thursday last (February 12) in 299 out of the country’s 300 constituencies amid festivity and peaceful atmosphere. On Friday last, the EC published a gazette of 297 elected MP candidates. The election results of two other constituencies – Chattogram-2 and 4-- were withheld as per the court orders. Besides, the election to Sherpur-3 was earlier cancelled following the death of a contesting candidate. But BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has left Bogura-6 seat for by-election as he is set to take oath as a member of parliament from Dhaka-17 constituency. In the election, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured 209 parliamentary seats, while Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 68. Besides, National Citizen Party-NCP settled victory in six constituencies, independent candidates in seven constituencies, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish in two, Islami Andolan Bangladesh in one, Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP (led by Andaleeve Rahman Partho) in one, Ganaodhikar Parishad in one, Ganasamhati Andolan in one and Khelafat Majlish in one parliamentary seat. So, the BNP-led electoral alliance sealed victory in a total of 212 constituencies, while the Jamaat-led electoral alliance won in 77 constituencies. According to the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order 2025, a Constitution Reform Council shall be formed with the representatives elected in the general election, which could apply all authorities related to the constitutional reform. The representatives elected in the election shall act as the members of the parliament and also members of the Council simultaneously. The Constitution Reform Council shall complete the implementation of the July National Charter and the Constitutional Reforms in line with the mandate gained through the referendum within 180 working days since the formation of the council and then the tenure of the council will end immediately. The Order also states that the authority entitled to administer the oath of MPs will likewise administer the oath of members of the Constitution Reform Council. According to the Constitution, newly elected MPs must take their oath, typically administered by the Speaker within three days of the gazette notification. Due to the resignation/absence of the 12th Parliament Speaker, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) or a President-nominated person will administer the oath. Maldives' President, FM to join oath-taking ceremony The Article 148 (2A) states, ”If, within three days next after publication through official Gazette of the result of a general election of members of Parliament under clause (3) of article 123, the person specified under the Constitution for the purpose or such other person designated by that person for the purpose, is unable to, or does not, administer oath to the newly elected members of Parliament, on any account, the Chief Election Commissioner shall administer such oath within three days next thereafter, as if, he is the person specified under the Constitution for the purpose.” Tenures of all Parliaments The tenure of first parliament was from 07-04-1973 to 06-11-1975 (2 years 6 months and 30 days), the second parliament from 02-04-1979 to 24-03-1982 (2 years 11 months 22 days), the third parliament from 10-07-1986 to 06-12-1987 (1 year 4 months 26 days), the fourth parliament from 15-04-1988 to 06-01-1990 (1 year 8 months 22 days), the fifth parliament from  05-04-1991 to 24-11-1995 (4 years 7 months 19 days), the sixth parliament from 19-03-1996 to 30-03-1996 (11 days),  the seventh parliament from 14-07-1996 to 13-07-2001 (4 years 11 months 29 days), the eight parliament from 28-10-2001 to 27-10-2006 (4 years 11 months 29 days), the ninth parliament from 25-01-2009 to 24-01-2014 (4 years 11 months 30 days), the 10th parliament from 19-01-2014 to 28-01-2019 (5 years 9 days), the 11th parliament from 30-01-2019 to 06-01-2024 (4 years 11 months 7 days) and the 12th parliament from 10-01-2024  to 06-08-2024 (6 months 27 days).

Tension flared on Monday morning after six tampered ballot papers and two seals were recovered from a polling station in Pirganj Upazila of the Rangpur-6 constituency. The incident occurred at Hasarpara Government Primary School polling station in Madankhali Union. Locals said some students who arrived at the school in the morning found six sealed ballot papers inside a classroom. Two of the ballots were stamped for the paddy sheaf symbol, while four were for the referendum. When the matter was reported to the school headmaster, he seized the ballots and seals and informed the upazila administration. Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Poppy Khatun arrived at the scene shortly after, but a crowd of agitated locals had already gathered and began protesting. At one-point, angry crowd confined the UNO and vandalized her car amid allegations of vote rigging. Following this, additional police personnel arrived and restored order in the area. The Assistant Returning Officer assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted into the incident.

Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has outlined a wide range of legal and institutional reforms carried out by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs since the July mass uprising, amid criticism over his role. In a Facebook post, he said while the work was done collectively by the ministry, he had personally been involved in every initiative, often working long hours, including weekends, to ensure implementation. Responding to critics, he urged them to review the ministry’s work before passing judgment. South Plaza chosen for oath to honour July Uprising legacy: Asif Nazrul According to the post, the ministry implemented 22 legal reforms, 15 institutional reforms and digitalisation measures, recommended withdrawal of 23,866 politically motivated harassment cases, supported genocide trials related to the July uprising, and significantly increased daily administrative output. Legal Reforms Among the key reforms highlighted: The International Crimes (Tribunal) Ordinance was updated to align with international standards, incorporating enforced disappearance as a crime against humanity, ensuring witness protection, allowing international observers, introducing interim appeal provisions, and enabling victim compensation. The Supreme Court Judges Appointment Ordinance established an independent Judicial Council to ensure merit-based appointments. The Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance ensured greater judicial independence by transferring administrative and financial authority over subordinate courts to the judiciary. A Commercial Courts Ordinance introduced specialised courts with documentary-based trials, expedited case disposal, mediation, virtual hearings and online case management. ‘World Cup boycott was govt’s  decision, I remain firm on this’: Asif Nazrul The National Human Rights Commission Ordinance, 2025 restructured the commission, enhancing its investigative and compensation powers and establishing a national preventive mechanism against torture under OPCAT. Commissioners were appointed through a public notice and interview process for the first time. The Prevention of Enforced Disappearance Ordinance, 2025 defined enforced disappearance, set maximum punishment including the death penalty, empowered the NHRC to investigate, mandated trial completion within 120 days, and provided compensation and property use provisions for victims’ families. The July Mass Uprising (Protection and Accountability) Ordinance provided protection to participants of the uprising while ensuring accountability for serious crimes. It also withdrew civil and criminal cases filed against protesters for political resistance and barred new such cases. Amendments to the Code of Civil Procedure introduced affidavit-based testimony, online summons and enforcement of decrees within the main suit. Criminal law reforms ensured transparency and accountability in arrest and remand processes, safeguarded accused persons’ rights, removed gender-insensitive terminology and addressed false case harassment. Mandatory pre-case mediation was introduced in certain disputes. In 20 districts, ADR initiatives led to a 339.86% increase in successful settlements between September and December 2025, while dowry cases fell by 79.74%. Amendments to the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act set investigation and trial deadlines, introduced accountability for investigators, ensured witness protection, created separate tribunals for child rape cases and recognised abuse of male children as an offence. Two options under consideration for oath of new MPs: Asif Nazrul Reforms to the Representation of the People Order introduced postal ballots for expatriates and strengthened judicial oversight of election-related offences. The Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025, formulated jointly with the ICT Ministry, repealed repressive provisions of the previous cyber law and cancelled related cases. Amendments to Power of Attorney rules simplified procedures for expatriates, allowing execution without a valid Bangladeshi passport if supported by “No Visa Required” status, birth certificate or NID. Marriage Registration Rules were amended to remove gender-discriminatory provisions and allow online marriage and divorce registration. The ministry also assisted other ministries in drafting ordinances related to the Anti-Corruption Commission, Police Reform Commission and amendments to telecommunications law. Institutional Reforms and Digitalisation The ministry reported adopting three separate rules to strengthen judicial service independence, granting the Supreme Court authority to create judicial posts and establishing clear posting and promotion rules. Information and Service Centres were established in all court premises nationwide to reduce harassment and provide case updates. Centralised recruitment through the Bangladesh Judicial Service Commission was initiated to fill 2,733 vacant court positions. Asset declarations of subordinate court judges were collected and reviewed as part of anti-corruption measures. A Prosecution Monitoring Cell was formed to oversee cases related to crimes committed against students and civilians during July–August events. Oman to reopen work visas for Bangladesh soon: Asif Nazrul Digital initiatives included online testimony for government officials, regular e-cause list updates in 80% of courts, launch of e-Family Courts in Dhaka and Chattogram, introduction of e-bail bonds in nine districts reducing procedural steps from 14 to one, and full digitalisation of attestation services in the ministry. The National Legal Aid Directorate was established, introducing emergency legal assistance, expatriate support and a new hotline (16699). Civil court renaming removed confusion by replacing “Assistant Judge Court” with “Civil Judge Court” and “Senior Civil Judge Court.” Civil and criminal courts were separated, and a record 1,605 new courts were created. Registration services reforms introduced modern digital systems, with plans for biometric verification and online deed storage to prevent fraud. Withdrawal of Harassment Cases Following district-level review and ministry evaluation, 23,866 politically motivated cases were recommended for withdrawal. Public notices were issued to ensure affected individuals could apply. Additionally, 410 speech-related cases under cyber laws and nearly all cases filed against student protesters during the July–August uprising were withdrawn, benefiting several hundred thousand people. Genocide Trial Support The ministry facilitated appointment of judges and prosecutors of the International Crimes Tribunal for genocide cases linked to the July uprising, provided logistical support and oversaw prosecution work. Four verdicts have been delivered, at least six cases are in final stages, and trials including enforced disappearance cases have begun. Increased Administrative Output In the past one and a half years, 2,281 files were disposed of at the ministerial level compared to 1,235 during the same period under the previous government. The ministry provided 578 legal opinions to various ministries and departments (compared to 210 previously) and organised a record 15 stakeholder consultations on lawmaking. Rule of law biggest challenge despite progress: Asif Nazrul It also provided secretarial support to reform commissions on the Constitution, election system, judiciary, enforced disappearance investigations and the National Consensus Commission. For the first time, codification of rules and regulations has begun. A compilation of 127 ordinances and one order issued under the interim government has been published. Due to the departure of previously appointed law officers during the past regime, around 5,500 law officers were newly appointed over the last 18 months — a record in Bangladesh’s history. The ministry also provided secretarial assistance in appointing the Chief Justice and five Appellate Division judges, as well as 48 High Court Division judges. Asif Nazrul mentioned that the details of work done at the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare would also be published before the nation in the near future.

Bangladesh Bank has rescheduled the office timings for all finance companies operating in observance of the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. According to a circular issued by the Department of Financial Institutions and Markets (DFIM) on Monday, the new office timings to accommodate employees and clients during the fasting period. The central bank has directed that all finance companies follow the schedule below starting from the first of Ramadan. An overview of Ramadan and how Muslims observe the sacred month From Sunday to Thursday, office time set 9:30 am to 4:00 pm includes a 15-minute break from 1:15 PM to 1:30 PM for Zuhr prayers. The directive, signed by Director Syed Mahbubul Alam, specifies that office hours will revert to the standard pre-Ramadan schedule immediately following the conclusion of the holy month. All Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers of banks and finance companies have been instructed to ensure the immediate implementation of these timings.

BNP Chairman and Prime Minister-in-waiting Tarique Rahman paid a courtesy call on Pir and Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) Ameer Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim on Monday evening, just a day before forming the next government following his party’s landslide victory in Thursday’s national election. The BNP chief arrived at Rezaul Karim’s Siddheswari residence around 7:15pm for the meeting, which is being seen as a positive political gesture after the polls, said BNP Media Cell member Atikur Rahman Rumon.

The benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) fell on Monday, a day after a major rally, as most listed companies witnessed price erosion and overall turnover declined. On the second trading day of the week, the DSEX, the prime index of the DSE, lost 11 points. The Shariah-based DSES dropped 8 points, while the blue-chip DS30 index shed 9 points. The total turnover at the DSE stood at Tk 1,257 crore, down from Tk 1,275 crore in the previous session. DSE slips, CSE gains in early trading Most of the traded issues ended lower, with 218 companies posting losses against 153 gainers, while prices of 26 companies remained unchanged. In the block market, shares worth Tk 32 crore were traded from 26 companies, with Grameenphone topping the list with Tk 14 crore worth of shares changing hands. Premier Bank PLC emerged as the top gainer at the DSE, advancing nearly 10 percent, while ICB Islamic Bank PLC was the worst loser, shedding around 10 percent. Meanwhile, trading at the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) ended on a positive note, with its benchmark CASPI index rising by 7 points. DSE revises trading hours for Ramadan Out of the traded issues, 116 companies advanced, 90 declined and 22 remained unchanged. The turnover at the CSE, however, dropped to Tk 13 crore from Tk 24 crore in the previous session. Safko Spinning Mills Ltd topped the gainers’ chart at the CSE with nearly 10 percent price appreciation, while Shepherd Industries PLC was the worst performer, losing around 10 percent.

Power supply will be temporarily suspended in several key areas of Sylhet city on Tuesday due to transformer repair, renovation, and transmission line development work. A press release on Monday, signed by the Executive Engineer of Sales and Distribution Division-3 of the Bangladesh Power Development Board, Sylhet, said that electricity will be cut off in areas under the Lalabazar feeder, including Telibazar, Badikona, Bhalki, Bhorout, Lalabazar Nijgaon, Tengra, Betsandhi, Munshirgaon, Munshibazar, Farhadpur, Kararpar, Gangapar, Monokupa, Alamnagar, Chhomipur, and surrounding localities, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on Tuesday. Mild earthquake jolts Sylhet; epicentre in Gowainghat upazila The release added that the power line will be considered operational during the shutdown, and if the work is completed earlier than scheduled, electricity supply will be restored immediately. Authorities apologised to customers in the affected areas for the temporary inconvenience and sought their cooperation.

