In Nilphamari-4 constituency, the recently concluded election ended with an unusual display of unity among rival candidates. Jamaat-e-Islami’s Hafez Maulana Abdul Muntakim, who won the seat, visited the homes of his closest rivals—BNP’s Abdul Gafur Sarkar and Jatiya Party’s Siddikul Alam—to exchange flowers and sweets. The gesture marked a sharp contrast to the heated campaign days, which had been filled with accusations, counter-rallies, and allegations of code-of-conduct violations.

Abdul Muntakim told Amar Desh that all parties now aim to work together for the development of Kishoreganj-Saidpur, setting an example of cooperation beyond political differences. BNP candidate Abdul Gafur Sarkar described the exchange as a democratic practice, emphasizing that political disagreements should not hinder local development. Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s candidate Md. Shahidul Islam also confirmed that the winning candidate met him to express shared hopes for progress.

The post-election gestures in Nilphamari-4 signal a rare moment of political reconciliation, with all sides pledging to prioritize development over division.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is preparing to form a new government after its landslide victory in the 13th parliamentary election. With the swearing-in scheduled for Tuesday, political attention has turned to the composition of the first cabinet and the allocation of key ministries. Party sources indicate that Tarique Rahman, set to become prime minister for the first time, aims to combine the experience of senior figures with the energy of new leadership. Discussions are ongoing at the party’s Gulshan office, where Rahman is meeting senior leaders and advisers to finalize the list of ministers.

Analysts suggest the cabinet will emphasize administrative efficiency and a clean, public-oriented image, prioritizing ministries such as finance, home, foreign affairs, local government, education, and health. The BNP is reportedly considering both veteran politicians and younger members who performed well in the election. Leaders active in the party’s long political movements are also expected to be recognized, while controversial figures will likely be excluded.

Allied leaders from the joint anti-government movement are expected to join the cabinet, reflecting BNP’s earlier pledge for a participatory national government aimed at restoring democracy and good governance.

Five first-time candidates from Cumilla achieved decisive victories in Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, held across the district’s 11 constituencies. Among the winners, eight seats went to the BNP, while Jamaat-e-Islami, the NCP, and an independent candidate each secured one seat. The five newcomers include BNP’s Selim Bhuiyan from Cumilla-2, NCP’s Hasnat Abdullah from Cumilla-4, BNP’s Jasim Uddin from Cumilla-5, independent candidate Atikul Alam from Cumilla-7, and BNP’s Abul Kalam from Cumilla-9.

In Cumilla-4, Hasnat Abdullah, representing the 11-party alliance under the Shapla Kali symbol, won by a margin three times greater than his nearest rival from Gana Odhikar Parishad. Local activists expressed hopes that the new lawmakers will advance the long-anticipated goal of establishing Cumilla as a separate administrative division.

The newly elected MPs pledged to focus on development, peace, and inclusivity. Selim Bhuiyan emphasized local development priorities, Jasim Uddin highlighted post-election calm and respect for law, and Hasnat Abdullah vowed to unite all residents of Debidwar regardless of political differences.

Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, a member of the BNP’s standing committee and a key policymaker, has been elected as a Member of Parliament for the first time in his 60-year political career. He won the Dhaka-3 constituency in the 13th national election held on February 12, securing 98,785 votes under the BNP’s paddy sheaf symbol. His closest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Shahinur Islam, received 82,232 votes. Roy had previously contested from the same seat in the 2008 and 2018 elections but was unsuccessful.

Born in 1951 in Mirzapur, Konda Union of Keraniganj, Roy began his political journey in 1966 at the age of 15. He was a member of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal in the 1970s and participated in the 1971 Liberation War. Joining the Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal in 1978, he served as its general secretary from 1987 to 2002. He later became a member of the BNP’s highest policymaking body. Roy also served as a technocrat state minister for Environment and Forests and for Fisheries and Livestock from 1991 to 1996.

Known as one of the most prominent Hindu leaders in Bangladeshi politics, Roy stated that he never sought party nominations and emphasized his lifelong goal of being a good politician rather than pursuing power.

According to the Election Commission’s consolidated results, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) established dominance in the Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Mymensingh, and Barishal divisions during the 13th parliamentary election. In contrast, the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance showed greater influence in Rangpur and Khulna divisions. The nationwide referendum held alongside the election recorded 60.84 percent voter turnout, slightly higher than the 60.12 percent in the parliamentary polls. Out of 299 constituencies, the ‘Yes’ vote prevailed in 287, while the ‘No’ vote won in 12 constituencies—all of which were also won by BNP candidates.

