In the 13th National Parliamentary Election, three candidates in Rangpur-1 constituency, covering Gangachara and City Corporation wards 1–9, lost their security deposits after failing to secure the required share of votes. The unofficial results were announced late Thursday night by District Commissioner and Returning Officer Mohammad Enamul Ahsan at his office hall. According to the Returning Officer’s office, the constituency had 375,227 registered voters, with 228,457 votes cast, representing a turnout of 60.89 percent. Of these, 223,144 were valid and 5,313 were invalid. Under election rules, candidates must obtain at least 12.5 percent of valid votes to retain their deposits, which in this case required 27,893 votes. Ahsanul Arefin of the Socialist Party (Marxist) received 882 votes, ATM Golam Mostafa of Islami Andolan Bangladesh received 5,224 votes, and Md. Anas of Islamic Front Bangladesh received 1,103 votes, all below the threshold. Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Md. Raihan Siraji won the seat with 147,245 votes, defeating BNP’s Md. Mokarram Hossain Sujon, who received 69,131 votes. The official gazette confirming Siraji’s victory marked the formal completion of the Rangpur-1 election process.

In the 13th national parliamentary election, 21 out of 29 candidates across four constituencies in Lakshmipur lost their security deposits. According to the Election Commission’s circular, candidates who failed to secure at least one-eighth of the total votes cast in their constituencies forfeited their deposits. The information was confirmed after verifying the official results signed by District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner S M Mehedi Hasan. Among the notable candidates who lost their deposits were Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal’s senior vice-president Tania Rob from Lakshmipur-4, Islami Andolan’s Maulana Khaled Saifullah, Jatiya Party’s district president Mahmudur Rahman Mahmud from Lakshmipur-1, and Islami Andolan’s district vice-president Zakir Hossain Patwary. In Lakshmipur-1, BNP’s Shahadat Hossain Selim won with 86,811 votes, while in Lakshmipur-2, BNP’s Abul Khair Bhuiyan secured 146,321 votes. BNP’s Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie and ABM Ashraf Uddin Nizan won in Lakshmipur-3 and Lakshmipur-4 respectively. The Election Commission rule specifies that any candidate receiving less than one-eighth of the total votes cast in their constituency will have their deposit forfeited.

Leaders of Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ain-e-Pakistan began a sit-in protest on Friday demanding that Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, be transferred to a hospital for proper medical care. They announced the protest would continue until Khan is moved to Shifa International Hospital for eye treatment. The demonstration started after Friday prayers outside the Parliament building in Islamabad. Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, and Barrister Gohar Ali Khan led the sit-in, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohel Afridi and other PTI leaders held a separate protest at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House. Police were deployed at both locations to maintain order. Senate opposition leader Nasir Abbas told reporters that the protest would continue until their demand is met. Imran Khan is currently imprisoned in Adiala Jail, where opposition leaders claim he has only 15 percent vision remaining in his right eye and accuse authorities of neglecting his medical treatment.

BNP-nominated candidates have won all three parliamentary constituencies in Manikganj by significant margins, according to official results published on February 14, 2026. In Manikganj-1, BNP’s S.A. Jinnah Kabir secured 137,773 votes, defeating independent candidate Tozammel Haque Toza, who received 77,818 votes. Jamaat-e-Islami’s Abu Bakar Siddique came third with 71,310 votes. In Manikganj-2, BNP’s Moinul Islam Khan Shanto won with 175,776 votes, while Mohammad Salauddin of the Khelafat Majlis alliance finished second with 81,531 votes. In Manikganj-3, BNP’s Afroza Khanam Rita triumphed with 167,345 votes, ahead of Mohammad Saidnur of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, who received 64,242 votes. The report notes that celebrations broke out among BNP supporters across the district following the sweeping victories. Several independent and smaller party candidates, including those from Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, and Jatiya Party, also contested but trailed far behind the BNP nominees. The results mark a complete BNP victory in Manikganj, with each of its candidates winning by wide margins over their nearest rivals.

