Two leaders of the Jubo Dal in Banaripara upazila, Barishal, have been expelled from the party for allegedly assaulting Bidhan Kabiraj, the organizational secretary of Bangladesh JASAD, over claims that he voted for Jamaat. The expulsion of Rafik Mallik, senior vice-president, and Maksudur Dalim, member secretary of the Baishari Union Jubo Dal, was announced in a press release signed by the party’s assistant office secretary Minhajul Islam Bhuiya on February 15, following a decision by the central executive committee.

The statement cited violations of party discipline and actions contrary to the party’s ideals and unity. It also urged law enforcement agencies to take necessary legal action against the expelled leaders and instructed all Jubo Dal members to avoid organizational contact with them. The assault incident occurred last Friday at Kabiraj’s home in Baishari Bazar and was widely circulated through media reports and video footage.

Following the attack, newly elected BNP MP S. Sarfuddin Ahmed Santu reportedly informed the central committee, prompting local Jubo Dal leaders to visit the injured JASAD leader. Both expelled leaders said they had seen the press release on social media but had not yet received official documents.

Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, a standing committee member and key policymaker of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), 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 ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol. His closest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Shahinur Islam, received 82,232 votes.

Born in 1951 in Mirzapur, Konda Union of Keraniganj, Roy began his political journey in 1966 at the age of 15 through progressive student politics. He was a member of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) 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 and is now a senior BNP policymaker. He previously served as a technocrat state minister for Environment and Forests and for Fisheries and Livestock from 1991 to 1996.

Roy stated that he never sought party nominations and that his earlier defeats in 2008 and 2018 were due to alleged vote rigging. He emphasized that his goal has always been to be a good politician rather than to seek power.

A demand has been raised to posthumously confer the title of Field Marshal on General Ataul Gani (MAG) Osmani, the Commander-in-Chief of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. The call came on Monday during a discussion and prayer event held at the Helmet Hall of the RAOWA Club in Dhaka, marking Osmani’s 42nd death anniversary. The event was organized by the Retired Armed Forces Officers Welfare Association (RAOWA).

Speakers at the event said Osmani was deprived of the honor he deserved, though the loss was the nation’s rather than his. They credited his leadership for maintaining unity among military and civilian forces during the war. BNP Standing Committee member Major (Retd.) Hafizuddin Ahmed Bir Bikrom, the chief guest, said Osmani’s recognition as Field Marshal would honor the nation itself. He urged the armed forces to formally request the defense minister or future prime minister Tarique Rahman to approve the title.

Hafizuddin also commented on the politicization of history and praised the country’s armed forces for their discipline and role in ensuring a fair 13th parliamentary election held on February 12.

In the 13th National Parliamentary Election, 17 out of 25 candidates in three constituencies of Madaripur lost their security deposits due to failing to secure the required number of votes. The results showed close contests among leading candidates, but most others could not gather significant voter support.

In Madaripur-1, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish candidate Sayeed Uddin Ahmed Hanjala won with 64,909 votes, narrowly defeating BNP’s Nadira Akter, who received 64,528 votes. In Madaripur-2, BNP’s Jahandar Ali Mia won with 61,744 votes, while in Madaripur-3, BNP’s Anisur Rahman Khokon Talukdar secured victory with 96,188 votes. Voter turnout ranged from 44 to 56 percent across the three constituencies, with several thousand votes declared invalid.

Analysis of the results indicated that despite competitive races among top contenders, a large portion of candidates failed to achieve the minimum vote threshold, resulting in a high rate of deposit forfeiture across the district.

Two candidates in the Bogura-3 (Adamdighi-Dupchanchia) constituency lost their security deposits in the parliamentary election held on February 12, 2026. According to the Upazila Election Office, under election rules, a candidate forfeits their deposit if they fail to secure one-eighth (12.5%) of the total votes cast. Out of 339,181 registered voters, 243,794 cast their ballots, with 4,198 votes declared invalid, resulting in a turnout of 73.10 percent.

National Party candidate Shahinul Islam, who contested with the plough symbol, received 1,475 votes, while Islami Andolan Bangladesh candidate Shahjahan Ali Talukder, with the hand fan symbol, obtained 1,771 votes. Both failed to reach the required vote threshold. The election results show that BNP’s candidate Abdul Mohit Talukder, running with the sheaf of paddy symbol, won the seat with 127,406 votes. His closest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nur Mohammad Abu Taher, received 111,026 votes.

