At least two people were killed and three others were seriously injured in a shooting during a high school ice hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, United States. The incident occurred on Monday, February 16, when local police received the first emergency call at 2:28 p.m. According to Al Jazeera, Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said the suspected shooter is believed to have taken his own life after firing the shots. Goncalves described the attack as possibly premeditated and linked to a family dispute, though authorities have not released details about the suspect or the victims. Investigators are examining what led up to the shooting. A Providence Journal report cited video footage capturing about 13 gunshots within six seconds, followed by another shot roughly 11 seconds later. Witnesses said spectators and students dropped to the floor and sought safety as the gunfire erupted, before quickly evacuating the area. The incident has caused widespread panic in the community.

Police in Kaliganj, Jhenaidah, have arrested Palash Mia, a warrant-listed suspect in a mobile banking fraud case. The arrest took place around 11 p.m. on Sunday near the Kaliganj main bus stand after a local Jamaat leader, who had previously been defrauded, recognized him and, with the help of locals, detained him. Palash Mia, aged 30, is the son of Chan Mia from Par Dakhilpur village in Harinakundu upazila. According to police sources, Palash Mia had been involved in fraudulent activities for a long time, using the mobile financial service bKash to deceive people and collect money illegally. In one instance, he allegedly withdrew 25,000 taka from the Jamaat leader through deception before going into hiding. Following the issuance of an arrest warrant in the fraud case, he remained a fugitive until his capture. Kaliganj Police Officer-in-Charge Jellal Hossain confirmed that Palash Mia faced multiple fraud cases and was sent to jail through the court after his arrest.

Unregulated brick kilns continue to operate across Netrakona district, posing serious threats to agricultural land, public health and the environment. According to local sources, 32 brick kilns are currently active this year, but only four have environmental clearance. Despite mobile court fines imposed on six kilns earlier in the season, no closures have been enforced, allowing illegal operations to persist. Officials from the Department of Environment and the district administration confirmed that Netrakona has 40 kilns across nine upazilas, with 28 running without permits. Each kiln employs 300 to 400 workers, providing jobs for 10,000 to 12,000 people and producing up to 10 million bricks per site. Environmental activists have expressed concern over pollution and the lack of compliance with regulations. Department officials cited legal complications as a reason for delays in shutting down illegal kilns but said enforcement drives would continue. District authorities stated that joint mobile courts are regularly fining violators and that further action will be taken if specific complaints about illegal soil extraction from government or river lands are received.

Bangladesh’s financial sector is showing signs of recovery from a prolonged crisis as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) forms a new government after winning two-thirds of parliamentary seats. The interim administration led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, which took charge in August 2024, is credited with restoring stability through reforms that curbed irregularities, corruption, and capital flight. Economists note that the sector’s stabilization, rather than investment growth, was the interim government’s key achievement. According to data cited in the report, foreign exchange reserves rose from 20 billion to over 34 billion US dollars, while inflation fell from 11.6% to 8.58%. The banking sector saw consolidation, including the merger of five weak Shariah-based banks into a new entity, and stricter loan recovery measures improved transparency. The trade balance turned from a 6.6 billion dollar deficit to a 3.29 billion dollar surplus, supported by higher remittances and export growth. Experts warn that the incoming BNP government faces challenges including weak revenue collection, rising domestic and foreign debt, and the upcoming graduation from LDC status, which may test the sustainability of recent economic stabilization.

Indian media outlets have voiced strong concern over the rise of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and its alliance with the National Citizens Party (NCP) following the country’s 13th parliamentary election. Reports from India Today, Times of India, News18, and others described the Islamist party’s success—winning 68 seats alone and 77 with allies—as a potential threat to India’s national security, particularly in border districts adjoining Assam and West Bengal. Analysts cited the party’s ideological proximity to Pakistan and its anti-India stance as reasons for heightened vigilance. Several reports noted that Jamaat and its allies performed strongly in border regions such as Lalmonirhat, Chapainawabganj, Kurigram, Meherpur, and Satkhira, areas where Indian outlets claim strategic and demographic sensitivities exist. Former Eastern Command GOC Lt. Gen. Ranapratap Kalita told India Today that Jamaat leveraged latent anti-India sentiment in rural and frontier areas to achieve its gains. Indian intelligence agencies are reportedly monitoring the situation closely. Media commentary suggested that New Delhi should work with Bangladesh’s ruling BNP to contain Jamaat’s influence and ensure border stability and minority safety, reflecting India’s growing unease over the political shift in Dhaka.

