Dr. Md. Abdur Rahim Sarkar, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami–nominated candidate supported by the 11-party electoral alliance, has rejected the declared results of the recently held 13th National Parliamentary Election in Gaibandha-4 (Gobindaganj) constituency. At a press conference on February 14, 2026, he alleged widespread irregularities, polling center takeovers, and vote count manipulation during the February 12 election. He demanded re-voting in five specific centers and recounting of ballots in all other centers.

According to his written statement, activists of the BNP and its affiliated organizations allegedly forced polling agents of the balance symbol out of several centers and stamped ballots for the paddy-sheaf symbol. He identified five centers where he claimed serious irregularities occurred, including ballot snatching, forced entry, and mass fake voting. He further alleged that during counting, his agents were expelled from some centers and that ballot bundles were miscounted in favor of the opposing symbol.

Dr. Sarkar stated that despite submitting written and verbal complaints to election officials, no action was taken. He urged the Election Commission to suspend the announced results and declare revised outcomes after re-voting and recounting.

Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid announced that President Md. Shahabuddin will administer the oath to the new cabinet members in accordance with the constitution. He made the statement on Saturday, February 14, 2026, while speaking to journalists at the Secretariat. The Cabinet Division has completed preparations for the upcoming swearing-in ceremony.

When asked who would conduct the oath, Sheikh Abdur Rashid confirmed that, as per the constitution, the President is responsible for administering it. He also mentioned that around one thousand guests will be invited to attend the ceremony. The preparations indicate that the event will be held with formal arrangements under the supervision of the Cabinet Division.

The announcement clarifies the constitutional process for the formation of the new cabinet and signals that the administrative groundwork for the ceremony is nearly complete.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman said that convincing the people was the party’s main form of political engineering and that they had succeeded in doing so. He made the remarks on Saturday, February 14, at a press conference in a Dhaka hotel while responding to a question from Khaled Muhyiddin, editor of Dainik Thikana. The event was held to share BNP’s reaction to the recent election.

Rahman congratulated Jamaat, NCP, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, and other political parties that participated in the election, saying their ideas and perspectives were important to BNP. He stated that the party was beginning its work from an economy and state structure weakened by fascism and pledged unity to prevent any anti-democratic forces from returning. He expressed confidence that contributions from both government and opposition would help establish democracy in the country, emphasizing national unity despite differences in opinion.

Thanking the interim government for ensuring a neutral election, Rahman reaffirmed BNP’s commitment to implementing every pledge made in the July Charter, including those marked with notes of dissent.

Newly elected members of parliament will take oaths for two roles—one as members of the National Parliament and another as members of the Constitutional Reform Council. The announcement was made by Ali Riaz, special assistant to the Chief Adviser, during a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy on Saturday. The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for February 17.

Ali Riaz stated that the public has given a clear mandate in favor of reforms, describing it as recognition of the July Charter and a reflection of people’s desire to end sixteen years of irregularities. He emphasized that with sincerity and commitment from political parties, the implementation of the July Charter is achievable.

He further noted that more people participated in the referendum than in the parliamentary election, indicating strong public support for reform. According to him, most citizens do not wish to return to the old system, and political parties must now work together to advance the reform agenda as pledged.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman declared, “From today we are all free,” during a post-election press conference held on Saturday at Hotel Intercontinental in Dhaka. He expressed gratitude to the people of Bangladesh for the party’s electoral victory and described it as a triumph for the nation and its citizens. Rahman also extended sincere thanks to the political parties that participated in the election, including Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, Islami Andolon, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam.

In his remarks, Rahman acknowledged the fragile economic condition and weak law and order situation in the country, emphasizing the need to begin addressing these challenges immediately. He called for cooperation from all sectors to move the country forward. The press conference was attended by senior BNP leaders including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, standing committee members, vice chairmen, and advisers.