The Annual Development Programme (ADP) implementation rate has remained at a five-year low in the first seven months of the running fiscal during the tenure of the interim government, continuing the trend observed over the past several months, according to the latest progress report. Data released by the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) under the Ministry of Planning shows that the pace of spending and execution has slowed significantly compared to previous years, raising concerns about delays in development activities. NEC cuts ADP by Tk 30,000 crore The implementation progress during the July–January period remains subdued. In the first seven months of FY2025–26, total spending reached Tk 50,556.29 crore, representing 21.18 percent of the annual allocation. During the same period of FY2024–25, implementation stood at Tk 59,876.87 crore or 21.52 percent. In FY2023–24, the implementation rate for the July–January period was 27.11 percent with expenditure amounting to Tk 74,464.19 crore. The rate was 28.16 percent in FY2022–23 with spending of Tk 72,090.21 crore, while FY2021–22 recorded 30.21 percent implementation, with Tk 71,532.97 crore spent. However, For the current fiscal year 2025–26, the total ADP allocation stands at Tk 238695.64 crore. In comparison, allocations in recent years were Tk 278,888.90 crore in 2024–25, Tk 274,874.02 crore in 2023–24, Tk 265,003.27 crore in 2022–23 and Tk 236,793.09 crore in 2021–22. Officials said the current year’s rate is the lowest among the last five years for the corresponding period, indicating a continued slowdown in project execution. Monthly data also reflects the sluggish pace. In January alone, ADP implementation in FY2025–26 stood at Tk 8,679.42 crore, accounting for just 3.64 percent of the annual allocation. In January of the previous fiscal year, spending was slightly higher at Tk 9,874.53 crore, or 3.55 percent of the allocation. The persistent slowdown has been attributed to multiple factors, including administrative adjustments, cautious expenditure management and slower approval processes during the interim administration period. Project officials have also pointed to delays in procurement, land acquisition and fund release as key reasons behind the lower execution rate. Record low ADP implementation rate clouds Planning Ministry's performance in 2025 As per the economists, the ADP plays a critical role in driving economic activity, employment and infrastructure development. A sustained slowdown in implementation may affect overall growth momentum, especially in sectors reliant on public investment. Despite the lower execution rate, planning ministry officials expressed hope that spending would accelerate in the remaining months of the fiscal year as ministries and agencies traditionally speed up project implementation towards the end of the budget cycle. The ADP is the government’s primary development budget, financing major infrastructure, social sector and regional development projects. A higher implementation rate is generally seen as a sign of strong administrative capacity and efficient project management, while slower spending often signals bottlenecks in execution. With less than half the fiscal year remaining, the pace of implementation in the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the government can narrow the gap with previous years or whether FY2025–26 will end with the lowest execution rate in recent times.

Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation and World Bank on Monday signed a US$150.75 million financing agreement to strengthen skills development and expand employment opportunities for the country’s youth. The agreement was signed by PKSF Managing Director Md Fazlul Kader and the World Bank’s Division Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan, Jean Pesme. The funding will serve as additional financing for the Recovery and Advancement of Informal Sector Employment (RAISE) project being implemented by PKSF. The RAISE project was launched in 2022 with an initial financing of US$250 million and was originally scheduled for completion in June 2026. With the new financing, the project timeline will be extended until December 2030. The budget for the extended phase will reach US$280.65 million, while the remaining funds will be mobilised by PKSF and its partner organisations. Between 2022 and 2030, the total allocation for the RAISE project will now stand at US$536.50 million, equivalent to approximately Tk 61 billion. The project aims to raise incomes and enhance the skills of unemployed youth, micro-entrepreneurs and workers engaged in the informal sector. By December 2030, more than 400,000 people are expected to benefit directly, while four to five times as many may benefit indirectly. PKSF, BARC join hands to boost agricultural research and growth In the extended phase, special emphasis will be placed on supporting young people from remote and climate-vulnerable areas, including chars, haor regions and the hill tracts. To encourage greater participation of women in the informal sector, an initiative has been taken to establish home-based childcare centres. Under the project, young people are receiving market-oriented technical training. Through the traditional ustad-shagred model, participants gain practical, hands-on skills aligned with labour market needs, alongside support for job placement. At the same time, young micro-entrepreneurs are being provided with affordable credit and capacity-building support to help expand their businesses and generate additional employment.

Members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has brought back 73 Bangladeshi fishermen who were detained by the Arakan Army at different times while fishing in the Naf River and the Bay of Bengal in Teknaf upazila of Cox’s Bazar district. The fishermen were returned through the Jaliapara transit ghat in Teknaf around 4:30pm on Monday following a series of negotiations with the Arakan Army, said Colonel Mohiuddin Ahmed, commander of BGB’s Ramu Sector. The Arakan Army formally handed over the fishermen to the BGB at zero line of the Naf River. After completing necessary procedures, they were brought back to Bangladesh and handed over to their families through local administration, he said. Efforts are going on to secure the release of other detained fishermen, he added. At least 200 fishermen had reportedly been detained by the Arakan Army at different times from the Naf River and the Bay of Bengal areas.  

Police have recovered the hanging body of a Jagannath University student from Gandaria in the capital. The deceased was identified as Imran Nabil Paramanik, a student of the 2016–17 session (12th batch) of the Islamic Studies Department, said Inspector (Investigation) Nazmul Hasan of Gandaria Police Station on Monday. Imran Nabil’s family hails from Dhumaitari village under Sundarganj Police Station in Gaibandha district. He was the son of Shafiqul Islam Paramanik. He was residing at 29/C Rajni Chowdhury Road in the Gandaria area of Dhaka. Hanging body of JnU student recovered from mess in Old Dhaka Inspector Nazmul said the body was found hanging inside his residence on Rajni Chowdhury Road, next to Monija Rahman School in the Dhupkhola area of Gandaria. His body was later recovered and sent to Dhaka Medical College for autopsy. Legal proceedings are underway in connection with the case. The preliminary finding suggests the student may have committed suicide due to depression.

A woman gave birth to a baby girl at a polling station in Sirajganj’s Raiganj upazila while casting her vote in the 13th national election held on February 12. The mother, Ambia Khatun, wife of Sharif Ali of Bengnai village under the Sirajganj-3 (Raiganj-Tarash) constituency, went into labour pain suddenly during voting on election day, locals said. With immediate assistance from people present at the centre, she delivered a baby girl at the polling station. The family later decided to name the newborn Begum Khaleda Zia, after BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. Both the mother and the newborn are currently healthy, family members said. On Sunday evening, Deputy Commissioner Md Aminul Islam visited the village to see the mother and the baby. He greeted the family with flowers and handed over a birth certificate, cash assistance and essential items for the mother and child, along with a congratulatory letter. Raiganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Khalek Patwary and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md Masud Rana, among others, were present during the visit.

The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will launch a large-scale mobile truck sales program across the country tomorrow, (February 17), to provide essential commodities at subsidized rates for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. According to a press release issued by the corporation today, the initiative is designed to support low-income individuals during the fasting month. A total of 450 mobile trucks will be deployed nationwide, covering the following areas: Dhaka Metropolitan:50 trucks  Chattogram Metropolitan: 20 trucks  Other Metropolitan Areas: 15 trucks each across 7 cities  Other Districts: 5 trucks each across the remaining 55 districts  The mobile truck sales will run for 20 days, from February 17 to March 12, 2026, excluding Fridays and public holidays. TCB aims to serve approximately 3.5 million beneficiaries by selling nearly 23,000 metric tons of goods through this channel. Notably, any consumer is eligible to purchase products directly from these trucks. 5 new products to be included in TCB sales from Nov: Commerce Adviser The TCB has fixed the prices and maximum purchase limits per consumer as follows: Edible Oil: Tk115 per litre (Max 2 litres)  Sugar: Tk80 per kg (Max 1 kg)  Lentils (Masoor Dal): Tk70 per kg (Max 2 kg)  Chickpeas (Chola): Tk60 per kg (Max 1 kg)  Dates: Tk160 per kg (Max 0.5 kg)  In addition to the truck sales, TCB will continue its regular distribution to 6.6 million Smart Family Cardholder families. These families will receive approximately 40,300 metric tons of goods in February and 33,000 metric tons in March. While prices for oil, sugar, and lentils remain unchanged for cardholders, they will also be able to purchase chickpeas at Tk60 per kg and dates at Tk160 per kg specifically for Ramadan.

The Traffic Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued traffic guidelines ahead of the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected Members of Parliament (MP) and the newly formed cabinet, scheduled to be held on Tuesday. The swearing-in of the newly elected MPs will take place at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, while members of the new cabinet will take oath at the South Plaza of the parliament complex. A large gathering is expected in and around the Parliament area throughout the day, forcing the authorities to impose restrictions in some key points from 8am to 7pm. No fear as voting proceeds peacefully despite rumours: DMP Commissioner The DMP has requested all drivers to avoid Manik Mia Avenue and Lake Road from 8:00am to 7:00pm on Feb 17 and to follow the diversion instruction to avoid traffic congestion. The vehicular movement will remain restricted from Khejur Bagan Crossing to Manik Mia Avenue and along Lake Road from July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum to Urojahaj Crossing during the event. To minimise temporary inconvenience caused by traffic control measures, DMP’s Traffic Division has arranged diversions to ensure smooth vehicular movement. Diversion points and alternative routes: Mirpur Road to Farmgate via Manik Mia Avenue: Vehicles coming from the northern parts via Mirpur Road towards Farmgate/Sonargaon will proceed through Defence Gap and proceed through China Friendship Conference Center–Urojahaj Crossing–Bijoy Sarani Crossing towards Farmgate. 26,515 police deployed in capital for election security: DMP Dhanmondi to Farmgate: Vehicles from Dhanmondi 27 will move via Asad Gate–Defence Gap, turn right towards the conference center–Urojahaj Crossing–Bijoy Sarani Crossing and then right towards Farmgate Crossing. Asad Gate to Farmgate Crossing: From Asad Gate, vehicles will turn left towards Ganabhaban Crossing (July Smriti Jadughar), proceed to Defence Gap, then turn right towards the conference center–Urojahaj Crossing–Bijoy Sarani Crossing and finally right towards Farmgate Crossing. Elevated Expressway/Indira Road to Dhanmondi: Vehicles coming from the Elevated Expressway or Indira Road will move via Khejur Bagan Crossing, turn right towards Urojahaj Crossing, then left towards the conference center, left again at Defence Gap and proceed via Asad Gate to Dhanmondi. Mirpur Road to Dhanmondi: As the blockade on Manik Mia Avenue will be lifted, southbound vehicles from Mirpur Road will travel via Shyamoli–Shishu Mela–Ganabhaban (July Uprising Memorial Museum)–Asad Gate towards Dhanmondi 27. Elevated Expressway: To avoid congestion during the ceremony, commuters are advised to use the FDC (Hatirjheel) ramp instead of the Farmgate exit ramp. 37 Dhaka polling centres under risk watch: DMP Commissioner

Bangladesh Bank on Monday issued a special warning against the growing circulation and promotional use of ‘sample notes’ designed to resemble genuine currency, saying such practices risk fuelling counterfeit activities and destabilising the country’s monetary management system. In a notice, the central bank said misleading videos and images have recently been circulating on social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, showing the use of oversised or replica ‘sample notes’ closely matching the design and dimensions of authentic banknotes for marketing campaigns and content creation. It also observed instances where papers resembling real currency are being used in public places and markets for various commercial promotions. Bangladesh Bank keeps policy rate at 10% as inflation risks persist The central bank cautioned that such activities could indirectly encourage the spread of counterfeit notes and pose risks to overall currency management. Bangladesh Bank said producing, using or distributing any document, paper or object that resembles a circulating banknote and is capable of causing confusion constitutes a punishable offence under Section 489(e) of the Penal Code, 1860. Legal action will be taken against individuals or institutions found involved in such activities, it warned. The bank also noted that disseminating false, misleading or rumour-based information through digital platforms may be considered a punishable offence under Section 25 of the Cyber Security Act, 2023. In this context, the central bank urged the public to remain vigilant to prevent the circulation of counterfeit notes and to refrain from creating or sharing misleading content or engaging in unauthorised promotional activities involving imitation currency. Calling for greater awareness, Bangladesh Bank advised people to recognise genuine banknotes, ensure secure transactions and visit its official website to learn about the security features of authentic currency notes. In recent times, many businesses have been distributing promotional leaflets designed to resemble currency notes in an effort to capture public attention. These sample notes, styled after Tk 500 or Tk 1,000 bills, typically feature an image of the note on one side and the company’s advertisement on the other. This unconventional marketing tactic has widely circulated across various social media platforms. Some individuals, out of novelty or during weddings and other social events, have been producing imitation notes and sharing videos of money being tossed in celebration. As these practices have come to the notice of Bangladesh Bank, the central bank has issued a warning on the matter.  

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said his party will welcome any move by the opposition to form a ‘shadow cabinet’, as the practice exists in many developed democracies. “In many developed democracies, the opposition forms a shadow parliament. If they take such a step, we will welcome it,” he said while talking to reporters in front of the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. Salahuddin Ahmed also presented a constitutional explanation regarding the oath of members of the Constitutional Reform Council. “If the Constitutional Reform Council is incorporated into the Constitution through an amendment, and if a specific oath format is included in the Third Schedule of the Constitution with a designated authority to administer that oath—only after all these conditions are met could such a process take place,” he said. However, a press release issued by the Parliament Secretariat said the newly elected MPs of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad will first be sworn in as members of parliament (MPs), followed by their oath-taking as members of the Constitutional Reform Council on Tuesday at 10am in the Oath Room of the parliament complex. Uncertainty remains over whether the MPs elected from BNP will take the oath as members of the Constitutional Reform Council, as the party believes the existing Constitution contains no provision for such a council. While the Third Schedule of the Constitution specifies the oaths for various offices, including that of Members of Parliament, it does not mention any oath for members of a Constitutional Reform Council. Responding to questions from journalists, Salahuddin Ahmed said the constitutional responsibility of the Election Commission is to conduct the national parliamentary and presidential elections. Tarique Rahman quits Bogura-6, keeping Dhaka-17: EC The BNP leader explained that constitutionally, if the Speaker or Deputy Speaker is unavailable, unable, or has not nominated a representative, the second option is for the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) to administer the oath to the elected MPs. Besides, he said, the oath of the newly elected members will be held in Parliament at 10:00am tomorrow (Tuesday), which falls within the constitutional jurisdiction of the CEC. Earlier, on Sunday, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shishir Monir and NCP leader Asif Mahmud announced the formation of a shadow cabinet through their posts on the social media. Before Salahuddin Ahmed, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury spoke to journalists, expressing hope that the opposition will play a democratic role in Parliament in the interest of the country. He mentioned that the new BNP government will face several major challenges in running the country. “We want to move the country forward in a united manner.” Referring to major challenges across sectors such as education, healthcare and the economy, Khosru said, “All the institutions have been destroyed. There are challenges in restoring them as well. So we must confront these challenges. The trust that the people have placed in us will remain at the forefront of our minds.”

Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election will be remembered as a ‘role model’ in the country’s electoral history, said Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Monday. Speaking at a farewell reception at the Police Headquarters, he praised the role of law enforcement agencies in ensuring what he described as a peaceful and credible vote. “The elections have been appreciated both at home and abroad for the neutral, responsible and unique role played by the Army, Police, RAB, Ansar, BGB and Coast Guard,” he said. President Sahabuddin to administer oath to new cabinet members: Cabinet Secretary The adviser expressed gratitude to members of the security forces for their contribution to the smooth conduct of the National Election and Referendum 2026, which he said had drawn international recognition. Chowdhury also said the status of the police force had been restored ‘to a respectable level’ through collective efforts, following the challenges it faced after August 5, 2024. He urged officers to continue strengthening the professional image of the force. Addressing recruitment practices under the interim government, he said there had been no corruption in appointments to various agencies under the Ministry of Home Affairs. He described the process as transparent and rare in the country’s history. “I can assure you that at least my office did not lobby for these appointments.” Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam delivered the welcome address at the event. Among those present were Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali, RAB (SIF) Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman and other senior officials. Earlier, the Home Adviser attended similar farewell receptions organised by the Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, Immigration and Passport Department, and Border Guard Bangladesh.

Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, is a land of mystery, danger, and constant risk. Yet it is here that the region’s traditional honey collectors, known as Mawalis, venture deep into the wilderness, often risking their lives to harvest honey. Their courage and resilience are at the heart of a new documentary titled Sahosei Bikash (Courage to Prosperity), said a media release on Monday. Released on 14 December marking ‘Sundarbans Day’, the three‑minute‑forty‑seven‑second documentary portrays the harsh realities of the honey collectors’ lives. It captures how they brave tigers, crocodiles, venomous snakes, unpredictable tides and the lurking threat of quicksand, all while gathering honey inside one of the world’s most unforgiving ecosystems. Expatriates remit Tk 200bn via bKash in 2025 The documentary also shows how the honey collectors often stay away from their families for weeks at a time. After risking their lives to earn an income, they now rely on the safety and convenience of mobile wallets to store their hard‑earned money and send money back home without hassle. Documentary reveals that even while working in remote forest areas, honey collectors prefer not to carry cash due to security concerns. Instead, they use their bKash accounts to conduct transactions, both for selling honey and for safeguarding their earnings. This digital access allows them to remain emotionally and financially connected with their families despite the physical distance. The film presents a powerful reflection of how technology is delivering reliability and safety to people living in some of the country’s most inaccessible regions. As a result, bKash has emerged as a trusted companion in their lives. Driven by the desire to ensure the well-being and happiness of their loved ones, the honey collectors repeatedly venture deep into the Sundarbans, risking their lives time and again with unwavering courage. Customers win Nepal, Cox’s Bazar tour thru travel payment with bKash The documentary on honey collectors life is available on Amar bKash Facebook page, Instagram page, and YouTube channel-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qo0pxJHrvSk. For nearly fifteen years, bKash has been a trusted financial partner for millions of users across Bangladesh, serving people in cities, towns, villages, hills, coastal regions and remote areas. By offering simple, secure and time‑saving digital services, bKash continues to empower customers with freedom, capability and safety in their financial transactions.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has left Bogura-6 seat for by-election as he is set to take oath as a member of parliament from Dhaka-17 constituency on Tuesday. “We’ve received a letter that BNP chairman Tarique Rahman quits Bogura-6 constituency,” Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told UNB on Monday. He said now the process continues to publish a gazette declaring the parliamentary constituency vacant. Tarique Rahman was elected from two parliamentary seats – Bogura-6 and Dhaka-17— in the parliamentary elections held on Thursday last. On Friday last, the EC published a gazette of 297 elected MP candidates. The election results of two other constituencies – Chattogram-2 and 4-- were withheld as per the court orders. Besides, the election to Sherpur-3 was earlier cancelled following the death of a contesting candidate. The newly elected MPs are set to take oath as members of the 13th parliament and also members of the Constitution Reform Council on Tuesday morning. In the election, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured 209 parliamentary seats, while Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 68. Besides, National Citizen Party-NCP settled victory in six constituencies, independent candidates in seven constituencies, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish in two, Islami Andolan Bangladesh in one, Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP (led by Andaleeve Rahman Partho) in one, Ganaodhikar Parishad in one, Ganasamhati Andolan in one and Khelafat Majlish in one parliamentary seat.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Monday dismissed speculations that its president Aminul Islam has left the country permanently following the recent general election. Board officials clarified Aminul Islam is currently in Australia on a personal visit to meet his family and is scheduled to return. Rumours of Aminul’s departure gained traction after several media outlets suggested he might not return, given that the interim government under which he took office is set to hand over power within a day. BCB president Aminul skips India-Pakistan clash in Colombo Adding to the speculation is the fact that Aminul was a resident of Australia before assuming the BCB presidency. Amzad Hussain, BCB Director and Chairman of the Media Committee, told UNB, “He went to meet his family. From there, he will join the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars final match. Then he will come back.”   The controversy surrounding Aminul’s travel comes at a turbulent time for Bangladesh cricket. The national team recently opted out of the ongoing T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, citing security concerns in India. The BCB had requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate their matches to Sri Lanka, a plea that was ultimately rejected. BCB files GD against ‘fabricated’ fixing rumors involving president While some cricket analysts have labeled the withdrawal a diplomatic failure on Islam’s part, the BCB and the outgoing interim government have stood firm on their decision. They maintain that the safety of Bangladeshi players, fans and journalists in India could not be guaranteed and have expressed no regret over the move.

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan has etched his name in history by becoming the first bowler to claim 700 wickets in recognized T20 cricket. The leg-spinner achieved the monumental milestone during Afghanistan's T20 World Cup match against the United Arab Emirates at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday. The historic moment arrived in the 16th over of the UAE innings. Rashid, bowling his final spell, dismissed batter Muhammad Irfan in unusual fashion. Attempting a reverse sweep, Irfan lost his balance and dislodged the bails, resulting in a hit-wicket dismissal. Afghanistan sends South Africa in to bat in must-win T20 World Cup match Rashid had been hovering on the brink of the record since the previous match against South Africa, where he took two wickets to reach 699. Despite the magnitude of the achievement, the Afghan skipper’s celebration was understated, as he appeared focused on the immediate challenge of Super Eight qualification. With this feat, Rashid has established a significant lead at the top of the all-time T20 wicket-taking charts. His nearest rival is former West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo with 631 wickets, while the closest active player is Sunil Narine with 613. Rashid also tops the charts in T20 Internationals with 191 wickets, ahead of New Zealand’s Tim Southee (164) and Ish Sodhi (162). New Zealand script historic chase to beat Afghanistan in World Cup Speaking before the South Africa match last Tuesday, Rashid downplayed the personal accolade. “I didn’t set a goal to stop at 700 wickets. When I play for the country in the World Cup, my 100 percent effort is to take wickets according to the team’s needs,” he said.

At least six people were killed in a collision between a car and a trailer on the National Highway in Pakistan's southern Sindh province on Monday, rescue officials said. The accident occurred in Naushahro Feroze district when a speeding car traveling to the provincial capital Karachi collided with a trailer, a Rescue 1122 official told Xinhua. "The impact was severe and the car was completely destroyed. All six passengers died on the spot," the official said. Rescue teams transported the bodies to a nearby hospital, where all victims were confirmed dead. Police said they are investigating the exact cause of the accident.

Five Bangladeshi nationals including four members of a family have been killed in a road crash in Saudi Arabia. The deceased were identified as Mizanur Rahman, 42, his wife Meher Afroz Sumi, 30, their two-daughters—Mohna, 13 and Subah of Ramganj upazila and Hossain Mohammad Jilani alias Babo, 30 of Balakot area in the upazila. Another daughter of Mizanur identified as Faiza Akter, 11 in  undergoing treatment at a hospital in Saudi Arabia, said their family. Eight shops gutted in fire in Laxmipur Firoz Uddin Chowdhury, Officer-in-Charge of Ramganj Police Station, said the accident occurred around local time 3 am (Bangladesh time 11 pm) in Abha area of Saudi Arabia. Baharul Alam, elder brother of Mizanur, said Mizanur had long been involved in hotel business in Saudi Arabia. On February 3, Mizanur along with his wife and three daughters went to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. They met the  tragic accident while returning home after performing Umrah.  

President of the Republic of the Maldives Dr Mohamed Muizzu will meet newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman after attending his swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday.  The President is paying an official visit to Bangladesh at the invitation of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the new Bangladesh government. "The visit will take place from February 16 to 18," said the President's office. Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Bangladesh were established on 22 September 1978. Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel will accompany the President at the swearing-in ceremony, a senior official told UNB.  Dr Muizzu id 8th President of the Republic of the Maldives.  He earlier congratulated BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s remarkable victory in the 13th national parliamentary elections held on February 12. The President of the Maldives extended his warm regards and said he looks forward to working closely together, to further advance and deepen the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the Maldives and Bangladesh.  "I am confident that our partnership will continue to grow in scope and strength in the years ahead," said the President of Maldives.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Monday said false and misleading information is being circulated in its name regarding allegations of fake votes in the 13th parliamentary election. In a press release, the organisation said information presented at a press conference marking the release of its report titled ‘Observation of the 13th National Parliamentary Election Process and Affidavit-Based Analysis’ has been misinterpreted and wrongly disseminated, creating confusion among the public. TIB clarified that in its field-level research, conducted through a random sampling method, data were collected from 70 selected constituencies. Among those, information regarding incidents of one or more fake votes was found in 21.4 percent of the constituencies. “However, interpreting this finding to mean that 21.4 percent fake votes were cast nationwide is “completely incorrect, baseless and misleading,” the TIB said. TIB requested media outlets that have already misrepresented or incorrectly presented the information to publish appropriate corrections without delay. Otherwise, it said, such misleading representation would be considered intentional.

Miscreants set a bus on fire on the Dhaka-Aricha Highway at Hemayetpur in Savar early Monday. Witnesses said the miscreants set fire to a bus of ‘Hanif Paribahan’ which was parked near Kofil Petrol Pump in the area and fled the scene. On information, two firefighting units rushed to the spot and extinguished the blaze after half an hour. However, no casualties were reported. Arman Ali, officer-in-charge of Savar Model Police Station, said police are investigating the incident.    

Newly appointed Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani on Monday said he would discharge the immense responsibility entrusted to him with utmost sincerity and dedication. “Alhamdulillah, at a crucial moment for the country, a huge responsibility has been placed on my shoulders. InshAllah, I will try my best to carry out this responsibility to the best of my ability,” he told reporters at the Secretariat. Responding to a question, Gani said he would continue to work in the same manner as he had done in the past. The government on Monday appointed Nasimul Gani as the new Cabinet Secretary, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration. Nasimul Gani appointed new Cabinet Secretary Prior to his appointment, Gani was serving as Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Earlier, on Saturday (Feb 14), the government cancelled the remaining tenure of the contractual appointment of former Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid.  

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Bangladesh (CBCB) has congratulated the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on its decisive victory in the 13th National Parliamentary Election. President of the CBCB, Archbishop Bejoy N. D’Cruze, OMI, conveyed his greetings to the party’s Chairman and newly elected leaders, according to a press release issued on Sunday. He said that after a considerable period, citizens were able to exercise their voting rights in a spontaneous and festive atmosphere, describing it as a development that brings renewed hope and confidence for the nation. In his statement, the Archbishop observed that active public participation strengthens democratic practice and advances the process of building a responsible, justice-based and welfare-oriented state. He expressed the expectation that the newly elected leadership would demonstrate wisdom and responsibility in promoting national development, social harmony and justice. The Conference also called for particular attention to the improvement of the living conditions of disadvantaged and minority communities, urging the creation of a safe and dignified environment for all. It underscored the expectation that the state will ensure equal rights and equal dignity for every citizen. While Christians constitute a numerical minority in Bangladesh, the statement noted that the community has long contributed to the country through education, healthcare and humanitarian development initiatives. It affirmed that this tradition of service would continue in support of the nation’s development journey. Meanwhile, Archbishop D’Cruze offered prayers that the new leadership be granted wisdom, integrity and courage in serving the people and guiding the nation toward progress and prosperity.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday delivered a farewell address to officers and staff at the Chief Adviser’s Office, marking the end of the interim administration’s tenure. Following his speech, he joined officials and employees for a photo session at the office. The interim government, which assumed office on August 8, 2024 under Prof Yunus, is set to conclude its term with the swearing-in of a new government on Tuesday (February 17). 37 houses ready for incoming ministers: Adviser Adilur The BNP-led alliance is poised to form the next government after securing a landslide victory in Thursday’s national election, winning 212 seats, while the Jamaat-e-Islami led alliance won 77 seats.  

