Five first-time candidates from Cumilla achieved decisive victories in Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, held across the district’s 11 constituencies. Among the winners, eight seats went to the BNP, while Jamaat-e-Islami, the NCP, and an independent candidate each secured one seat. The five newcomers include BNP’s Selim Bhuiyan from Cumilla-2, NCP’s Hasnat Abdullah from Cumilla-4, BNP’s Jasim Uddin from Cumilla-5, independent candidate Atikul Alam from Cumilla-7, and BNP’s Abul Kalam from Cumilla-9. In Cumilla-4, Hasnat Abdullah, representing the 11-party alliance under the Shapla Kali symbol, won by a margin three times greater than his nearest rival from Gana Odhikar Parishad. Local activists expressed hopes that the new lawmakers will advance the long-anticipated goal of establishing Cumilla as a separate administrative division. The newly elected MPs pledged to focus on development, peace, and inclusivity. Selim Bhuiyan emphasized local development priorities, Jasim Uddin highlighted post-election calm and respect for law, and Hasnat Abdullah vowed to unite all residents of Debidwar regardless of political differences.

Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, a member of the BNP’s standing committee and a key policymaker, has been elected as a Member of Parliament for the first time in his 60-year political career. He won the Dhaka-3 constituency in the 13th national election held on February 12, securing 98,785 votes under the BNP’s paddy sheaf symbol. His closest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Shahinur Islam, received 82,232 votes. Roy had previously contested from the same seat in the 2008 and 2018 elections but was unsuccessful. Born in 1951 in Mirzapur, Konda Union of Keraniganj, Roy began his political journey in 1966 at the age of 15. He was a member of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal in the 1970s and participated in the 1971 Liberation War. Joining the Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal in 1978, he served as its general secretary from 1987 to 2002. He later became a member of the BNP’s highest policymaking body. Roy also served as a technocrat state minister for Environment and Forests and for Fisheries and Livestock from 1991 to 1996. Known as one of the most prominent Hindu leaders in Bangladeshi politics, Roy stated that he never sought party nominations and emphasized his lifelong goal of being a good politician rather than pursuing power.

According to the Election Commission’s consolidated results, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) established dominance in the Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Mymensingh, and Barishal divisions during the 13th parliamentary election. In contrast, the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance showed greater influence in Rangpur and Khulna divisions. The nationwide referendum held alongside the election recorded 60.84 percent voter turnout, slightly higher than the 60.12 percent in the parliamentary polls. Out of 299 constituencies, the ‘Yes’ vote prevailed in 287, while the ‘No’ vote won in 12 constituencies—all of which were also won by BNP candidates. The Commission reported that a total of 77.7 million votes were cast in the referendum, of which 70.27 million were valid. Among valid ballots, 62.04 percent supported ‘Yes’ and 28.41 percent supported ‘No’, with 9.55 percent invalid. Notably, all three constituencies in Gopalganj and three in the Chittagong Hill Tracts recorded majority ‘No’ votes. The highest referendum turnout was 82.58 percent in Pabna-2, while the lowest was 37.34 percent in Dhaka-12. The results indicate BNP’s regional strength and a mixed pattern of voter engagement across divisions, with higher participation in Rangpur and Khulna and lower in the BNP-dominated regions.

Indian author, translator and historian Rakhshanda Jalil attended the annual art and literature festival in Goa on 12 February 2026, where she spoke about the fear and despair experienced by Muslims in India. She described the festival as a rare platform for marginalized voices and said she felt compelled to discuss the pervasive fear that, in her view, is eroding the sense of existence among minorities. Jalil explained that despite her education, social standing and professional success, she continues to live with a constant sense of fear that has turned into a lingering despair. She noted that many urban Muslims share this anxiety, choosing silence in political debates and avoiding public discussions, even on social media. According to her, poorer and less educated Muslims face even greater insecurity, often concealing their identity to avoid losing work or facing discrimination. She also expressed concern for imams and assistant imams serving in Hindu-majority areas, questioning their safety. Jalil said that while her appearance sometimes shields her, her Muslim name could still expose her to danger in an increasingly tense environment.