The Commission reported that a total of 77.7 million votes were cast in the referendum, of which 70.27 million were valid. Among valid ballots, 62.04 percent supported ‘Yes’ and 28.41 percent supported ‘No’, with 9.55 percent invalid. Notably, all three constituencies in Gopalganj and three in the Chittagong Hill Tracts recorded majority ‘No’ votes. The highest referendum turnout was 82.58 percent in Pabna-2, while the lowest was 37.34 percent in Dhaka-12.

The results indicate BNP’s regional strength and a mixed pattern of voter engagement across divisions, with higher participation in Rangpur and Khulna and lower in the BNP-dominated regions.

The new BNP government, which secured an absolute majority in the 13th parliamentary election, is set to take oath on Tuesday. Following the swearing-in, the party’s new prime minister and cabinet members will receive official residences and vehicles as per government protocol. Due to the conversion of Ganabhaban into the July Memorial Museum after August 5, 2024, the new prime minister may reside at the state guesthouse Jamuna. The Housing and Public Works Ministry has prepared 40 residences and 50 vehicles for cabinet members.

According to ministry sources, Jamuna has been designated for use as the new prime minister’s residence, though it is currently occupied by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. After the new government takes office, the residence will be vacated and prepared. Officials said the final decision on the prime minister’s accommodation will depend entirely on her preference, with Jamuna being the only ready option. The government has also readied ministerial residences in Bailey Road, Minto Road, Dhanmondi, and Gulshan.

The Cabinet Division has instructed the Government Transport Department to keep 50 vehicles ready for ministers, including five spares for VVIP protocol requirements.

Interim government adviser on law, justice and parliamentary affairs Asif Nazrul posted on his verified Facebook page on Sunday night, defending his ministry’s work and addressing criticism. He said he worked late nights and weekends without gaps in teamwork, acknowledging that some might still choose to criticize. Nazrul urged critics to review the ministry’s accomplishments before forming opinions.

According to his post, the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs completed extensive reforms to fulfill the aspirations of the July uprising. These included 22 legal reforms, 15 institutional reforms and digitalization initiatives, withdrawal of 24,276 politically motivated cases, management of genocide trials, and a near tripling of daily administrative activities. The legal reforms covered areas such as judicial independence, human rights protection, prevention of enforced disappearances, and modernization of court procedures.

Nazrul emphasized that the ministry’s efforts were collective and transparent, citing the establishment of digital courts, online bail systems, and the restructuring of the National Human Rights Commission as examples of progress.

A protest and minor vandalism occurred in Pirganj, Thakurgaon, on Sunday evening after national and party flags were hoisted at the temporarily banned Upazila Awami League office. According to local sources, Awami League activists raised the flags in the afternoon, and a video of the event circulated on social media, triggering political reactions.

Following the viral video, leaders and activists of the Upazila units of Chhatra Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal organized a protest march through the main streets of the municipal town, ending in front of the Awami League office. Some protesters damaged a table outside the office, but no major clashes were reported. Police said they were working to maintain order and had increased surveillance in the area.

The Upazila Awami League’s temporary office had been closed since August 4, 2024, and no immediate statements were available from either political group regarding the incident.

Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir has urged an end to what he described as smear politics and mob culture in the country. In a verified Facebook post on Saturday night, he commented on the recent allegations of sexual assault in Hatiya, saying that available evidence, including video statements and medical records, suggested the incident appeared to be politically motivated and pre-planned. He emphasized that no final judgment should be made before the official investigation concludes and called for a fair and impartial inquiry.

Nasir warned that if the investigation proves the allegations were fabricated for political revenge, those responsible must be held accountable. He said attempts to defame political parties or individuals through false accusations amount to deception against the nation. He also demanded that groups such as Shibir, Jamaat-affiliated factions, and the NCP publicly apologize if their involvement is proven. Nasir further stated that legal action would be taken against anyone responsible for spreading unrest or tarnishing the BNP’s reputation.

He concluded by asserting that politics should be based on ideals, ethics, and public welfare, not on falsehoods or character assassination.

The Dhaka South unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir organized a protest march and rally in the capital on Sunday afternoon, condemning nationwide violence, killings, and assaults that followed the February 12 election. The procession began at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque and concluded with a rally at the National Press Club. Amirul Islam, the organization’s central student rights secretary, attended as the chief guest along with other city-level leaders.

Speakers at the event alleged that since the night election results were announced, activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have been involved in violent acts across the country. They claimed that people who supported or voted for the 11-party alliance, including Jamaat-e-Islami’s scale symbol and the NCP’s Shapla Koli, were targeted through attacks on homes, businesses, and incidents of murder and sexual violence. The speakers demanded an immediate end to such violence.