Agriculture and Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that Bangladesh’s agriculture sector is now in a stable condition due to the combined efforts of all stakeholders. He made the remarks on Monday at a farewell reception organized by departments and agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council auditorium in Dhaka. The adviser highlighted that during his one and a half years in charge of the ministry, several initiatives were taken to ensure food security and make the sector sustainable and farmer-friendly. He said the fertilizer crisis had been resolved, flood damages in several regions were managed, and the sector was now performing better than before. Fertilizer stocks were at a strong level, and agricultural product prices remained within a tolerable range. In his farewell speech, he urged proper distribution of agricultural incentives, careful selection of beneficiaries, and strict monitoring of fertilizer sales at government-fixed prices. He also thanked all officials and agencies under the ministry for their cooperation.

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.

The government of Bangladesh has reduced the value-added tax (VAT) on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), according to a statement issued on February 16. National Board of Revenue (NBR) public relations officer Md. Al Amin Sheikh confirmed that the decision was made to keep LPG prices stable and affordable for both industrial and household users. Previously, LPG was subject to a 7.5 percent VAT at the local production and trading stages and a 2 percent advance tax at import. Following recommendations from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and a request from the LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh, the government issued two separate notifications withdrawing the 7.5 percent VAT on local production and trading and the 2 percent advance tax on imports. Instead, a 7.5 percent VAT will now apply only at the import stage until June 30. According to the NBR, this adjustment will remove VAT from the value added during local production and sales, reducing the overall tax burden on consumers by approximately 20 percent compared to previous levels.

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.

Two separate fires broke out in Dhaka on Monday night, one at the timber market beside the TCB building in Karwan Bazar and another at a shoe factory on Agamasi Lane in Old Dhaka. Both incidents occurred around the same time and were brought under control shortly afterward by Fire Service and Civil Defence teams. No casualties were reported in either fire. According to Fire Service sources, the Karwan Bazar fire began around 10:30 p.m., and ten units were dispatched to the scene. The blaze affected several floors of a five-storey building that housed diaper and wooden goods warehouses. Narrow access roads delayed firefighting efforts, and stored goods and furniture were damaged. The Old Dhaka fire started around 10:45 p.m. on the fourth floor of a seven-storey shoe factory building. Three units responded and controlled the fire by 11:35 p.m. The cause of both fires is under investigation. Traffic in the affected areas was temporarily disrupted, and local residents assisted firefighters during the operations.

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.

Columnist, researcher, and education administrator Shah Monsur Ali Noman has been honored with the 'Best Feature Writer of the Year–2025' award in London. The recognition was given by the UK Bangla Reporters Unity (UKBRU) during an award and induction ceremony held on Sunday, February 15, at the London Academy. The selection was based on evaluations of the best features, columns, and essays published by members of the organization. The event was presided over by UKBRU President and political scientist Principal Muhammad Shahed Rahman and attended by Bangla-speaking journalists, columnists, researchers, and cultural figures living in the United Kingdom. Scottish Parliament member Faisal Chowdhury MBE attended as chief guest, while Luton Council Deputy Mayor Councillor Shahanara Naser and Croydon Council DC Mayor Councillor Mohammad Islam were present as special guests. Noman, who views society through a deeply humanistic lens, has a background in political science and law and is currently pursuing an LLM at the University of Portsmouth. His writings focus on social issues, environmental degradation, and human rights, and several of his reports have prompted real development initiatives. Noman has previously been recognized by various newspapers and organizations for his contributions to journalism and social service, reflecting his long-standing commitment to public welfare and intellectual engagement.

A fire broke out at a shoe factory located on Agamasi Lane, Agha Sadek Road in Old Dhaka on Tuesday night. The incident occurred around 10:45 p.m., prompting three units of the Fire Service and Civil Defence to rush to the scene and begin efforts to control the blaze. The factory is housed in a seven-story building, and eyewitnesses along with fire service sources reported that the fire originated on the fourth floor. Fire Service officer Talha Bil Jasim stated that three units were dispatched immediately after receiving the report and that work to bring the fire under control was ongoing. He confirmed that no casualties had been reported so far and said the cause of the fire would be determined after an investigation. Traffic movement in the area was disrupted due to the incident, while law enforcement personnel and local residents assisted the fire service in their operations.

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.