A Youth Dal activist was seriously injured in an attack by unidentified assailants in Palashbari upazila of Gaibandha on Sunday night. The incident occurred around 9 p.m. in the Jundaha Bazar area of Barishal Union. The victim, identified as Kakon, 35, son of Miru Mondol from Durbolagari village, was attacked with sharp weapons while standing in the market area. Witnesses said several unknown men suddenly assaulted him and fled the scene immediately after the attack.

Doctors reported that one of Kakon’s fingers was severed and both his legs were broken. Locals rescued him in a severely injured state and took him to Palashbari Upazila Health Complex. As his condition worsened, he was later transferred to Rangpur Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment. Police said preparations were underway to file a case over the incident.

According to local sources, the motive behind the attack and the identities of the attackers remain unknown. The Palashbari police officer-in-charge stated that legal action would be taken once a complaint is received. The incident has caused panic among residents, who have demanded the swift arrest of those responsible.

Demands are intensifying to appoint Dr. Reza Kibria, newly elected BNP lawmaker from Habiganj-1 (Bahubal-Nabiganj), as the finance minister in the new government. He won the 13th National Parliamentary Election with 111,999 votes. Local BNP leaders and residents argue that his background as an economist makes him a strong candidate for the post.

The constituency has a history of producing national leaders, including late Dewan Farid Gazi, who served as Minister for Local Government and Cooperatives from 1973 to 1975, and Dr. Kibria’s father, Shah AMS Kibria, who was finance minister under the Awami League government in 1996. Shah AMS Kibria was killed in a grenade attack in 2005, an incident for which Dr. Kibria has blamed local Awami League leaders. Analysts believe this event influenced his shift to the BNP.

Residents of Bahubal and Nabiganj expect that if Dr. Kibria becomes finance minister, long-neglected infrastructure and educational institutions in the area will see significant development, fulfilling his campaign promises.

A 21-year-old youth named Sabbir from Urkirchar Union in Raozan remains missing three days after falling into the Halda River in Hathazari, Chattogram. The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday near Ramdas Munshir Hat in Madarsha Union’s Ward 7. According to police and local sources, a dispute between two groups of youths at a religious event escalated into an attack while one group was returning home by boat. During the assault, three people fell into the river; two swam to safety, but Sabbir went missing.

Family members, local residents, and police confirmed that rescue operations have been ongoing since the incident. A six-member diving team from the district fire service continues to search the river, but no trace of the missing youth has been found. Sabbir’s relatives have been waiting by the riverbank, hoping for his recovery.

Police officials stated that legal procedures are underway, and efforts to identify and punish those responsible for the attack are in progress.

At least 40 people were injured after being bitten by stray dogs in Veramara upazila of Kushtia over Sunday and Monday, according to local reports. Among them, 27 received treatment at the Veramara Upazila Health Complex, which currently has no preventive vaccines available. Packs of stray dogs were seen roaming areas including Veramara Government College, Government Women’s College, Girls’ School, and several market zones, creating widespread panic among residents and students.

Local residents, parents, and teachers expressed growing concern over frequent dog attacks, particularly during school hours. Many said they now avoid going out after dark due to safety fears. Locals accused authorities of failing to take visible action despite the long-standing problem. Health officer Dr. Mizanur Rahman confirmed the number of treated patients and the vaccine shortage.

Veramara Upazila Executive Officer and municipal administrator Rafiqul Islam stated that the municipality has been instructed to take immediate measures against stray dogs. Residents urged urgent intervention to control the dog population and prevent potential rabies outbreaks.

The temperature in Dhaka rose slightly on Monday, February 16, 2026, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department. The morning temperature increased to 17.8 degrees Celsius from 16 degrees recorded on Sunday. The department’s 7 a.m. forecast indicated that daytime temperatures in Dhaka and surrounding areas may rise slightly during the day.

The forecast, issued at 6 a.m., reported 73 percent humidity in the capital. It also stated that the weather in Dhaka and nearby regions is expected to remain dry until noon, with temporary cloudiness. Winds from the north or northwest may blow at speeds of 5 to 10 kilometers per hour. Sunset in Dhaka is expected at 5:54 p.m., and sunrise on Tuesday at 6:31 a.m.

The department’s overall outlook suggested that both day and night temperatures are likely to remain nearly unchanged across the country, with generally dry conditions prevailing.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and its 10-party electoral alliance have called for a protest march and rally in Dhaka on Monday, alleging widespread violence, repression, killings, and sexual assaults across the country following the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The event is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. at the north gate of the National Mosque, Baitul Mukarram. According to a press release issued on Sunday, Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman and other top leaders of the alliance will address the gathering.

The 13th National Parliamentary Election was held on February 12, with results announced for 297 of 299 constituencies. The 11-party alliance secured 77 seats in total, including a record 68 seats for Jamaat-e-Islami, six for the National Citizens Party, two for Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, and one for Khelafat Majlish. The alliance claims that incidents of violence and abuse have occurred nationwide since the election.