Similar demonstrations were reportedly held by Shibir in various parts of the country on the same issue.

In the 13th National Parliamentary Election, ten candidates in Patuakhali’s four constituencies lost their deposits after failing to secure the required share of votes. The results were announced on February 12 by Patuakhali Deputy Commissioner and District Returning Officer Dr. Mohammad Shahid Hossain Chowdhury. According to the Election Commission’s rule, a candidate must obtain at least one-eighth, or 12.5 percent, of total votes to retain their deposit. Each deposit amounts to 50,000 taka, meaning a total of 500,000 taka from ten candidates will be forfeited to the state treasury.

Across the constituencies, Patuakhali-1 saw three of six candidates lose deposits, Patuakhali-2 had three of five, Patuakhali-3 had two of five, and Patuakhali-4 had two of four. The affected candidates represented parties including the Jatiya Party (JP), Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JASAD), Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, and the 11-party alliance, as well as independent contenders.

The forfeiture reflects the Election Commission’s enforcement of voting thresholds designed to ensure only candidates with significant voter support retain their deposits.

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced that the army will return to its barracks after the new government takes oath following the 13th National Parliamentary Election. He made the statement on Sunday at 11 a.m. during the ‘CAS Darbar’, addressing army personnel of all ranks. Members serving in United Nations peacekeeping missions also joined the event virtually.

The Army Chief emphasized that the force has been performing its duties with full respect for the Constitution and the civilian administration. He said the army would return to normal duties once the new government assumes office but would continue to assist the police as needed until law and order is fully under control. He urged all army members to maintain patience, restraint, and professionalism.

General Waker-Uz-Zaman praised the professionalism, discipline, and responsibility shown by army members during election duties, noting that their performance during a sensitive period had strengthened public confidence in the armed forces.

Speculation spread on Sunday that Bangladesh’s Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam had resigned from his post. However, when contacted by the newspaper Amar Desh in the afternoon, Alam himself confirmed that he had not resigned. The clarification came after unverified reports circulated suggesting his departure from the position.

Baharul Alam was appointed as IGP on November 21, 2024, replacing outgoing IGP Md Moinul Islam. The government appointed him on a two-year contractual basis. Alam began his police career on January 21, 1986, as an Assistant Superintendent of Police from the 1984 BCS (Police) batch. He has served as head of the Special Branch and as Additional IGP at Police Headquarters. His international experience includes serving as a senior police liaison officer at the UN headquarters from 2009 to 2013 and as a senior police adviser in the UN peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan in 2015.

He retired from regular service in 2020 before being appointed to his current role. No further official statement was issued regarding the rumors.

Mohammad Shamsuddin, convener of Nagorik Parishad, stated that the Muslim League freed people from the suffering of Hyderabad and Kashmir. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion marking the 120th anniversary of the Muslim League’s founding, held at Hadi Chattar in Shahbagh, Dhaka. The event was organized by World Muslim Mohajir Rights and chaired by its chairman Abdul Wahed.

Other speakers included Nawab Salimullah Academy chairman Abdul Jabbar, advocate Mostafa Jamal Bhuiyan, Bangladesh Musalli Committee president Amir Ali Howlader, Muslim League Standing Committee member Abdul Hannan Nur, AB Party leader and Professional Council general secretary Mahbub Shamim, and student leader Shawon. Shamsuddin also criticized political figures he described as fascist and questioned their legitimacy, urging resistance against those he accused of betraying the sacrifices of August 5.

Speakers at the event called for justice for the killers of Shaheed Osman Hadi and demanded the return of those accused of killing July fighters to face trial in Bangladesh.

The interim government of Bangladesh has declared itself 90 percent successful in fulfilling its responsibilities, according to Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. Speaking at a briefing following an advisory council meeting chaired by Dr. Muhammad Yunus in Tejgaon, he said the government’s main goals were reform, stability, and good governance. The meeting also adopted a motion of thanks for the peaceful and festive completion of the national election and referendum.

The press secretary detailed that the government took charge amid a fragile economy and instability but restored peace and order. He cited improvements in economic indicators, including a rise in foreign reserves to 29 billion dollars and stabilization of the exchange rate. The government repealed a controversial power sector law, introduced energy reforms, and reported positive revenue growth. Food reserves were said to be at their highest, ensuring six months of import coverage.

He further noted progress in foreign relations, including reciprocal tariff and economic partnership agreements with the United States and Japan. The government also claimed advances in law and order, asserting no enforced disappearances or extrajudicial killings in the past 18 months and full media freedom.