Two victorious BNP candidates in Chattogram have earned widespread praise after visiting the homes of their defeated Jamaat-e-Islami rivals to exchange greetings. On Friday afternoon, BNP Chairman’s adviser and Chattogram-4 winner Aslam Chowdhury visited Jamaat candidate Anwar Siddique Chowdhury in Abdullahghat, while Chattogram-2 (Mirsarai) winner Nurul Amin Chairman visited Jamaat candidate Advocate Saifur Rahman. Supporters from both parties expressed enthusiasm as the leaders shared sweets and cordial moments. Observers described the gesture as a rare display of political harmony following a competitive and transparent national election. They noted that the friendly exchanges reflected a hopeful shift toward unity and cooperation, rather than hostility or division. Both Jamaat candidates expressed willingness to work with their BNP counterparts for the welfare of local residents, emphasizing reconciliation and joint development efforts. The initiative has gone viral on social media, where many users hailed it as a symbolic return of democratic civility in Bangladesh’s political culture after years of polarization.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission has published the official gazette of results for the 13th National Parliament election, confirming a landslide victory for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) alliance with 212 seats, while the Jamaat alliance won 77. Out of 300 constituencies, results for 297 have been released, with two Chattogram seats pending court decisions and one Sherpur seat postponed due to a candidate’s death. Following the results, attention has turned to the swearing-in of newly elected members, expected by February 16 or 17. Questions have arisen over who will administer the oath, as the constitution assigns this duty to the Speaker or Deputy Speaker, but both positions are currently vacant following recent political upheaval. According to Article 148, if the designated officials cannot conduct the oath, the President may nominate someone to do so, or failing that, the Chief Election Commissioner must administer it within three days. Once sworn in, the President will invite the majority party to form the new government, appointing its leader as Prime Minister. The oath-taking will mark the formal transfer of power, as per constitutional provisions, completing the transition to a new government.

The spring festival, marking the first day of Falgun, was celebrated at Shaheed Wasim Akram Park in Chattogram’s Pahartali area on Saturday morning. Organized by the cultural group Bodhon, the event featured performances by children and adolescents including dance, songs, rhymes, and poetry recitations. As the day progressed, crowds of young men and women in colorful attire filled the park, creating a festive atmosphere. Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain attended the event at 10 a.m. and remarked that the celebration coincided with a new era for Bangladesh as the nation prepared for a new government. Ahead of the festival, flower shops in Cheragi Pahar became busy from Friday night, with traders preparing bouquets and garlands from flowers arriving from across the country. Roses, tuberoses, marigolds, and other seasonal blooms saw high demand as people purchased them for loved ones. The organizers announced that the festival would conclude before noon. This year, the venue was shifted from the traditional CRB Shirish Tala to Shaheed Wasim Akram Park, where Bodhon’s arrangements kept the city’s residents engaged throughout the morning.

The Pakistan government is planning to transfer former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan from Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail to a new prison in Islamabad within the next two months, according to The Express Tribune. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the plan during a police passing-out ceremony in Islamabad, stating that the new facility will be completed within two months and will include full medical services. Imran Khan has been held at Adiala Jail since September 2023. The federal government recently assured the Supreme Court that Khan would be allowed to consult an eye specialist again amid growing concerns over his deteriorating eyesight. He will also be permitted to speak by phone with his sons, Qasim and Suleiman, while in custody. Advocate Salman Safdar, serving as amicus curiae, met Khan in Adiala Jail and later submitted a seven-page report on his health, quoting Khan as saying that despite treatment, he retains only 15 percent vision in his right eye.

Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election was held on February 12, with voting conducted in 299 of 300 constituencies. Out of 59 registered political parties, 51 participated in the election. According to results published for 297 constituencies so far, 42 parties failed to win any seats, while candidates from only nine parties secured representation in parliament. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) won 209 seats, Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68, and the National Citizens Party (NCP) won six. Additionally, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Gano Adhikar Parishad, Bangladesh National Party-BJP, Ganosamhati Andolan, and Khelafat Majlish each won one seat, while Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish won two. Many parties that fielded candidates in over a hundred constituencies ended up without any victories. Political analysts cited polarization around major parties, alliance-based campaigning, and strategic voting as key reasons smaller and newer parties failed to achieve desired results.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has reclaimed the Barishal-3 (Muladi–Babuganj) parliamentary seat after nearly 25 years. Party candidate Advocate Zainul Abedin, contesting with the paddy sheaf symbol, secured 80,930 votes to win the election. His closest rival, Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad of the 11-party alliance and general secretary of the Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, received 61,192 votes, giving the BNP candidate a victory margin of 19,738 votes. The result was officially confirmed early Thursday night by Barishal’s Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Md Khairul Alam Suman. According to the district administration, Barishal-3 had 332,097 registered voters, of whom 177,716 cast ballots. Other candidates included Muhammad Sirajul Islam of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, who received 16,325 votes, and Golam Kibria Tipu of the Jatiya Party, who gained 14,184 votes. BNP last held the seat in 2001 through Mosharraf Hossain Mongu, losing it in 2008 to the Jatiya Party. The party did not contest in 2014 and failed again in 2018. Following his victory, Zainul Abedin thanked voters for their trust and pledged to work with honesty and dedication for the development of Babuganj and Muladi. Observers described the win as a symbolic resurgence for BNP in the southern region.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman held his first press conference following the party’s decisive victory in Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election. The event took place on Saturday at 3:45 p.m. in the ballroom of Hotel Intercontinental, marking his first formal media appearance since returning to the country. Rahman had spent about fifteen years in exile in the United Kingdom before returning to Bangladesh with his family on December 25. Although he had attended several political events since his return, he had not previously organized a press conference. His appearance now comes at a time when the BNP is consolidating its position after the election. The press conference signifies Rahman’s reemergence in active political leadership following years abroad, coinciding with the BNP’s renewed prominence in national politics.

