Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman on his party’s victory in Bangladesh’s general election. In a post on social media platform X, Modi said the win reflected the trust of the Bangladeshi people. He extended warm congratulations to Rahman for leading the BNP to success in the parliamentary polls. Modi added that India would continue to support a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh. He expressed eagerness to work with Rahman to strengthen bilateral relations and achieve shared development goals between the two countries. Earlier, the United States Embassy in Dhaka also congratulated the people of Bangladesh, the BNP, and Tarique Rahman following the election. The embassy issued its statement on Friday morning, the day after the 13th National Parliamentary Election, according to the report sourced from the Hindustan Times.

BNP-nominated candidate Shahadat Hossain Selim, contesting with the paddy sheaf symbol, has been unofficially declared the winner in the Lakshmipur-1 (Ramganj) constituency during Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election. According to results from all 93 polling centers, Selim secured 85,457 votes. His nearest rival, Mahbub Alam of the NCP-Jamaat alliance with the water lily symbol, received 56,437 votes, leaving a margin of 29,020 votes between them. Zakir Hossain Patwari of Islami Andolan, running with the hand fan symbol, obtained 10,880 votes. Other candidates received significantly fewer votes, including Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman Mahmud (plough symbol) with 410 votes, Md. Billal Hossain (ladder symbol) with 197 votes, Md. Kawsar Alam (truck symbol) with 114 votes, and Md. Alamgir Hossain (lion symbol) with 105 votes. Election officials stated that the unofficial results were compiled after counting all centers, excluding postal ballots. Authorities confirmed that the final official results will be announced later after adding postal votes. Following the announcement, supporters of the winning candidate celebrated, while local administration reported that law and order remained normal across the upazila.

Professor Dr. S. M. Rafiqul Islam Bachchu, the BNP-nominated candidate, has been elected Member of Parliament from Gazipur–3 (Sreepur) constituency in the 13th National Parliamentary Election. According to the unofficial final results announced late Thursday night, he secured 161,258 votes under the paddy sheaf symbol. His nearest rival, Maulana Ehsanul Haque of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, received 99,354 votes, leaving a margin of 61,904. The result sheet shows that among other contenders, Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s candidate Alomgir Hossain (hand fan) received 5,983 votes, BSD’s Ashikul Islam Piyal (sickle) 480 votes, independent candidate Md. Ijadur Rahman Chowdhury (horse) 21,843 votes, Jatiya Party’s Md. Nazim Uddin (plough) 1,955 votes, and Islami Oikya Jote’s Mufti Shamim Ahmad (minaret) 2,295 votes. A total of 293,168 valid votes were cast, with 7,692 votes canceled, bringing total votes to 299,885 and a turnout rate of 57.32 percent. Election sources confirmed that the results were compiled from all polling centers and announced at 11:30 p.m. in a peaceful voting environment.

The United States Embassy in Dhaka has congratulated the people of Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and its chairman Tarique Rahman following the country’s 13th national parliamentary election. The embassy issued a statement on Friday morning, February 13, 2026, a day after the election, recognizing the completion of the democratic process as a reflection of the political awareness and participation of the Bangladeshi people. In its statement, the US Embassy extended congratulations to the BNP and Tarique Rahman for their victory and expressed optimism that the existing partnership between Bangladesh and the United States would continue to strengthen. The embassy also noted that both countries would work together on regional stability, economic cooperation, and security issues. The 13th national election and referendum were held on February 12, 2026. Tarique Rahman’s BNP secured a majority and is now on course to form the next government. Rahman recently returned to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile in London and led his party to victory shortly after the passing of his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

Bangladesh’s long-awaited parliamentary election and referendum were held peacefully and spontaneously, with no major incidents reported. The vote marked the first national election since the fall of former ruler Sheikh Hasina during the July Revolution. International media gave extensive coverage throughout the day, describing a festive atmosphere at polling stations and strong voter participation. Qatar-based Al Jazeera broadcast live updates, analyzing voter behavior and security measures. The BBC called it a historic election, warning of challenges ahead for the next government. Reuters highlighted high voter turnout and featured reactions from citizens, including a Dhaka voter expressing support for Jamaat leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. The Guardian, Washington Post, and New York Times also emphasized the election’s significance following Hasina’s ouster and earlier student protests. Indian and Pakistani media covered the event widely, though some Indian outlets were accused of spreading misinformation. Pakistani outlets such as Dawn and Geo News described the vote as a historic moment and a sign of hope for a new era in Bangladesh.

