In Pirojpur district, eight out of 13 candidates lost their election deposits in two constituencies, according to district election officer Abdul Mannan. In Pirojpur-2, five of seven candidates failed to secure one-eighth of the valid votes, while in Pirojpur-3, three of six candidates met the same fate. The forfeitures occurred because they did not reach the required vote threshold. In Pirojpur-2, there were 409,288 registered voters and 230,238 valid votes cast. Candidates receiving fewer than 28,779 votes lost their deposits. Those affected included independent candidate Mahamud Hossain, Jatiya Party’s Mahibul Hossain, Islami Andolan’s Abul Kalam Azad, Faisal Khan, and Anisur Rahman Munna. In Pirojpur-3, with 237,744 voters and 136,987 valid votes, candidates with fewer than 17,123 votes forfeited their deposits. JASAD’s Karim Sikdar, Touhiduzzaman, and Jatiya Party’s Mashrekul Azam were among them. The report also noted that in Pirojpur-1, only two candidates contested, with Jamaat’s Masud Saeedi winning, while BNP’s Ahmed Sohel Manjur and Ruhul Amin Dulal were elected from Pirojpur-2 and Pirojpur-3 respectively.

A local office of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Tongi, Gazipur, was vandalized and a volunteer leader assaulted on Friday night in the Sataish area. The injured, Mozammel Laskar, 49, joint convener of the Tongi West unit of the BNP’s volunteer wing, was attacked by a group of 15–20 men allegedly led by two local individuals. The attackers used iron pipes and sharp weapons during the assault. Locals later rescued Laskar and took him to Tongi Government Hospital for treatment. A written complaint has been filed with Tongi West Police Station. According to Laskar, he had been running an electronics business in the area and had served as the coordinator for the polling center committee of the BNP’s election symbol during the recently concluded 13th national election. He claimed that local men became hostile toward him after he took on that role. Police said they responded to the incident and confirmed receiving a formal complaint. Officer-in-Charge Md. Shahin Alam stated that an investigation is underway and action will be taken based on findings. The accused individuals could not be reached for comment as phone calls to one of them went unanswered.

A 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Vanuatu on February 14, 2026, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake’s epicenter was located about 50 kilometers west of Port Olry village on Espiritu Santo Island. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported that the tremor occurred around 1:30 p.m. local time but confirmed that no tsunami warning was issued. A resort worker in Port Olry, Antelik Frank, described the quake as very strong and lasting nearly one minute, though no damage was observed in the surrounding area. Initial reports indicated no significant destruction or casualties. Vanuatu lies within the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a seismically active region where earthquakes occur frequently. The island nation, home to about 320,000 people, often experiences such tremors due to its geological position.

BNP candidate Dr. Sansila Jebin has alleged irregularities and vote manipulation in the Sherpur Sadar-1 constituency election, calling for the suspension of results and a re-vote. Speaking to journalists at the Election Commission on Saturday, she claimed that votes for her party symbol, the paddy sheaf, were deliberately reduced through planned efforts. In her post-election remarks, Dr. Jebin alleged that officials at polling centers were influenced in favor of her rival candidate, whose party symbol is the plough, representing the Jatiya Party. She further claimed that while agents of Jamaat, NCP, and Jatiya Party operated freely, BNP agents faced intimidation and obstruction inside polling centers. According to Dr. Jebin, voters supporting her were deliberately delayed in queues to reduce turnout, which she described as a planned tactic. She urged the Election Commission to investigate the alleged irregularities and ensure a re-vote, asserting that the true will of the voters was not reflected in the results.

BNP candidate Shahjahan Chowdhury has been unofficially declared the winner in the Cox’s Bazar-4 constituency, comprising Ukhiya and Teknaf, for the fifth time. According to the district returning officer’s office, results were confirmed late on Friday night, February 13, 2026, following the national parliamentary election. Chowdhury, also the district BNP president, secured 123,582 votes, while his closest rival, district Jamaat-e-Islami chief Nur Ahmad Anwari, received 122,033 votes. In Ukhiya’s 54 centers, Chowdhury obtained 60,011 votes against Anwari’s 58,939, and in Teknaf’s 61 centers, he received 62,337 votes compared to Anwari’s 61,104. Among 3,866 registered postal voters, 2,550 votes were valid and 36 were canceled. The official result sheet signed by presiding officer Mohammad Moazzem Hossain showed Anwari leading the postal ballots with 1,937 votes, while Chowdhury received 561. After his victory, Chowdhury expressed gratitude to the people of Ukhiya-Teknaf for their trust, calling the win a victory for all residents. He pledged to work for development, peace, and stability in the area, serving all constituents regardless of political affiliation.