The forfeiture of deposits underscores the wide vote gap between the leading candidates and the lower-performing contenders in the Bogura-3 race.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced special traffic arrangements for Tuesday, February 17, 2026, due to the oath-taking ceremonies of newly elected Members of Parliament at the National Parliament Building and newly formed cabinet members at the South Plaza. A large public gathering is expected in the area, prompting temporary traffic restrictions from Khejurbagan Crossing to Manik Mia Avenue and from July Memorial Museum (Ganabhaban Crossing) to Urojahaj Crossing along Lake Road.

To minimize inconvenience, DMP’s traffic division has outlined several diversion routes. Vehicles from Mirpur Road toward Farmgate will be redirected via Defence Gap, China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Center, and Bijoy Sarani Crossing. Similar diversions apply for traffic from Dhanmondi, Asad Gate, Indira Road, and the Elevated Expressway. Drivers are advised to avoid Manik Mia Avenue and Lake Road between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m.

DMP has requested full cooperation from city residents to ensure smooth traffic flow during the ceremonies and advised using alternative routes to avoid congestion.

In the 13th National Parliamentary Election, deposits of 35 out of 48 candidates in six constituencies of Noakhali district were forfeited for failing to secure one-eighth of the total votes cast. The results were confirmed by the district returning officer and Noakhali Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Shafiqul Islam after voting took place peacefully on February 12, 2026.

According to the district election office, deposits were forfeited by five candidates in Noakhali-1, two in Noakhali-2, five in Noakhali-3, five in Noakhali-4, ten in Noakhali-5, and eight in Noakhali-6. In these constituencies, BNP candidates won in five seats, while the National Citizen Party (NCP) secured victory in one. The forfeited candidates represented parties such as Islami Andolan, Jatiya Party, JSD, and others, as well as several independents.

The official results were announced on the night of the election day, with the election office confirming that the process was conducted in a fair and orderly environment across all polling centers.

Muhammad Asadullah, a journalist for Amar Desh and central joint convener of the National Youth Power under the National Citizens Party (NCP), has been arrested, prompting his family to allege a politically motivated conspiracy. His wife, Naima Akter Rima, said police detained him last Friday without prior notice, claiming an old case was deliberately revived to humiliate him socially and politically. The family insists the arrest is part of a planned campaign of harassment rather than a routine legal process.

According to the family, the incident followed an attack by local political activists who smeared color on Asadullah and his father after the election. They allege the arrest was retaliation for protesting that assault. The family also reported threats from influential local ruling party leaders after Asadullah’s sister posted on social media, leaving them fearful for their safety.

Police stated that Asadullah was arrested under a 2024 cheque dishonor case in which he was a convicted and warrant-listed accused. However, they did not explain why the warrant had not been executed earlier. Asadullah is currently held in Pabna District Jail, and his family has appealed for his protection and a fair trial.

BNP Secretary General and Standing Committee member Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited Bangladesh Medical University on Monday, February 16, to check on the health condition of the party’s Health Affairs Secretary and prominent urologist Dr. Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, who is currently under treatment. During the visit, Fakhrul spoke with the attending doctors and was briefed about Rafiqul Islam’s physical condition and progress.

Present at the time were several senior faculty members and administrators of the university, including Professor Dr. Shamim Ahmed, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Registrar Professor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, and other specialists from the Urology and Surgical Oncology departments. Earlier, on Sunday, BNP Standing Committee member Dr. A. J. M. Zahid Hossain had also visited the ailing leader.

Dr. Rafiqul Islam was admitted to the hospital on February 14 after falling ill. A 19-member medical board was formed on February 15 to oversee his treatment.

Former Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who resigned in 2025 amid violent anti-corruption protests, has re-entered active politics ahead of the March 5 parliamentary election. The 73-year-old communist leader, who has served four terms as prime minister, is campaigning to regain a parliamentary majority through his Communist Party of Nepal–Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML). His campaign officially begins Monday, with Oli portraying the election as a contest between forces of destruction and those of nation-building.

