In the 13th National Parliamentary Election, fourteen candidates, including two from Islami Andolan Bangladesh, lost their security deposits in Jhalakathi-1 and Jhalakathi-2 constituencies after failing to secure the required share of votes. According to election law, a candidate must obtain at least one-eighth, or 12.5 percent, of the total valid votes to retain their deposit.

In Jhalakathi-1 (Rajapur-Kathalia), 129,044 votes were cast, requiring a minimum of 16,131 votes to keep the deposit. Eight candidates, including Islami Andolan’s Ibrahim, failed to meet this threshold. BNP candidate Rafiqul Islam Jamal won the seat with 62,010 votes, while his nearest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dr. Faizul Haque, received 55,120 votes. In Jhalakathi-2 (Nalchity-Jhalakathi Sadar), 221,264 valid votes were recorded, setting the deposit threshold at 27,658 votes. Six candidates, including Islami Andolan’s Muhammad Sirajul Islam Siraji, failed to reach it.

BNP’s Israt Sultana Elen Bhutto won the Jhalakathi-2 seat with 113,919 votes, defeating Jamaat-e-Islami’s S.M. Neyamul Karim, who received 70,556 votes.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman and National Citizens Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam at their residences on Sunday evening. According to BNP Media Wing member Shamsuddin Didar, Tarique will meet Shafiqur Rahman at his Bashundhara residential area home at 7 p.m. and then visit Nahid Islam’s residence on Bailey Road at 8 p.m. The meetings are described as courtesy calls following the BNP’s victory in the recent parliamentary election, aimed at promoting positive politics.

On Saturday, Tarique Rahman urged unity among all political groups and sought cooperation in governing the country in the coming days. The 13th parliamentary election was held on 12 February across 299 constituencies, where the BNP won 209 seats. Results for two constituencies, Chattogram-2 and Chattogram-4, remain pending due to legal complications. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68 seats, while the NCP won six.

Other parties, including Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, and several smaller groups and independents, also gained limited representation in the new parliament.

Thirteen Jamaat-e-Islami activists were injured in post-election violence across several unions of Chowgacha upazila in Jashore on February 15, 2026. Jamaat supporters alleged that local BNP activists carried out the attacks following the election results. Incidents occurred in Sukkhupuria, Phulsara, and Pashapol unions, where homes were attacked and individuals beaten. Police have detained one suspect and increased patrols in the affected areas.

According to the report, the violence erupted after the election symbol ‘scales’ won in some centers. Victims claimed that many attackers were previously affiliated with the Awami League but now identify as BNP members. Jamaat leaders also alleged that a farmer’s teak garden was destroyed in Patibila union for voting for the ‘scales’. Local BNP leaders denied responsibility, stating that the party would not take blame for any post-election violence. Police and the newly elected MP Dr. Mosleh Uddin Farid urged restraint and called for an end to political attacks.

Authorities said legal action would follow upon receiving complaints, and security measures have been strengthened in the area.

Outgoing legal adviser Asif Nazrul announced that the oath-taking ceremony for newly elected members of parliament will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m., followed by the swearing-in of new cabinet members at 4 p.m. The events will take place in Dhaka, with foreign ministers from SAARC member countries invited to attend. Nazrul shared the information while speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday.

Earlier that morning, the interim government’s advisers held their final meeting at the Chief Adviser’s Office, where no major decisions were made. Nazrul said the meeting focused on exchanging experiences and informing everyone about the upcoming oath ceremonies. He added that the Chief Election Commissioner is expected to administer the MPs’ oath, while the President will likely administer the cabinet’s oath at the South Plaza of Parliament, a venue proposed by the BNP.

Nazrul clarified that invitations are being handled by the Cabinet Division and that he is unaware of any invitations extended to prime ministers, including India’s. He confirmed that, so far, only SAARC foreign ministers have been invited.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have agreed to intensify economic pressure on Iran, with a particular focus on curbing Tehran’s oil exports to China. The understanding was reached during their meeting at the White House last Wednesday, according to a report published Saturday by Axios and cited by Anadolu Agency. Two U.S. officials briefed on the meeting confirmed the consensus on applying maximum pressure against Iran.

Despite the agreement on overall strategy, the two leaders reportedly differed on how to achieve their goals. Netanyahu argued that a reliable deal with Iran was impossible and that Tehran would likely violate any agreement. Trump, however, expressed belief in the possibility of a diplomatic solution, saying efforts should be made to test that path. U.S. officials added that Washington would keep military options open if diplomacy failed, maintaining both nuclear talks and a strong military presence in the Middle East.

