Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that the interim government took charge amid a fragile economy and instability, describing the situation on August 5 as nearly wartime. Speaking at a press briefing after the final meeting of the Advisory Council at the Foreign Service Academy, he claimed the government had achieved 90 percent success in fulfilling its responsibilities. He highlighted reforms, stability, and good governance as the administration’s top priorities.

Alam said the government repealed a controversial power sector law within a week to curb crony capitalism and wasteful spending. He reported improvements in economic indicators, noting foreign reserves had risen to 29 billion dollars, with a total of 34 billion, and the exchange rate stabilized at 123–124 taka per dollar. He also cited strong revenue growth, record food reserves, and new trade agreements with the United States and Japan. He added that no enforced disappearances or extrajudicial killings occurred in the past 18 months, and the media operated freely.

He concluded that through reform and stability, the government had successfully steered the country back on the right path.

India’s Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will attend the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh’s new government led by BNP Chairperson Tareq Rahman. The event will be held soon, with several heads of state invited to participate. India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on Sunday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend due to prior international commitments, and Birla will represent India at the ceremony.

According to the official statement, Birla’s participation reflects the enduring friendship between the peoples of India and Bangladesh and underscores India’s commitment to shared democratic values. The Indian government welcomed the return of an elected government in Bangladesh under Tareq Rahman’s leadership, describing his vision and values as having received broad public support.

The announcement highlights India’s emphasis on historical, cultural, and mutual respect-based ties with Bangladesh, signaling continued diplomatic engagement between the two neighboring nations.

Newly elected Member of Parliament ABM Ashraf Uddin Nizan of Lakshmipur-4 has announced a strict position to uphold party discipline and ensure public safety following allegations of violence and extortion in Ramgati. Two separate cases were filed on Saturday night against 26 BNP activists accused of using political influence to commit acts of violence, extortion, and armed demonstrations. Police have already arrested two suspects, Miraj and Riaz, and continue operations to detain others.

According to the case reports, on February 13 and 14, groups of BNP and affiliated organization members allegedly carried out armed processions and demanded large sums of money from business owners and brick kiln operators in several unions, including Char Poragacha and Ramdayal Bazar. Incidents included demands for Tk 2 million in extortion, assaults on workers, and property damage estimated at Tk 50,000.

MP Nizan stated that no one involved in extortion or violence would be spared, regardless of party affiliation, and that offenders would face legal and organizational action. The incidents have stirred public concern, with residents demanding exemplary punishment for those responsible.

Advocate Jalal Uddin, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Kishoreganj-2 (Katiadi-Pakundia), issued a stern warning to party activists against forming syndicates or engaging in unethical activities. Speaking on Sunday night at a reception event held at the Swapnokunjo Community Center in Katiadi, he declared that no one would be spared if found misusing the party’s name for personal gain. He emphasized that he would take action against any wrongdoing regardless of party affiliation.

Jalal Uddin stated that he was elected by the people to serve them and not to serve any individual’s financial interests. He vowed not to tolerate irregularities or corruption in exchange for money. Addressing party members, he urged them to uphold honesty, transparency, and accountability to maintain public trust and protect the party’s image.

The event was attended by local BNP leaders, including Upazila BNP President Tofazzal Hossain Khan Dilip, General Secretary Arifur Rahman Kanchan, and Vice President Md. Shafiqul Islam, along with leaders of affiliated organizations.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has released detailed vote share data from the country’s 13th national parliamentary election, held earlier in 2026. According to the EC, overall voter turnout stood at 59.44 percent. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) received 49.97 percent of total votes, fielding candidates in 290 constituencies and winning 209 seats. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami came second with 31.76 percent of votes, contesting 227 seats and securing 68 victories.

Independent candidates collectively ranked third, gaining 5.79 percent of the total votes across 274 constituencies. The National Citizens Party (NCP) followed with 3.05 percent of votes, winning six seats out of 32 contested. Islami Andolon Bangladesh obtained 2.70 percent of votes and won one seat, while Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish received 2.09 percent. Other parties each received less than one percent of the total votes. The Jatiya Party, which ran in 199 constituencies under the plough symbol, earned 0.89 percent of votes.

