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.

Urea production at the Jamuna Fertilizer Factory in Jamalpur was halted on Sunday morning after gas pressure fell below the required level. Factory officials said the pressure dropped to 8.2 kilograms around 9:30 a.m., making it impossible to continue normal operations. The factory’s General Manager (Operations), Md. Fazlul Haque, explained that at least 10 kilograms of gas pressure is needed to maintain regular production, and the drop forced a suspension for safety and technical reasons. Production will resume once gas pressure returns to normal.

The Deputy General Manager (Administration) confirmed the temporary shutdown, citing inadequate gas supply pressure. Factory sources emphasized that recurring disruptions caused by low gas pressure could affect fertilizer supply and the agricultural season. They urged swift and effective measures to stabilize gas supply to prevent further interruptions.

Officials indicated that production could restart at any time once gas pressure stabilizes, but no specific timeline was provided for resumption.

Kuakata sea beach in Patuakhali has become nearly deserted during this year’s Valentine’s Day, a time when it usually draws large crowds of tourists. Business owners and local guides report that the ongoing 13th parliamentary election and the approaching Ramadan have sharply reduced tourist arrivals over the past two weeks, raising fears of a collapse in the local tourism economy.

Hotel operators, tour guides, and shop owners describe severe financial losses as hotels remain empty and beachside shops see no customers. Mamun Khan, director of Hotel Sea Crown, said they had prepared for the Valentine’s season but faced major losses due to the lack of visitors. The Kuakata Tour Guide Association reported that 70 trained guides are currently without work, while the Tour Operators Association warned of significant revenue losses for both businesses and the government.

Tourist Police officials said patrols continue across all major beach areas to ensure visitor safety. Many local entrepreneurs believe the situation may not improve before the upcoming Eid, deepening concerns over the region’s tourism-dependent economy.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is preparing to form a new government after its landslide victory in the 13th parliamentary election. With the swearing-in scheduled for Tuesday, political attention has turned to the composition of the first cabinet and the allocation of key ministries. Party sources indicate that Tarique Rahman, set to become prime minister for the first time, aims to combine the experience of senior figures with the energy of new leadership. Discussions are ongoing at the party’s Gulshan office, where Rahman is meeting senior leaders and advisers to finalize the list of ministers.

Analysts suggest the cabinet will emphasize administrative efficiency and a clean, public-oriented image, prioritizing ministries such as finance, home, foreign affairs, local government, education, and health. The BNP is reportedly considering both veteran politicians and younger members who performed well in the election. Leaders active in the party’s long political movements are also expected to be recognized, while controversial figures will likely be excluded.

Allied leaders from the joint anti-government movement are expected to join the cabinet, reflecting BNP’s earlier pledge for a participatory national government aimed at restoring democracy and good governance.

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.