Analysts noted that since over 80 percent of Iran’s oil exports go to China, reducing Chinese purchases could significantly increase economic pressure on Tehran. A recent executive order signed by Trump also allows the U.S. to recommend tariffs of up to 25 percent on countries maintaining trade with Iran, potentially deepening Iran’s international isolation.

The Eleven-Party Alliance in Kurigram-2 has strongly condemned a violent attack on Jamaat-NCP supporters in Rajarhat upazila, allegedly carried out by BNP’s armed group. The incident, described as premeditated, left several activists including Hasan Jihadi, Tanzim Hasan, and Nasir Limon seriously injured and under medical care. The attack reportedly took place on the night following February 13, when BNP activists allegedly created panic in the area by playing loud music.

According to the report, the violence escalated when a youth leader, Nasir Limon, was confined and beaten inside his home in the Sarishabari area. When others arrived to help, they were also attacked with sticks and local weapons. The attackers were allegedly led by several local BNP and Jubo Dal leaders. Local women reportedly risked their lives to rescue the injured and shelter them. Despite repeated notifications, law enforcement arrived about two hours later to control the situation.

The alliance demanded immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible, warning that failure to act could trigger a broader public movement against political violence.

Interim government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus extended greetings to the people of Bangladesh and Muslims worldwide on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan. In a message delivered on Sunday, he called on everyone to preserve the sanctity of Ramadan and embrace its teachings of self-restraint, sacrifice, empathy, and spiritual purification.

Dr. Yunus emphasized that Ramadan inspires individuals and the nation to reject injustice, corruption, and wrongdoing, and to build a society based on justice and welfare. He said the month teaches honesty, fairness, and compassion, while awakening a sense of responsibility toward the poor and deprived. He urged citizens to avoid indulgence, envy, and hatred, and to focus on worship, Quran recitation, prayer, repentance, and good deeds.

The Chief Adviser concluded his message by praying for divine acceptance of fasting, prayers, charity, and righteous acts, and for peace and prosperity for the nation.

The High Court has directed that all government and private lower secondary and secondary schools in Bangladesh remain closed throughout the holy month of Ramadan. The order was issued on Sunday, February 15, 2026, by the bench of Justice Fahmida and Justice Md Asif Hasan. The directive followed a writ petition seeking closure of schools during Ramadan.

The writ was filed by Supreme Court lawyer Md Iliyas Ali Mondal after he sent a legal notice to the secretaries of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education on January 5, 2026. The notice argued that 98 percent of Bangladesh’s citizens are Muslims and that closing educational institutions during Ramadan has been a long-standing legal and customary practice since independence. It also cited constitutional provisions stating that no action can be taken without legal authority and that customs with legal force are recognized as law.

The petition further stated that keeping schools open during Ramadan could cause hardship for fasting students and contribute to severe traffic congestion in cities, leading to public inconvenience. The High Court’s order now mandates closure of schools for the entire month.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has extended advance congratulations to BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman as the country’s future prime minister. In a Facebook post on Sunday evening, he said Tarique Rahman visited his residence, calling the meeting a historic moment for national politics and expressing hope that it would mark a new chapter of political maturity and mutual respect.

In his statement, Dr. Rahman said he envisions a fascism-free, sovereign Bangladesh founded on justice and fairness. He reaffirmed Jamaat’s commitment, alongside the 11-party alliance, to building a prosperous and democratic state based on constitutional governance. He added that Tarique Rahman assured him of effective measures to prevent post-election violence and attacks on opposition activists or minority communities.

The Jamaat chief also pledged full cooperation with the elected government on matters of national interest while maintaining the party’s ideological stance as a responsible opposition. He emphasized that Jamaat’s goal is reform, not conflict, and that citizens expect a parliament that upholds justice, rights, and stability.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman visited the residence of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman in Dhaka’s Bashundhara area on Sunday evening. The meeting took place under tight security around 7 p.m. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman greeted Tarique Rahman with flowers upon his arrival. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, and Assistant Secretary General and head of the party’s publicity and media division Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair were also present.

The visit followed Tarique Rahman’s call for unity during a press conference held on Saturday, where he urged all to remain united and cooperate in the future governance of the country. The meeting between the two political leaders comes amid ongoing discussions about political cooperation and coordination among opposition parties.

No further details about the content or outcome of the meeting were disclosed in the report.

Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Dr. A.H.M. Hamidur Rahman Azad has alleged that Election Commission (EC) officials themselves stamped ballots and tampered with result sheets during the national parliamentary election. The allegations were raised on Sunday during a meeting between leaders of the 11-party alliance and the EC at its headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka. Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Mashud and other officials were present at the meeting.

According to Hamidur Rahman, the election process was marred by irregularities, including the use of black money and what he described as “election engineering.” He claimed that in some centers, officials on duty stamped ballots themselves, voters were intimidated, and polling was obstructed. He further alleged that vote casting was low in some areas, while in others, abnormally high turnout and use of extra ballots were observed. Agents were reportedly forced out during vote counting, and result sheets were altered. The alliance leaders said they had repeatedly informed the EC but received no satisfactory action.

Other participants in the meeting included liaison committee media coordinator Ehsanul Mahbub Jubayer, Jamaat leader Barrister Najibur Rahman Momen, Labor Party’s Mostafizur Rahman Iran, and central leaders of the NCP.

A woman in Chapainawabganj’s Shibganj area was reportedly divorced by her husband after she voted for the scale symbol, defying his instruction. The incident occurred on Friday in the Sheikh Tola Tartipur Road area of Shibganj Municipality’s Ward 6. The woman, Tarafun Khatun, said her husband, Soibur Rahman, a local BNP activist, had forbidden her from voting for the scale symbol. After she did so, he divorced her. The couple had been married for 31 years and have two daughters and one son. Tarafun is now staying at her sister-in-law’s house with her children.

Soibur Rahman admitted that he divorced his wife in anger and is now trying to reconcile. Their son, Tarif Hossain, said his father acknowledged his mistake but his mother does not wish to return. Jamaat-e-Islami’s Shibganj municipal leader Abdul Aziz Mahmud confirmed that Tarafun was divorced for voting for the scale symbol and said the party would support her. Local human rights official S.M. Mohiuddin described the divorce as a clear violation of democratic and human rights.

The incident has sparked local uproar and renewed discussion about women’s voting rights and political intolerance in the area.

Five new candidates from Comilla have secured decisive victories in Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election held on Thursday. Among the district’s 11 constituencies, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) won eight seats, while Jamaat-e-Islami, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and an independent candidate each captured one seat. The five first-time members of parliament are Selim Bhuiyan (Comilla-2), Hasnat Abdullah (Comilla-4), Jasim Uddin (Comilla-5), Atikul Alam (Comilla-7), and Abul Kalam (Comilla-9).

Local party workers expressed hope that the BNP’s earlier promise to establish Comilla as a separate administrative division would be fulfilled. Newly elected MP Selim Bhuiyan pledged to focus on local development and meet public expectations. Jasim Uddin emphasized post-election peace, stating that no acts of violence or retaliation occurred against political opponents and urging continued restraint and respect for the law.

Observers in Comilla are now watching how these new lawmakers perform in parliament and whether their leadership influences regional development and political harmony.

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan stated that no journalist was imprisoned for expressing opinions during the interim government’s tenure. She made the remarks on Sunday, February 15, in Dhaka while speaking with reporters. Hasan clarified that journalists Anis Alamgir and Manjurul Alam Panna were also not jailed for their expressions, adding that the state machinery might have had different information.

Discussing her role in the interim government, Hasan said that evaluating its 18-month tenure in terms of success or failure was not appropriate. She emphasized that she had done her best and that the final judgment would come from the people.

Regarding the departure of Faiz Ahmad Tayyeb, who served as special assistant to the chief adviser, Hasan explained that he had already been living abroad and returned to his family in the Netherlands after completing his official duties. She dismissed any attempt to misinterpret his departure.

An 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami has announced plans to take legal action over alleged electoral fraud in 32 constituencies from Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election. On Sunday morning, alliance representatives met with four Election Commissioners at the Election Commission building and submitted a list of disputed seats, claiming their candidates were narrowly defeated due to irregularities. The Election Commission stated that it could not intervene as the official gazette had already been published but noted that legal avenues remain open.

Jamaat assistant secretary general A.H.M. Hamidur Rahman Azad criticized the rapid publication of the gazette on February 13, a day after the February 12 election, alleging that this denied candidates the chance to file complaints. He cited instances of ballot manipulation, use of black money, intimidation, and violence, arguing these factors undermined the election’s credibility. The alliance demanded recounts in the identified constituencies and accused some polling officers of stamping ballots themselves.

Azad added that despite repeated complaints from chief agents and party representatives, the Election Commission and law enforcement took no effective action, leaving doubts about the fairness of the results.