During the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the creation of an international initiative called the “Board of Peace.” Trump will serve as its chairman, and the board aims to coordinate with the United Nations to establish a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The plan includes ensuring humanitarian aid, rebuilding infrastructure, fostering local political reconciliation, and forming a stable governance structure. At least 35 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Qatar, have pledged to join, while France and the United Kingdom have distanced themselves. China and Russia have not yet clarified their positions.

The initiative emerges amid multiple global crises, including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, instability in Venezuela, and rising geopolitical competition in the Arctic. Analysts view the Board of Peace as a state-centric alternative to traditional multilateral institutions, reflecting Trump’s skepticism toward the UN and NATO. The board’s approach emphasizes power balance over international law or moral principles.

The article suggests that for developing nations like Bangladesh, this shift toward power-driven diplomacy poses new challenges and calls for stronger engagement in UN reform and regional cooperation to maintain strategic balance.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called on the European Union to become a geopolitical power by focusing on long-term strategic objectives. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, he said Europe must enhance its offensive capabilities and assess how France’s nuclear capacity can align with the EU’s future security framework.

Macron rejected claims that Europe’s influence is declining, saying it is time for courage and for building a stronger Europe. He criticized U.S. trade and foreign policies toward Europe, emphasizing that the continent must demonstrate determination in defending its own interests. He urged EU member states to continue discussions on developing independent thinking and collective action.

Macron also stressed the need to rebuild Europe’s security architecture and clarify its nuclear deterrence strategy, underscoring his vision of a more self-reliant and strategically unified Europe.

In Nilphamari-1 constituency, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Secretary General Maulana Manjurul Islam Afendi lost to Jamaat-e-Islami district chief Principal Abdus Sattar by about 31,000 votes in the recently concluded parliamentary election. On Friday night, the day after the election, Afendi held a press conference at his residence in Domar, where he accepted the result and congratulated his rival on the victory.

During the briefing, Afendi assured full cooperation to the newly elected Member of Parliament, prayed for his success, and urged his supporters not to lose hope. He reaffirmed his commitment to continue serving the people of his constituency and expressed gratitude to supporters of all religions and political affiliations for their affection and backing.

Afendi also called for unity and mutual cooperation in the days ahead, emphasizing that the love and support of the people would guide future progress in the region.

A political analysis published on February 14, 2026, evaluates Bangladesh’s interim government formed after the July 2024 uprising. The government, which came to power without an electoral mandate, faced the challenge of stabilizing a fractured state amid human rights crises and political distrust. It is credited with preventing total state collapse and initiating institutional reforms through commissions on justice, elections, administration, and anti-corruption.

The article highlights the formation of a National Consensus Commission led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus and Professor Ali Riaz as a key achievement aimed at bridging political and social divisions. The July Charter is described as a central document symbolizing a “Never Again” commitment against past authoritarian abuses. Despite these gains, the government struggled to achieve visible progress in judicial independence, security sector accountability, and dismantling entrenched corruption.

Economically, the interim period showed relative stability compared to the preceding regime, with improved foreign reserves but persistent inflation and employment issues. The analysis concludes that the government’s main contribution was averting state collapse and laying a foundation for reform, while the durability of these changes depends on future elected leadership.

Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo has transformed into a cricket festival ahead of the India-Pakistan clash in the ongoing T20 World Cup. The high-voltage match, scheduled for February 15 at the Premadasa Stadium, saw all 35,000 tickets sell out rapidly, reflecting the intensity of fan excitement. Reuters reported that hotel rates, normally between 100 and 150 dollars per night, have surged to as high as 660 dollars, with most rooms fully booked. Airfares from Chennai to Colombo have risen to between 623 and 756 dollars, while Delhi-Colombo flights are up nearly 50 percent, reaching 666 dollars.

According to Colombo travel agencies, bookings spiked immediately after the match venue was confirmed, especially from Indian cities. Nalin Jayasundera, president of Sri Lanka Inbound Tour Operators, said most foreign fans are arriving on all-inclusive packages costing 1,500–2,000 dollars, covering tickets, hotels, and transport. Tourism, Sri Lanka’s third-largest foreign exchange earner, is seeing a boost after recent economic and natural disasters. Tourism chief Buddhika Hewawasam noted that 20 percent of the first 100,000 visitors in ten days came for this match, strengthening Colombo’s confidence as a neutral venue.

