Italy’s right-wing government has approved a draft law aimed at curbing irregular migration across the Mediterranean. The bill, endorsed by the cabinet on Wednesday, allows temporary naval blockades to prevent migrant boats from entering Italian territorial waters during exceptional pressure situations. Authorities may invoke the measure when national security risks are identified, such as potential terrorist threats or infiltration attempts.

The proposal comes as Italy continues to face heavy migration flows through the central Mediterranean route, with thousands arriving by sea each year. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government has pledged stricter maritime controls. The draft must still pass both chambers of parliament before taking effect. If approved, Italy could revive its plan to process asylum applications in centers located in Albania, a scheme currently suspended by court rulings.

Under the bill, migrant vessels could be barred for up to 30 days, extendable to six months in severe security cases. Violations may result in fines up to 50,000 euros and vessel confiscation. Observers suggest the measure may particularly affect humanitarian rescue ships. The draft was approved a day after the European Union adopted its new migration and asylum pact.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman addressed his first press conference after the party’s decisive election victory, held on Saturday at the InterContinental Hotel in Dhaka. He dedicated the win to the people who sacrificed for democracy and confirmed that the new government will implement reforms based on the July Charter and the party’s 31-point manifesto. Rahman, set to become prime minister for the first time, emphasized maintaining peace, rule of law, and accountability in governance.

He outlined priorities including restoring the economy, ensuring liquidity in the banking sector, and creating an investment-friendly environment. Rahman said foreign policy decisions will prioritize Bangladesh’s national interests and reaffirmed non-interference in judicial matters such as the International Crimes Tribunal. He also called for unity among political parties to prevent any return to authoritarianism.

Rahman highlighted challenges inherited from what he described as a fragile economy and weakened institutions. He urged all citizens and political groups to work together to rebuild a democratic, safe, and humane Bangladesh, promising reforms aligned with the July Charter and the party’s commitments to the people.

Israeli authorities are reportedly planning to restrict Muslim worshippers’ access to Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem during the upcoming Ramadan, according to former Grand Mufti of Jerusalem Sheikh Ekrima Sabri. Speaking to Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency, he said signs of this plan appeared earlier in January when Major General Avshalom Peled was appointed as the new police commander in East Jerusalem. The move is viewed as part of far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s broader agenda concerning control over the mosque.

Sheikh Sabri stated that Israeli authorities have already imposed restrictions on young worshippers and indicated that entry rules for Muslims from the occupied West Bank would not be eased. He warned that this would result in fewer worshippers at Al-Aqsa compared to previous years, calling the measures a violation of freedom of worship and an obstacle to Muslims’ observance of Ramadan.

Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that Minister Ben-Gvir is taking actions that could further inflame tensions around the holy site.

The Pakistani government plans to move former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan from Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail to a new prison in Islamabad within the next two months. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the plan during a police event in Islamabad, stating that the new facility will be completed soon and will include full medical services. Khan has been held in Adiala Jail since September 2023 following a conviction by an Islamabad court.

The federal government told the Supreme Court that Khan will be allowed to see an eye specialist again amid growing concerns about his deteriorating eyesight. His sons, Qasim and Suleiman, will also be permitted to contact him by phone. A court-appointed lawyer reported that Khan’s right eye retains only 15 percent vision despite treatment. PTI has alleged that his solitary confinement violates national and international laws.

Meanwhile, leaders of Tehreek-e-Tahafuz Aaeeni Pakistan have launched a sit-in protest demanding Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital for proper medical care. Police have been deployed at protest sites in Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to maintain order.

After a three-day closure due to the 13th parliamentary election, referendum, and weekly holidays, import and export operations between Bangladesh and India resumed at Hili land port in Hakimpur upazila of Dinajpur. The trade activities restarted on Saturday afternoon when Indian trucks began entering Bangladesh. Workers returned to their duties in the morning, and port operations gradually increased throughout the day.

According to port sources, between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Indian cargo trucks carrying corn, spices, and fruits crossed the border and entered the Hili yard. The goods were unloaded and dispatched to various destinations across the country. Officials from Panama Port Limited, customs, and plant quarantine departments confirmed that all administrative, customs, and inspection activities had returned to normal. The Hili Importers and Exporters Group stated that traders had also resumed their business operations at the port.

