The Sirajganj district unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has suspended all party positions of two local leaders following allegations of voter intimidation and assault in the Sirajganj-5 (Belkuchi-Chauhali) parliamentary constituency. The decision was announced late Sunday night through two letters signed by district BNP office secretary Tanvir Mahmud Palash. The suspended leaders are Mostafizur Rahman Mondal, former general secretary of Ward No. 4 of Belkuchi municipality BNP, and Shihab Mondal, organizational secretary of the Belkuchi municipal branch of the Nationalist Cyber Team. According to the letters, the suspensions were issued due to cases filed against them for violating party discipline and engaging in threats and assaults with local weapons after the 13th national parliamentary election. The decision was approved by district BNP president Rumana Mahmud and general secretary Saidur Rahman Bacchu. The action reflects the district BNP’s attempt to address internal discipline issues following the recent election period.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s elected Members of Parliament will not accept tax-free cars or government plots, according to party leader and Supreme Court lawyer Mohammad Shishir Monir. He announced the decision on Monday through a verified Facebook post, reiterating that the MPs would follow the party’s earlier pledge to reject such privileges. The announcement aligns with a prior declaration made by Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Amir Shafiqul Rahman on November 7, 2025, during a convention in Sylhet. At that event, he stated that no Jamaat MP would take government plots or use tax-exempt vehicles. He also emphasized that if the party sits in opposition, it would support all humanitarian initiatives of the ruling party but resist any return to old political practices. According to the Election Commission’s results for the 13th National Parliament election, the BNP won 209 seats, Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68, independents 7, the National Citizens Party 6, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis 2, and several smaller parties one seat each.

The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) has announced revised trading hours for the holy month of Ramadan. According to a press release issued on Monday, trading will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until 1:40 p.m., followed by a post-closing session from 1:40 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. The DSE also stated that its official office operations will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. during this period. The exchange has requested investors, brokerage houses, and all related stakeholders to follow the new schedule throughout Ramadan. The adjustment aims to accommodate the special circumstances of the month while ensuring smooth market operations. The announcement reflects the DSE’s periodic practice of modifying trading hours during Ramadan to align with the working patterns and needs of market participants.

In Munshiganj-2 constituency, a rare moment of political harmony emerged on Sunday night, February 15, when BNP candidate Advocate Abdus Salam Azad, the winner of the 13th National Parliamentary Election, was congratulated by his closest rival, NCP candidate Majedul Islam. The two exchanged floral garlands, shared sweets, and embraced each other, creating a scene that quickly drew local and social media attention for its display of mutual respect beyond electoral rivalry. Residents of Tongibari described the meeting as unprecedented in Bangladesh’s political culture. Local resident Md. Mohiuddin, 68, expressed emotional appreciation, hoping such gestures of unity would continue in national politics. Several local coordinators and party representatives from NCP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and other groups attended the courtesy meeting. Both candidates pledged to work together for the development of Louhajong and Tongibari upazilas. Advocate Azad emphasized that improving people’s quality of life, not victory or defeat, would remain his main goal, promising cooperation in all constructive initiatives.

The United States carried out airstrikes on more than 30 Islamic State (IS) bases in Syria between February 3 and February 12, according to a statement from the US Central Command (CENTCOM). The strikes targeted IS infrastructure, weapons depots, and communication facilities. CENTCOM said the operations were conducted in response to a December attack by IS that killed two US soldiers and their interpreter. Drones and other advanced weapons were used in the missions. The December attack had claimed the lives of two Iowa National Guard reservists and injured three members of Syria’s security forces. Following the incident, CENTCOM launched a series of retaliatory operations under “Operation Hawkeye Strike.” In January, CENTCOM forces also killed Bilal Hasan al-Jamis, an al-Qaeda-linked figure. CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated that those who attack or conspire against US citizens or troops would find no safe haven. CENTCOM reported that from late January to mid-February, five additional strikes targeted IS weapons and communication centers. Over the past two months, US forces have hit more than 100 IS sites, killing or capturing at least 50 IS fighters.