Atletico Madrid defeated defending champions Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid. Despite dominating possession, passing, and attacking statistics, Barcelona failed to score, while errors and precise finishing from Atletico sealed the heavy loss. An own goal by Eric Garcia, followed by strikes from Antoine Griezmann, Ademola Lookman, and Julian Alvarez, gave the hosts a commanding lead before halftime. Barcelona attempted to recover after the break, but a disallowed goal for offside and missed chances from Ferran Torres left them scoreless. Eric Garcia’s red card in the 85th minute ended any remaining hopes of a comeback. The Catalan side had beaten the same opponent to reach last season’s final, but this time face a steep challenge. Barcelona must overturn a four-goal deficit in the return leg at Camp Nou on March 3 to keep their title defense alive, while Atletico Madrid move closer to a place in the final.

BNP candidate Selim Reza has won the Sirajganj-1 constituency, which includes Kazipur and parts of Sadar, according to unofficial results published on February 13, 2026. He secured 115,132 votes under the paddy sheaf symbol. His nearest rival, Jamaat’s Maulana Shahinur Alam, received 106,732 votes, leaving a margin of 8,400 votes between them. The unofficial results were compiled from 16 unions and one municipality within the constituency. Official confirmation of the results is still pending. A total of 165 polling centers served 385,000 registered voters, and six candidates contested in this seat. The report also mentioned that in other regions, BNP candidates achieved notable victories, including all three seats in Manikganj and a historic win in Tungipara-Kotalipara, while Jamaat failed to secure any of the 19 seats in Sylhet.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) achieved a sweeping victory in the 13th national election across Sylhet Division, winning 18 out of 19 parliamentary seats. The only exception was one seat won by the BNP’s alliance partner, Khelafat Majlish. The results confirmed BNP’s dominance in the region, with the party also securing a parliamentary majority to form the next government. In the symbolic Sylhet-1 constituency, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir won with 176,936 votes, continuing the long-held belief that the winning party in this seat goes on to form the national government. Political analysts cited BNP’s accurate candidate selection and effective campaign strategy as key factors behind the landslide. In contrast, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami failed to win any seat in Sylhet, reportedly due to internal alliance issues and frequent candidate changes. Despite this, Jamaat’s vote share increased in several constituencies. BNP’s new chairman Tarique Rahman launched the national campaign from Sylhet on January 22, following visits to two major shrines. The party’s near-total victory in Sylhet marks a significant political shift in the region.

Inter Miami has become the most valuable football club in the United States, with an estimated valuation of $1.45 billion ahead of the 2026 season. The Florida-based team, led by Argentine captain Lionel Messi, has seen its brand value and revenue surge following his arrival. According to a survey by sports business outlet Sportico, Inter Miami has overtaken Los Angeles FC, which now ranks second with a $1.4 billion valuation. The club’s market value has grown by about 22 percent in just one year, marking a significant rise for Messi and teammate Luis Suárez’s side. In contrast, Los Angeles FC recorded only a 9 percent increase, allowing Miami to surpass it in overall worth. The top five most valuable MLS clubs now include Inter Miami, Los Angeles FC, LA Galaxy ($1.17 billion), Atlanta United ($1.14 billion), and New York City FC ($1.12 billion). The report highlights how Messi’s influence has extended beyond the pitch, transforming Inter Miami’s financial and competitive standing within Major League Soccer.

Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament election and referendum were completed in a festive and peaceful atmosphere, coinciding with Eid celebrations. Citizens participated enthusiastically, which observers described as a victory for democracy and a setback for the Awami League’s political blueprint. Interim government Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus congratulated the nation, crediting voters’ spontaneous participation, political parties’ responsible conduct, and institutional professionalism for ensuring a credible process. Analysts noted that organizing a free and fair election posed a major challenge for the Yunus-led interim government, given the banned Awami League’s activities and what they termed India’s uncooperative stance. Despite these obstacles, the government was praised for delivering a transparent and orderly vote. Political analyst Dr. Mahbub Ullah said attempts by the banned Awami League and external actors to disrupt the election had failed, while voters expressed long-awaited joy in exercising their rights. According to the report, the referendum produced 75.34 percent “yes” votes and 24.66 percent “no” votes, with the BNP achieving a landslide victory. Foreign observers reportedly expressed satisfaction with the election process, though results in three constituencies remain pending.