Before the first ball is bowled, Sri Lanka appears to be the economic winner, while fans celebrate a cross-border cricket festival of emotion and rivalry.

Two people were killed and three others injured in an explosion while allegedly making hand bombs at a house in Charbagdanga Union of Chapainawabganj on Saturday night. The incident occurred at the home of Kalam Ali in the Fatapara area, where a loud blast damaged part of the house and caused panic among nearby residents. The victims reportedly died on the spot, though their identities were not immediately known.

Law enforcement officials arrived shortly after the explosion, brought the situation under control, and began an investigation. Additional Superintendent of Police A N M Wasim Firoz said authorities are examining the cause of the blast and who might be involved. Officer-in-Charge Nure Alam of Sadar Police Station confirmed the casualties and said the injured were in critical condition.

The explosion has left the local community in shock and tension, with police continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The United States military has carried out another strike on a boat in the Caribbean Sea, killing three people. According to the US Southern Command (Southcom), which oversees military operations in Latin America and the Caribbean, the attack took place early Friday. The operation is part of a series of US military actions in the region since September 2025, which have reportedly left at least 133 people dead, according to Al Jazeera.

Washington has maintained that its forces are targeting individuals suspected of drug trafficking, describing those killed as 'narco-terrorists.' However, international law and human rights experts have repeatedly criticized such operations, calling them extrajudicial killings. Earlier in the same week, the US also conducted a strike in the eastern Pacific Ocean, in which two people were reported killed, Southcom said.

The continued US military actions in the Caribbean and Pacific regions have drawn scrutiny over their legality and humanitarian impact, as questions persist about accountability and adherence to international law.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman will hold a post-election press conference on Saturday at 3 p.m. in the ballroom of Hotel Intercontinental in Dhaka. The event follows the conclusion of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, which took place on February 12. The Election Commission published the gazette of newly elected members of parliament on Friday night, and the oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for the following day, to be followed by the formation of a new cabinet.

According to the official results, the BNP-led alliance secured 212 seats out of 299 contested constituencies. Results for two constituencies, Chattogram-2 and Chattogram-4, remain pending due to legal complications. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami emerged as the nearest competitor with 68 seats, while the National Citizen Party (NCP) won six seats and independent candidates claimed seven.

The upcoming press conference is expected to mark the BNP’s first formal statement following its electoral victory and ahead of the new government’s formation.

BNP’s Central Assistant Health Affairs Secretary Professor Dr. S.M. Rafiqul Islam Bachchu has won the Gazipur-3 (constituency no. 196) parliamentary seat, breaking a 47-year record. Contesting under the paddy sheaf symbol, he was declared the unofficial winner by Sripur Upazila Executive Officer and Assistant Returning Officer Barrister Sajib Ahmed at around 11:30 p.m. on Thursday. According to the unofficial results, Dr. Bachchu received 161,258 votes, while his nearest rival, Mohammad Ehsanul Haque of the Jamaat alliance and a central Shura member of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, secured 99,354 votes.

Historical records show that the BNP last won this seat in 1979, when the party’s then treasurer, Chowdhury Tanvir Ahmed Siddiqui from Kaliakoir, was elected under the same symbol. Since then, the seat had been held alternately by candidates from the Jatiya Party and the Awami League.

With this victory, the BNP has reclaimed the Gazipur-3 constituency after nearly half a century, marking a significant political milestone for the party in the region.

A candidate in the national election for Chattogram Hathazari-5 constituency has alleged that he was defeated through electoral fraud. At a press conference on Friday night, Maulana Nasir Uddin Munir, the rickshaw symbol candidate of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis under the 11-party alliance, claimed that his polling agents were expelled from several centers, including those in Forhadabad, Mirzapur, Hathazari Municipality, Chikondondi, and Uttar Madarsha.

He alleged that assistant presiding officers were held hostage in the morning and afternoon, allowing widespread fake voting. Munir further claimed that presiding officers affiliated with the BNP and other preferred individuals conducted subtle manipulation and rigging. He stated that he received more votes in postal ballots due to neutrality, suggesting that he would have won if similar conditions prevailed at the polling centers.

Munir declared that he did not lose but was deliberately defeated through a planned process and announced his rejection of the election results.