An Indian national has pleaded guilty in a U.S. court to conspiring to kill a Khalistan movement leader who is an Indian-origin American citizen. The U.S. Department of Justice said that 54-year-old Nikhil Gupta admitted before a federal magistrate judge in Manhattan to charges of murder-for-hire conspiracy, hiring a hitman, and money laundering. His sentencing is scheduled for May 29 this year, and he faces up to 40 years in prison. According to U.S. prosecutors, Gupta acted under instructions from an Indian government employee to target a U.S.-based Indian-origin individual, widely believed to be Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent Khalistan activist. Court documents identify the official as Vikas Yadav, an employee of India’s Cabinet Secretariat, under which the foreign intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) operates. Gupta allegedly sought to hire a hitman, negotiated a payment of $100,000, and provided detailed information about the target’s residence and movements. Gupta was arrested in the Czech Republic in June 2023 and extradited to the United States in 2024. The Indian government has not yet commented on his guilty plea.

The liaison committee of the eleven-party alliance, including Jamaat-e-Islami, is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting on Saturday evening at Jamaat’s central office in Moghbazar, Dhaka. The meeting aims to review the post-national election situation and determine next steps. Labor Party Chairman Dr. Mostafizur Rahman Iran confirmed the meeting. The decision follows a Friday night meeting chaired by Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, where alliance leaders discussed the results of the 12 February 13th National Parliamentary Election and related developments. According to Jamaat’s central publicity department, the earlier meeting addressed alleged irregularities such as vote manipulation, obstruction of polling agents, and attacks on alliance supporters and voters. Leaders condemned what they described as fascist activities, including arson attacks, and demanded an immediate end to such incidents. They also agreed to take tougher measures if the situation persists. The alliance reaffirmed its commitment to promoting healthy politics, protecting women’s rights and safety, and standing with the general public. Leaders emphasized that their pre-election promises would continue and called for an end to all wrongdoing across the country.

The European Union Election Observation Mission has described Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election as competitive, stating that the Election Commission acted independently and impartially. The mission presented its preliminary report at a press conference on Saturday, noting that the election marked a new step in restoring citizens’ voting rights and strengthening democratic practice in the country. However, the observers raised concerns about the low participation of women, pointing out that only 4 percent of candidates were female, which they said contradicted political commitments to gender inclusion. Chief observer Ivars Ijabs also urged greater efforts to ensure the security and voting rights of minority communities. Despite some election-related conflicts, mission head Tomas Zdechovsky said the overall environment remained peaceful. The EU team is continuing to monitor the post-election situation and plans to release a full report within two months, including recommendations for future improvements. They expressed hope that the new government would work to protect the rights and safety of all citizens and increase women’s participation in the electoral process.

In the Barishal-6 (Bakerganj) constituency election, three candidates from Gano Odhikar Parishad, Bangladesh Muslim League, and an independent contender lost their deposits. According to official results, Gano Odhikar Parishad’s Salauddin Mia received 137 votes, Bangladesh Muslim League’s Mufti Abdul Quddus got 238 votes, and independent candidate Kamrul Islam Khan secured 344 votes. The seat was won by BNP’s candidate and district convenor Abul Hossain Khan, who ran under the ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol and obtained 81,087 votes. His closest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Maulana Mahamudunnabi Talukdar, received 55,533 votes, giving the BNP candidate a victory margin of 26,500 votes. The district returning officer’s office reported that the constituency comprises 113 polling centers. Bakerganj upazila, which includes one municipality and 14 unions, has a total of 315,597 registered voters, including 160,055 men, 155,538 women, and four transgender voters.