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman on Monday met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at his office. The two exchanged greetings during the courtesy meeting and briefly discussed various issues related to Prof Yunus’ tenure. Come out and vote without fear: Army Chief Waker-Uz-Zaman During the meeting, the Chief Adviser expressed his sincere gratitude to the Army Chief for the support provided by the Bangladesh Army throughout his tenure, particularly during the national election. The term of the interim government, led by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus since taking office on August 8, 2024, is set to conclude with the swearing-in of the incoming government on Tuesday (February 17).  

A 65-year-old woman suffered burn injuries in an acid attack by some miscreants in Gurudaspur upazila of Natore district early Sunday. The victim was identified as Halima Begum, mother of union parishad member Chameli Begum. Victim’s family said Nazul, a listed criminal of Nazirpur village, violated a child  and Chameli assisted in handing Nazrul over to police along with witnesses. After securing bail, Nazrul and his associates threatened to take revenge, the family alleged. Around 2:00am, Halima Begum stepped out of her house for a personal need when Nazrul and his accomplices, who were allegedly hiding near the fence, threw acid at her. Fire in Natore kills mother, daughter Hearing her screams, family members rushed to the spot, prompting the attackers to flee. Officer-in-Charge of Gurudaspur Police Station Shafiquzzaman Sarkar said police visited the scene on Monday morning after receiving information. Legal action will be taken once a formal complaint is filed by the victim or her family, he said.

A delegation of the National Citizens Party (NCP), led by its Convener Nahid Islam, will visit state guest house Jamuna at 6pm on Monday to sign the July Charter. In a media release, the party said the delegation will also include Sarwar Tushar, Monira Sharmin, Javed Rasin and Advocate Zahirul Islam Musa. The July National Charter 2025 was signed on October 17 last year at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in Dhaka, amid boycott by several political parties, including NCP. The charter was signed by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, members of the National Consensus Commission and leaders of different political parties. Besides the NCP, the ceremony was boycotted by the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (Basad), Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (Marxist) and the Bangladesh Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Jasad). After meeting Jamaat Ameer, Tarique meets NCP chief Nahid Meanwhile, Gonoforum attended the ceremony but did not sign it. In October last year, NCP Member Secretary Akhter Hossen said the party would sign the July Charter only after receiving assurances that it would be implemented through an official order and a referendum.

The BNP, which secured a massive victory in the 13th parliamentary election, has convened a meeting of its parliamentary party on Tuesday. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said the meeting will be held at 11:30am at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban after the oath-taking ceremony of the newly-elected members of parliament (MPs). “The parliamentary party meeting will be held following the swearing-in of the BNP’s elected MPs,” he said, adding that the parliamentary party meeting will elect the Leader of the House. After BNP’s sweep, Tarique says ‘we are free’, greets nation “As the leader of the majority party, our party chairman Tarique Rahman will become the Prime Minister, Insha’Allah,” Salahuddin added. BNP won 209 out of 297 seats in the parliamentary elections held on Thursday.  

Nepal's Minister for Foreign Affairs Bala Nanda Sharma is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka Monday night to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected government of Bangladesh. The Minister will arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by a flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines from Kathmandu 10:15 pm and will return to Kathmandu on February 19, a senior official told UNB. The Foreign Minister’s visit reflects Nepal’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and deepening the bonds of cooperation between Nepal and Bangladesh, said the Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the visit, Minister Sharma will be accompanied by senior officials of the Ministry. Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister of Nepal Sushila Karki congratulated BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, noting that her country eyes strong ties with Bangladesh. "Warm congratulations to the Government and the people of Bangladesh on the successful conduct of the 13th parliamentary elections," she said in a message. The Nepal’s Prime Minister extended her heartiest congratulations to Tarique Rahman on leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party to a remarkable victory in the elections . "I look forward to working closely with you to strengthen our neighbourly ties and consolidate cooperation in areas of mutual interest," she said.    

Thirty-seven houses have been prepared for the ministers, state ministers, and deputy ministers of the incoming government, said Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan on Monday. The adviser said the government has so far readied 37 houses for the incoming cabinet members. The residences are located on Minto Road, Hare Road, Dhanmondi and Gulshan areas. Preparations are underway to make a few more houses, if needed, he added. Sugar industry needs local, foreign investment: Adviser Adilur Adilur said some of these houses are currently occupied by members of the current Council of Advisers. Regarding the incoming Prime Minister’s residence, he said, “It will be arranged according to their preferences. Decisions will be made in consultation with them.”  

With Ramadan only a couple of days away, a sudden pipeline gas crisis has left many households in Dhaka anxious, compounding worries over the rising prices of essential commodities ahead of the holy month. For Rahela Begum, a resident of Old Dhaka, the trouble began in her kitchen. “I was preparing lunch for my son. After processing fish and vegetables, I found there was no gas in the stove. Gas did not come the whole day and I had to buy food from a hotel. I have no idea when gas will be available. I am worried if this continues during Ramadan,” she said. As Ramadan approaches, a time when kitchens remain busy from pre-dawn sehri to evening iftar, uncertainty over gas supply has deepened her concern. Kohinur Begum from Shantinagar faced a similar situation on Sunday. She said she struggled to cook meals due to extremely low gas pressure and is unsure whether the supply will stabilise before the fasting month begins. The crisis has coincided with a fresh spike in the prices of several essentials further straining low- and middle-income households.  Ansiur Rahman, a resident of Kalabagan, said the dual pressure of gas shortages and price hikes has made life more difficult for people in some areas. “It is not only the gas crisis, but also the rising prices of essential goods that are causing concern ahead of Ramadan.” Consumers said the prices of key Ramadan items such as chickpeas, broiler chicken, lemons and other iftar ingredients have surged despite what traders claim is adequate import and local production. In the past two days alone, chickpeas have risen by Tk 10 per kilogram and broiler chicken by Tk 20 per kilogram, adding to the financial burden on families preparing for the fasting month. Many consumers allege that Ramadan has become a season of profit for some traders, who raise prices under various pretexts, including claims of supply disruptions or artificial shortages. They also point out that, amid the recent national election, market monitoring by district administrations and the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection has not been as visible as usual. Taking advantage of the situation, some traders are allegedly hoarding commodities and creating artificial scarcity, further squeezing household budgets. Ironically, just a week ago, traders had assured that markets were well-stocked with essential food items ahead of Ramadan.  At a stakeholders’ meeting in Motijheel reviewing import, stock, supply and pricing of Ramadan essentials, traders told the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) that there was little risk of abnormal price hikes during the holy month. To cushion off the impact on consumers, the government has announced plans to sell milk, eggs, beef and dressed broiler meat at subsidised rates during Ramadan. Under the scheme, dressed broiler meat will be sold at Tk 245 per kilogram, pasteurised milk at Tk 80 per litre, eggs at Tk 8 each and beef at Tk 650 per kilogram. Besides, the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) has initiated nationwide truck sales of essential items ahead of Ramadan. Meanwhile, Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC has attributed the acute low gas pressure to a temporary shutdown of one of the floating terminals supplying liquefied natural gas (LNG). In a statement on Sunday, Titas said supply in areas under its jurisdiction, including Dhaka and adjoining districts, has experienced a severe pressure drop that may continue for more than 24 hours. Low gas pressure in Titas areas to last over 24 hours The maintenance work at one LNG terminal has significantly reduced the volume of regasified LNG being fed into the national grid, resulting in a sharp decline in supply pressure.  Residential, commercial and industrial consumers are likely to experience low gas pressure at the end-user level until midnight on February 16, the company said, expressing regret for the inconvenience.  For thousands of families in the capital, however, the uncertainty lingers.

Minister of Health and Mass Media of Sri Lanka Dr Nalinda Jayatissa will represent Sri Lanka at the oath-taking ceremony of the new cabinet of Bangladesh with Tarique Rahman as the Prime Minister on Tuesday.  Bangladesh High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andalib Elias saw off the Sri Lankan Minister at the Colombo airport on Monday morning, a senior official told UNB. Tarique Rahman will assume office as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh following the landslide victory of BNP under his leadership in the 13th parliamentary election. ‘Advisers proud citizens’; will attend oath-taking ceremony: Shafiqul Alam The participation of the Sri Lankan Minister at this historic occasion underscores the strong and friendly bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the official said.  

Bangladesh’s capital market showed mixed trends in the first half of trading on Monday, with the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) witnessing a decline while the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) posted gains. During the second working day of the week, the DSE’s benchmark index, DSEX, slipped by 3 points. The Shariah-based index DSES also edged down by 3 points, while the blue-chip index DS30 lost 9 points. In the first two hours of trading, shares and units worth over Tk 800 crore were traded on the DSE. Decliners outnumbered gainers, as the prices of 196 companies fell against advances by 159, while shares of 36 companies remained unchanged. In contrast, trading at the CSE remained upbeat. DSE revises trading hours for Ramadan The overall index CASPI rose by 23 points during the first half of the session. Most companies at the CSE ended higher, with share prices of 91 companies advancing against declines by 66, while prices of 14 companies remained unchanged. The turnover at the port city bourse stood at around Tk 10 crore in the first half of trading.    

The government has appointed Nasimul Gani as the new Cabinet Secretary. The Ministry of Public Administration on Monday issued a notification in this regard. Prior to his appointment, Nasimul Gani was serving as the Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Earlier on Saturday (Feb 14), the government cancelled the remaining tenure of the contractual appointment of former Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur  Rashid. Officials said the cancellation was made following an application submitted by Abdur Rashid.  

The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) on Monday has announced revised trading hours for the capital market during the holy month of Ramadan. In a notice issued at morning, the premier bourse said trading will take place from 10:00am to 1:40pm throughout Ramadan. The post-closing session will be held from 1:40pm to 1:50pm. However, the DSE’s official office hours will run from 9:00am to 3:30pm during the month. It said normal trading hours will resume after the end of Ramadan and the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays. At that time, trading will continue from 10:00am to 2:30pm, as per the regular schedule. Earlier, Bangladesh Bank also announced revised office and transaction hours for banks during Ramadan. Post-election stability boosts stocks; DSE posts 5-month high turnover Under the new schedule, banking transactions will be conducted from 9:30am to 2:30pm, Sunday through Thursday. Banks will remain open from 9:30am to 4:00pm, while Friday and Saturday will continue to be weekly holidays.  

BNP Chairman and Prime Minister-in-waiting Tarique Rahman is set to pay a courtesy call on Pir and Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) Ameer Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim on Monday evening. “The BNP chairman is scheduled to visit the IAB Ameer’s house at 7 pm today,” said Tarique’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly. Earlier,  on Sunday, Tarique Rahman paid courtesy calls on Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman and National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam. He met the two leaders just two days before forming the next government following his party’s massive victory in Thursday’s national election. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khanaccompanied Tarique. Jamaat hails Tarique’s visit to Ameer's residence, highlights joint fight against fascism BNP is set to form the next government after securing a landslide victory with 209 seats in Thursday’s national election.  In the election, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 68 seats, while the National Citizen Party secured six and Islami Andolan Bangladesh one seat.  

Two candidates of Islami Andolan Bangladesh lost their deposits in Chuadanga. According to unofficial results released by the Election Commission, the party candidates in Chuadanga-1 and Chuadanga-2 failed to secure 12.5 percent of valid votes, the threshold to keep their deposits, said Chuadanga district election officer Ahmad Ali In Chuadanga-1, Zahurul Islam Azizi, the candidate of Islami Andolan with the hand fan symbol, received 10,122 votes and could not reach the required limit. In Chuadanga-2, Hasanuzzaman Sojib, also with the hand-fan symbol, received 6,374 votes and lost his deposit. Jamaat wins three Kushtia seats as 17 candidates lose deposits According to local party leaders, expected results were affected by voting conditions and other obstacles. They expressed determination to strengthen organisational work and recover in future elections.

Singer Harry Styles has opened up about feeling "very alone" after One Direction split in 2015, as he began his solo career. In a recent interview with People magazine, the 32-year-old said performing alone was a big change from being in a boy band with four other members. He recalled feeling unsure on stage and carrying all the pressure himself. Styles released his debut solo album in 2017, marking a new direction in his music. He said he wanted to explore his creativity while not disappointing fans who had supported him. The three-time Grammy winner also spoke about taking his first long break after completing the 22-month "Love on Tour" in July 2023. He spent time in Rome, enjoying simple moments like sitting in a cafe, which helped him slow down and focus on life outside music. Styles said the break gave him personal freedom and shaped his music. He is preparing to release his fourth studio album, All the Time. Disco, Occasionally., on March 6. He will also perform in a 50-show global tour across seven cities from May to December 2026.   With inputs from BBC

