Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) members elected to the 13th National Parliament have decided not to accept any government plots or tax-free (duty-free) cars. The decision was made at a meeting of party lawmakers held on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m., and later confirmed to journalists by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. The announcement follows a similar declaration by Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, who stated earlier that any elected MP from his party would also refrain from using state-provided plots or duty-free vehicles. The BNP’s move aligns with this stance, signaling a unified position among opposition parties on rejecting such state privileges. The decision underscores the BNP’s effort to project a stance of restraint and integrity among its newly elected representatives in the 13th Parliament, though further details on implementation were not provided in the report.

Tension has arisen within the BNP-Jamaat alliance over the oath-taking of members for the Constitutional Reform Council following the recent referendum victory of the 'Yes' side. According to procedure, each newly elected Member of Parliament must take two oaths—one as an MP and another as a member of the council. The oath ceremony was scheduled for Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. in the oath room of the National Parliament Building, with preparations made by the Parliament Secretariat for both the 13th Parliament and the council. BNP has announced that while its members will take the oath as MPs, they will not take the oath as council members. BNP’s Cox’s Bazar–1 MP-elect Salahuddin Ahmed stated that they were not elected as council members and would act only after constitutional approval in Parliament. In contrast, Jamaat-e-Islami and NCP leaders said they would take both oaths. Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher said their MPs were scheduled to take the oath at noon but warned that if BNP abstains, Jamaat MPs will also refrain, viewing a non-reformed Parliament as meaningless. Of the 300 parliamentary seats, voting took place in 299 constituencies last Thursday, with one postponed due to a candidate’s death and two under court injunctions.

Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall, celebrated for his performances in The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, has died at the age of 95, his wife Luciana Duvall announced in a Facebook post on Monday. She said Duvall gave everything to his characters and to the truth of the human spirit they represented. Tributes from across Hollywood followed, with Adam Sandler calling him one of the greatest actors ever and Michael Imperioli describing him as an actor’s actor. Duvall’s career spanned nearly 100 films, including acclaimed roles as Tom Hagen in The Godfather, Lieutenant Colonel Bull Meechum in The Great Santini, and the title character in Stalin. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for Tender Mercies in 1983 and received six additional Oscar nominations, including for Apocalypse Now. He also wrote, directed, and starred in The Apostle, earning another Oscar nomination. Born in Annapolis, Maryland, Duvall was the son of a US Navy admiral and an amateur actress. He studied at Principia College, served in the US Army, and later moved to New York City, where he shared an apartment with Dustin Hoffman and befriended Gene Hackman during their early acting years.

Members of Parliament from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have declined to take the oath as members of the newly formed Constitutional Reform Council, though they have already been sworn in as MPs. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said the party will decide on the council oath after the parliamentary session begins. In contrast, elected representatives from the Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizens Party (NCP)-led 11-party alliance have taken both oaths as MPs and as council members. The National Parliament Secretariat had prepared for two separate oaths following the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order, which mandates the formation of a Constitutional Reform Council composed of newly elected representatives. However, BNP’s 209 MPs refused to take the second oath, arguing that the existing constitution does not recognize such a council or authorize the Chief Election Commissioner to administer its oath. Observers noted that BNP’s refusal has created an early obstacle for the interim government’s reform initiatives and may lead to a new political crisis.

Permanent Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed stated on Tuesday that his group remains committed to implementing the July Charter. Speaking to journalists around 12:30 p.m., he clarified that none of them were elected as members of the Constitutional Reform Council and therefore did not take any oath. The remarks were made amid ongoing political developments, including reports of oath-taking by alliance members under Shafiqur Rahman’s leadership and upcoming demonstrations in the capital by Jamaat. Salahuddin’s statement emphasized adherence to the July Charter as a guiding principle while distancing his group from the constitutional reform process. Further details about the implementation steps or political implications of the July Charter were not provided in the report.