The United States military is preparing for a potential long-term operation against Iran, according to two US officials who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the planning. The operation would begin if President Donald Trump orders an attack on Iran. The Pentagon has already deployed the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford to the Middle East under Trump’s directive, joining the USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying guided missile destroyer in the Arabian Sea. The report states that US forces could target not only Iran’s nuclear infrastructure but also its state and security installations. However, officials declined to provide specific details. The preparations come as US and Iranian diplomats held talks in Oman last week regarding Tehran’s nuclear program. Trump has repeatedly warned of possible military action if no agreement is reached, cautioning that the alternative to diplomacy would be “very tragic.” Iran has vowed to retaliate if attacked, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. Analysts warn that Iran’s large missile arsenal could pose significant risks to US forces and bases across the Middle East.

Three candidates from Gahira village in Raozan upazila of Chattogram have won three major parliamentary constituencies in the 13th National Election, all representing the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) with the paddy sheaf symbol. The results, announced on Thursday, sparked widespread celebration in Gahira village, marking a rare event in the country’s political history. Gias Uddin Quader Chowdhury won the Chattogram-6 (Raozan) seat with 112,237 votes, defeating Bangladesh Islami Front’s Iliyas Nuri, who received 27,146 votes. His nephew Hummam Quader Chowdhury secured the Chattogram-7 (Rangunia) seat with 101,242 votes, while Saeed Al Noman, son of late BNP leader Abdullah Al Noman, won Chattogram-10 (Double Mooring, Halishahar, and Khulshi) with 121,374 votes. Their victories have created a festive atmosphere across the area. The Election Commission published the official gazette of results for 297 out of 300 constituencies on Friday night, with two Chattogram seats pending due to court orders and one Sherpur seat postponed following a candidate’s death.

In the 13th National Parliamentary Election, 20 candidates including former state minister Alamgir Kabir are set to lose their deposits in Naogaon district. A total of 32 candidates, 27 from political parties and 5 independents, contested across six constituencies. According to the Election Commission’s rule, any candidate receiving less than one-eighth of the total votes cast in their constituency forfeits their deposit. Each candidate had deposited 50,000 taka with the commission before the election. The official results announced from the returning officer’s office after Thursday’s voting show that several candidates, including former MPs and party nominees, failed to secure the required 8 percent of votes in their respective constituencies. In Naogaon-1, three of five candidates lost their deposits, while in Naogaon-3, six of eight candidates failed to retain theirs. Similar outcomes were reported in Naogaon-2, 4, 5, and 6 constituencies. The district election officer confirmed that the forfeiture process will follow the Election Commission’s regulations. Across the six constituencies, Naogaon had 2,329,592 registered voters, with a turnout of 75.27 percent.

In the Gaibandha-3 (Sadullapur-Polashbari) constituency, eight out of ten candidates lost their election deposits after failing to secure the minimum required share of votes. The district election officer, Md. Shahidul Islam, confirmed that according to election rules, a candidate must obtain at least 12.5 percent of the total valid votes to retain their deposit. Those who failed to meet this threshold had their deposits forfeited. The candidates who lost their deposits include Moinur Rabbi Chowdhury (Langol symbol), Suruj Mia (Truck), A.T.M. Awlad Hossain (Hand Fan), Abdullah Adil (Sickle), Mosaddikul Islam (Apple), Monjurul Haque (Pen), S.M. Khademul Islam Khudi (Horse), and Azizur Rahman (Dheki). Election officials noted that the lack of popularity among several candidates contributed to their inability to attract significant voter support. The forfeiture highlights the competitive nature of the Gaibandha-3 race, where only a few candidates managed to secure notable public backing, reflecting shifting local political dynamics.