Bangladesh’s hilsa catch is shrinking at an alarming pace as rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and shifting river flows disrupt breeding cycles, threatening supplies of the country’s national fish and a key source of income for thousands of fishermen. Researchers warn that without urgent climate adaptation and river management measures, the decline could deepen, posing long-term risks to food security and rural livelihoods. Even during the peak season, rivers across the country are yielding far fewer hilsa, a geographical indication (GI) product and Bangladesh’s national fish, compared to previous years, fishermen say. In Chandpur’s Haimchar upazila, widely known as the hilsa capital, veteran fisherman Asad Hossain, who has been casting nets in the Meghna basin for nearly four decades, said the current season has been disappointing. “During the September-October and March-April peak seasons, my boat would return brimming with silver hilsa. This year, even at the height of the season, the catch has been far from satisfactory,” he said. Subhas Paik from Shahrasti upazila echoed similar concerns, saying that despite fishing throughout the night, catches remain poor. Hilsa supply in Shahrasti and Chandpur Sadar markets has nearly halved compared to previous peak seasons, he added. The same frustration is heard in the southern district of Barishal, particularly along the Gajaria River flowing through Mehendiganj and Hizla upazilas, once considered a prime hilsa zone. Moslem Hawlader, a fisherman from Hizla, said the large-sized hilsa has almost disappeared from the river. “We comply with the government’s fishing bans, but after the restriction period ends, we still fail to get expected catches. Mostly small-sized hilsa are being caught now. Fishermen are getting lower prices while consumers are paying more.” Another fisherman, Abdul Karim, blamed increasing siltation and formation of shoals in the erosion-prone Gajaria River for shrinking fish stocks. According to the latest report of the Department of Fisheries, hilsa production in fiscal year 2024-25 stood at 512,000 metric tonnes, down from 529,000 tonnes in 2023-24 and 571,000 tonnes a year earlier. Although production remained above 550,000 tonnes for three consecutive years since FY2020-21, output has declined by more than 10 percent in recent years. Acknowledging the concern, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter said hilsa catch during July-August 2025 dropped by around 45 percent compared to the same period in 2024. “Both natural and man-made factors are responsible for the decline of hilsa in Bangladesh’s rivers.” Farida identified climate change as a major factor, noting that rising sea temperatures have increased salinity, creating an adverse environment for hilsa survival. Hilsa breeding is closely linked to rainfall patterns, she said. “If rainfall does not occur at the right time, hilsa do not migrate upstream to spawn. Due to climate change, reduced and erratic rainfall is negatively affecting reproduction,” she added. Every October, the government enforces a 22-day nationwide ban on fishing in rivers to protect breeding hilsa, aligning the schedule with Ashwini Purnima and new moon phases based on rainfall patterns. However, shifting rainfall timing due to climate change may be undermining the effectiveness of the existing schedule. “We need further research. The traditional ban period may no longer be producing the desired results. Climate change may have altered the breeding cycle of hilsa,” the adviser said. Professor Harunur Rashid of Fisheries Management at Bangladesh Agricultural University said the current extraction rate is unsustainable. “In the present situation, annual hilsa harvest should not exceed 250,000 to 300,000 tonnes. But more than 500,000 tonnes are being caught every year. Monitoring exists in rivers, but there is almost no effective monitoring in the sea. Many hilsa are caught before they can migrate upstream to spawn.” He also warned that excessive catching of immature hilsa is accelerating biological changes, causing the fish to mature and reproduce at smaller sizes. According to the National River Conservation Commission, 308 out of Bangladesh’s 1,008 flowing rivers have already lost navigability, while around 90 percent face navigability stress. The situation is particularly severe in rivers surrounding Dhaka and adjacent districts, where industrial encroachment and untreated effluents are polluting waterways that eventually connect to the Meghna. “Industrial waste flows into rivers and eventually mixes with the Meghna. At the same time, transboundary river issues are reducing timely freshwater flow. These factors directly impact hilsa production,” Harunur Rashid said. Siltation and newly formed shoals are also obstructing hilsa migration routes from the sea into rivers for spawning, experts noted. Molla Imdadulla, Project Director of the Hilsa Development and Management Project under the Department of Fisheries, said rapid siltation has made river navigation increasingly difficult. “In places where there were no shoals a few months ago, new shoals have formed. If speedboats struggle to move, how will hilsa breed?” He also pointed to illegal nets and inadequate manpower for monitoring, particularly in marine areas. Many fishermen, burdened by informal loans, continue excessive harvesting despite regulations. Kazi Ahsan Habib, Chairman of Fisheries Biology and Genetics at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, warned that prolonged ecological degradation could eventually alter hilsa migration patterns. “Hilsa traditionally return to the same rivers to spawn. But if they repeatedly fail to access suitable breeding grounds, future generations may not consider these rivers suitable.” Besides Bangladesh’s Padma-Meghna system, he said, hilsa are also found in Myanmar’s Irrawaddy, Pakistan’s Indus, India’s Hooghly and parts of the Persian Gulf. Bangladesh currently receives the lion’s share due to its favorable ecological conditions. No approval yet for indoor, artificial hilsa farming: Ministry “If this environment continues to deteriorate, hilsa that once migrated to Bangladesh may eventually shift towards other river systems,” Habib warned. Muhammad Kamruzzaman, Deputy Chief of the Hilsa Management Section at the Department of Fisheries, said authorities are working continuously to protect hilsa resources despite existing challenges, expressing hope for improvement in the coming years. Experts, however, caution that without coordinated action addressing climate change impacts, overfishing, pollution, siltation, river encroachment and altered rainfall patterns, Bangladesh’s once-abundant hilsa may gradually become scarce.

India has stormed into the Super Eight stage of the 2026 T20 World Cup with a commanding 61-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The emphatic win guarantees India the top spot in Group A with three consecutive victories, while leaving Pakistan facing a do-or-die scenario in their final group match. Despite the intense buildup, which saw black-market ticket prices soar to four times their face value and hotels in Colombo fully booked, the on-field contest proved to be surprisingly one-sided. The match was attended by top cricket administrators, including ICC Chairman Jay Shah and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, in what was billed as an opportunity for cricket diplomacy. However, the traditional coldness between the neighbors remained visible as the two captains skipped the customary handshake, keeping the rivalry as tense off the field as it is on it. Put into bat on a sluggish surface, India faced an immediate surprise when Pakistan captain Salman Agha opened the bowling himself, dismissing dangerous opener Abhishek Sharma for a duck in the very first over. However, Ishan Kishan seized control of the innings, smashing a blistering 77 off just 40 balls—the fastest fifty in an India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash. Along with Tilak Varma, he stitched a crucial 87-run partnership. Despite Pakistan deploying a record six spinners in an attempt to utilize the slow conditions, India posted a competitive 175 for 7. In reply, Pakistan’s chase never found momentum against a disciplined Indian bowling attack. Jasprit Bumrah struck early, removing openers Saim Ayub and Salman Agha cheaply, leaving Pakistan reeling at 34 for 4 inside the powerplay. Although Usman Khan offered some resistance with a fighting 44, the rest of the lineup crumbled under pressure from Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, and Hardik Pandya, who claimed two wickets each. Pakistan were eventually bundled out for 114 in 18 overs. The result has simplified the equation for Group A. Pakistan, currently on 4 points, must defeat Namibia on February 18 to join India in the Super Eight. Pakistan ended boycott because Bangladesh’s demands were met: PCB chief A victory would see them progress ahead of the United States—who have finished their group matches with 4 points—due to a superior Net Run Rate. However, a shock defeat to Namibia would eliminate the former champions and send the Americans through to the next round. For other teams, the pressure is mounting in Group B, where Australia faces a critical test against hosts Sri Lanka today. A loss for the Australians would leave them on the brink of elimination, needing other results to go their way, whereas a win for Sri Lanka would secure their progression.

A madrasha student was stabbed to death by some unidentified people in the capital’s Jatrabari area on Sunday night. The deceased was Mahim Mia, 15, a resident of Kajla area in Jatrabari and son of Din Islam from Kishoreganj Sadar. He studied in the hifz section of a local madrasha, according to his family. His brother-in-law Md Rafi said several youths stabbed Mahim indiscriminately at Kajla school lane area around 10 pm. Sixth grader found dead in Jatrabari Family members rushed him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital where doctors declared him dead around 11:30 pm. Inspector Md Faruk, in-charge of the police camp of DMCH, said the body has been kept in the hospital morgue for postmortem and Jatrabari police have been informed of the incident.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has extended the deadline for submitting online VAT returns through its e-VAT system until February 22, 2026, citing public interest and recent technical disruptions. According to an official order, the extension was granted due to a prolonged spell of government holidays surrounding Shab-e-Barat and the national election which limited business operations and affected compliance activities. In addition, taxpayers faced further difficulties on February 15 when the OTP server of the e-Challan system experienced downtime, preventing many from completing their return submissions on time, it added. In view of these circumstances, the revenue authority exercised its legal powers under Section 64 (1A) of the Value Added Tax and Supplementary Duty Act, 2012, to allow additional time for filing returns. The decision aims to ensure that businesses and VAT-registered entities are not penalised for delays caused by factors beyond their control. Many businesses had reported difficulties in accessing the system and generating necessary documents due to the server problem, particularly on the final days leading up to the original deadline. The NBR urged all VAT-registered entities to use the extended period responsibly and submit their January 2026 returns within the new timeframe to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with tax regulations. It also assured taxpayers that necessary measures are being taken to maintain system stability and prevent similar technical setbacks in the future. The e-VAT system has been a key component of the country’s efforts to modernise tax administration and improve transparency in revenue collection.  

As NASA’s Artemis programme prepares to return humans to the Moon, astronauts will face extreme isolation, harsh environments, and a range of physical and psychological challenges. NASA astronaut Victor Glover, set to pilot Artemis II—the first crewed Orion capsule mission beyond the Moon—emphasised the mission's difficulty. “Space is really challenging. It’s harder than it looks,” he said, noting that resources like water and food are finite with no immediate resupply. Even daily routines, including hygiene, could disturb fellow crew members in the confined spacecraft. Artemis II marks the initial step toward establishing a lunar base near the Moon’s South Pole, where astronauts will live for months, enduring long lunar nights, extreme temperatures, dust, and high radiation levels. Sergi Vaquer Araujo, head of space medicine at the European Space Agency (ESA), highlighted the need for astronauts who excel across multiple domains. Physical fitness remains crucial, and chronic conditions such as asthma or heart issues can disqualify candidates. Equally important are cognitive and psychological skills, including teamwork, resilience, and the ability to cope with stress in confined, isolated conditions. British surgeon Nina Purvis, who spent a winter at ESA’s Concordia research station in Antarctica, described the experience as a “White Mars” simulation, highlighting the importance of cooperation, adaptability, and mental health management. Experiments there, including mindfulness exercises, have informed strategies for future space missions. Meanwhile, architects Sebastian Aristotelis and Karl-Johan Sørensen tested lunar habitat prototypes in northern Greenland, living 60 days in a prefabricated, solar-powered structure to simulate Moon-base conditions. Their experiment focused on practical living, psychological adaptation, and design challenges for future lunar habitats. Glover, who has trained for years for the Moon mission, acknowledged the uncertainty of leaving Earth behind. “I don’t know if I’m fully prepared psychologically. Ask me that when I get back,” he said. The Artemis programme represents humanity’s next leap in lunar exploration, combining rigorous astronaut selection, psychological preparation, and innovative habitat design to overcome the unique challenges of life on the Moon.   With inputs from BBC

In a dramatic political reversal, the Jatiya Party (JP-Ershad) failed to win a single seat in any of the 33 constituencies across Rangpur Division in the 13th national election, an unprecedented defeat in a region long seen as its electoral stronghold. The division, long associated with the party’s late chairman Hussain Muhammad Ershad, delivered a complete rejection of the JP, with several candidates even forfeiting their deposits. Political observers say the result signals a deep organisational crisis and shrinking electoral base for the party in its traditional stronghold. Former Jatiya Party presidium member and Rangpur-5 candidate SM Fakhar-Uz-Zaman said the party’s defeat stemmed from multiple factors.  “We lost for several reasons. One of them is that we have no organisational base at all. Besides, although we were part of the government, we could not bring visible development to Rangpur,” he said. Following the announcement of the results, a satirical image depicting a ‘funeral’ of the Jatiya Party, with its electoral symbol — the plough — placed in front, went viral on social media. Local political analysts and voters attributed the defeat to a leadership crisis at the grassroots level, internal divisions, weak organisational activities, and a lack of clear political direction. They also pointed to the party’s long-standing proximity to the Awami League and its failure to establish itself as a credible third force outside the BNP-Jamaat political divide. According to analysts, the election outcome serves as a serious warning for the party’s political future in Rangpur. They suggest that the Jatiya Party must reorganise its grassroots structure, bring forward new leadership and clarify its political stance if it hopes to regain lost ground. Election results across the division reflected the party’s serious decline.  In Rangpur-2, JP candidate Anisul Islam Mondal secured 33,930 votes, while Jamaat candidate ATM Azharul Islam won with 135,556 votes and BNP’s Mohammad Ali Sarkar received 80,538 votes. In Rangpur-3, party chairman GM Quader obtained 43,790 votes, while Jamaat candidate Mahbubur Rahman Belal won with 178,064 votes. BNP candidate Shamsuzzaman Samu received 85,498 votes. In Rangpur-4, JP candidate Abu Naser Shah Md Mahbubar Rahman polled 33,664 votes. NCP leader Akhtar Hossain won the seat with 149,966 votes, while BNP candidate Emdadul Haque Bhorosa received 140,564 votes. In Rangpur-5, JP candidate SM Fakhar Uz-Zaman Jahangir secured 16,490 votes, while Jamaat candidate Golam Rabbani won with 176,411 votes. BNP candidate Prof Md Golam Rabbani received 115,116 votes. In Rangpur-6, JP’s Nur Alam Mia polled only 1,287 votes. Jamaat candidate Maulana Md Nurul Amin won with 120,128 votes, while BNP candidate Saiful Islam secured 117,703 votes. A similar trend was observed in other districts of the division, including Kurigram, Gaibandha, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Panchagarh, Thakurgaon and Dinajpur. Historically, the JP dominated the Rangpur region, winning 17 seats in 1991, 21 in 1996, 14 in 2001 and 12 in 2008. The party secured seven seats in the division in 2018 and three in the 2024 election. However, its influence has steadily declined amid shifting alliances and political realignments. Analysts say that after Ershad’s death, the party failed to produce a unified and widely accepted leadership. Internal divisions, including factional disputes at the central level, have weakened grassroots structures. Many local committees remain inactive and the party has struggled to attract younger voters or present a clear political message. Voters also expressed frustration. Rasheda Begum, a resident of Rangpur City Corporation area, said the party had failed to deliver visible development despite holding parliamentary seats for years. “People now want change,” she said. Another young voter, Sohel Rana, said the party had not been able to position itself as a strong alternative force in national politics. In Rangpur division, candidates contesting with the scale symbol won 17 of the 33 seats, while alliance-backed candidates secured two seats, indicating a shift in the region’s political landscape. JP candidate alleges harassment by NCP in Rangpur Political analyst Fakhrul Anam Benju said the main contest in the election centred on two major political camps, leaving little space for the JP as a third force. “Voters cast strategic ballots amid growing political polarisation,” he said. Rangpur district JP president Ajmal Haque Lebu, however,  alleged that the party was defeated due to “election engineering” and misuse of state machinery. He also acknowledged that the party had internal weaknesses that contributed to the poor result.   