Oli faces a strong challenge in his constituency from 35-year-old rapper-turned-mayor Balendra Shah, who presents himself as a symbol of youth aspirations. The former leader’s resignation followed deadly unrest in September 2025 that left at least 77 people dead after protesters set fire to government buildings. Oli later denied ordering police to open fire, blaming “anarchist forces” for the violence.

Analysts describe Oli’s leadership style as authoritarian and personality-driven. His political future now hinges on whether he can overcome rising young leadership and return to power in a strategically vital nation between India and China.

BNP-affiliated student organization leader Nasir Uddin Nasir stated on Monday, February 16, that the allegation of sexual assault against a woman in Noakhali’s Hatiya, reportedly for voting for the Shapla symbol, was deliberately fabricated. In a Facebook post, he demanded that NCP leaders Hannan Masud, Asif Mahmud, and Sadik Kayem publicly apologize to the nation for spreading false information.

Nasir cited statements from local police, doctors, and eyewitnesses indicating the allegation was baseless. He noted that the accused was admitted to a hospital at 10:28 p.m. on February 13, making it impossible for him to be present at another location at the same time. Nasir criticized the use of such a sensitive issue for political purposes, calling it irresponsible and harmful to social stability. He also mentioned that Noakhali district Jamaat leader Ishaq Khondaker suspended a related program, which he said clarified the situation further.

Nasir urged all involved, including NCP and Jamaat-linked groups, to admit their role in spreading misinformation and to refrain from exploiting sensitive issues for political gain.

Encroachment on the banks of the Bankkhali River in Cox’s Bazar began immediately after the February 12 election, with individuals reportedly using the name of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to justify their actions. Witnesses said the process started on the night of the vote and that more than 50 tin structures have already been built along the river. The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), responsible for river management, has sent letters to 15 government offices requesting urgent intervention to stop the illegal occupation.

Cox’s Bazar port officer Md. Abdul Wakil Sarkar confirmed that those previously evicted are now reoccupying the riverbank, and legal measures are being taken. Former city JCD joint secretary Shafayat Munna stated that the occupiers used BNP banners and posters to build illegal structures, which were later removed under the direction of newly elected MP Lutfur Rahman Kajol. Kajol urged police to arrest the encroachers and clarified that the BNP has no connection with the incident.

The BIWTA has also requested immediate action from the district administration and law enforcement agencies to prevent further encroachment.

The Chamber Court of the Appellate Division has suspended a High Court order that directed all government and private lower secondary and secondary schools to remain closed throughout the month of Ramadan. The suspension order was issued on Monday, February 16, 2026, by Justice Farah Mahbub of the Appellate Division’s Chamber Court.

During the hearing, Additional Attorney General Barrister Anik R Haque represented the state, assisted by Assistant Attorney General Maria Tanzima. The High Court had earlier, on Sunday, February 14, 2026, ordered the closure of all government and private lower secondary and secondary schools for the entire month of Ramadan.

With the Chamber Court’s suspension of the High Court directive, the earlier order to keep schools closed during Ramadan will remain inactive until further judicial proceedings clarify the matter.

Chief Adviser of the interim government Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus delivered a farewell speech to officials and employees at his office on Monday, February 16, 2026. Following the address, he participated in a photo session with the staff, marking his departure from the current role before the new administration takes office. The information was confirmed by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.

The interim government led by Professor Yunus assumed responsibility on August 8, 2024. Its tenure concludes with the swearing-in of the new government on Tuesday, February 17, following the thirteenth national parliamentary election. In that election, the BNP-led alliance secured 212 seats, while the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance won 77 seats.

The transition signals the end of the interim administration’s term and the beginning of preparations for the incoming government to assume office.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman is scheduled to hold a meeting with the party’s newly elected members of parliament on Monday evening. The discussion will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Al-Falah auditorium in Moghbazar, Dhaka. The information was confirmed by Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, the party’s Assistant Secretary General and head of the central publicity and media department.

According to the report, Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68 parliamentary seats in the 13th National Parliamentary Election held on February 12. The meeting is expected to serve as an introductory and consultative session between the party leadership and its new lawmakers following the election results.

The event marks the first formal gathering between the Jamaat chief and the newly elected MPs since the election, indicating the party’s move toward internal coordination and strategic planning for its parliamentary activities.