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.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, in a televised address to the nation on February 16, 2026, emphasized that a society can only progress when women are safe, respected, and enjoy equal rights. He stated that sustainable development depends on women’s equal participation in decision-making, the economy, education, and leadership. Yunus highlighted that the vision of a new Bangladesh cannot be realized without women’s advancement. He announced that several laws had been amended, including the Sexual Harassment Prevention Ordinance, the Domestic Violence Prevention Ordinance, and the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, to strengthen protection for women and children. These reforms aim to ensure safety and prevent harassment in workplaces and educational institutions. Referring to the recently held referendum, Yunus described it as a festive and historic event. He congratulated both the winners and the defeated candidates, calling victory and defeat the beauty of democracy. He noted that both sides received nearly half of the total votes and confirmed that a new government would soon take office, marking the end of the caretaker administration’s 18-month tenure.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus described the 16-year period of autocratic rule as a “deep and painful lesson” for the nation in his farewell address on February 16, 2026. He said political activists had faced severe persecution, including lawsuits, enforced disappearances, and killings during that time. Yunus emphasized that this experience should remind the nation to prevent the rise of future tyrannies, the return of fascism, or the recurrence of extrajudicial killings. He stated that beyond political commitments, fundamental reforms in the judiciary and state structure are essential. The interim government, he said, has prioritized reform programs accordingly. Yunus noted that several tribunals are actively working, with verdicts already delivered in some cases, and that the International Crimes Tribunal has begun proceedings on enforced disappearances and human rights violations. Some trials are nearing completion. The Chief Adviser expressed hope that the judicial process would continue with impartiality and transparency, ensuring justice and preventing any repetition of past misrule.

In his farewell address on February 16, 2026, Interim Government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus announced that the administration had issued around 600 executive orders and enacted or amended about 130 laws, with approximately 84 percent already implemented. He said these reforms strengthened citizens’ rights, reinforced the judiciary, and laid the foundation to prevent the return of enforced disappearances, killings, and extrajudicial executions. Yunus emphasized that the government kept trials for crimes against humanity, corruption, and irregularities above politics and revenge. He highlighted administrative, commercial, and financial reforms to ensure no future government could act against the people’s will. He also noted the successful organization of a free, fair, and peaceful national election that restored citizens’ voting rights. The adviser expressed gratitude to youth protesters, political parties, law enforcement, the armed forces, and civil servants for their cooperation. He added that the Police Commission Ordinance 2025 was introduced to build a people-friendly and accountable force, while judicial independence was strengthened through structural reforms. Amendments to the International Crimes Tribunal Act and the reconstitution of the National Human Rights Commission aimed to ensure Bangladesh never again becomes a state without human rights.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced his departure after 18 months in office during a televised address to the nation on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 9:15 p.m. He said his primary task had been to make the country functional again, describing it as the most difficult challenge. Yunus noted that those who had previously exploited the nation fled or went into hiding following the uprising, leaving the administration to rebuild. He highlighted that the recent referendum and election were held in a festive, nationwide atmosphere reminiscent of Eid, calling it a memorable event in the country’s history. Congratulating both winners and losers of the competitive election, Yunus said that victory and defeat are the essence of democracy. He added that both sides received roughly half of the total votes, emphasizing that even those who lost should take comfort in the trust shown by nearly half of the electorate. Yunus concluded that a new government would soon assume responsibility, marking the end of the caretaker administration’s 18-month tenure.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus delivered an emotional farewell address on February 16, 2026, recalling the events of August 5 as a moment of great national liberation. He described the day as one of immense joy, noting that Bangladeshis at home and abroad shed tears of happiness. Yunus said that young students had freed the country from what he called a 'monster’s grip,' though the state machinery had become completely paralyzed at that time. He explained that the student leaders behind the uprising decided to form a government to run the country. At that time, Yunus was abroad and initially declined to take responsibility, but the student leaders persuaded him by reminding him of his duty to the nation. He stated that he had faithfully carried out his responsibilities for the past 18 months and that it was now time to hand over power to an elected government. Yunus described August 5 as a unique moment of liberation in the nation’s history and said that the interim government had worked to restore stability and functionality to the state. As he prepared to transfer power, he expressed gratitude to the people of Bangladesh.

A job applicant was detained at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) in Gazipur after arriving to join work without taking any written, viva, or practical examination. The incident occurred on Monday, February 16, 2026, when Suja Mia, 32, from Sherpur’s Sreebordi upazila, came to join as a plumber. Officials discovered that his admit card contained the photo of another person named Milon Mia, who had taken all the exams on his behalf. Suja Mia claimed he did not know Milon and said he obtained the job through a man named Mahbub from his area in exchange for seven lakh taka. He was later handed over to police. Following his arrest, Suja Mia’s brother-in-law, Sajal Mia, visited the BRRI headquarters, prompting discussions due to his home being near the BRRI director general’s village house. Sajal denied any connection to the case. Gazipur Metropolitan Police confirmed that a case is being processed and an investigation is underway to determine whether any internal collusion or broker network was involved. Police stated that a full investigation is ongoing to uncover the entire recruitment fraud network.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus said that full implementation of the July Charter would permanently prevent the return of fascism. In his farewell address to the nation on Monday night, he noted that the people had overwhelmingly supported the Charter through a referendum and expressed hope it would be implemented within the stipulated timeframe. He thanked political parties, social organizations, and rights groups for their contributions to drafting and passing the Charter. Yunus stated that after nearly one and a half decades, Bangladesh held a festive, participatory, and peaceful national election alongside the referendum on the July Charter, aimed at major constitutional reforms. Reflecting on his 18 months in office, he said the interim government worked on three goals—reform, justice, and election—introducing about 130 new laws and 600 executive orders. He highlighted initiatives such as strengthening judicial independence, recognizing enforced disappearance as a crime against humanity, and police reform. He added that balanced diplomacy had been restored, citing a trade deal with the United States that reduced reciprocal tariffs from 37 to 19 percent, and growing cooperation with Japan and China. Yunus urged unity in building a just, humane, and democratic Bangladesh as he handed over power to the elected government.

On February 16, 2026, China Media Group (CMG) hosted the annual Chinese Spring Festival Gala, broadcast in 85 languages across more than 200 countries and regions. The event, themed around the Year of the Horse, symbolized perseverance and progress, inspiring audiences worldwide. It featured a blend of traditional performances and cutting-edge technology, including AI-generated content that brought digital horses and ancient art to life on stage. The gala showcased humanoid robots from four Chinese companies—Galaxy General, Songyan Dynamics, Yushu Technology, and Magic Atom—demonstrating China’s rapid progress in robotics. Additional venues included Harbin’s ice-built stage and a light show on Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, symbolizing cultural exchange between China and the Arab world. The event also received greetings from global leaders, including those of Russia, Brazil, and Pakistan, highlighting China’s growing international influence. Experts described the 2026 gala as a convergence of technology, culture, and diplomacy, reflecting how Chinese traditions are evolving into a global celebration that bridges innovation and heritage.