Jamaat-e-Islami’s elected Members of Parliament will not accept tax-free cars or government plots, according to party leader and Supreme Court lawyer Mohammad Shishir Monir. He announced the decision on Monday through a verified Facebook post, reiterating that the MPs would follow the party’s earlier pledge to reject such privileges.

The announcement aligns with a prior declaration made by Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Amir Shafiqul Rahman on November 7, 2025, during a convention in Sylhet. At that event, he stated that no Jamaat MP would take government plots or use tax-exempt vehicles. He also emphasized that if the party sits in opposition, it would support all humanitarian initiatives of the ruling party but resist any return to old political practices.

According to the Election Commission’s results for the 13th National Parliament election, the BNP won 209 seats, Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68, independents 7, the National Citizens Party 6, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis 2, and several smaller parties one seat each.

In Munshiganj-2 constituency, a rare moment of political harmony emerged on Sunday night, February 15, when BNP candidate Advocate Abdus Salam Azad, the winner of the 13th National Parliamentary Election, was congratulated by his closest rival, NCP candidate Majedul Islam. The two exchanged floral garlands, shared sweets, and embraced each other, creating a scene that quickly drew local and social media attention for its display of mutual respect beyond electoral rivalry.

Residents of Tongibari described the meeting as unprecedented in Bangladesh’s political culture. Local resident Md. Mohiuddin, 68, expressed emotional appreciation, hoping such gestures of unity would continue in national politics. Several local coordinators and party representatives from NCP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and other groups attended the courtesy meeting.

Both candidates pledged to work together for the development of Louhajong and Tongibari upazilas. Advocate Azad emphasized that improving people’s quality of life, not victory or defeat, would remain his main goal, promising cooperation in all constructive initiatives.

The Nationalist Party and its allies have secured 212 seats in Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, achieving a two-thirds majority. The result grants the coalition sweeping authority to amend the constitution, restructure the state system, and introduce major policy or legal changes. The article questions whether such dominance will strengthen democracy or repeat past patterns of power centralization seen after the 2001 and 2008 elections.

To maintain institutional balance, Bangladesh is introducing an upper house for the first time, designed to review legislation and prevent anti-public laws. However, disputes have emerged over how its 100 seats will be distributed. While most parties agreed on proportional allocation, the Nationalist Party prefers distribution based on lower-house seats, a stance potentially supported by a clause in the July Charter. This could weaken the upper house’s intended role as a check on executive power.

The piece warns that Bangladesh faces fragile institutions, economic distress, and public mistrust after 17 years of authoritarian rule. The new government is urged to prioritize responsibility over control and to rebuild democratic credibility through inclusive governance.

Former Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko was detained while allegedly trying to leave the country, according to a statement from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU). Authorities said his arrest is part of the ongoing 'Midas case,' a broad investigation into corruption within Ukraine’s energy sector. The bureau stated that the detention is linked to allegations of large-scale embezzlement and illicit enrichment.

The report notes that Galushchenko, a close ally of President Volodymyr Zelensky, was accused in September 2025 of illegally earning and transferring abroad about 100 million dollars. The scandal previously triggered a political crisis, leading both the sitting and former energy ministers to resign at Zelensky’s request, though both denied wrongdoing. Investigators claim the misappropriated funds came through state enterprises, including Energoatom, which operates Ukraine’s nuclear power plants.

Preliminary investigations remain ongoing, focusing on how funds intended for strengthening the security of critical energy facilities were allegedly diverted.

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.