More than 50,000 members of Israel’s military hold citizenship from other countries, according to official army data published by the daily Yedioth Ahronoth. The figures were released after the transparency organization Hatzlacha filed a request under Israel’s Freedom of Information law. The data show that 50,632 soldiers have dual nationality, including 12,135 with U.S. citizenship, 6,127 with French citizenship, and over 5,000 with Russian citizenship. The report further notes that more than 3,000 soldiers hold German citizenship and a similar number hold Ukrainian citizenship. Over 1,000 soldiers have British nationality, while 1,686 are Romanian, 1,387 Polish, and 185 Canadian citizens. A smaller number hold citizenship from Arab countries such as Yemen, Tunisia, Lebanon, Syria, and Algeria. Additionally, 4,440 soldiers possess two foreign citizenships besides Israeli, and 162 hold three. The army did not clarify whether the data include active-duty or reserve members. Israeli media estimate about 170,000 active soldiers and between 400,000 and 460,000 reservists. The statistics were requested in March 2025 and are considered the first detailed public disclosure on foreign citizenship among Israeli military personnel.

Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss regional and global security, as well as mutual counterterrorism cooperation. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference in Germany on Saturday. According to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the two sides exchanged views on security conditions and measures against terrorism. During his visit to Germany from February 12 to 14, Asim Munir also held meetings with German officials, including Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, the Chancellor’s foreign and security policy adviser Gunter Sauter, and Defense Chief General Carsten Breuer. Discussions focused on bilateral defense cooperation and advancing global peace through dialogue. Munir additionally met with Brazil’s Chief of the Joint Staff Admiral Renato Rodrigues de Aguiar Freire and Lebanon’s Armed Forces Commander General Rodolf Heikal. These meetings emphasized strengthening bilateral and multilateral defense ties to promote international stability and security.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that he will travel to Washington next week to attend the first meeting of the 'Board of Peace' led by U.S. President Donald Trump. Rama made the announcement during an interview on the Albanian podcast Flasim, stating that he would participate in the board’s formal establishment and the inauguration of its activities. According to the source, Trump created the 'Board of Peace' to oversee the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip two years after the Israel-Hamas war. The board’s charter reportedly suggests that its scope of work could extend beyond the Palestinian territories, though no further details were provided. The upcoming meeting marks the official launch of the board’s operations, signaling a new phase in post-conflict reconstruction efforts under Trump’s leadership.

A 55-year-old woman named Nasima Khatun died during surgery at Meherpur Clinic in Mallikpara, Meherpur town on the night of February 15, 2026. Her family alleged that she died due to doctors’ negligence before the operation began. Following the incident, an angry crowd attacked two doctors, Mizanur Rahman and his son Mushfiqur Rahman Abhi, and vandalized equipment in the operation theater. Both doctors were seriously injured and later rescued by police and army personnel before being admitted to Meherpur General Hospital. According to the doctors, Nasima suffered cardiac arrest before anesthesia was administered, and despite efforts, she could not be revived. The president of the Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA), Dr. Abdus Salam, stated that the patient died before the operation started and that the assault and vandalism would be investigated. Meherpur Additional Superintendent of Police Mehedi Hasan Dipu said legal action would be taken if a written complaint was filed by the patient’s relatives. No formal complaint had been lodged with the police at the time of reporting.

At least four people were killed early Monday when Israel carried out an airstrike on a vehicle near the Lebanon-Syria border, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health. The Israeli military confirmed the attack, which occurred in the Majdal Anjar area of Lebanon. Lebanon’s state news agency reported that one of the victims was a Syrian national named Khaled Mohammad al-Ahmad. In a post on social media platform X, Israel stated that the strike targeted members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in Lebanon, though it did not provide evidence to support the claim. The PIJ has not issued an immediate response. The group is an armed faction based in the occupied Palestinian territories and allied with Lebanon’s Hezbollah. Despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in November 2024, Israeli forces have continued near-daily strikes inside Lebanon, reflecting ongoing regional tensions since the 2023 Gaza conflict.

