Bangladesh’s Ministry of Public Administration has cancelled the remaining term of journalist Faisal Mahmud’s contractual appointment as Minister (Press) at the country’s High Commission in New Delhi. The order, issued on Sunday, February 15, states that the cancellation was made under Article 8 of the agreement signed between the government and Mahmud.

Faisal Mahmud, editor of Bangla Outlook, had been appointed to the position on September 24, 2024, for a two-year term following the fall of the Awami League government during the 2024 movement. At that time, the interim government made several changes in diplomatic positions, including at the Delhi mission.

The cancellation comes just before the formation of a new BNP-led government following its sweeping victory in the February 12 election, marking another administrative adjustment by the interim authority ahead of the transition of power.

AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Manju held a post-election meeting with party leaders and activists at the party’s central office, where participants shared their experiences from the recent polls. The meeting, conducted by Joint General Secretary Altaf Hossain, featured speeches from senior leaders including Professor Dr. Ohab Minar and Advocate Abdullah Al Mamun Rana. Party members discussed irregularities, threats, and incidents of violence against their workers during the election.

Manju stated that despite being a new political organization, the AB Party had achieved significant progress by reaching the public. He highlighted the experience gained from the 11-party electoral alliance and emphasized the need for elected representatives to ensure good governance. Manju reaffirmed the party’s commitment to rights-based politics and national reform, thanking activists for their dedication during the campaign.

Leaders also discussed future organizational plans in light of the current political situation and pledged to strengthen the party’s activities nationwide.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has called on party members and supporters to remain cautious so that political disputes do not turn into acts of revenge or hostility. He made the appeal on Sunday night through a post on the official Facebook page of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

In his message, Tarique Rahman acknowledged that misunderstandings may have arisen among party members or between rival groups during election contests. However, he emphasized that such disagreements should not escalate into personal or political retaliation. His statement appeared to be aimed at maintaining unity and discipline within the party following recent electoral competition.

The post reflects an effort by the BNP leadership to prevent internal conflicts and to promote restraint among its members in the aftermath of election-related tensions.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Tarique Rahman met Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman at his residence in Bashundhara, Dhaka, on Sunday evening. The meeting began around 7:15 p.m. and ended at 8 p.m. Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman welcomed Tarique Rahman with flowers and later described the visit as a historic moment for national politics in a post on his verified Facebook page.

In his statement, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said Tarique Rahman assured him that effective measures would be taken to prevent any post-election violence or attacks on opposition activists and minority communities. He expressed hope that no citizen would face fear or insecurity. The Jamaat leader also reiterated his party’s commitment to building a sovereign, just, and democratic Bangladesh in cooperation with the 11-party alliance.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman added that Jamaat would fully cooperate with the elected government on matters of national interest while maintaining its constitutional role as an ideological opposition. The meeting was attended by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, and senior Jamaat leaders.

Bangladesh’s new cabinet will take oath at the South Plaza of the National Parliament on Tuesday afternoon, breaking with the tradition of holding the ceremony at Bangabhaban. Interim government legal adviser Professor Dr. Asif Nazrul and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said the decision was made for four reasons, including honoring the memory of the July mass uprising and other historical events linked to the site. President Md. Shahabuddin will administer the oath to the new ministers, following the BNP’s landslide victory in the 13th national election under the leadership of party chairperson Tarique Rahman.

Asif Nazrul explained that the South Plaza holds special significance due to its association with the July–August student and public uprising, the signing of the July Charter, and the funerals of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and July movement leader Shaheed Osman Hadi. BNP leaders, including Moazzem Hossain Alal, welcomed the government’s decision, calling it a historic initiative that reflects the nation’s collective memory.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has invited foreign ministers from SAARC countries to attend the ceremony, which BNP aims to make a memorable national event.

Newly elected members of parliament from the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance will take their oaths and join the national parliament, according to Hamidur Rahman Azad, Assistant Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami and coordinator of the alliance’s liaison committee. He stated that the alliance has decided to participate in parliament and engage in constructive criticism. Azad made these remarks on Sunday, February 15, after a meeting with the Election Commission at its headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka.