The EC’s publication provides the first official breakdown of party-wise performance in the 13th parliamentary election, clarifying the distribution of votes and seats across major and minor political groups.

In the 13th National Parliamentary Election, 20 out of 33 candidates in Sylhet’s six constituencies lost their security deposits. The unofficial results were announced on Thursday night by Sylhet’s Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Md. Sarwar Alam. According to the Election Commission’s circular, any candidate receiving less than one-eighth, or 12.5 percent, of total votes cast forfeits their deposit.

Among the constituencies, six candidates lost deposits in Sylhet-1, three in Sylhet-2, four in Sylhet-3, three in Sylhet-4, one in Sylhet-5, and three in Sylhet-6. In Sylhet-1, where 325,539 votes were cast, all six candidates except the winner and runner-up failed to retain their deposits. Similar patterns were observed across other constituencies, with vote counts and thresholds detailed for each.

A total of 33 candidates contested across the six Sylhet seats, with participation ranging from four to eight candidates per constituency. The results highlight the competitive nature of the election and the strict enforcement of the Election Commission’s deposit retention rule.

More than 200 incidents of violence occurred across 30 districts in Bangladesh within two days following the 13th national parliamentary election, according to the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS). The organization reported that three people were killed and over 300 injured during this period. The information was disclosed at a press conference held by HRSS at the National Press Club on Sunday afternoon.

HRSS Executive Director Ejazul Islam stated that the violence included the deaths of two young men in Munshiganj and Bagerhat and a child in Mymensingh. Additionally, a rape allegation was reported in Noakhali. The organization said that supporters and activists of the BNP, Jamaat, and independent candidates were involved in these incidents. HRSS also reported attacks and arson targeting around 350 business establishments, offices, and homes.

The findings highlight widespread unrest in the immediate aftermath of the election, raising concerns about post-election security and political tensions across multiple districts.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that the police regained their self-esteem through the recent election. He made the remarks on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at a press conference held at the Foreign Service Academy auditorium. Alam said the cabinet observed that the police performed well, overcoming earlier doubts about their confidence and ability to ensure a fair election.

He noted that body-worn cameras were used extensively for the first time, and the Chief Adviser personally observed operations from police headquarters for about one and a half hours, communicating directly with 17 polling centers. The cabinet expects broader deployment of such technology in future elections. The “Suraksha” app and CCTV systems were also described as highly effective for coordination and monitoring.

The Home Adviser reported that four deaths occurred after the election, with one confirmed as election-related violence. A committee has been formed to investigate the incident involving a girl in Hatiya. Senior Assistant Press Secretary Faiz Ahmed and Assistant Press Secretary Suchismita Tithi were present at the event.

The Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) has claimed that Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election was more neutral, peaceful, and fair than previous ones. The organization made the statement at a press conference held on February 15, 2026, at the National Press Club in Dhaka, where Executive Director Ejazul Islam presented a written report.

According to HRSS, despite being the most acceptable election so far, at least 254 incidents of violence occurred nationwide after the election schedule was announced on December 11, 2025. Between then and February 11, 2026, five people were killed and about 1,650 injured. On election day, the group recorded 393 cases of irregularities, including ballot stuffing, expulsion of polling agents, and clashes among supporters. Post-election violence left three more people dead and 300 injured, with reports of attacks, arson, and assaults on women.

HRSS urged the government, Election Commission, and law enforcement agencies to ensure impartial investigations and take preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in future elections.

A reconciliation meeting was held in Fulgazi upazila of Feni following post-election violence that erupted after the vandalism of Jamaat leader Anwar Hossain’s shop at Munshirhat market. The meeting, held on Sunday morning, was attended by local leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, including BNP convenor Fakhrul Alam Swapon, member secretary Abdul Hossain, Jamaat upazila amir Jamal Uddin Chowdhury, and naib amir Abul Hossain Miaji.

During the meeting, both parties agreed to ease tensions caused by the incident and to maintain peace and order in the market area. The leaders expressed condolences to the affected Jamaat leader and pledged to work together in the future. They also urged vigilance against any third party attempting to exploit the situation for political gain.

