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.

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.