The event was conducted by BNP Media Cell Convener Dr. Moudud Ahmed Pavel, with several senior party figures present, reflecting the leadership’s unified stance following the election outcome.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has called on all party leaders and activists across Bangladesh to play a responsible role in nation building. He made the appeal on Saturday afternoon at a press conference held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Shahbagh, Dhaka. This was his first press conference after winning the national election. Rahman emphasized that peace and law and order must be maintained at any cost, warning that no form of disorder would be tolerated.

Addressing political parties, Rahman said that despite differences in opinion and approach, everyone is united for the sake of the country. He paid tribute to all martyrs who died in democratic movements from 1971 to the 2024 mass uprising. Rahman also noted that 51 political parties participated in the election, including all major national parties.

The press conference was attended by senior BNP leaders including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, standing committee members, and other key figures. The event was conducted by BNP Media Cell Convener Dr. Moudud Ahmed Pavel.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman has led his party to a landslide victory in the national election, marking his first direct participation in politics after returning from 17 years of self-imposed exile in London. The election comes just over two years after Sheikh Hasina’s controversial win, which was widely criticized for alleged vote-rigging. Rahman’s rise follows the death of his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who led the BNP for four decades.

BNP leaders have pledged to restore democracy and rebuild institutions weakened over the past decade. Political scientist Nabeen Murshid noted that Rahman’s lack of prior governing experience may work in his favor as citizens seek change. The political shift follows the 2024 “July Uprising,” when young protesters helped oust Hasina. Interim leader Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s tenure has since seen unrest, leaving the new government to stabilize law and order, revive the economy, and create jobs.

Sociologist Samina Luthfa observed that most parties lack governing experience and criticized the low representation of women, with only about 4% female candidates. She urged swift action to ensure competent women fill reserved parliamentary seats.

Following its landslide victory in the general election, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced plans to invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the upcoming oath-taking ceremony of its chairman, Tareq Rahman. According to a report by India Today cited in the source, preparations are underway to invite regional heads of state, and Modi is expected to be among the invitees. The report notes that if the invitation is formally sent and accepted, Modi’s presence in Dhaka would mark a significant milestone in India-Bangladesh relations under the new political leadership.

The BNP has not yet made any official announcement confirming the date of the ceremony or the attendance of foreign leaders. The report adds that the party is working to restore India-Bangladesh relations following recent regional tensions.

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi congratulated Tareq Rahman on his election victory and spoke with him by phone. In a post on social media platform X, Modi expressed his pleasure at the conversation and reaffirmed India’s commitment to peace, progress, and prosperity for both nations.

BNP Chairperson and Bangladesh’s next Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that all citizens must work together to ensure the country does not become a subservient state. He made the remarks on Saturday, February 14, during a post-election press conference following the recently concluded national polls.

During the briefing, Rahman expressed gratitude to all political parties for contributing to what he described as a fair and impartial election. He also urged his party’s leaders and activists to maintain restraint in their behavior in the aftermath of the election.

Rahman remembered former three-time Prime Minister and BNP’s former Chairperson Khaleda Zia, praying for the forgiveness of her soul. His comments marked his first major statement after the election, emphasizing unity and responsible conduct as the country transitions to a new government.

Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid said that newly elected members of the National Parliament are expected to take their oath within three or at most four days. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Saturday, he explained that the official gazette for the elected members has already been published, and according to law, the oath-taking must occur within three days from the start of the next working day. He indicated that the ceremony could take place by February 17.

Dr. Rashid added that preparations for the oath-taking are complete, but arrangements are also in place if it is delayed beyond the initial three days. The ceremony will be held at Bangabhaban, where about one thousand guests, including distinguished individuals, are expected to attend. He confirmed that, as per the constitution, the President will administer the oath to the members of the Cabinet.

Following the oath, participating political parties will select their parliamentary leaders. The leader of the majority members will inform the President, who will then appoint that person as Prime Minister according to constitutional procedure.

Interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Saturday personally called Tarique Rahman, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, and Nahid Islam to express his congratulations, thanks, and gratitude for their responsible roles in ensuring a festive and peaceful national election atmosphere across Bangladesh. During separate telephone conversations, he commended their contributions to maintaining calm and order during the electoral process.