The meeting decided that no party member would post provocative statements on social media, particularly Facebook. According to local residents, the understanding between the two parties has helped restore calm in the area, bringing relief to local traders.

Mostafizur Rahman Rajib, the Mymensingh district convener and central committee member of the Ganashanghati Andolon, announced his resignation from the party on Sunday at a press conference in a city hotel. Rajib, who contested the 13th National Parliamentary Election from Mymensingh-4 (Sadar) constituency under the party’s ‘Mathal’ symbol, received a total of 467 votes.

At the press briefing, Rajib stated that he had no complaints against the party or any individual and that his decision was not driven by frustration or adverse circumstances. He expressed disappointment over the continued influence of money in the electoral process and noted that corruption had not been fully controlled even under caretaker governments.

Rajib clarified that he has not decided to join any other political party for now but intends to remain active in public service. He joined Ganashanghati Andolon in 2016, became the district convener in 2021, and was included in the central committee in 2025.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that no incidents of post-election violence or attacks on minorities occurred following the recent national election. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon during a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy after a meeting of the Advisory Council. According to him, the election process ensured representation of parties affected by past disappearances and killings, as well as leaders of the July Revolution, within the opposition.

Alam said the Chief Adviser thanked the Advisory Council for delivering a peaceful election and expressed satisfaction with the Election Commission’s performance. The council also believed that the police regained their self-respect through this election. Regarding a reported rape incident in Hatiya, the Press Secretary announced that the government would form a committee to ensure a proper investigation.

He further informed that foreign ministers from all SAARC countries, along with the foreign minister of Qatar, were invited to attend the new government’s oath-taking ceremony.

Several shops belonging to BNP supporter Kalam Sardar were set on fire by unidentified miscreants late Sunday night, February 15, 2026, in Mula Market area of Hatiya upazila, Noakhali. The blaze destroyed seven shops, a microbus, and two autorickshaws, causing an estimated loss of around one crore taka. Fire service units, assisted by locals, managed to bring the fire under control after significant damage had already occurred.

Kalam Sardar stated that he is a supporter of the BNP’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf, and had recently received threats from rival groups. Mahbubur Rahman Shamim, the BNP’s central organizing secretary and candidate for Noakhali-6 (Hatiya), visited the site early in the morning and alleged that the attack was politically motivated due to support for the paddy sheaf. He urged the administration to investigate the incident and take appropriate action.

The incident has heightened local tensions ahead of the election, with calls for a thorough investigation into the politically charged arson attack.

Following the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) sweeping victory in the 13th national election, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated BNP leader Tarique Rahman and pledged support for a democratic and inclusive neighbor. Modi’s message, written in Bengali, struck a cautious and forward-looking tone, signaling New Delhi’s intent to rebuild ties strained since Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in the 2024 student-led uprising and her subsequent exile in India.

Relations between the two countries deteriorated sharply after India’s backing of Hasina’s increasingly authoritarian rule, compounded by disputes over border killings, water sharing, trade restrictions, and suspended transport links. Analysts cited in the report believe that rebuilding trust will require restraint and mutual cooperation. Historical tensions between India and BNP governments, including security and minority issues, still cast a shadow over current diplomacy.

Despite political uncertainty and Hasina’s continued presence in India, both nations remain bound by geography, trade, and security cooperation. Experts suggest that India, as the larger neighbor, should take the initiative to restore dialogue and stabilize bilateral relations.

Police Headquarters has denied reports claiming that Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam has resigned. In an official statement issued on Sunday night, the headquarters confirmed that the news of his resignation is incorrect and requested everyone to refrain from spreading misinformation.

Earlier on Sunday, rumors circulated that IGP Baharul Alam had stepped down from his position. He assumed office on November 21, 2024, succeeding outgoing IGP Md. Moinul Islam. The government appointed him on a two-year contractual basis as the head of the Bangladesh Police.

The clarification from Police Headquarters aims to dispel confusion surrounding the leadership of the police force and maintain public trust in official communications.