The Nationalist Party and its allies have secured 212 seats in Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, achieving a two-thirds majority. The result grants the coalition sweeping authority to amend the constitution, restructure the state system, and introduce major policy or legal changes. The article questions whether such dominance will strengthen democracy or repeat past patterns of power centralization seen after the 2001 and 2008 elections. To maintain institutional balance, Bangladesh is introducing an upper house for the first time, designed to review legislation and prevent anti-public laws. However, disputes have emerged over how its 100 seats will be distributed. While most parties agreed on proportional allocation, the Nationalist Party prefers distribution based on lower-house seats, a stance potentially supported by a clause in the July Charter. This could weaken the upper house’s intended role as a check on executive power. The piece warns that Bangladesh faces fragile institutions, economic distress, and public mistrust after 17 years of authoritarian rule. The new government is urged to prioritize responsibility over control and to rebuild democratic credibility through inclusive governance.

Former Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko was detained while allegedly trying to leave the country, according to a statement from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU). Authorities said his arrest is part of the ongoing 'Midas case,' a broad investigation into corruption within Ukraine’s energy sector. The bureau stated that the detention is linked to allegations of large-scale embezzlement and illicit enrichment. The report notes that Galushchenko, a close ally of President Volodymyr Zelensky, was accused in September 2025 of illegally earning and transferring abroad about 100 million dollars. The scandal previously triggered a political crisis, leading both the sitting and former energy ministers to resign at Zelensky’s request, though both denied wrongdoing. Investigators claim the misappropriated funds came through state enterprises, including Energoatom, which operates Ukraine’s nuclear power plants. Preliminary investigations remain ongoing, focusing on how funds intended for strengthening the security of critical energy facilities were allegedly diverted.

China’s efforts to expand its influence in South Asia through major infrastructure projects are facing growing challenges. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), once a flagship of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative, has been slowed by political instability, security threats, and incomplete projects in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. In Afghanistan, Chinese investments exceeding $10 billion, including copper, oil, and lithium ventures, have been repeatedly delayed by insecurity and fragile governance. These setbacks have raised doubts about China’s ability to convert economic power into sustained regional leadership. Analysts note that China’s limited crisis management capacity and lack of experience in external security operations have exposed weaknesses in its regional strategy. Attacks on Chinese nationals and projects, coupled with stalled Taliban-Pakistan talks, highlight Beijing’s constrained influence. Institutions such as SIPRI and Brookings have observed that instability and negative narratives are undermining China’s credibility and strategic image. The outcome of these projects will likely shape China’s future role in South Asia. Without effective policy and security management, its ambition to act as a stabilizing power may remain unfulfilled.

Two local leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) were seriously injured in an attack by unidentified assailants in Pirojpur district on Sunday night, February 15. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. near Parerhat bus stand in Indurkani upazila. The victims were identified as Mohiuddin Mallik Nasir, former convener of Pirojpur Sadar Upazila BNP, and his nephew Riaz Uddin Mallik Nipu, general secretary of Shankarpasha Union BNP. Both were attacked with sharp weapons while returning home on a motorcycle. According to Riaz Uddin, a group of 8 to 10 unidentified men on motorcycles intercepted them and launched the assault before fleeing. Locals rescued the injured and took them to Pirojpur District Hospital. Dr. Rajib Paik of the hospital said both sustained deep wounds and were later referred to Khulna for advanced treatment. Additional Superintendent of Police Nasrin Jahan stated that police visited the victims and would take legal action upon receiving a written complaint. The attack has raised concern in the area, though the motive and identities of the attackers remain unknown.

In Nilphamari-4 constituency, the recently concluded election ended with an unusual display of unity among rival candidates. Jamaat-e-Islami’s Hafez Maulana Abdul Muntakim, who won the seat, visited the homes of his closest rivals—BNP’s Abdul Gafur Sarkar and Jatiya Party’s Siddikul Alam—to exchange flowers and sweets. The gesture marked a sharp contrast to the heated campaign days, which had been filled with accusations, counter-rallies, and allegations of code-of-conduct violations. Abdul Muntakim told Amar Desh that all parties now aim to work together for the development of Kishoreganj-Saidpur, setting an example of cooperation beyond political differences. BNP candidate Abdul Gafur Sarkar described the exchange as a democratic practice, emphasizing that political disagreements should not hinder local development. Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s candidate Md. Shahidul Islam also confirmed that the winning candidate met him to express shared hopes for progress. The post-election gestures in Nilphamari-4 signal a rare moment of political reconciliation, with all sides pledging to prioritize development over division.