The new BNP government, which secured an absolute majority in the 13th parliamentary election, is set to take oath on Tuesday. Following the swearing-in, the party’s new prime minister and cabinet members will receive official residences and vehicles as per government protocol. Due to the conversion of Ganabhaban into the July Memorial Museum after August 5, 2024, the new prime minister may reside at the state guesthouse Jamuna. The Housing and Public Works Ministry has prepared 40 residences and 50 vehicles for cabinet members. According to ministry sources, Jamuna has been designated for use as the new prime minister’s residence, though it is currently occupied by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. After the new government takes office, the residence will be vacated and prepared. Officials said the final decision on the prime minister’s accommodation will depend entirely on her preference, with Jamuna being the only ready option. The government has also readied ministerial residences in Bailey Road, Minto Road, Dhanmondi, and Gulshan. The Cabinet Division has instructed the Government Transport Department to keep 50 vehicles ready for ministers, including five spares for VVIP protocol requirements.

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to action for Al Nassr after ending his self-imposed strike, leading his team to a 2-0 victory over Al Fateh in the Saudi Pro League. Wearing the captain’s armband, the Portuguese forward scored just 18 minutes into his comeback match, marking his 18th goal of the season. Al Yahya added a second goal in the 78th minute, helping Al Nassr maintain second place in the league standings. Ronaldo had missed two matches by choice amid frustration with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). Reports indicated he was unhappy with PIF’s increasing investment in rival club Al Hilal, which he felt disadvantaged Al Nassr. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also had concerns about his club’s management structure. According to ESPN, PIF later accepted Ronaldo’s main demands, including settling Al Nassr’s outstanding payments and restoring management autonomy to the club’s top executives. The Saudi league authorities had earlier warned Ronaldo before his return to play.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard seized a large consignment of Indian textiles and foreign cigarettes worth nearly Tk 9 crore in Sitakunda, Chattogram. The operation took place on Saturday night, February 14, following intelligence that the goods were being smuggled through the Dhaka–Chattogram highway near Chhoto Kumira Bazar. Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haque confirmed the seizure on Sunday night. During the special operation conducted by the Coast Guard Station Bhatiari, officers searched a suspicious covered van and recovered Indian sarees, three-piece suits, lehengas, and 1,298 cartons of foreign cigarettes valued at approximately Tk 8.92 crore. The driver and helper of the van were released after signing written undertakings. The seized goods were later handed over to the Chattogram Customs authorities for legal action. According to the Coast Guard, similar anti-smuggling operations will continue in the future to prevent illegal trade and protect government revenue.

A 15-year-old madrasa student named Md. Mahim Mia was killed in a stabbing incident in Dhaka’s Jatrabari Kazla area on Sunday night. The attack occurred in the Kazla School Lane, where a group of 10 to 12 youths reportedly intercepted and stabbed him. His friends rescued him in critical condition and took him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead around 11:15 p.m. The hospital police outpost confirmed the incident and stated that the body was kept in the morgue, with the local police station informed. According to Mahim’s friend Raihan, the victim was on his way to meet an elder brother when the attack took place. Mahim was a student in the Hifz section of a local madrasa and originally from Betal village in Kishoreganj Sadar upazila. He had been living in the Kazla area with his family. Police have yet to determine who was responsible for the killing or the motive behind it. Authorities have begun initial procedures, but no suspects or reasons for the attack were immediately known.

Interim government adviser on law, justice and parliamentary affairs Asif Nazrul posted on his verified Facebook page on Sunday night, defending his ministry’s work and addressing criticism. He said he worked late nights and weekends without gaps in teamwork, acknowledging that some might still choose to criticize. Nazrul urged critics to review the ministry’s accomplishments before forming opinions. According to his post, the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs completed extensive reforms to fulfill the aspirations of the July uprising. These included 22 legal reforms, 15 institutional reforms and digitalization initiatives, withdrawal of 24,276 politically motivated cases, management of genocide trials, and a near tripling of daily administrative activities. The legal reforms covered areas such as judicial independence, human rights protection, prevention of enforced disappearances, and modernization of court procedures. Nazrul emphasized that the ministry’s efforts were collective and transparent, citing the establishment of digital courts, online bail systems, and the restructuring of the National Human Rights Commission as examples of progress.