Earlier that day, at 11:45 a.m., a delegation from the 11-party alliance visited the Election Commission to submit complaints regarding alleged vote rigging and irregularities in 30 constituencies during the 13th national parliamentary election. The constituencies include Panchagarh-1, Thakurgaon-2, Dinajpur-3, Dinajpur-5, Lalmonirhat-1, Lalmonirhat-2, Gaibandha-4, Bogura-2, Bogura-3, Sirajganj-1, Jashore-3, Khulna-3, Khulna-5, Barguna-1, Barguna-2, Jhalakathi-1, Pirojpur-2, Mymensingh-6, Mymensingh-8, Mymensingh-10, Kishoreganj-3, Dhaka-6, Dhaka-8, Dhaka-10, Dhaka-13, Dhaka-17, Gopalganj-2, Brahmanbaria-2, Chandpur-4, Chattogram-14, and Cox’s Bazar-4.

The alliance’s decision signals its intent to participate in parliamentary activities despite raising allegations of electoral misconduct.

Following the thirteenth national parliamentary election in which the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured an absolute majority, the concept of a ‘shadow cabinet’ has become a topic of political discussion. Interest grew after comments from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mohammad Shishir Monir and NCP leader Asif Mahmud. The shadow cabinet is described as a parallel structure formed by the main opposition party, where each government minister has a corresponding ‘shadow minister’ from the opposition who monitors and critiques policy areas.

The article explains that shadow cabinets are typically led by the opposition leader and composed of senior lawmakers, former ministers, and policy experts. Their roles include ensuring government accountability, proposing alternative policies, leading parliamentary debates, and preparing for potential future governance. The practice is institutionalized in Westminster-style democracies such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, while countries like India and Bangladesh have only informal or partial versions.

Analysts cited in the report note that a strong shadow cabinet strengthens democratic checks and balances, promotes policy continuity, and reduces the risk of one-party dominance by fostering alternative political thinking.

Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarkar stated on Sunday that the Election Commission (EC) will decide on any vote recount only if directed by the court. Speaking to journalists, he clarified that the commission did not rush in publishing the election gazette and that all procedures were carried out within the legal framework. He emphasized that the gazette was released at the appropriate time.

Anwarul Islam described the issue of reconsidering the results of the 11-party alliance as irrelevant, noting that any complainant has the right to seek legal remedy. He asserted that the commission successfully conducted a fair, transparent, and neutral election, achieving results that exceeded expectations.

He also mentioned that the EC has not yet made a decision regarding the Sherpur-3 constituency, indicating that further steps may depend on future legal or procedural developments.

Chhatra Dal president Rakibul Islam Rakib has demanded that Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir make all their committees public. In a post on Saturday night, he declared that secret politics would no longer be tolerated in Bangladesh and insisted that the identities of Jamaat and Shibir leaders and activists be revealed.

Rakib alleged that while BNP and its affiliated organizations face public scrutiny and social media attacks over personal or social issues, Jamaat and Shibir keep their members’ identities hidden for years, avoiding accountability. He described this as a deceptive political tactic and said such practices have led many, including religious scholars, to label Jamaat and Shibir as hypocritical.

Rakib warned that the ongoing situation would not be allowed to continue and that the political issue would be resolved soon, emphasizing that concealing thousands of activists to undermine BNP politically would no longer be accepted.

In the 13th National Parliamentary Election, fourteen candidates, including two from Islami Andolan Bangladesh, lost their security deposits in Jhalakathi-1 and Jhalakathi-2 constituencies after failing to secure the required share of votes. According to election law, a candidate must obtain at least one-eighth, or 12.5 percent, of the total valid votes to retain their deposit.

In Jhalakathi-1 (Rajapur-Kathalia), 129,044 votes were cast, requiring a minimum of 16,131 votes to keep the deposit. Eight candidates, including Islami Andolan’s Ibrahim, failed to meet this threshold. BNP candidate Rafiqul Islam Jamal won the seat with 62,010 votes, while his nearest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dr. Faizul Haque, received 55,120 votes. In Jhalakathi-2 (Nalchity-Jhalakathi Sadar), 221,264 valid votes were recorded, setting the deposit threshold at 27,658 votes. Six candidates, including Islami Andolan’s Muhammad Sirajul Islam Siraji, failed to reach it.

BNP’s Israt Sultana Elen Bhutto won the Jhalakathi-2 seat with 113,919 votes, defeating Jamaat-e-Islami’s S.M. Neyamul Karim, who received 70,556 votes.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman and National Citizens Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam at their residences on Sunday evening. According to BNP Media Wing member Shamsuddin Didar, Tarique will meet Shafiqur Rahman at his Bashundhara residential area home at 7 p.m. and then visit Nahid Islam’s residence on Bailey Road at 8 p.m. The meetings are described as courtesy calls following the BNP’s victory in the recent parliamentary election, aimed at promoting positive politics.