The rally aims to protest these alleged post-election incidents and demonstrate the alliance’s political stance following its significant electoral gains.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman described the 38.50 percent vote share received by the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance as a major and meaningful public mandate. In a verified Facebook post on Sunday night, he urged party members and citizens not to be disheartened or confused by fragmented media reports on the election results. He said that despite widespread irregularities and corruption, nearly 28.8 million voters expressed confidence in the alliance, which he called a significant reflection of public trust.

Dr. Rahman stated that Jamaat has broken many past records and emerged as one of the country’s largest opposition forces, growing from two parliamentary seats in 2008 to millions of supporters today. He said almost half of the voters stood for reform, accountability, and principled politics. He called on party members to show discipline and political maturity, strengthen organizational unity, and prepare for broader public trust in future elections.

He concluded that the party’s journey would continue with sacrifice and effort, expressing optimism about a promising future.

Bangladesh’s landmark election, held last week, concluded with the long-established Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) securing a decisive victory over a Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance that included the youth-driven National Citizen Party (NCP). Official results released on Saturday showed the NCP, born from the 2024 Gen Z-led uprising, winning only six of 297 declared constituencies in the 350-member parliament. BNP leader Tarique Rahman, whose party previously governed three times, is set to become prime minister following what observers describe as one of the country’s most consequential elections.

Many young Bangladeshis, voting for the first time, described the election as historic but disappointing in terms of youth representation. Some expressed frustration that the NCP failed to build sufficient support and criticized its alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami. NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud said the party would regroup in opposition and focus on upcoming local elections. Analysts noted that the alliance alienated young voters seeking a break from traditional politics.

The election outcome is viewed as a step toward restoring stability after the 2024 uprising that toppled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Rahman pledged to prioritize rule of law and maintain peace and order once sworn in.

In the 13th National Parliamentary Election, 27 out of 41 candidates in Narsingdi’s five constituencies lost their security deposits, according to unofficial results signed by District Commissioner and Returning Officer Mohammad Anwar Hossain. The results show that in Narsingdi-1 (Sadar) six of eight candidates, in Narsingdi-2 (Palash) three of six, in Narsingdi-3 (Shibpur) five of eight, in Narsingdi-4 (Monohardi-Belabo) seven of nine, and in Narsingdi-5 (Raipura) six of ten candidates failed to retain their deposits. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) won all five seats in the district.

According to election rules, candidates must secure at least one-eighth, or 12.5 percent, of total votes cast to retain their deposits. Those receiving fewer votes lose the amount submitted with their nomination papers. The analysis of the district’s results highlights that a majority of participating candidates across multiple parties, including the Jatiya Party, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, and others, failed to meet the required vote threshold.

The outcome underscores BNP’s dominance in Narsingdi’s constituencies, as all five seats went to the party while most rivals lost their deposits.

The Sirajganj district unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has suspended all party positions of two local leaders following allegations of voter intimidation and assault in the Sirajganj-5 (Belkuchi-Chauhali) parliamentary constituency. The decision was announced late Sunday night through two letters signed by district BNP office secretary Tanvir Mahmud Palash.

The suspended leaders are Mostafizur Rahman Mondal, former general secretary of Ward No. 4 of Belkuchi municipality BNP, and Shihab Mondal, organizational secretary of the Belkuchi municipal branch of the Nationalist Cyber Team. According to the letters, the suspensions were issued due to cases filed against them for violating party discipline and engaging in threats and assaults with local weapons after the 13th national parliamentary election. The decision was approved by district BNP president Rumana Mahmud and general secretary Saidur Rahman Bacchu.

The action reflects the district BNP’s attempt to address internal discipline issues following the recent election period.

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.

The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) has announced revised trading hours for the holy month of Ramadan. According to a press release issued on Monday, trading will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until 1:40 p.m., followed by a post-closing session from 1:40 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. The DSE also stated that its official office operations will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. during this period.

The exchange has requested investors, brokerage houses, and all related stakeholders to follow the new schedule throughout Ramadan. The adjustment aims to accommodate the special circumstances of the month while ensuring smooth market operations.

The announcement reflects the DSE’s periodic practice of modifying trading hours during Ramadan to align with the working patterns and needs of market participants.

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.

A 55-year-old woman named Nasima Khatun died during surgery at Meherpur Clinic in Mallikpara, Meherpur town on the night of February 15, 2026. Her family alleged that she died due to doctors’ negligence before the operation began. Following the incident, an angry crowd attacked two doctors, Mizanur Rahman and his son Mushfiqur Rahman Abhi, and vandalized equipment in the operation theater. Both doctors were seriously injured and later rescued by police and army personnel before being admitted to Meherpur General Hospital.

According to the doctors, Nasima suffered cardiac arrest before anesthesia was administered, and despite efforts, she could not be revived. The president of the Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA), Dr. Abdus Salam, stated that the patient died before the operation started and that the assault and vandalism would be investigated. Meherpur Additional Superintendent of Police Mehedi Hasan Dipu said legal action would be taken if a written complaint was filed by the patient’s relatives.

No formal complaint had been lodged with the police at the time of reporting.

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.