A rare gesture of political harmony was seen in Kishoreganj-2 constituency, comprising Katiadi and Pakundia, when newly elected BNP Member of Parliament Advocate Jalal Uddin paid a courtesy visit to the home of his election rival, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Maulana Shafiqul Islam Morol, on Friday night around 10:30 p.m. During the meeting, the MP inquired about Morol’s well-being, and the defeated candidate greeted him with a floral garland in a warm and cordial atmosphere.

Both leaders expressed their commitment to work together for the overall development of Katiadi and Pakundia, emphasizing that despite political differences, unity is essential for the welfare of the people. The meeting has been widely appreciated by locals as a positive example of mutual respect and cooperation in local politics.

Residents of the area reportedly viewed the event as a welcome sign of civility in political culture, fostering optimism for collaborative development efforts in the constituency.

The Election Commission of Bangladesh has officially published the gazette listing 297 newly elected members of parliament from the 13th National Parliamentary Election, along with the results of the nationwide referendum. The gazette was released late Friday night, following the February 12 election held across 42,779 polling centers from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Voting took place simultaneously for both the parliamentary election and the referendum.

According to the Election Commission, a total of 51 political parties contested the election, fielding 2,029 candidates, including 1,755 party nominees and 274 independents. Among them, 80 were women candidates, and 119 electoral symbols were allocated. The BNP-led alliance secured 212 seats, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 68, the National Citizens Party (NCP) gained 6, and independents won 7 seats. Voter turnout was reported at 59.44 percent for the parliamentary election and 60.26 percent for the referendum.

The Parliament Secretariat has begun preparations for the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected MPs, prioritizing protocol, security, and essential services to ensure a smooth event.

BNP National Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has expressed gratitude to the people of Chakaria-Pekua for electing him as a Member of Parliament by a large margin in the recently concluded national election. He conveyed his thanks in a verified Facebook post on Friday night, acknowledging the support and trust of voters who helped him succeed in what he described as a tough electoral battle.

In his message, Salahuddin stated that the victory was not his alone but belonged to everyone who believed in him, worked tirelessly, and cast their votes in his favor. He extended heartfelt appreciation and love to all voters and supporters for their dedication and confidence.

He also emphasized his vision for building a Bangladesh that embraces ideological diversity and healthy debate while remaining united on issues of development, democracy, and sovereignty. Salahuddin congratulated all who contributed with labor, intellect, and courage to this new democratic journey.

A constitutional and political impasse has emerged in Bangladesh over who will administer the oath to newly elected members of parliament following the 13th national election held on 12 February 2026. The Law Ministry has proposed securing bail or parole for detained Deputy Speaker Shamsul Haque Tuku so he can conduct the ceremony, but the victorious Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has rejected taking the oath from anyone associated with the former Awami League government. If no alternative is found, the MPs may take their oath before Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin within three days of the gazette publication, as permitted by the constitution.

The interim government, led by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has been consulting with legal and constitutional experts to resolve the issue. The Speaker’s post remains vacant following Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury’s resignation after the 2024 uprising, while Tuku remains imprisoned on charges of crimes against humanity. The Law Ministry and the Prime Adviser’s Office have held multiple meetings to explore legal options, including authorizing the Chief Justice or a presidential appointee to administer the oath.

The parliamentary secretariat has completed all preparations for the ceremony, and the interim government aims to transfer power to the new administration before Ramadan, with BNP planning to form the government by 15 February.

Pakistan will play India in Colombo tomorrow after earlier announcing a boycott in protest of what it called India’s dominance and ICC’s double standards. The decision followed a tripartite meeting in Lahore among the ICC, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), where BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul played a key role in ensuring the match proceeds. Former ICC media manager and Pakistani journalist Sami Ul Hasan said the India-Pakistan match is essential for the good of cricket.

The dispute began when the ICC refused Bangladesh’s request to shift its T20 World Cup venue from India to Sri Lanka, leading Bangladesh to withdraw from the tournament. Scotland replaced Bangladesh in the competition. The Lahore meeting also resolved uncertainties over possible sanctions, confirming Bangladesh would face no punishment and would continue hosting ICC events through 2031. Hasan credited ICC’s proactive role and cooperation with PCB and BCB for the positive outcome.

Hasan explained that canceling the India-Pakistan match would have caused major financial losses, affecting ICC’s ability to support smaller cricket nations dependent on shared revenues.