Interim government Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has sent a congratulatory message to Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), for the party’s success in the 13th National Parliamentary Election. In his message issued on Saturday, Yunus praised the NCP’s courage, determination, and confidence under Nahid’s leadership, calling their participation a significant chapter in Bangladesh’s democratic history. The NCP, a new political party formed a year ago after the 2024 student-people uprising, contested 30 seats, winning six and performing strongly in several others. Yunus recalled Nahid Islam’s leadership during the 2024 movement and expressed gratitude for the sacrifices of his fellow activists. He also reflected on working with Nahid in the advisory council, noting his competence, integrity, and policy understanding. Yunus emphasized that democracy thrives when new voices and ideas emerge, and said the NCP’s early success shows public trust, especially among youth, in principled politics. He urged the NCP to uphold ideals and values as it transitions from activism to mainstream politics and to use its parliamentary representation to strengthen democratic institutions responsibly.

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to issue a new voting law through executive order if Congress fails to pass legislation mandating photo identification for voters. He indicated that such an order could be enacted before the upcoming midterm elections in November. Trump made the remarks on Friday and reiterated on his social media platform Truth Social that voter ID would be required regardless of congressional approval. The report notes that many U.S. states already require photo ID to vote, but not all. Trump and his supporters claim that the absence of such requirements has led to widespread voter fraud, though no evidence supports this claim. His proposed “Save America” election reform bill has passed the Republican-controlled House of Representatives but faces slim chances in the Senate, where Republicans lack a strong majority. The bill also seeks to require proof of citizenship during voter registration. Critics argue that these measures could disenfranchise millions of voters who lack passports or birth certificates. Legal experts suggest any executive order on national voter ID could face court challenges, as U.S. states hold broad constitutional authority over election administration.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to visit Venezuela, revealing the decision while speaking to reporters on Friday en route from the White House to Fort Bragg in North Carolina. The announcement comes more than a month after Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores were taken away. Trump said he intends to meet with Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez, with whom he claims to have a very good relationship. Trump stated that under Rodríguez’s leadership, the United States is working closely with Venezuela in oil extraction and marketing. He described current U.S.-Venezuela relations as “ten out of ten.” When asked whether Washington recognizes Rodríguez’s government, Trump confirmed that the United States has already done so and maintains regular communication with her administration. The planned visit signals a continuation of U.S. engagement with Venezuela’s interim leadership following recent political changes in the country.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has reclaimed the Comilla-5 (Burichang and Brahmanpara) parliamentary seat after 26 years, defeating the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate in the 13th national election. BNP candidate Jasim Uddin, contesting under the paddy sheaf symbol, secured 134,616 votes, while his nearest rival, Jamaat’s Advocate Mobarak Hossain, received 124,447 votes. The unofficial results were compiled from 142 polling centers across the two upazilas. According to the same results, a total of nine other candidates also contested in this constituency. In Comilla district’s 11 constituencies, BNP won eight seats, Jamaat one, the National Congress Party (NCP) one, and an independent candidate secured one seat. The victory marks a significant political comeback for BNP in the region, ending a long absence from representation in Comilla-5 since its last win 26 years ago.

Interim government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has congratulated Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman for achieving a respectable outcome in the 13th National Parliamentary Election. In a message issued on Saturday, Yunus thanked Rahman for his leadership in ensuring active participation, strong competition, and a calm acceptance of the election results. He praised Rahman’s political etiquette, restraint, and calls for peaceful behavior among party workers, noting their contribution to maintaining national stability. Yunus also expressed gratitude for Jamaat’s constructive support, advice, and cooperation during the interim government’s tenure. He emphasized that Bangladesh is at a critical juncture facing challenges and opportunities in global economics, technological transformation, climate change, human resource development, and social justice. He called for responsible and principled roles from both government and opposition to strengthen democracy. The Chief Adviser expressed hope that under Rahman’s leadership, Jamaat would act as a constructive and responsible opposition in parliament, fostering positive political culture and accountability. He also wished Rahman good health and continued contribution to national unity.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has strongly condemned incidents of violence across Bangladesh targeting citizens with differing political positions following the recent election. In a verified Facebook post on Saturday, he expressed solidarity with victims and vowed that politics of fear, repression, or terrorism would not be allowed to return to the country. In his statement, Dr. Rahman said that a nation which has just exercised its democratic rights must not tolerate intimidation or revenge politics. He referenced the spirit of the July Revolution, emphasizing that the people of Bangladesh would not revert to an era of fear. He urged law enforcement agencies to conduct impartial investigations, bring perpetrators to justice, and ensure that all incidents are properly documented. Dr. Rahman also called on elected MPs, candidates, and local leaders to visit affected families, collect evidence, and share verified information with authorities and the media. He reminded the incoming government that the public mandate is a conditional trust requiring equal protection and rule of law for all citizens.