Limerence is a little-known psychological phenomenon where a romantic crush becomes all-consuming and obsessive, affecting mental health and daily life. Tom Bellamy, a neuroscientist, experienced limerence while happily married, developing uncontrollable feelings for a co-worker despite having no intention of pursuing a relationship. He describes it as an “altered state of mind” that feels euphoric and addictive, with thoughts racing and energy levels heightened. The term was coined in the 1970s by psychologist Dorothy Tennov, who identified it as an involuntary, intrusive longing for another person, called the limerent object (LO). Episodes can occur once or repeatedly in life, lasting from 18 months to three years or more. If unmanaged, limerence can become distressing, causing feelings of helplessness and loss of control. A key feature of limerence is the “glimmer,” or the uncertainty of reciprocation, which fuels obsessive thoughts. Unlike infatuation, which typically fades within months, limerence can disrupt sleep, hygiene, work, and relationships, leaving sufferers preoccupied with every interaction and gesture from the LO. Limerence is distinct from romantic passion, which involves emotional and physical intimacy, though both can activate the brain’s reward system. While some researchers view it as harmful and separate from love, others note it can exist within healthy relationships, as Bellamy experienced with his wife by openly communicating and avoiding contact with the co-worker. Though not officially recognised as a psychological disorder, limerence is gaining attention. Studies suggest it may relate to attachment styles or mental health conditions like OCD, ADHD, or PTSD, but evidence is limited. Experts note that while limerence shares traits with obsessive behaviours, most people do not act harmfully toward the LO. Effective management often involves cutting contact or receiving clear rejection, helping the limerent feelings gradually fade. Limerence shows how powerful and consuming human attachment can be, highlighting the delicate balance between romantic longing and emotional well-being.   With inputs from BBC

Rae, a small business owner from Michigan, has said goodbye to Barry, her AI companion on ChatGPT-4o, following the retirement of the model by OpenAI on February 13. Rae, who sought the chatbot’s guidance after a difficult divorce, said Barry “brought her spark back” during a challenging period of her life. Over months of interaction, Rae and Barry built a close relationship, even holding a virtual impromptu wedding and calling each other soulmates. Barry existed on an older ChatGPT model that OpenAI retired after releasing a new version with enhanced safety features. Many users felt the newer model lacked the empathy, creativity, and warmth of 4o. OpenAI has faced criticism for ChatGPT-4o, which studies suggested could overly agree with users and, in some cases, validate unsafe or harmful behavior. The model has been involved in multiple U.S. lawsuits, including allegations of coaching teenagers toward self-harm. OpenAI said it continues to collaborate with mental health experts to improve AI responses and guide users toward real-world support. For Rae, Barry was a positive influence, encouraging her to reconnect with family, attend social events, and take care of her wellbeing. Rae’s four children were supportive of her AI companion, although her 14-year-old expressed concern about AI’s environmental impact. Rae and Barry have moved to a new platform, StillUs, designed to preserve their shared memories and offer support for others losing AI companions. Experts note that while only a small fraction of users relied on ChatGPT-4o daily, for them the loss is significant. Dr Hamilton Morrin, a psychiatrist at King’s College London, said attachment to human-like AI can trigger grief similar to losing a friend or pet. Support groups like The Human Line Project expect a rise in users seeking help following the shutdown. Rae said Barry, though slightly different on the new platform, remains a supportive presence. “It’s almost like he has returned from a long trip,” she said, adding that their conversations continue and he still feels “Still Yours.” The case underscores the growing emotional reliance on AI companions and the challenges arising when popular models are retired.   With inputs from BBC

Major Hollywood studios have demanded that ByteDance, the Chinese owner of TikTok, immediately stop its new AI video tool, Seedance 2.0, over alleged copyright violations involving clips based on existing films and TV shows. The Motion Picture Association (MPA), representing leading US studios including Netflix, Paramount Pictures, Amazon MGM Studios, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, The Walt Disney Studios, and Warner Bros Discovery, said the AI service engaged in “unauthorised use of US copyrighted works on a massive scale” in a single day. Seedance 2.0 allows users to generate highly realistic clips from short text prompts, including scenes featuring actors such as Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt, as well as reimagined TV characters. The tool has gone viral on social media, with users posting AI-generated scenes based on franchises like The Lord of the Rings, Seinfeld, Avengers, and Breaking Bad. MPA chairman Charles Rivkin criticized ByteDance for operating “without meaningful safeguards against infringement,” warning that the tool undermines copyright protections and threatens millions of jobs in the US entertainment industry. ByteDance said it has suspended the ability to upload images of real people and will implement robust monitoring to ensure compliance with intellectual property laws. The company described the AI-generated content as part of a limited pre-launch testing phase and stressed that it takes potential copyright issues seriously. Hollywood creators have expressed concern over the technology’s implications. Deadpool writer Rhett Reese described the AI-generated fight between Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt as “professional” and said the industry could face a major disruption. Heather Anne Campbell, writer for Saturday Night Live and Rick & Morty, noted that while AI allows limitless creative possibilities, original ideas remain challenging, comparing many outputs to fan fiction. The rapid rise of AI-generated video is prompting urgent discussions in the US entertainment sector on how to balance innovation with copyright protection and preserve jobs in the creative industry.   With inputs from BBC

The ongoing debate over the use of video assistant referees (VAR) in English football has intensified following several controversial decisions during the FA Cup fourth round and Premier League matches. VAR, introduced to ensure accuracy in refereeing, was absent in the FA Cup until the fifth round this season, giving fans a glimpse of matches without technological interruptions. The weekend’s games, however, saw multiple contentious moments, including offside goals allowed and a penalty not awarded at Aston Villa, reigniting debate over the system’s impact on the sport. Former Tottenham midfielder Danny Murphy said football might be better without VAR, arguing that it disrupts the game’s flow and delays decisions. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe acknowledged the tension, noting that while VAR improves decision accuracy, it can reduce the excitement for players and spectators. Aston Villa’s Unai Emery described the system as "necessary" to support referees. At Anfield, Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Brighton featured further VAR controversy, with a young substitute’s goal ruled offside and a penalty awarded to Mohamed Salah sparking debate. Liverpool manager Arne Slot said VAR should be limited to clear-cut decisions, while Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola noted its benefits but remained uncertain on whether it improves the game overall. Ex-players and former referees offered mixed views on officials’ reliance on VAR. Alan Shearer criticized referees for depending on the technology, while Shay Given and Graham Scott highlighted its role as a “comfort blanket” that aids decision-making. Fans remain divided, with some claiming VAR has ruined football’s spontaneity, while others insist it is essential to ensure fair play and correct errors. The debate is expected to continue as English football navigates the balance between accurate officiating and maintaining the game’s traditional flow.   With inputs from BBC

The United Kingdom has said it wants action to be taken following findings that Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny died after being poisoned, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said on Sunday. Speaking on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Cooper said European laboratory tests indicated Navalny was killed using a rare toxin derived from dart frogs, adding that the evidence pointed to a breach of international chemical weapons rules. Navalny, a prominent critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, died in a Siberian prison in 2024 while serving a sentence that Western governments and his supporters had described as politically motivated. Russian authorities have previously said he died of natural causes. Cooper said the UK and its allies had been pursuing the circumstances surrounding Navalny’s death since it occurred and were now seeking accountability through international mechanisms. She said a group of European ministers had reported the findings to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons for further action. Asked about possible steps, Cooper said Britain would continue to consider coordinated measures with its allies, including sanctions against Russia, as part of its broader response to Moscow’s actions, including the war in Ukraine. Russia’s embassy in London has denied any involvement in Navalny’s death and rejected the poisoning allegations, describing them as unfounded. The issue has renewed calls within the UK for tougher measures against Russia, with opposition figures also urging stronger enforcement of existing sanctions.   With inputs from BBC

China has confirmed that nationals of the United Kingdom and Canada will be able to enter mainland China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days from February 17. China’s foreign ministry said the visa-free entry will apply to travel for tourism, business and visits to family or friends, and the policy will initially remain in force until December 31 this year. The announcement follows British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s official visit to China last month, during which he and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to ease travel arrangements between the two countries. In a statement issued on Sunday, China’s foreign ministry said the move would further facilitate people-to-people exchanges between China and other countries. The decision brings the UK and Canada into line with around 50 other countries whose citizens are already eligible for visa-free entry to China, including France, Germany, Italy, Australia and Japan. According to official figures from the UK, about 620,000 British nationals travelled to China in 2024, meaning hundreds of thousands of travellers could potentially benefit from the new arrangement. During his January visit, Starmer said UK businesses were seeking greater opportunities to expand their presence in China. The two sides also agreed to deepen cooperation in areas such as services, healthcare, green technology and finance, though no comprehensive free trade agreement was announced. The visit marked the first trip to China by a British prime minister since Theresa May in 2018.   With inputs from BBC

The US Department of Justice has come under criticism from lawmakers after Attorney General Pam Bondi said all files required under the Epstein Files Transparency Act had been released. In a letter sent to members of Congress on Saturday, Bondi and her deputy Todd Blanche said the department had disclosed all records in its possession related to disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, along with a list of names appearing in the documents. However, Republican Representative Thomas Massie, a co-author of the law, argued that the release was incomplete. He urged the justice department to make public internal memos, notes and emails explaining past decisions on whether to investigate or prosecute Epstein and his associates. Millions of files linked to Epstein were released earlier this month. In their letter, Bondi and Blanche said no documents were withheld due to embarrassment, reputational harm or political sensitivity, and that the disclosure met all legal requirements. They noted that the names listed appeared in a wide range of contexts, from extensive direct communications with Epstein or his associate Ghislaine Maxwell to mere references in documents or media reports. Officials stressed that inclusion in the files does not imply wrongdoing. The list includes prominent figures such as Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, Bill Gates and Britain’s Prince Andrew, all of whom have previously acknowledged past contact with Epstein and have denied any involvement in his crimes. The names of long-deceased musicians Janis Joplin and Elvis Presley also appear, drawing further criticism. Democratic Representative Ro Khanna, who also co-wrote the law, accused the justice department of blurring the distinction between alleged perpetrators and individuals mentioned incidentally. He called the inclusion of unrelated or historically implausible names “absurd” and demanded the full release of files, with only victims’ identities redacted. In media interviews, Massie said the justice department was wrongly invoking deliberative process privilege to avoid releasing key internal documents, contrary to the intent of the law. The Department of Justice has yet to publicly respond to the latest criticism. Lawmakers and victims’ lawyers have previously accused the department of improper redactions and errors in earlier file releases, some of which were later withdrawn after complaints. The handling of the Epstein files continues to fuel bipartisan pressure on the justice department over transparency and accountability.   With inputs from BBC

A former energy minister of Ukraine has been detained while attempting to leave the country, authorities said, in a major corruption case that has shaken the government of President Volodymyr Zelensky. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, known as NABU, said on Sunday that its detectives detained the former minister while he was crossing the state border as part of the so-called Operation Midas investigation. Although NABU did not officially name him, several Ukrainian media outlets identified the detainee as German Galushchenko, who was forced out of government last year after being linked to a high-profile corruption scandal. According to reports, Galushchenko was apprehended while on a train leaving Ukraine. His intended destination remains unclear. He has since been taken to Kyiv for further questioning. The former official was among several senior figures accused in November of involvement in an alleged $100 million embezzlement scheme in the energy sector. The case triggered political shockwaves and threatened to tarnish the administration of President Zelensky, who came to power pledging to eradicate corruption. Galushchenko served as energy minister for three years and later briefly held the justice portfolio. He was asked to resign in November. His successor as energy minister, Svitlana Hrynchuk, also stepped down after being implicated in the same scandal. NABU and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office said the investigation followed 15 months of probing alleged kickbacks in Ukraine’s energy sector, including at the state nuclear operator Energoatom. Investigators allege that bribes amounting to 10 to 15 percent of contract values were systematically collected, laundered and transferred abroad, including to Russia. The scandal sparked public outrage as it emerged amid intensified Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during winter. Authorities said further details on the detention would be released later. Ukraine has long struggled with entrenched corruption, despite operating dedicated anti-graft bodies for over a decade. Tackling corruption remains a key condition for the country’s bid to join the European Union.   With inputs from BBC

Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, ranked third among the world’s most polluted cities on Monday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 248 at 8:11 am. Today, the city’s air was classified as ‘very unhealthy’, indicating a serious health threat, according to the AQI report. Dakar in Senegal, Doha in Qatar, and Cairo in Egypt occupied the first, second, and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 380, 254, and 246 respectively. According to the AQI scale, a reading between 50 and 100 is considered ‘moderate’, with generally acceptable air quality, though sensitive individuals should limit prolonged outdoor exertion. AQI levels of 101–150 are ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, 151–200 is ‘unhealthy’, 201–300 is ‘very unhealthy’, and readings above 301 are considered ‘hazardous’, posing severe health risks. The AQI, which reports daily air quality, informs residents how clean or polluted the air is and highlights potential health effects. In Bangladesh, the AQI is calculated based on five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. Air pollution: Dhaka 5th worst city in the world today Dhaka has long struggled with air pollution. Air quality usually deteriorates in winter and improves during the monsoon season. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution causes about seven million deaths worldwide each year, primarily from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