The resumption of trade is expected to restore regular cross-border commerce and stabilize supply chains disrupted during the election-related closure.

In the Netrokona-4 constituency, covering Madan, Mohanganj, and Khaliajuri, BNP candidate Lutfozzaman Babar secured a decisive victory, receiving 161,000 votes. Two female candidates, Jolly Talukder of the Communist Party of Bangladesh and Champa Rani Sarkar of the Revolutionary Workers Party, lost their deposits after failing to secure sufficient votes. Other contenders included Al Helal Talukder of Jamaat-e-Islami, who received about 40,000 votes, and Mokhlesur Rahman of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, who obtained 2,000 votes.

The constituency, comprising three upazilas, has a total of 375,000 registered voters, with 206,000 ballots cast in the election. Babar described his victory as a triumph for the people, pledging to continue working for their welfare and to build a society free from bribery and corruption.

The results highlight Babar’s strong electoral position in the region and the limited support for left-leaning and smaller party candidates in this race.

The Press Wing of the Chief Adviser has requested all concerned to refrain from spreading misleading or speculative statements regarding the cancellation of Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid’s contractual appointment. The appeal was made in a message sent to the media on Sunday morning.

According to the message, various inaccurate and assumption-based comments have circulated following the cancellation of Dr. Rashid’s contract. It clarified that he had earlier requested to be relieved of his duties for personal reasons, a few days before the election. However, at the Chief Adviser’s request, he agreed to continue serving until the election period to maintain discipline and continuity in field administration.

The Press Wing reiterated its call for all parties to avoid unnecessary speculation or misinformation about the matter.

Two alleged muggers were seriously injured in a mob beating while attempting a robbery in Bajbi Tatibari area of Duptara Union, Araihazar upazila of Narayanganj on Saturday, February 14. Police later recovered a pistol, a magazine, and four rounds of bullets from their possession. The injured were identified as Rabbi, 20, and Sabbir, 15, both sons of Jahangir Mia from Rajakanda area under Hossainpur police station in Kishoreganj. They had been living in a rented house in Bajbi Hajibari area.

According to police and local sources, the two tried to snatch cash from a rickshaw puller on the Gausia–Araihazar road by threatening him with a firearm. Locals chased and caught them after the victim shouted for help, leading to the mob beating. Police rescued the injured and admitted them to Araihazar Upazila Health Complex.

Following their information, police searched their rented house and found ammunition and a magazine. On Sunday morning, February 15, a Fire Service diving team recovered the pistol from a nearby pond. Police said legal action is underway.

Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, spokesperson and election steering committee chairman of the National Citizen Party (NCP), announced the formation of a shadow cabinet on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The announcement was made through a verified Facebook post, where he stated that the shadow cabinet would act as a watchdog to ensure transparency and accountability in overall activities.

The declaration followed a similar proposal made the previous night by Mohammad Shishir Monir, Jamaat-e-Islami’s candidate for the Sunamganj-2 (Dirai-Shalla) constituency and a senior Supreme Court lawyer. Monir had expressed his intention to form a shadow cabinet as well.

In parliamentary democracies, a shadow cabinet is typically composed of senior opposition leaders who monitor the government’s ministries, identify shortcomings, and propose alternative policies in the public interest. Although it holds no executive power, such a structure helps maintain government accountability and prepares opposition parties for potential future governance.

Heavy rainfall on Friday caused severe flooding across New Zealand’s North Island, leading to one death, widespread power outages, and major road damage. Authorities declared a state of emergency in Otorohanga District, located about 180 kilometers south of Auckland, where many residents were evacuated from their homes.

According to the national weather service, a deepening low-pressure system over the island’s eastern region is expected to bring further heavy rain and strong winds through Sunday night, with conditions forecast to gradually improve by Monday. Reuters reported that extensive areas of the country were inundated following the downpour.

Otorohanga District Council said geotechnical teams assessed road stability overnight, while energy provider Powerco confirmed that around 2,452 homes and businesses remained without electricity. Images shared on social media showed semi-rural areas submerged, with sections of roads collapsing where floodwaters had receded.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 is scheduled to fix the date today for delivering the verdict in a war crimes case against former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Habibur Rahman and four other accused. The case involves the shooting of Amir Hossain, who was hanging from a building ledge in Rampura, and the killing of two others during the July uprising. The three-member tribunal panel is led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, with Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud and retired district judge Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury as members.

