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.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus delivered an emotional farewell address on February 16, 2026, recalling the events of August 5 as a moment of great national liberation. He described the day as one of immense joy, noting that Bangladeshis at home and abroad shed tears of happiness. Yunus said that young students had freed the country from what he called a 'monster’s grip,' though the state machinery had become completely paralyzed at that time.

He explained that the student leaders behind the uprising decided to form a government to run the country. At that time, Yunus was abroad and initially declined to take responsibility, but the student leaders persuaded him by reminding him of his duty to the nation. He stated that he had faithfully carried out his responsibilities for the past 18 months and that it was now time to hand over power to an elected government.

Yunus described August 5 as a unique moment of liberation in the nation’s history and said that the interim government had worked to restore stability and functionality to the state. As he prepared to transfer power, he expressed gratitude to the people of Bangladesh.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus said that full implementation of the July Charter would permanently prevent the return of fascism. In his farewell address to the nation on Monday night, he noted that the people had overwhelmingly supported the Charter through a referendum and expressed hope it would be implemented within the stipulated timeframe. He thanked political parties, social organizations, and rights groups for their contributions to drafting and passing the Charter.

Yunus stated that after nearly one and a half decades, Bangladesh held a festive, participatory, and peaceful national election alongside the referendum on the July Charter, aimed at major constitutional reforms. Reflecting on his 18 months in office, he said the interim government worked on three goals—reform, justice, and election—introducing about 130 new laws and 600 executive orders. He highlighted initiatives such as strengthening judicial independence, recognizing enforced disappearance as a crime against humanity, and police reform.

He added that balanced diplomacy had been restored, citing a trade deal with the United States that reduced reciprocal tariffs from 37 to 19 percent, and growing cooperation with Japan and China. Yunus urged unity in building a just, humane, and democratic Bangladesh as he handed over power to the elected government.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Tarique Rahman has pledged to run the country through consultation with all parties, according to Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Amir and Charmonai Pir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim. The commitment came after a 45-minute meeting held on Monday evening at Rezaul Karim’s residence on Bailey Road in Dhaka, attended by Tarique Rahman and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

Following the meeting, Rezaul Karim described the discussion as cordial and productive, saying they exchanged views on building the nation together and avoiding political hostility. He said Tarique Rahman assured that governance would be based on collective consultation. The meeting also touched on the issue of the proposed upper house mentioned in the July Charter, which Rezaul Karim urged the BNP to uphold to maintain public trust.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that the BNP had several notes of dissent regarding the July Charter but would present them in parliament and implement the charter if passed. Rezaul Karim confirmed that his party would attend the upcoming oath-taking ceremony upon receiving an invitation.

The Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, the youth wing of the BNP, met with party chairperson Tarique Rahman on Monday at his political office in Gulshan, Dhaka. The meeting took place on the eve of Rahman’s scheduled swearing-in as prime minister on Tuesday. During the meeting, Jubo Dal leaders presented him with flowers and extended heartfelt congratulations on what they described as a historic moment.

According to the report, the Jubo Dal leaders expressed optimism that Rahman’s leadership would rebuild democracy, strengthen nationalist ideals, and fulfill public expectations. They also prayed for his good health, long life, and success as a statesman. Among those present were Jubo Dal president Abdul Monayem Munna and general secretary and newly elected member of parliament Nurul Islam Noyon.

The event underscored the youth wing’s support for Rahman’s upcoming assumption of office and its expectation of renewed political direction under his leadership.

Four months after the formal signing of the July National Charter, the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP), led by young leaders of the mass uprising, signed the document on Monday evening at the state guesthouse Jamuna. The signing took place in the presence of Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. NCP Convener Nahid Islam and Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain signed on behalf of the party. Also present were National Consensus Commission Vice President Professor Ali Riaz, Commission Member Badiul Alam Majumdar, and the Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider.

Dr. Yunus said the nation had expected NCP to join the charter, and with their signature, the July National Charter reached completion. He thanked the party for its participation and urged vigilance in building a humane Bangladesh through the charter’s implementation. Nahid Islam stated that NCP’s elected members would take their parliamentary oath the next day, marking two simultaneous commitments to the people and the charter.

The signing signifies the final endorsement of the July National Charter, completing a key step in the country’s ongoing political transition.

The coordinated platform of election observer organizations, Voice Network, has stated that widespread post-election violence across nearly all divisions of Bangladesh is undermining the success of the recently held fair and peaceful parliamentary election. The observation came on Monday in Dhaka during the presentation of its preliminary report on the national election and referendum, delivered by the organization’s chairman, Professor Dr. Jasim Uddin.

According to the report, the 13th National Parliamentary Election was comparatively fair, peaceful, and acceptable. However, incidents of violence, deaths, and looting reported in about 40 districts have tarnished the overall electoral environment. The report urged the Election Commission, interim government, and winning political parties to act responsibly to address the situation. Observers noted irregularities, including obstruction to their work in 8 percent of polling centers, inadequate facilities for elderly, sick, and pregnant voters, and partiality in 15.5 percent of centers.

The report also cited procedural ambiguities in vote counting and tabulation, limited observer access, and restricted media coverage, which affected transparency and public confidence in the results.