At least 13 people were injured in three separate incidents of post-election violence in Jhenaidah on Friday, according to local reports. The clashes occurred in Kaliganj and Sadar upazilas, where supporters of different electoral symbols and an independent candidate confronted each other. An independent candidate’s campaign office in Kaliganj town was attacked and vandalized, leaving three BNP leaders injured, one of whom was later transferred to Jashore General Hospital.

In another incident in the Naldanga Union of Jhenaidah Sadar, supporters of the ‘paddy sheaf’ and ‘cup-plate’ symbols clashed, injuring five people, one critically. Additional violence was reported in Khadashuni village, where a supporter of the ‘cup-plate’ symbol was allegedly attacked. Earlier in the morning, three more people were injured in a confrontation between ‘paddy sheaf’ and independent supporters in Khalkula village of Kaliganj.

Police said they were investigating the incidents and had deployed forces to the affected areas. They pledged to identify and take legal action against those involved.

The central executive council meeting of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is currently underway at the party’s central office under the chairmanship of Ameer Shafiqur Rahman. According to the report, a press conference is expected to be held following the meeting.

Earlier on Friday morning, the party’s Moghbazar office in Dhaka appeared largely empty, with few leaders or activists present. However, the situation began to change after noon as both journalists and party members started arriving in greater numbers, creating a more active environment around the office.

The meeting marks a significant internal gathering for the party, though the agenda and discussion points have not been disclosed. The upcoming press conference is expected to provide further details on the outcomes of the session.

Mohammad Aminul Haque, a rival candidate in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, has demanded suspension of the results for Dhaka-16 constituency, citing widespread irregularities, corruption, and vote rigging. On Friday, he submitted a written petition to the Returning Officer at the Election Commission Secretariat, calling for an investigation and re-voting in disputed centers.

In his petition, Haque alleged serious violations of the Representation of the People Order (RPO) 1972 and the electoral code of conduct during the February 12 election. He claimed to possess video evidence of money distribution by an opposing candidate on the eve of the vote and said polling agents were intimidated and expelled from centers. According to him, result sheets were prepared without agents’ signatures in over 40 centers, and in some cases, signatures were taken before vote counting. He also alleged that voters were obstructed from entering centers and that pre-stamped ballot books were found before polling began.

Haque further stated that discrepancies existed between announced results and those provided by presiding officers and postal votes. Having received no remedy from the Assistant Returning Officer, he invoked section 91A of the RPO, seeking suspension of results and formation of a high-level investigation committee.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders extended floral greetings to party chairman Tarique Rahman following the party’s sweeping victory in the general election. The event took place at Rahman’s office, where Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with Standing Committee members Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, and other senior leaders, congratulated him. The celebration marked what party officials described as the beginning of a new political chapter in the country.

During the gathering, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that the victory represented not only a party success but also a triumph for the people, reflecting their support for democracy and development after a long struggle. He expressed hope that under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, Bangladesh would enter a new era of progress.

Accepting the floral greetings, Tarique Rahman thanked party members and citizens, pledging to fulfill public expectations by building a democratic, prosperous, and equitable Bangladesh.

The United Kingdom’s High Court has ruled that the government’s decision to designate the activist group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization was unlawful. The ruling, delivered in London after several months of legal proceedings, came in response to a judicial review petition filed by the group’s co-founder Huda Ammori. Justice Victoria Sharp stated that the government’s ban represented a serious interference with freedom of expression and assembly, and therefore lacked legal justification.

The British government had imposed the ban in July 2025 under anti-terrorism legislation, making membership, public support, or display of the group’s symbols a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Following the ban, hundreds of people across the UK were arrested and charged under terrorism laws. The government justified the prohibition by citing an incident in which activists allegedly caused £7 million in damage at a southern England airbase during protests over the Gaza conflict.

The High Court’s decision removes the terrorist label from Palestine Action and has reignited political and legal debate over the government’s handling of protest movements related to the Gaza war.

Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, spokesperson of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has alleged that leaders and activists of the NCP and its 11-party alliance have come under attack in various parts of Bangladesh. According to his statement, the attackers are not only targeting political leaders but also threatening their homes and family members.

In a Facebook post, Asif wrote that assaults are taking place nationwide against NCP and alliance members, leaving their families under threat. He urged those who have won to control their supporters, warning that if the beginning of democratic transition is marked by persecution of opposition voices, it would be a matter of shame for the country.

The allegations highlight growing concerns about political violence and intimidation following recent political developments, though no official response or investigation details were mentioned in the source.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Tarique Rahman on his election victory. Modi also spoke with Rahman over the phone to convey his greetings. The Indian leader shared the news in a post on social media platform X on Friday, expressing that he was delighted to speak with the BNP chairperson.

In his post, Modi stated that he would continue to support and extend best wishes for Rahman’s efforts to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. He emphasized that India and Bangladesh share deep historical and cultural ties. Modi reaffirmed India’s ongoing commitment to peace, progress, and prosperity for both nations and their peoples.

The message highlighted India’s intention to maintain strong bilateral relations with Bangladesh following the election outcome, underscoring mutual respect and cooperation between the neighboring countries.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Dr. Khaliduzzaman has expressed gratitude to voters of Dhaka-17 constituency after the election in which he contested against BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. In a Facebook post on Friday, February 13, 2026, he thanked voters for their support and affection, saying that although the results did not meet expectations, the trust shown toward him and his organization was his greatest achievement.