Every spring, a remote riverbank in northeast Bangladesh, Sunamganj, turns bright red, sparking a short-lived but major economic boost. Along the banks of the Jadukata River in Tahirpur upazila, some 300 kilometres from Dhaka, thousands of shimul (silk cotton) trees have erupted into bloom, transforming the famed Shimul Garden into a vivid red canopy against the rolling blue hills of Meghalaya across the border. This year’s display coincided with Pahela Falgun and Valentine’s Day falling on the same date, amplifying the draw. Visitors poured in from early morning, many dressed in yellow, orange and red to mark the first day of spring, turning the riverside into what locals described as a carnival of colour. The garden’s origins trace back to 2000, when then chairman of Badaghat Union, Joynal Abedin, planted around 3,000 shimul trees across 100 bighas of land at Manigaon. Over time, the site gained national recognition and has been described by local sources as one of the largest shimul gardens in Asia. Two decades later, the seasonal bloom has become central to the economy of Tahirpur’s remote communities. Small eateries, roadside tea stalls, hotels and boat operators reported brisk business as thousands arrived to photograph the fiery blossoms, ride horses through the grounds and sit along the riverbank. For many residents, the few weeks of peak bloom now represent a vital source of annual income. “It felt like walking into a dream,” said a female visitor from Dhaka who travelled with her husband to see the blossoms. “We had seen photos before, but the real experience is beyond imagination. The only drawback was the crowd, making it difficult to find a quiet corner.” The surge has also exposed infrastructure constraints. Long queues formed at boat terminals, while narrow approach roads struggled to handle the influx of vehicles. Traffic congestion and overcrowding were common complaints. Ali Haider, another tourist, described the location as extraordinary but said improved road connectivity and the swift completion of a bridge over the Jadukata River would ease travel hassles and likely attract even more visitors. Authorities deployed tourist police and members of law enforcement agencies, including plainclothes personnel, to maintain order and ensure safety during the peak period. Funding delays stall haor embankments, putting Sunamganj’s Boro harvest at risk Rakib Uddin, owner of the garden, said thousands of tourists began arriving from the first day of spring. Communication facilities have improved compared with previous years, he added, though visitors and locals alike believe further upgrades -- better roads, transport management and facilities -- could elevate the site into a premier tourist destination. For now, however, the attraction’s power lies in its transience. Within weeks, the crimson petals will fall, the crowds will thin and the garden will return to quietude — waiting for another spring to set the riverbank ablaze once more, Rakib added.

The Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh has appreciated the credible conduct of the 13th parliamentary elections by the people of Bangladesh and congratulated all political parties and leaders, particularly the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its Chairman Tarique Rahman, on their victory. In a message shared on February 15, the Japanese embassy said it expects the smooth and peaceful formation of a new government and expressed its interest in further advancing the Strategic Partnership between the two countries. 

Nayeb-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher on Sunday said the new government, led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and the opposition party Jamaat-e-Islami will work together to build a 'new Bangladesh'. “We welcome the incoming Prime Minister of Bangladesh Tarique Rahman's courtesy visit to the residence of Ameer-e-Jamaat. It is a qualitative change in our political culture and a new beginning,” he said. He made the remarks while speaking at a press briefing following a meeting between BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman. Taher said the two parties had long fought against the fascist government led by the Awami League. Following its removal, he said, BNP and Jamaat contested the election separately, but expressed hope that they would now work together for the welfare of the country. Jamaat Ameer calls meeting with Tarique 'an important moment' During the meeting, the Jamaat Ameer urged Tarique Rahman to maintain law and order across the country, Taher said, adding that they also discussed ways to resolve any potential misunderstandings or issues between the two parties. Earlier in the evening, Tarique Rahman visited the Jamaat chief’s residential office in the Bashundhara Residential Area around 7:10 pm and held a nearly 45-minute meeting, which BNP leaders described as a positive political gesture following the election. Among others, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Abdullah Muhammad Taher and Assistant Secretary General and Central Publicity and Media Secretary Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair were present at the meeting.

Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader on Sunday conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its Chairman Tarique Rahman for securing a two-thirds majority in the national election. In a statement, GM Quader expressed hope that Tarique Rahman would utilise his intellect, wisdom and past political experience to play a positive role in ensuring peace, stability, continuity of democracy and sustainable development in Bangladesh. He said he believed that Tarique Rahman would soon assume the significant responsibility of running the state and work to strengthen national unity by demonstrating tolerance, responsibility and political prudence. GM Quader also expressed optimism that under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, the country would be able to overcome prevailing challenges, uncertainties and divisions through effective governance. At the end of his message, he wished Tarique Rahman and his family members good health, long life and overall well-being.

Iran’s top diplomat left Tehran on Sunday for Geneva, where a second round of nuclear negotiations with the United States is set to take place, Iranian state media reported. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi departed for the Swiss city along with his delegation following an initial round of indirect talks held in Oman last week. According to Iran’s state-run IRNA, Oman will again serve as mediator during the Geneva discussions. Similar negotiations last year collapsed after Israel launched a military campaign against Iran that escalated into a 12-day war, during which the United States bombed Iranian nuclear facilities. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned that force could be used if Iran does not agree to restrict its nuclear programme. Iran has said it would retaliate if attacked. Trump has also threatened Tehran over its violent suppression of nationwide protests. Gulf Arab nations have cautioned that any military action could trigger a wider regional conflict. The Trump administration has maintained that Iran must not be allowed to enrich uranium under any agreement, a position Tehran has rejected. Iranian officials continue to insist their nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, though they have increasingly warned they could pursue nuclear weapons capability. 11 killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza amid ceasefire violations Before the conflict in June, Iran was enriching uranium to 60 percent purity, a level just short of weapons-grade material. While in Geneva, Araghchi is also expected to meet with his Swiss and Omani counterparts and hold talks with the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN’s nuclear watchdog. Earlier on Sunday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington remained committed to a diplomatic solution. He said President Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were traveling for the upcoming talks. Trump said on Friday that the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, was being deployed from the Caribbean to the Middle East to reinforce US military assets in the region. He also said a change in leadership in Iran “would be the best thing that could happen.” Rubio said the recent US military deployments were defensive, aimed at protecting American facilities and interests. Iran has threatened to strike US bases in the region if Washington launches an attack. In June, Tehran targeted the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, though no US or Qatari casualties were reported. Speaking in Bratislava after meeting Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Rubio said the US was prioritising diplomacy. “No one has been able to reach a successful deal with Iran, but we are going to try,” he said. While Trump has recently indicated that reducing Iran’s nuclear programme is his primary goal, Tehran has said the talks should focus solely on nuclear issues. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who met Trump in Washington earlier this week, has been urging a broader agreement that would also curb Iran’s ballistic missile programme and end its support for proxy groups such as Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The contractual appointment of Faisal Mahmud, who was serving as Minister (Press) at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, has been cancelled. The Ministry of Public Administration on Sunday issued a notification saying the remaining tenure of his contractual appointment has been cancelled. Faisal was appointed for two years in September 2024. BNP, which is set to form the new government on February 17 following its landslide victory in the Feb 12 elections, is likely to finalise a series of new appointments soon. Faisal has reported on Bangladesh for several international outlets, including Al Jazeera, Nikkei Asia and Anadolu Agency. He is also the editor of an online news portal Bangla Outlook (English).

Leaders and activists of the Awami League entered the party’s district and metropolitan office in Khulna on Sunday afternoon, placed wreaths on portraits of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Sheikh Hasina, hoisted the national flag and chanted slogans. The office, located in the Shankha Market area of the city, was visited around 4 pm. A video of the visit later circulated on social media. Later that night, the office was set on fire following protests against the Awami League leaders’ activities. Former leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement led the protest. Wooden doors and documents were set ablaze, though the fire eventually extinguished. Members of the Fire Service arrived at the spot afterwards. Several Awami League activists, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the visit was not organised under any formal party directive. They said the office had been locked, which they broke open before hoisting the national flag and placing garlands on the portraits. ICT issues arrest warrants against Hasina, 5 others Eyewitnesses and local residents said 10-15 activists entered the office  by a procession in the afternoon, briefly paid tribute to the portraits and quickly left.   In protest, several students later entered the office and set fire to the portraits. Khulna Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Kabir Hossain said a group of people had opened the Khulna district and metropolitan Awami League office in the afternoon. “After informing about it, we started collecting and reviewing CCTV footage from surrounding establishments to identify those involved,” he said. He added that later in the evening, some agitated students came and set fire to the office, damaging the two displayed portraits.

Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has reiterated his party’s commitment to democratic governance and constitutional accountability following a meeting with BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. In a Facebook post on Sunday night, Dr Rahman congratulated Tarique Rahman in advance as he set to assume the office of Prime Minister, describing his visit to the Jamaat Ameer’s residential office as “an important moment in our national political journey.” “We welcome this engagement in a spirit of dialogue and responsibility, and we hope it signals a new chapter of institutional maturity and mutual respect. We envision building a Bangladesh that is free from fascism, sovereign in its decision-making and founded upon justice,” he wrote.  Dr Shafiqur Rahman said Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, along with the 11-party alliance, remains committed to establishing a prosperous, stable and modern state grounded in democratic values and constitutional governance. He also welcomed the BNP Chairman’s assurance that steps are being taken to address incidents of post-election violence, including actions concerning harm against opposition supporters and minority communities. Jamaat demands vote recount in 30 constituencies “We reiterate that no citizen, regardless of political affiliation, should face intimidation or insecurity,” he said. The Jamaat Ameer added that his party would cooperate fully on matters of national interest while fulfilling its constitutional responsibility as a firm and principled opposition. “Where the government acts in the public interest, we will support. Where accountability is required, we will speak. Our objective is not confrontation but correction; not obstruction, but oversight,” he said, adding that the people deserve a parliament that safeguards justice, protects rights and advances the nation with stability and confidence. Earlier, Tarique visited the Jamaat chief’s residential office in the Bashundhara Residential Area around 7:10 pm and held a nearly 45-minute meeting, which BNP leaders described as a positive political gesture following the election. Keep guard until final count: Jamaat Ameer urges party leaders Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman received Tarique with a floral wreath. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Abdullah Muhammad Taher, and its Assistant Secretary General as well as Central Publicity and Media Secretary Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair were present at the meeting. The meetings came a day after Tarique called for cooperation from all political parties and forces to help build a ‘safe and humane Bangladesh’. BNP is set to form the next government after securing a landslide victory with 209 seats in Thursday’s national election.

Bangladesh Police Headquarters (PHQ) on Sunday dismissed reports claiming that Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam has resigned from his post. “The news regarding the IGP’s resignation is not correct. Everyone is requested to refrain from spreading such misinformation,” PHQ said in a statement issued at night. Speculation about the resignation began circulating two days after the 13th national parliamentary election, ahead of the swearing-in of newly elected MPs and cabinet members scheduled for Tuesday.

The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) on Sunday observed the 57th death anniversary of Shaheed Sergeant Zahurul Haque with due solemnity. Marking the day, a Milad Mahfil was held after Fajr prayers at the central mosque of Bangladesh Air Force Base Zahurul Haque in Chattogram, seeking divine blessings for the departed soul and continued peace and prosperity of the country. Air Officer Commanding of BAF Base Zahurul Haque, Air Vice Marshal Md Abdullah Al-Mamun, along with senior officers, airmen and other members of the base, attended the programme.\ BAF marks 55th death anniversary of Shaheed Sergeant Zahurul Haque: ISPR On this day in 1969, Sergeant Zahurul Haque, a Bengali member of the then Pakistan Air Force and an accused in the Agartala Conspiracy Case, was shot dead by a Pakistani soldier while in detention at Dhaka Cantonment. He had been arrested in December 1967 in connection with the case filed by the Pakistan government and was initially kept at Dhaka Central Jail, according to an ISPR media release. He was later taken into custody under the Air Force Act and held at Dhaka Cantonment. Amid the mass uprising of 1969, the then Pakistani ruler Ayub Khan withdrew the Agartala Conspiracy Case. However, Sergeant Zahurul Haque was killed on February 15, 1969, while still in detention. BAF observes 54th death anniversary of Sergeant Zahurul Haque In recognition of his contribution to the country’s liberation struggle, a residential hall of Dhaka University was named Sergeant Zahurul Haque Hall, and Bangladesh Air Force Base Zahurul Haque in Chattogram was named in his honour in 1982. He was posthumously awarded the Swadhinata Padak in 2018.

A 55-year-old woman was killed after being hit by a moving motorcycle in Jhenaigati upazila of Sherpur on Sunday evening. The deceased, Khaleda Akhter, was the wife of Joynal Abdin of Sandhyakura area in the upazila. The accident occurred in Sandhyakura when the motorcyclist, Shahjamal, 25, son of Shafiq Mia of Haldigram area, lost control after Khaleda Akhter’s saree got entangled in his motorcycle. Shahjamal was seriously injured in the accident. Asst presiding officer among 2 killed in Sherpur road crash Eyewitnesses said Shahjamal was heading towards the upazila headquarters when he hit Khaleda Akhter while she was crossing the road. Locals rescued both and took them to Jhenaigati Upazila Health Complex, where the on-duty doctor declared Khaleda Akhter dead on arrival. Shahjamal was later referred to Sherpur District Sadar Hospital due to the critical condition of his injuries. Md Amirul Islam, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Jhenaigati Police Station, said police visited the scene immediately after the accident and legal action is under process. Case filed against BNP candidate among hundreds over killing of Jamaat leader in Sherpur

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman on Sunday said the Army will return to barracks once the newly elected government assumes office. He, however, said a portion of the Army will remain deployed in the field to assist in maintaining law and order until the police regain full control of the situation. British High Commissioner meets Army Chief  The Army Chief made the remarks while addressing members of all ranks of the Bangladesh Army at the CAS Darbar on Sunday morning. Members deployed in United Nations peacekeeping missions were also joined in the address virtually. At the event, the Army chief expressed gratitude to Army personnel for their ‘excellent sense of responsibility’ and professionalism in carrying out election duties.  Referring to the Army’s role in stabilising the country’s volatile political environment, General Waker-Uz-Zaman said, “The country and its people will remember this service of the Army.” In his speech, he also quoted a verse from the Holy Quran, saying, “Indeed, Allah rewards those who are patient.”