Members of Parliament from the Jamaat alliance took their oaths under the leadership of Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Tuesday at 12:24 p.m. in the oath room of the National Parliament building. The oath was administered by Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin. BNP-elected MPs did not take their oaths as members of the Constitutional Reform Council. Later in the day, at 4 p.m., the cabinet is scheduled to be sworn in at the South Plaza of the Parliament building. Following the landslide victory of the BNP in the 13th national election, party chairman Tarique Rahman is set to take oath as the new Prime Minister. The day’s events mark the formal transition toward a new government formation after the election, with Jamaat alliance MPs joining Parliament while BNP prepares for executive leadership.

A total of 45 vehicles have been prepared and lined up at the Secretariat for newly appointed cabinet members. The vehicles were arranged on Tuesday morning in front of Building No. 1 of the Secretariat. According to the Cabinet Division, the Government Transport Department was instructed to ensure the required number of vehicles were ready for use. In line with that directive, 47 vehicles have been initially prepared for ministers. Officials explained that under VVIP protocol, a few extra vehicles are always kept ready to ensure immediate replacement in case any vehicle becomes unusable or faces an accident. The arrangement aims to maintain uninterrupted transport support for cabinet members. The preparation reflects standard administrative practice for ensuring smooth logistical support during the formation of a new cabinet, as indicated by the Cabinet Division sources.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a protest rally and gathering in Dhaka today, citing dissatisfaction with the prevailing national situation and instability. The event is scheduled for 3 p.m. at the north gate of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram, organized by the Dhaka Metropolitan South unit of the party. The announcement was confirmed by Abdus Sattar Suman, assistant publicity secretary of the unit. The protest comes amid uncertainty surrounding the oath-taking of newly elected members of the National Parliament. According to the report, Jamaat-e-Islami and an eleven-party alliance held a similar demonstration at the same location on Monday. The party’s latest call for protest reflects its continued opposition to the current political and social conditions. The timing of the demonstration, coinciding with parliamentary developments, indicates Jamaat’s intent to maintain pressure on political authorities during a period of national uncertainty.

Ehsanul Haque Milon, Member of Parliament for Chandpur-1 and former state minister for education, has been invited to take oath as a minister in the new BNP government. Milon confirmed the invitation to the media on Tuesday morning, and the cabinet swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for the afternoon at the South Plaza of the National Parliament building. Earlier in the morning, at 10:40 a.m., newly elected BNP members of the 13th National Parliament took their oaths in the parliament’s oath room, administered by Chief Election Commissioner A. M. M. Nasir Uddin. However, BNP lawmakers did not take oath as members of the Constitutional Reform Council. Milon won the Chandpur-1 (Kachua) constituency under the BNP’s “sheaf of paddy” symbol. Following the BNP’s landslide victory in the 13th parliamentary election, party chairman Tarique Rahman is set to take oath as the new prime minister later in the day.

Bangladesh’s recently concluded 13th parliamentary election has drawn attention for the absence of post-election violence against religious minorities, a recurring issue since 1991. Reports indicate that no major incidents or propaganda campaigns targeting minorities have surfaced this time, marking a significant departure from previous elections. The BNP-led alliance achieved a landslide victory, while Jamaat-e-Islami emerged as a strong opposition force. In earlier elections, particularly under Sheikh Hasina’s rule, widespread attacks on minority homes, businesses, and temples were documented by rights groups. The 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections saw hundreds of violent incidents, including arson and assaults, often leaving minority communities in fear. Transparency International Bangladesh had warned before the latest election about potential risks of violence and religious influence, but those fears did not materialize. Analysts cited the absence of the Awami League as a key factor behind the peaceful outcome, suggesting that previous propaganda and political exploitation of minority issues were absent this time. The election’s calm conduct has been described as unprecedented in the country’s electoral history.