Dr. Khaliduzzaman stated that the narrow vote margins in many areas reflected a public desire for change and principled politics. He praised his party’s dedicated workers for their hard work and sacrifices, emphasizing that their efforts would not go in vain. He urged supporters to remain organized, skilled, and committed to serving people, adding that faith and perseverance would bring success.

Concluding his message, he congratulated the winning candidate, noting that victory brings the responsibility of fulfilling promises. He pledged constructive criticism and positive engagement for the public interest, affirming his continued commitment to the people and to politics based on truth and justice.

Two people were killed and another injured in a shooting at a residential building of South Carolina State University on Thursday night. Following the incident, the university administration placed the entire campus under lockdown. According to a statement posted on the university’s Facebook page, the shooting occurred around 9:15 p.m. local time inside an apartment at the Hugine Suites dormitory complex. Authorities have not yet confirmed the motive or whether any suspect remains at large.

Officials said the identities of the deceased and the condition of the injured person have not been officially released. The university, historically established for African American students, has more than 3,000 enrolled learners and is located in Orangeburg, about 40 miles southeast of Columbia, the state capital. Another historically Black higher education institution, Claflin University, is also located in Orangeburg.

The university administration stated that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has been assigned to assist in the investigation, and all Friday classes have been canceled.

Independent candidate Tasnim Jara has congratulated the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for its victory in the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Contesting from Dhaka-9 constituency, she also personally thanked her rival and winning BNP candidate Habibur Rashid Habib through a verified Facebook post, mentioning that she had called him the previous night to convey her congratulations.

According to unofficial results, Jara, a former NCP leader, received 44,684 votes under the football symbol, while Habib secured 111,212 votes with the paddy sheaf symbol, a margin of 66,528 votes. Jara finished third in the constituency. In her post, she expressed gratitude to Professor Yunus and the Election Commission for organizing what she described as a credible election amid a complex national situation.

Jara also clarified that she would not return to the United Kingdom, emphasizing her commitment to Bangladesh and her goal of contributing to a long-term transformation of the country’s political culture.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday, February 13, that Washington must reach an agreement with Iran over its nuclear program by March. Speaking to reporters at the White House, he warned that failure to do so could lead to 'terrible' consequences. Trump expressed hope that a deal could be achieved within the next month, emphasizing that both sides must act positively to move forward.

He further cautioned that if Iran does not advance in the negotiations, an operation called 'Midnight Hammer' could resume, this time with greater intensity. His remarks have sparked renewed concern internationally about the state of U.S.–Iran relations.

Analysts cited in the report suggested that Trump’s tough message is part of a strategy to increase pressure on Iran to limit its nuclear activities, a move that could further complicate the security situation in the Middle East.

BNP Standing Committee member and Election Steering Committee Chairman Nazrul Islam Khan said on Friday that the people have entrusted the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its leader Tarique Rahman with the responsibility for the country’s welfare for the next five years. Speaking at a press conference, he stated that the BNP secured more than two-thirds of the parliamentary seats, and many allied candidates also achieved victory.

When asked about his satisfaction with the election, Khan replied that being one hundred percent satisfied is difficult but expressed moderate satisfaction. He explained that unlike previous elections, this one saw no major loss of life, damage to property, or state assets. However, he noted that the culture of voter participation had not fully returned and expressed hope that public interest in voting would increase in the coming days.

Khan’s remarks highlighted both the party’s electoral success and its intention to rebuild voter engagement following years of declining turnout.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman arrived at the party’s central office in Moghbazar around 12:30 p.m. on Friday but did not speak to journalists. The office, once crowded with leaders and activists during Thursday’s election day, appeared deserted when he visited. Only a few party workers and reporters were seen at the site, according to a BBC correspondent.

During the election, Jamaat leaders had repeatedly claimed they were preparing to form the government. However, it is now clear that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a majority and will form the next government. Despite failing to achieve its goal of governing, Jamaat is expected to win more seats in this election than in any previous one.

Party sources indicated that Jamaat leaders will hold a meeting after Friday prayers to discuss the outcome and announce their official reaction.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has raised concerns over the transparency of the recent national parliamentary election, where the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured victory in more than two-thirds of the constituencies. In a post on its official Facebook page, Jamaat stated that the process of preparing and announcing the results was unclear to the party. It alleged that many of its candidates lost by narrow margins under mysterious circumstances.

The party further claimed that discrepancies and irregularities were repeatedly observed in the results, which it described as seemingly manipulated. Jamaat also accused the administration of failing to maintain neutrality during the election process. Alongside these allegations, the party urged its supporters to remain patient and wait for the next announcement from the political alliance.

The report also mentioned that the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) made similar complaints regarding the announcement of election results, though details of their statements were not elaborated in the source.

BNP Chairperson’s adviser Mahdi Amin described the party’s victory in the 13th national election as a triumph of democracy and Bangladesh. Speaking to reporters outside the party’s Gulshan office, he said the public’s trust and affection for BNP leader Tarique Rahman would ensure that, as prime minister, he upholds the rights and freedoms of all citizens. Amin added that the BNP government would be a welfare-oriented administration.

At an official briefing, Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed reported that voter turnout in the 13th parliamentary election stood at 59.44 percent. According to the commission, BNP secured 211 seats, including two suspended results in Chattogram, while Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 68 seats, the National Citizen Party (NCP) 6, Islami Andolan Bangladesh 1, Bangladesh National Party (BJP) 1, Gano Songhoti Andolon 1, Gono Odhikar Parishad 1, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish 2, Khelafat Majlish 1, and independent candidates 7, totaling 299 constituencies.

The results indicate a decisive victory for BNP, positioning the party to form the next government following the election.