BNP-backed candidates have been declared unofficial winners in all three constituencies of Manikganj, according to results published on February 13, 2026. In Manikganj-1 (168), S A Jinnah Kabir received 137,773 votes, defeating independent candidate Md Tozammel Haque, who secured 77,818 votes. In Manikganj-2 (169), Moinul Islam Khan won with 175,776 votes, while his nearest rival, Md Salauddin of Khelafat Majlish, obtained 81,531 votes. In Manikganj-3 (170), Afroza Khanam triumphed with 167,345 votes, surpassing Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish’s Muhammad Saidnur, who received 64,242 votes. The report also included referendum results from the same constituencies. In Manikganj-3, 191,908 voters cast “yes” ballots and 52,595 voted “no.” In Manikganj-2, 187,626 voted “yes” and 55,740 “no.” In Manikganj-1, 199,252 voted “yes” and 74,366 “no.” These unofficial outcomes indicate a clean sweep for BNP-backed contenders across the district, reflecting strong local support in all three seats.

BNP-nominated candidate S M Jilani has achieved a major victory in the Gopalganj-3 (Kotalipara-Tungipara) constituency during Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election, traditionally known as an Awami League stronghold. According to unofficial results announced by District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Md Arif-uz-Zaman, Jilani secured 60,166 votes, defeating his nearest rival Gobinda Chandra Pramanik, who received 33,867 votes. A total of eight candidates contested in this constituency. The Gopalganj-3 constituency has 308,784 registered voters, including 158,405 men, 150,378 women, and one third-gender voter, across 108 polling centers. Following the announcement of the results, BNP leaders and activists across the district celebrated the outcome, describing it as a historic success for the party. In his remarks after the victory, S M Jilani expressed gratitude to the voters and pledged to work for local development and to ensure a peaceful environment in the area.

Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate, has been unofficially declared the winner in the Comilla-1 (Daudkandi-Meghna) constituency. According to results from all 145 polling centers, he received a total of 139,334 votes under the paddy sheaf symbol. His closest rival, Md. Moniruzzaman Bahlul of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, representing an 11-party alliance with the scale symbol, secured 88,807 votes. The announcement was made on February 13, 2026. The results show that Dr. Mosharraf Hossain won by a margin of 50,527 votes, marking a significant victory for the BNP in this constituency. The report also noted other BNP successes in different regions, including Tungipara-Kotalipara and Sylhet-4, as well as mixed results in Madaripur where BNP and Khelafat Majlis candidates won separate seats. These outcomes indicate a strong performance by the BNP and its allies across multiple constituencies, reflecting shifting electoral dynamics in several districts.

Argentina and Inter Miami have been hit by a major setback as Lionel Messi sustained a left hamstring injury during a friendly match against Ecuadorian club Barcelona last Saturday. The injury forced Messi to miss Miami’s Wednesday training session, prompting concern from Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and Miami coach Javier Mascherano. The club has not yet announced a timeline for his return, while Messi confirmed on social media that the team postponed its next friendly due to his condition. According to Argentine outlet TyC Sports, Messi is expected to recover before Argentina’s March 27 Finalissima match against Spain, though uncertainty remains about how quickly the 38-year-old can regain full fitness. The injury occurred late in Miami’s pre-season, a period Messi had planned to use to decide whether to play in the 2026 World Cup. The setback may influence that decision. Inter Miami, owned by David Beckham, stated that Messi’s return to training will depend on his physical progress in the coming days. The club’s friendly against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico has been rescheduled to February 26.

Professor Mujibur Rahman, the Naib-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has been elected from Rajshahi-1 (Tanore-Godagari) constituency as a candidate of the 11-party alliance. The results were announced on Thursday night, February 11, 2026. His closest rival was BNP candidate Major General (Retd) Sharif Uddin. After the victory announcement, Mujibur Rahman addressed party workers in Godagari, expressing gratitude and urging humility among supporters. In his remarks, Mujibur Rahman emphasized that the victory was granted by Allah and called on everyone to avoid pride or arrogance. He urged followers to remain humble and submissive before Allah, avoiding anger and self-importance. The Rajshahi region saw mixed results, with BNP winning four of six constituencies and Jamaat securing two, including Rajshahi-4 (Bagmara), where Dr. Abdul Bari of Jamaat won. Elsewhere, BNP candidates achieved victories in most constituencies across Madaripur, Sylhet, Naogaon, and Pabna, while the Khelafat Majlish won one seat in Madaripur.