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.

At the National Press Club on Monday evening, Syed Abdal Ahmad, Executive Editor of Amar Desh, congratulated newly elected BNP-nominated MP MA Hannan from Nasirnagar upazila of Brahmanbaria district with flowers. Ahmad expressed hope that the new lawmaker would ensure balanced development in Nasirnagar without discrimination based on political affiliation, religion, or ethnicity, emphasizing that Hannan represents all residents of the constituency. Drawing on the example of late BNP minister Chowdhury Kamal Ibne Yusuf, Ahmad said that a true people's representative must rise above party boundaries and treat everyone equally. He recalled Yusuf’s willingness to assist anyone from his area with legal recommendations, regardless of political background. Ahmad expressed confidence that Hannan would work to fulfill the expectations of the voters who elected him. The event was attended by retired additional secretary Mofiz Uddin Ahmad, Dhaka University professor Hafiz Uddin, and retired banker Syed Shafin, among others.

The Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government announced on February 16 that the administration has worked with the United States, China, and Japan to strengthen the country’s economy, employment, industrialization, and international diplomatic position. In a televised address at 9:15 p.m., he said a new bilateral trade and tariff agreement with the United States has been completed, reducing reciprocal tariffs from 37% to 19%. The agreement is described as a strategic foundation for long-term economic and diplomatic growth. He added that cooperation with Japan will enable Bangladesh to gradually enter sectors such as automobile parts, electronics, railway equipment, green technology, and high-value industrial products. This partnership is expected to reduce risks and attract investment from industrialized nations seeking duty-free export benefits to Japan. The Chief Adviser also stated that development cooperation with China has deepened, highlighting progress on the Teesta River management and resettlement project and an agreement to build a 1,000-bed international-standard hospital in Nilphamari. He emphasized that education, training, and integrity are essential to transforming Bangladesh into a skill- and technology-based economy.

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.