A mobile court led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Shaikha Sultana conducted a special raid in Bashkandi Union of Shibchar upazila, Madaripur, on Monday, February 16, 2026. Acting on a tip-off, the team discovered a large quantity of counterfeit and adulterated goods inside a factory located in the house of Kalam Bepari. Two individuals, factory owner Ramzan Bepari (20) and fake cigarette seller Rasel Molla (30), were detained during the operation. Following the raid, the court sentenced Ramzan Bepari to one month in jail and Rasel Molla to seven days. Approximately Tk 700,000 worth of adulterated food items, soft drinks, fake cigarettes, and raw materials were seized and destroyed on-site. Some confiscated products were publicly burned at the Shibchar municipal bus terminal to raise awareness among residents. Executive Magistrate Shaikha Sultana stated that such operations would continue in Shibchar to protect public health and prevent the sale or production of harmful adulterated goods.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday warned Iran that it would face consequences if it failed to reach an agreement in the upcoming talks. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning to Washington, Trump said he would be indirectly involved in the discussions and cautioned that Iran would not want to face the outcome of refusing a deal. The meeting between the United States and Iran is scheduled for Tuesday in Geneva, mediated by Oman. The talks come after months of heightened tensions following Iran’s crackdown on anti-government protests and its firm stance on its nuclear program. The United States and several European countries have expressed concern that Iran’s nuclear activities could be aimed at developing weapons, an allegation Tehran continues to deny. Washington has also sought to include Iran’s ballistic missile program and its support for armed groups in the Middle East in the negotiations. Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated on Monday that the U.S. position on the nuclear issue had become more realistic. A previous attempt at dialogue collapsed after Israel launched a surprise attack on Iran, sparking a 12-day war that later saw U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

BNP lawmakers have not taken the oath as members of the Constitutional Reform Council, according to a report published on February 17, 2026. The party stated that a decision on the matter will be made after the parliamentary session begins. Before taking their oath as MPs, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed reiterated the party’s stance near the Parliament complex on Tuesday morning. Salahuddin Ahmed explained that the Chief Election Commissioner holds the constitutional authority to administer the oath to members of the 13th Parliament. However, he noted that it has not yet been determined who will administer the oath to members of the Constitutional Reform Council. He added that constitutional amendments and related matters must be settled before such an oath can take place. He further clarified that if the Speaker or Deputy Speaker is unavailable or unable to perform the duty, the Chief Election Commissioner may administer the oath. The BNP maintains that the issue will be reconsidered once the parliamentary session is underway.

The trial of seven accused, including suspended Awami League general secretary and former minister Obaidul Quader, begins today in connection with alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising killings. The proceedings are being held at Tribunal-2, chaired by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, with two other judges, retired district judge Md Manjurul Basid and district judge Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir. The tribunal is scheduled to hear opening statements and record the first witness testimony. Formal charges were framed on January 22, and the tribunal set February 17 for the trial’s opening. All accused are absconding, including Awami League joint general secretary A F M Bahauddin Nasim, former state minister for information Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League president Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, general secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, Chhatra League president Saddam Hossain, and general secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Enan. The prosecution previously detailed individual responsibilities, while defense lawyers denied involvement and sought dismissal of charges. Law enforcement failed to locate the accused after arrest warrants were issued, leading the tribunal to appoint state defense lawyers and publish notices in newspapers. The formal complaint was filed on December 18 last year.

Members of Parliament from the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance have insisted on taking two oaths—one as MPs and another as members of the Constitutional Reform Council—before assuming office. They have declared that they will not take the parliamentary oath unless both are administered. The issue has created procedural complications within the parliament building, where representatives from the BNP, Jamaat, and the outgoing government are holding discussions to resolve the impasse. The swearing-in of Jamaat MPs is scheduled for noon. BNP MPs, led by Tarique Rahman, took their parliamentary oath earlier at 10:40 a.m. but did not take the oath for the Constitutional Reform Council. Jamaat MPs, including Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, are currently present in the parliament building awaiting a decision. The situation has drawn attention as the new parliamentary session faces delays due to the dispute over the dual oath demand. If the issue remains unresolved, the start of parliamentary activities could be further delayed, depending on the outcome of ongoing discussions among the political groups involved.