On February 3, both prosecution and defense completed their arguments. Defense lawyer Sarwar Jahan Nippon sought acquittal for accused Chanchal Chandra Sarkar, while state defense lawyer Md Amir Hossain argued for the innocence of four absconding defendants. Prosecutor Mizanul Islam countered their claims. The prosecution earlier asserted that evidence, including witness statements and video footage, clearly proved the accused’s involvement and sought the maximum penalty.

The tribunal had framed charges on September 18 last year after the prosecution filed formal charges on August 7. Among the accused, former Rampura police outpost ASI Chanchal Chandra Sarkar is in custody, while the others remain absconding.

US President Donald Trump called for strengthening unity between the United States and Europe during his speech at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday. He said Washington seeks to revive friendly relations with Europe, emphasizing shared heritage and cooperation with long-standing allies. According to Al Jazeera, Trump avoided mentioning Russia but criticized Europe’s stance on immigration and climate issues.

The appeal came a day after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned of deep fractures in US-Europe relations while opening the same conference. Merz said the rules-based world order no longer exists and that Europe’s freedom and security are no longer guaranteed in an era of great power politics. He urged Europeans to be ready for sacrifices to safeguard their independence.

Trump’s remarks and Merz’s warning together underscored ongoing uncertainty in transatlantic relations, with both leaders highlighting the need for renewed commitment to cooperation and shared values.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s women’s division secretary, Nurunnisa Siddika, has expressed deep concern, anger, and condemnation over a reported rape incident in Hatiya linked to voting activities. In a statement issued to the media on Sunday, she said the assault allegedly occurred because the victim voted for the Shapla symbol. The victim is currently receiving treatment at Noakhali General Hospital, where a medical board has been formed for her care, confirmed by emergency medical officer Dr. Mostafizur Rahman.

Siddika described the incident as a reflection of authoritarianism and an attack on constitutional rights, stating that no woman should face such violence for exercising her right to vote. She emphasized that politically motivated sexual violence undermines democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. On behalf of Jamaat’s women’s division, she presented three demands: an impartial and swift investigation, immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved, and assurance of the victim’s medical, security, and psychological support.

She also urged citizens, human rights groups, women’s organizations, and all political parties to unite against such brutality and defend women’s dignity and safety.

In Manikganj, 13 out of 20 candidates lost their security deposits in three parliamentary constituencies following the latest national election results published on February 15, 2026. According to the Election Commission’s rule, a candidate must secure at least 12.5 percent of the total valid votes to retain their deposit.

In Manikganj-1, BNP’s S A Jinnah Kabir won with 137,773 votes, followed by independent candidate Tozammel Haque Toza with 77,818 and Jamaat-e-Islami’s Abu Bakar Siddique with 71,310. The remaining four candidates failed to meet the vote threshold. In Manikganj-2, BNP’s Moinul Islam Khan Shanto won with 175,776 votes, while Khelafat Majlish’s Mohammad Salauddin came second with 81,531; two others lost their deposits. In Manikganj-3, BNP’s Afroza Khanam Rita won with 167,345 votes, and Khelafat Majlish’s Mohammad Saidnur came second with 64,242; seven other candidates forfeited their deposits.

The results show that most minor party and independent candidates in Manikganj failed to reach the required vote share to retain their deposits.

BNP candidate Faruk Alam Sarkar has demanded a recount of votes in the Gaibandha-5 (Saghata-Fulchhari) constituency, alleging irregularities during the counting process. He made the demand on Saturday night, February 14, at a press conference held at his residence in Saghata. Sarkar claimed that polling agents were forced to sign blank result sheets before the vote count began and that fabricated results were later prepared to ensure the victory of the candidate with the 'scales' symbol.

According to Sarkar, the process was deliberately manipulated to defeat his 'paddy sheaf' symbol. He alleged that the pre-signed blank result sheets were used to produce false outcomes favoring his opponent. The press conference was attended by Saghata Upazila BNP member secretary Selim Ahmed Tulip, advocate Rejwanul Haque Mondol, and other local leaders.

The demand for a recount follows the official declaration of results in the constituency, though no response from election authorities or other candidates was mentioned in the report.