On Saturday, Tarique Rahman urged unity among all political groups and sought cooperation in governing the country in the coming days. The 13th parliamentary election was held on 12 February across 299 constituencies, where the BNP won 209 seats. Results for two constituencies, Chattogram-2 and Chattogram-4, remain pending due to legal complications. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68 seats, while the NCP won six.

Other parties, including Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, and several smaller groups and independents, also gained limited representation in the new parliament.

Thirteen Jamaat-e-Islami activists were injured in post-election violence across several unions of Chowgacha upazila in Jashore on February 15, 2026. Jamaat supporters alleged that local BNP activists carried out the attacks following the election results. Incidents occurred in Sukkhupuria, Phulsara, and Pashapol unions, where homes were attacked and individuals beaten. Police have detained one suspect and increased patrols in the affected areas.

According to the report, the violence erupted after the election symbol ‘scales’ won in some centers. Victims claimed that many attackers were previously affiliated with the Awami League but now identify as BNP members. Jamaat leaders also alleged that a farmer’s teak garden was destroyed in Patibila union for voting for the ‘scales’. Local BNP leaders denied responsibility, stating that the party would not take blame for any post-election violence. Police and the newly elected MP Dr. Mosleh Uddin Farid urged restraint and called for an end to political attacks.

Authorities said legal action would follow upon receiving complaints, and security measures have been strengthened in the area.

Outgoing legal adviser Asif Nazrul announced that the oath-taking ceremony for newly elected members of parliament will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m., followed by the swearing-in of new cabinet members at 4 p.m. The events will take place in Dhaka, with foreign ministers from SAARC member countries invited to attend. Nazrul shared the information while speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday.

Earlier that morning, the interim government’s advisers held their final meeting at the Chief Adviser’s Office, where no major decisions were made. Nazrul said the meeting focused on exchanging experiences and informing everyone about the upcoming oath ceremonies. He added that the Chief Election Commissioner is expected to administer the MPs’ oath, while the President will likely administer the cabinet’s oath at the South Plaza of Parliament, a venue proposed by the BNP.

Nazrul clarified that invitations are being handled by the Cabinet Division and that he is unaware of any invitations extended to prime ministers, including India’s. He confirmed that, so far, only SAARC foreign ministers have been invited.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have agreed to intensify economic pressure on Iran, with a particular focus on curbing Tehran’s oil exports to China. The understanding was reached during their meeting at the White House last Wednesday, according to a report published Saturday by Axios and cited by Anadolu Agency. Two U.S. officials briefed on the meeting confirmed the consensus on applying maximum pressure against Iran.

Despite the agreement on overall strategy, the two leaders reportedly differed on how to achieve their goals. Netanyahu argued that a reliable deal with Iran was impossible and that Tehran would likely violate any agreement. Trump, however, expressed belief in the possibility of a diplomatic solution, saying efforts should be made to test that path. U.S. officials added that Washington would keep military options open if diplomacy failed, maintaining both nuclear talks and a strong military presence in the Middle East.

Analysts noted that since over 80 percent of Iran’s oil exports go to China, reducing Chinese purchases could significantly increase economic pressure on Tehran. A recent executive order signed by Trump also allows the U.S. to recommend tariffs of up to 25 percent on countries maintaining trade with Iran, potentially deepening Iran’s international isolation.

The Eleven-Party Alliance in Kurigram-2 has strongly condemned a violent attack on Jamaat-NCP supporters in Rajarhat upazila, allegedly carried out by BNP’s armed group. The incident, described as premeditated, left several activists including Hasan Jihadi, Tanzim Hasan, and Nasir Limon seriously injured and under medical care. The attack reportedly took place on the night following February 13, when BNP activists allegedly created panic in the area by playing loud music.

According to the report, the violence escalated when a youth leader, Nasir Limon, was confined and beaten inside his home in the Sarishabari area. When others arrived to help, they were also attacked with sticks and local weapons. The attackers were allegedly led by several local BNP and Jubo Dal leaders. Local women reportedly risked their lives to rescue the injured and shelter them. Despite repeated notifications, law enforcement arrived about two hours later to control the situation.

The alliance demanded immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible, warning that failure to act could trigger a broader public movement against political violence.