A protest and minor vandalism occurred in Pirganj, Thakurgaon, on Sunday evening after national and party flags were hoisted at the temporarily banned Upazila Awami League office. According to local sources, Awami League activists raised the flags in the afternoon, and a video of the event circulated on social media, triggering political reactions. Following the viral video, leaders and activists of the Upazila units of Chhatra Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal organized a protest march through the main streets of the municipal town, ending in front of the Awami League office. Some protesters damaged a table outside the office, but no major clashes were reported. Police said they were working to maintain order and had increased surveillance in the area. The Upazila Awami League’s temporary office had been closed since August 4, 2024, and no immediate statements were available from either political group regarding the incident.

Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir has urged an end to what he described as smear politics and mob culture in the country. In a verified Facebook post on Saturday night, he commented on the recent allegations of sexual assault in Hatiya, saying that available evidence, including video statements and medical records, suggested the incident appeared to be politically motivated and pre-planned. He emphasized that no final judgment should be made before the official investigation concludes and called for a fair and impartial inquiry. Nasir warned that if the investigation proves the allegations were fabricated for political revenge, those responsible must be held accountable. He said attempts to defame political parties or individuals through false accusations amount to deception against the nation. He also demanded that groups such as Shibir, Jamaat-affiliated factions, and the NCP publicly apologize if their involvement is proven. Nasir further stated that legal action would be taken against anyone responsible for spreading unrest or tarnishing the BNP’s reputation. He concluded by asserting that politics should be based on ideals, ethics, and public welfare, not on falsehoods or character assassination.

India advanced to the Super Eight stage after a commanding 61-run victory over Pakistan, securing the top position in Group A. Batting first, India posted a competitive total of 176 runs despite losing an early wicket. Ishan Kishan led the innings with a blistering 77 off 40 balls, supported by Tilak Varma’s 25 and captain Suryakumar Yadav’s 32. Late contributions from Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube helped India reach a strong total. Pakistan’s chase faltered from the start, collapsing to 13 for 3 in the second over after Jasprit Bumrah struck twice. Captain Babar Azam’s 34 and Usman Khan’s 44 offered brief resistance, but the team was bowled out for 114. India’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, with six of seven bowlers taking wickets. Bumrah and Hardik Pandya claimed two each in pace, while Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy matched that in spin. The result marked India’s third consecutive win, confirming their Super Eight qualification and reinforcing their position as strong title contenders.

The Dhaka South unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir organized a protest march and rally in the capital on Sunday afternoon, condemning nationwide violence, killings, and assaults that followed the February 12 election. The procession began at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque and concluded with a rally at the National Press Club. Amirul Islam, the organization’s central student rights secretary, attended as the chief guest along with other city-level leaders. Speakers at the event alleged that since the night election results were announced, activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have been involved in violent acts across the country. They claimed that people who supported or voted for the 11-party alliance, including Jamaat-e-Islami’s scale symbol and the NCP’s Shapla Koli, were targeted through attacks on homes, businesses, and incidents of murder and sexual violence. The speakers demanded an immediate end to such violence. Similar demonstrations were reportedly held by Shibir in various parts of the country on the same issue.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has extended the deadline for submitting VAT returns for the month of January by one week. As a result, businesses will now be able to file their VAT returns until February 22, 2026, instead of the usual February 15 deadline. According to NBR sources, the extension was granted because many organizations were unable to complete their VAT submissions on time due to disruptions caused by the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Normally, VAT returns for the previous month must be submitted by the 15th of each month. The decision aims to provide businesses with additional time to comply with tax obligations affected by the election period.

On the day of the parliamentary election in Feni’s Sonagazi upazila, former assistant coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Shahadat Hasan, alleged that he was abducted and tortured by masked armed men from the Bagishpur Government Primary School polling center. The incident reportedly occurred around noon, when he was taken to an isolated area, beaten with rods, and threatened at gunpoint. He claimed the attackers demanded 500,000 taka in extortion and took 30,000 taka in cash, a mobile phone, and a wristwatch. Shahadat, a fourth-semester BBA student at Feni University, said the assailants accused him of supporting Jamaat and aiding fake voting, which he denied, stating his family’s allegiance to BNP and the ideals of Ziaur Rahman. He alleged that he was forced to record videos portraying him as a criminal and to give false testimony against others. He also claimed he was threatened with harm if he approached authorities. Former district coordinator Omar Faruk demanded a proper investigation, while Sonagazi Model Police Station’s officer-in-charge said no formal complaint had been received.