Bangladesh’s newly elected members of parliament and cabinet ministers are set to take oath today, Tuesday, following the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) landslide victory in the 13th parliamentary election. The MPs will be sworn in at 10 a.m. in the parliament building’s oath room, while the cabinet oath will take place at 4 p.m. at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman will take oath as the new Prime Minister, marking the party’s return to power after nearly two decades. The ceremony will be administered by President Mohammad Shahabuddin and attended by regional leaders from South Asia and several Muslim-majority countries.

The BNP secured two-thirds of the seats in the February 12 election, its sixth time forming government since its founding in 1978. Tarique Rahman, son of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, will lead the new administration. The party plans to appoint up to 30 ministers and state ministers initially. The new government faces major challenges, including economic instability, inflation, and institutional reform, which Tarique Rahman has identified as top priorities for his administration.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami will hold a meeting of its parliamentary party on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, following the oath-taking ceremony of newly elected members of parliament. The announcement was made in a press release issued on Monday, February 16, by Mujibul Alam, senior publicity assistant of the party’s central publicity department.

According to the statement, the meeting will take place at the National Parliament Building immediately after the swearing-in ceremony. The event marks the first formal gathering of Jamaat’s newly elected lawmakers following their official induction into parliament.

The press release did not provide further details about the meeting’s agenda or participants beyond confirming the time and venue.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus delivered a farewell address to the nation on Monday night, marking the end of Bangladesh’s 18-month interim government. He emphasized that the administration began its work from a state of collapse, rebuilding institutions before initiating reforms. Yunus urged that the ongoing practice of democracy, accountability, freedom of speech, and rights must never stop as power transfers to an elected government.

In his address, Yunus highlighted institutional reforms, including the enactment of about 130 new laws and 600 executive orders, 84 percent of which have been implemented. He cited improvements in law enforcement, judicial independence, and economic recovery, noting foreign reserves now stand at 34 billion dollars. He also announced the conversion of the former prime minister’s residence into a National July Memorial Museum to preserve the memory of the July uprising.

Yunus described the “July Charter” as the interim government’s greatest achievement, approved by referendum, and said its implementation would permanently block the return of fascism. He called on all citizens, regardless of background, to continue building a just, humane, and democratic Bangladesh.

The central executive council of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, in its monthly meeting held on Monday at the party’s Purana Paltan office, congratulated the candidates who won in the recent national election under the rickshaw symbol. The leaders also extended congratulations to BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman as the head of the majority party, expressing hope that his leadership would establish a responsible, stable, and people-oriented political environment. They emphasized prioritizing direct public opinion over party agendas in implementing the post-referendum July Charter.

During the meeting, party leaders expressed strong anger and concern over the election results of Dhaka-13 (Mohammadpur–Adabor–Sher-e-Bangla Nagar), alleging that their party chief Maulana Mamunul Haque was defeated through organized vote manipulation. They claimed that valid votes for the rickshaw symbol were declared invalid, result sheets were overwritten, and final results were distorted. The party demanded a neutral and judicial investigation by the Election Commission and warned of legal and street movements if justice was not ensured.

The meeting also condemned post-election violence, attacks on activists, and vandalism, urging immediate investigation and punishment of those responsible while calling for political tolerance and law and order.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and newly elected Member of Parliament Dr. Shafiqur Rahman announced that his party will serve as a responsible opposition in the National Parliament, prioritizing the interests of the people and the country. Speaking on Monday evening at a meeting with newly elected Jamaat MPs at Al-Falah Auditorium in Dhaka’s Moghbazar, he said the party’s role will be guided by the principles of justice and opposition to wrongdoing. The meeting was held to finalize party decisions before the oath-taking ceremony.

Dr. Rahman stated that despite some irregularities during the February 12 national election and referendum, the voting was largely peaceful and enthusiastic. He emphasized that Jamaat would cooperate with the government on positive initiatives but oppose any actions harmful to the nation. He also called for restoring institutional integrity, particularly in the judiciary, and urged the ruling party to take the lead in rebuilding state structures.

He expressed optimism that through mutual sincerity between the government and opposition, Bangladesh could return to a healthy democratic path. Rahman thanked voters for their support and reaffirmed Jamaat’s commitment to remain with the people in all circumstances.