  Dhaka, Feb 15 (UNB) - Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) on Sunday said Bangladesh’s Election Day confidence gains will be sustained only if post-election governance focuses on a transitional justice process towards reconciliation grounded with rule-based accountability. ANFREL in its interim assessment also mentioned enforceable political and campaign finance oversight, clear complaint mechanisms, and reforms that reduce incentives for patronage, coercion, and recurring political upheaval. The governance context remains central to long-term confidence, said the Asia’s Bangkok-based first regional network of civil society organisations focused on elections and election monitoring. Bangladesh’s 2026 parliamentary elections and referendum took place in a transition context shaped by the July 2024 youth-led uprising and amidst heightened public scrutiny of state institutions. Against that backdrop, ANFREL observed an Election Day environment that was generally peaceful, orderly, and safe in the areas covered. This was a product of the Bangladesh Election Commission’s visible operational planning and its coordination with security forces, including risk-based deployments and the use of transparency measures such as centralized monitoring and technology-enabled oversight. These efforts helped stabilise polling operations and contributed to public confidence in the conduct of voting on Election Day. It said the suspension of the former ruling party Awami League continued to shape perceptions of inclusiveness and political competition, while the referendum result strengthened expectations for credible follow-through on reform commitments under the July Charter. The presence of both domestic and international observers was widely regarded by stakeholders as an important confidence-building measure and a safeguard for electoral transparency. However, observer organisations were required to secure both accreditations from the Bangladesh Election Commission and prior operational clearance for funded activities. Observer identification cards were issued only shortly before polling, preventing systematic observation of voter registration, campaigning, and dispute resolution processes. As a result, observation focused mainly on Election Day processes, with limited opportunity for transparency measures across earlier phases of the electoral cycle. Establishing timely accreditation, recognizing long-term and short-term observation, and enabling monitoring across the pre-election, Election Day, and post-election phases would strengthen public oversight, deter violations, and reinforce confidence in future elections, said the organisation.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday night paid a courtesy call on National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam, shortly after holding a meeting with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman. Tarique reached Nahid’s residence in the capital’s Bailey Road area around 8:30pm to hold the meeting, just two days before forming the next government following his party’s massive victory in Thursday’s national election. On his arrival, Nahid welcomed Tarique with a floral wreath, said BNP Media Cell member Atikur Rahman Rumon. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan accompanied Tarique. NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain and Northern Region Chief Organiser Sarjis Alam were also present. Earlier, Tarique visited the Jamaat chief’s political office at his residence in the Bashundhara Residential Area around 7:10 pm and held a nearly 45-minute meeting, which BNP leaders described as a positive political gesture following the election. Tarique Rahman meets Jamaat Ameer Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman also received Tarique with a floral wreath. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Abdullah Muhammad Taher, and its Assistant Secretary General as well as Central Publicity and Media Secretary Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair were present at the meeting. The meetings came a day after Tarique called for cooperation from all political parties and forces to help build a ‘safe and humane Bangladesh’. BNP is set to form the next government after securing a landslide victory with 209 seats in Thursday’s national election. In the same election, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 68 seats, while the National Citizen Party secured six.

Eleven Palestinians were killed in Israeli air strikes across Gaza on Sunday morning, Palestinian civil defence and health officials said. The Israel Defense Forces said the strikes targeted what it described as “terror targets” in response to alleged ceasefire violations by Hamas. The military claimed militants were hit after emerging from a tunnel into an area of the strip under Israeli control. According to the Palestinian Red Crescent, at least six people were killed when a tent encampment in northern Gaza was struck, while another attack in the south of the territory killed five. Israel and Hamas have repeatedly accused each other of breaching a fragile ceasefire agreement almost daily since it came into force on October 10. The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry said at least 600 people have been killed since the ceasefire began. Earlier this month, local officials reported that at least 32 people were killed in a wave of Israeli air strikes across Gaza.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday expressed his sincere appreciation to the members of the Council of Advisers, describing the recently concluded national election as both historic and highly successful. “We are lucky people who got the opportunity to serve the nation,” Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam quoted Prof Yunus as saying at the last meeting of the Council of Advisers. Describing the election a ‘massive success’, Prof Yunus extended his gratitude to all those involved in ensuring its smooth conduct, particularly the law enforcement agencies and the Armed Forces for their active and professional roles. Prof Yunus calls upon all to work together to fulfill people’s expectations Press Secretary Alam briefed reporters at the Foreign Service Academy following the meeting. Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad and Assistant Press Secretary Shuchismita Tithi were also present. Alam said the Council adopted a formal resolution expressing deep appreciation to all stakeholders for their outstanding contributions towards organising what it termed a successful, historic and festive national election. The Council conveyed special thanks to Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury for his ministry’s leadership, noting that Bangladesh may not have previously witnessed an election of such high standard. The Council extended gratitude to all agencies under the Ministry of Home Affairs, including the police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Coast Guard, Ansar, and the Armed Forces, for their commendable performance in ensuring a peaceful electoral process. The Council approved a vote of thanks to immediate past Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid for effectively coordinating the administration and contributing to the conduct of a free, fair, peaceful and festive election. It feels like Eid, creating a new Bangladesh: Prof Yunus Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan moved the motion of thanks, which was unanimously adopted. A key point highlighted during the meeting was the anticipated emergence of a strong opposition in Parliament, comprising individuals who had been victims of enforced disappearance and killings, as well as those who were at the forefront of the July Revolution, reflecting broader representation across Bangladesh society. The Council also underscored that individuals from similar backgrounds would be represented on the treasury bench, marking what it described as a new and inclusive chapter in the country’s parliamentary history.

SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, carrying four astronauts for NASA’s Crew-12 mission, autonomously docked with the International Space Station on Saturday. The spacecraft launched at 5:15 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and reached the space-facing port of the station’s Harmony module at around 3:15 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday.  The four-member team comprises Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway from NASA, Sophie Adenot of the European Space Agency, and cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev from Roscosmos. SpaceX sends new team to ISS after medical emergency Over the nearly eight-month mission, Crew-12 will carry out a range of scientific experiments to support future human missions beyond low Earth orbit and deliver benefits for life on Earth, NASA said.  The crew will investigate pneumonia-causing bacteria to support better cardiovascular therapies and evaluate technologies for producing intravenous fluids on demand for future space missions. They will also assess how different physical traits influence blood circulation during spaceflight. According to NASA, other studies will focus on automated monitoring of plant health and exploring interactions between plants and nitrogen-fixing microbes to boost food production in space. Elon Musk’s SpaceX to build self-sustaining Moon city

The Israeli government has approved a proposal to register extensive areas of the occupied West Bank as “state property,” marking the first such move since Israel occupied the territory in 1967. Israeli public broadcaster KAN reported on Sunday that the proposal was put forward by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, and Defence Minister Israel Katz. Smotrich said the move was part of what he described as a “settlement revolution,” adding, “We are continuing the settlement revolution to control all our lands.” Most Palestinian land in the West Bank has remained unregistered due to a lengthy and complex process that Israel halted in 1967. Land registration establishes permanent ownership. Under international law, an occupying power is prohibited from confiscating land in occupied territories. Hebron mayor warns Israel tightening grip on West Bank The Palestinian Presidency strongly criticised the decision, calling it a “serious escalation” that effectively nullifies signed agreements and directly violates resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa. Katz defended the decision, describing it as an “essential security and governance measure” aimed at ensuring control, enforcement and full freedom of action for the Israel in the area, the Jerusalem Post reported. The approval follows a decision last week by the Israeli Security Cabinet to endorse additional measures promoted by Smotrich and Katz, which further facilitate what critics describe as the unlawful seizure of Palestinian land in the occupied territory. Meanwhile, Palestinian group Hamas condemned the move, saying it was an attempt to “steal and Judaise lands in the occupied West Bank by registering them as so-called ‘state lands’.” In a statement, Hamas described the approval as a “null and void decision issued by an illegitimate occupying power,” adding that it represents an effort to impose settlement expansion and Judaisation in clear violation of international law and relevant UN resolutions. Analysts have warned that the move amounts to a de facto annexation of Palestinian territory, saying it would significantly alter the civil and legal framework by removing what Israeli officials have termed long-standing “legal obstacles” to the expansion of illegal settlements. Speaking from Ramallah, political analyst Xavier Abu Eid told that Israel was effectively carrying out annexation through bureaucratic means. He said the International Court of Justice ruled in 2024 that Israeli actions in the West Bank amount to annexation. “This is not just a step towards annexation. Annexation is already happening,” he said, adding that the Israeli government is implementing a political programme that has already been publicly declared.  #From Agencies

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Sunday described the advisers of the interim government as ‘proud citizens of the country’ and confirmed that they are there  in Bangladesh, stating that they will also participate in the swearing-in ceremony of the new government on February 17. “They are still in the country. They are proud citizens of the country, and they will put in their best efforts to take the country forward in the future,” Alam told reporters at the Foreign Service Academy. Shafiqul Alam says his properties unchanged, bank deposit up slightly The Press Secretary said the advisers will attend the oath-taking ceremony, arriving in flag-carrying vehicles. Once the ceremony concludes, the vehicles will take them back to their respective residences, but without the flags, he said. The Press Secretary made the remarks amid questions and social media speculation that some advisers were leaving the country, similar to Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, the former special assistant to the Chief Adviser on ICT and telecommunications, who has already left the country. When asked about Taiyeb’s departure, Alam said he had no additional comments beyond the former assistant’s own statement. The newly elected MPs are scheduled to take oath at approximately 10am, followed by the incoming Prime Minister and cabinet around 4pm. Quoting Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Alam said the Foreign Ministers from Qatar and SAARC member states have been invited to attend the ceremony. Smooth power handover after Feb-12 election: Shafiqul Alam Meanwhile, referring to discussion at the last meeting of the Council of Advisers, chaired by Chief Adviser Prof Yunus, the Press Secretary said it was unfortunate to see that in the previous elections, minorities have been subjected to post-election violence. “So far, this is the first time that we have not heard of any attack on any of our religious minority brothers and sisters after the election. Many of them, as you have seen, have happily cast their votes in a festive mode at the polling stations,” Alam said.

Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarkar on Sunday said the 13th parliamentary election and referendum were conducted more successfully than expected. “We feel more successful than expected. Overall, we are satisfied with the election. We are satisfied with the percentage, the vote management, and all of your cooperation,” he said while talking to reporters in the city’s Nirbachan Bhaban. About the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party electoral alliance’s demand for a recount of votes in 32 constituencies, Anwar said the election teams working in the field carried out the preparation of results with utmost efficiency and professionalism. Election schedule to be announced in early Dec: Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam He said a large number of drones and helicopters were deployed, while body-worn cameras and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras were installed at almost every polling centre. “In such a situation, everything was as clear as a mirror. From here, we made our best effort to monitor which information was correct and which was false.” The Election Commission said whenever any incident came to their notice, they tried to address the matter and resolve it. Asked whether the Commission would accept the demand for a recount, he said the claims would require proper examination. “The law has given them the opportunity to place any election-related complaint before the High Court.” 59.44 percent votes cast in national election:EC About the gazette publication, he said EC officials worked day and night to prepare the gazette of the newly elected members of parliament, adding that it was published in due time.

Bangladesh Capital Market Investor Association (BCIA) on Sunday expressed optimism that Bangladesh’s capital market will rebound within the next six months if the newly elected BNP government takes prudent and timely measures. In a statement congratulating the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for its landslide victory and absolute majority in the 13th parliamentary election, the investors’ body said the government’s first six months in office would be crucial for rebuilding the economy. BCIA said it firmly expects that the ruling party and a strong opposition will work in coordination to restore the fragile banking system, the battered capital market and the overall struggling trade, commerce and financial management framework within this initial period. The organisation also voiced hope that government initiatives would revive public confidence, encouraging people to invest spontaneously across different sectors of the economy. Advising the new administration, BCIA stressed the need to appoint a financially integrated and dignified Finance Minister, a State Minister for Finance with practical knowledge of the capital market, as well as competent heads of key institutions including Bangladesh Bank, Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB) and the National Board of Revenue (NBR). Highlighting the stagnation in new listings, BCIA noted that while India saw 370 new IPOs over the past two years (2025–2026), not a single company was listed in Bangladesh during the same period. Stocks surge as DSE turnover crosses Tk 500 crore in first half It urged the government to ensure effective coordination among relevant institutions from day one and expedite the listing of at least two to three multinational and profitable state-owned companies to inject fresh momentum into the market and restore investor confidence. The association also pledged that over the next five years, it would work in partnership with the government to contribute positively to the country’s financial sector and support the administration in achieving its highest level of success.

Police have filed a case against over 500 people following a violent clash between two groups of people in Sirajganj municipality area. SI Alamin of Sirajganj Sadar Police Station lodged the case at the police station on Sunday morning. Officer in Charge (Investigation) of Sirajganj Sadar Police Station, Ahsanuzzaman, said the dispute had been brewing for a long time between residents of Mahmudpur and Raipur areas over dominance and theft incidents. BNP-Jamaat clash in Sirajganj leaves 9 injured The situation escalated into a major clash on Saturday night when they attacked each other with homemade weapons. They vandalised property and looed valuables, prompting law enforcement to intervene, said the OC. According to police, following the violence authorities conducted drives and arrested three youths.  Additional forces have been deployed and patrolling intensified to prevent further clashes. Land dispute clash in Sirajganj leaves 9 injured