According to the report, Yunus first spoke with Tarique Rahman, congratulating him on his party’s overwhelming majority victory. He then thanked Shafiqur Rahman and Nahid Islam for their success and for demonstrating responsibility in the post-election period. The Chief Adviser emphasized that the moderation and restraint shown by political parties helped sustain a celebratory and peaceful environment nationwide.

Yunus expressed hope that political parties would continue to act cooperatively and positively to uphold democratic continuity. He also urged all parties to work together to meet the expectations of the country’s citizens.

Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid said the Cabinet Division is fully prepared to hold the new government’s oath-taking ceremony on any day before February 17. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Saturday afternoon, he stated that preparations are complete even if the ceremony takes place as early as tomorrow. Around one thousand guests are expected to be invited to the event, and all necessary arrangements are being finalized.

Regarding who will administer the oath to the newly elected members of parliament, the secretary mentioned that the government may nominate someone for the task. He added that either the Chief Justice or the Chief Election Commissioner could conduct the oath ceremony. After the members of parliament take their oaths, the President will administer the oath to the leader of the majority party and the new cabinet, following established procedure.

The secretary’s remarks indicate that the administrative groundwork for the transition to the new government is complete, awaiting only the final scheduling of the ceremony.

In the 13th National Parliamentary Election for Netrakona-4 constituency (comprising Madan, Mohanganj, and Khaliajuri), BNP leader and former state minister for home affairs Lutfozzaman Babar won with 160,801 votes. His nearest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Al Helal Talukder, received 39,309 votes. Three other candidates—Joly Talukder of the Communist Party, Champa Rani Sarkar of the Revolutionary Workers Party, and Mokhlesur Rahman of Islami Andolan Bangladesh—failed to secure enough votes to retain their deposits.

According to the returning officer’s office, Netrakona-4 had 375,312 registered voters, with 206,307 valid votes cast and 6,106 votes canceled, marking a turnout of 56.60 percent. A candidate needed at least 12.5 percent of the valid votes, or 25,788 votes, to recover their deposit. Joly Talukder received 3,359 votes, Champa Rani Sarkar 282 votes, and Mokhlesur Rahman 2,025 votes.

Local BNP leaders said Babar’s past development work and employment initiatives in the haor region contributed to his wide margin of victory, leading several rival candidates to lose their deposits.

BNP candidate S M Jahangir Hossain, who won the Dhaka-18 constituency in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, received a congratulatory visit from his closest rival Ariful Islam of the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance. The meeting took place on Saturday at Jahangir’s residence in Uttara, Dhaka, where both leaders shared sweets in a friendly atmosphere.

During the visit, the two main contenders and local alliance leaders emphasized the importance of democratic practice and mutual respect following the election. Ariful Islam, an NCP leader, accepted the results and expressed his commitment to maintaining democratic continuity. The leaders also pledged to work together for the development of the Dhaka-18 constituency.

According to the official results, Jahangir Hossain secured 144,715 votes under the BNP’s paddy sheaf symbol, while Ariful Islam received 111,297 votes, giving Jahangir a victory margin of over 33,000 votes.

Lutfur Rahman Khan Azad has been elected as a Member of Parliament from Tangail-3 (Ghatail) constituency for the fifth time. In the 13th National Parliamentary Election, unofficial results from 122 centers show that Azad, contesting as an independent candidate with the motorcycle symbol, received 106,794 votes. His nearest rival, BNP candidate Obaidul Haque Nasir, secured 81,734 votes.

Previously, Azad was elected four consecutive times from the same constituency as a BNP nominee with the paddy sheaf symbol. Despite being denied party nomination this time, he achieved a decisive victory as an independent. During his earlier terms, he also served as a state minister in various ministries.

The result underscores Azad’s continued influence in Tangail-3, where his personal political base appears to have remained strong even after losing party endorsement.