At the National Press Club on Monday evening, Syed Abdal Ahmad, Executive Editor of Amar Desh, congratulated newly elected BNP-nominated MP MA Hannan from Nasirnagar upazila of Brahmanbaria district with flowers. Ahmad expressed hope that the new lawmaker would ensure balanced development in Nasirnagar without discrimination based on political affiliation, religion, or ethnicity, emphasizing that Hannan represents all residents of the constituency.

Drawing on the example of late BNP minister Chowdhury Kamal Ibne Yusuf, Ahmad said that a true people's representative must rise above party boundaries and treat everyone equally. He recalled Yusuf’s willingness to assist anyone from his area with legal recommendations, regardless of political background. Ahmad expressed confidence that Hannan would work to fulfill the expectations of the voters who elected him.

The event was attended by retired additional secretary Mofiz Uddin Ahmad, Dhaka University professor Hafiz Uddin, and retired banker Syed Shafin, among others.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has conditionally signed the July National Charter four months after its formal adoption. The signing took place on Monday evening at the state guesthouse Jamuna in the presence of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. NCP Convener Nahid Islam and Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain signed the document on behalf of the party.

After the signing, Akhtar Hossain told reporters that the NCP joined the charter at the invitation of the interim government but under specific conditions. He explained that their endorsement was tied to the full implementation of the referendum verdict without any note of dissent. Hossain also expressed the party’s expectation that the oath-taking ceremony would proceed without delay.

He further stated that NCP demands the newly elected members of the Constitutional Reform Council take their oaths first, followed by the members of the National Parliament. The signing marks a conditional alignment of the NCP with the interim government’s initiative.

Multiple Hindu families in Hatiya upazila of Noakhali have alleged attacks, vandalism, looting, and assaults following the 13th National Parliamentary Election. On Sunday, February 15, victims filed two complaints with the local police station and earlier held a human chain protest at Riaz Market in Sonadia Union’s Ward 8. Over fifty victims joined the protest, describing their losses and demanding exemplary punishment for those responsible.

Speakers at the protest accused supporters of the Nationalist Citizens Party (NCP) of creating fear and intimidation from election day through the announcement of results. They alleged that at least ten houses were attacked and looted, livestock were injured, and victims continued to face assaults days after the election. Several victims named local individuals they claimed led the attacks. Police confirmed receiving written complaints and said investigations were underway.

Victims urged newly elected Member of Parliament Abdul Hannan Masud and the administration to intervene and restore safety in the affected areas.

In a televised address to the nation on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 9:15 p.m., Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus called on citizens to commit to honesty, transparency, and accountability in building a new Bangladesh. He said the country must move away from a past culture of corruption, dishonesty, irregularities, and fraud that had undermined national credibility. Yunus emphasized the need for a corruption-free state at every level and urged adherence to rules and promises.

Reflecting on the past 18 months, Yunus noted that Bangladesh had seen the gradual revival of democracy, welfare governance, freedom of speech, and accountability. He praised the festive atmosphere of the recent referendum and elections, describing them as historic moments that ensured people’s rights. He congratulated both winners and losers, calling electoral competition the beauty of democracy.

Yunus concluded his speech with a call for unity across political, religious, and social lines to build a just, humane, and democratic Bangladesh. He expressed optimism as his advisory government’s 18-month tenure came to an end and a new government prepared to take office.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus described the Rohingya crisis as a serious and long-term pressure on Bangladesh’s national security, regional stability, and economy. He made the remarks in a televised address to the nation on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 9:15 p.m.

In his speech, Yunus said that for a long time there had been no effective or coordinated international initiative to resolve the crisis. He stated that since taking office, his administration had succeeded in bringing the nearly forgotten issue back to the center of global attention. The Chief Adviser emphasized the need for continued international engagement to address the humanitarian and security dimensions of the crisis.

The statement underscores the government’s renewed diplomatic efforts to revive international focus on the Rohingya issue, which remains a major challenge for Bangladesh’s stability and development.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has claimed that Bangladesh has successfully restored the three core pillars of its foreign policy—sovereignty, national interest, and dignity. In his farewell address on February 16, 2026, he stated that Bangladesh is no longer guided by submissive diplomacy or dependent on external advice. According to him, the country now presents itself as a confident, active, and responsible state in protecting its independent interests.

Yunus emphasized that the government is committed to building relationships with all nations based on mutual respect and shared interests. He added that Bangladesh has developed the capacity to make strategic decisions for the future while maintaining a balanced approach. He further noted that prioritizing national interests to establish a dignified and balanced foreign policy was one of the key goals of the interim government, and significant progress has been achieved in that regard.

The remarks highlight the interim administration’s focus on asserting Bangladesh’s independent diplomatic stance and strengthening its global position through balanced engagement.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, in a televised address to the nation on February 16, 2026, emphasized that a society can only progress when women are safe, respected, and enjoy equal rights. He stated that sustainable development depends on women’s equal participation in decision-making, the economy, education, and leadership. Yunus highlighted that the vision of a new Bangladesh cannot be realized without women’s advancement.

He announced that several laws had been amended, including the Sexual Harassment Prevention Ordinance, the Domestic Violence Prevention Ordinance, and the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, to strengthen protection for women and children. These reforms aim to ensure safety and prevent harassment in workplaces and educational institutions.

Referring to the recently held referendum, Yunus described it as a festive and historic event. He congratulated both the winners and the defeated candidates, calling victory and defeat the beauty of democracy. He noted that both sides received nearly half of the total votes and confirmed that a new government would soon take office, marking the end of the caretaker administration’s 18-month tenure.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus described the 16-year period of autocratic rule as a “deep and painful lesson” for the nation in his farewell address on February 16, 2026. He said political activists had faced severe persecution, including lawsuits, enforced disappearances, and killings during that time. Yunus emphasized that this experience should remind the nation to prevent the rise of future tyrannies, the return of fascism, or the recurrence of extrajudicial killings.

He stated that beyond political commitments, fundamental reforms in the judiciary and state structure are essential. The interim government, he said, has prioritized reform programs accordingly. Yunus noted that several tribunals are actively working, with verdicts already delivered in some cases, and that the International Crimes Tribunal has begun proceedings on enforced disappearances and human rights violations. Some trials are nearing completion.

The Chief Adviser expressed hope that the judicial process would continue with impartiality and transparency, ensuring justice and preventing any repetition of past misrule.

In his farewell address on February 16, 2026, Interim Government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus announced that the administration had issued around 600 executive orders and enacted or amended about 130 laws, with approximately 84 percent already implemented. He said these reforms strengthened citizens’ rights, reinforced the judiciary, and laid the foundation to prevent the return of enforced disappearances, killings, and extrajudicial executions.

Yunus emphasized that the government kept trials for crimes against humanity, corruption, and irregularities above politics and revenge. He highlighted administrative, commercial, and financial reforms to ensure no future government could act against the people’s will. He also noted the successful organization of a free, fair, and peaceful national election that restored citizens’ voting rights. The adviser expressed gratitude to youth protesters, political parties, law enforcement, the armed forces, and civil servants for their cooperation.

He added that the Police Commission Ordinance 2025 was introduced to build a people-friendly and accountable force, while judicial independence was strengthened through structural reforms. Amendments to the International Crimes Tribunal Act and the reconstitution of the National Human Rights Commission aimed to ensure Bangladesh never again becomes a state without human rights.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced his departure after 18 months in office during a televised address to the nation on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 9:15 p.m. He said his primary task had been to make the country functional again, describing it as the most difficult challenge. Yunus noted that those who had previously exploited the nation fled or went into hiding following the uprising, leaving the administration to rebuild.

He highlighted that the recent referendum and election were held in a festive, nationwide atmosphere reminiscent of Eid, calling it a memorable event in the country’s history. Congratulating both winners and losers of the competitive election, Yunus said that victory and defeat are the essence of democracy. He added that both sides received roughly half of the total votes, emphasizing that even those who lost should take comfort in the trust shown by nearly half of the electorate.

Yunus concluded that a new government would soon assume responsibility, marking the end of the caretaker administration’s 18-month tenure.