Commonwealth Secretary-General Sharlene Ayorkor Botchwey has congratulated BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and his party for their victory in Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election. She conveyed her message on Saturday through a Facebook post, praising the peaceful conduct of the election and the democratic environment maintained throughout the process.

In her post, the Secretary-General commended all citizens and institutions that contributed to ensuring a fair and peaceful electoral process. She reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s continued support for Bangladesh’s democratic progress. According to the election results, the BNP won 209 of the 297 declared seats, with its candidates leading in two more constituencies where results were pending. BNP’s allied parties secured three additional seats.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami won 68 seats, and other partners in the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance obtained nine seats in total.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul has stated that there is no question of his inclusion in the upcoming BNP cabinet. He made the comment on Sunday afternoon while speaking to reporters at the Secretariat. Nazrul confirmed that the oath-taking ceremony for newly elected members of parliament and the new cabinet will be held on Tuesday, February 17, at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. The MPs will take their oaths at 10 a.m., followed by the cabinet’s oath ceremony at 4 p.m.

He added that the Chief Election Commissioner is expected to administer the oath to the MPs, while the President will administer the oath to the cabinet members. The event is being arranged at the South Plaza in line with the BNP’s preference. Nazrul’s remarks came amid recent political discussions suggesting that he might join the BNP government’s cabinet.

The clarification effectively ends speculation about his possible role in the new BNP-led administration, as preparations continue for the formal swearing-in ceremonies.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), alleged that despite attempts at vote rigging and fraud, his opponents were defeated and are now resorting to conspiracies. He made the statement on Sunday afternoon through a Facebook post. Islam referred to an incident at the Badda Adarshanagar Vidya Niketan center, where the entry of the BNP’s Ward 38 president, Barkat, raised questions. He also claimed that live media coverage on election day showed individuals in polling agent seats mentioning BNP candidate M A Kaiyum’s name.

According to Islam, he had been leading by a significant margin from the beginning, but the gap suddenly narrowed in the final results, prompting public suspicion. He further alleged that attempts to alter results continued until 5 a.m., and that Kaiyum’s supporters tried to create fear and chaos at several centers, including during the final result announcement at Banasree Ideal School and College.

Islam stated that such manipulation and intimidation do not align with the spirit of a “new Bangladesh” and asserted that the people would respond to those who question their verdict.

The interim government has formed an investigation committee to probe an incident in Noakhali’s Hatiya, where a woman was allegedly assaulted and her husband beaten after they voted for the National Citizen Party (NCP) symbol ‘Shapla Koli’. The matter was disclosed on Sunday afternoon during a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, following a meeting of the Advisory Council chaired by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that the Home Affairs Adviser confirmed the formation of the committee, which will thoroughly investigate the case.

During the same meeting, the council expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Home Affairs and related agencies for successfully completing the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The Chief Adviser described the election as unprecedented, noting the absence of post-election violence against religious minorities and highlighting strong police performance and high female voter turnout.

The meeting also discussed preparations for the oath-taking ceremony of newly elected members of parliament and the new government, scheduled for February 17 at the South Plaza of the National Parliament, with the government coordinating security arrangements with the BNP.

After voting, many people notice a purple mark on their finger from indelible ink, which is used to ensure transparency in the election process. Some feel discomfort when the mark remains visible for days after the polls. Dermatologists explain that there is no instant way to remove the ink, but proper care can help fade it gradually without damaging the skin.

The ink is typically silver nitrate-based and reacts chemically with the outer layer of the skin, making it resistant to simple washing. The stain usually fades naturally within five to ten days as the skin renews. Experts warn against using bleach, acetone, or sharp objects, as these can cause irritation, burns, or infection. Instead, they recommend gentle home remedies such as washing with mild soap and warm water, applying lemon juice, regular toothpaste, baby oil, or coconut oil, and using light scrubs once daily.

Following these safe methods can help reduce the stain more comfortably while avoiding skin damage or allergic reactions.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh may receive the official letter authorizing the swearing-in of newly elected members of parliament today, Sunday, February 15, 2026. Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarkar confirmed to reporters that all preparations for the oath ceremony have been completed. According to the Parliament Secretariat, the oath-taking ceremony will be held on Tuesday morning at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building, where Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin will administer the oath.

The Cabinet Division has also announced that the new cabinet will take its oath on the same day at 4 p.m., with President Md. Shahabuddin administering the ceremony. The developments follow the 13th National Parliamentary Election, in which the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured an absolute majority.

Under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, the BNP is set to form a government after two decades, marking a significant political transition in the country.

Dhaka University teacher and assistant proctor Sheherin Amin Bhuiya Monami has alleged that she received death threats through phone calls from multiple unknown numbers. She made the claim in a Facebook post on Sunday, where she also shared several screenshots showing calls from unidentified sources. Monami stated that she has been facing numerous death threats since February 13, describing the latest incident as one among many.

In her verified Facebook post, Monami mentioned BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, questioning whether the current situation reflects a 'women-friendly and safe' Bangladesh. She further wrote that all Muslims should be prepared for death and that she has been ready since July 31, 2024. The post has drawn attention online, though no official response or investigation details were mentioned in the source.

The report did not specify whether any formal complaint has been filed or if authorities have taken action regarding the threats.

A Dhaka court has again postponed the submission of the further investigation report in the murder case of Inqilab Moncho’s Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi. The Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court had set Sunday for the report’s submission, but as the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) failed to file it, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Jashita Islam fixed February 19 as the new date. This marks the seventh delay in submitting the report.

The case stems from the December 12 shooting of Osman Hadi on Box Culvert Road under Paltan Police Station, after which he was taken to Singapore for treatment but died on December 18. A case was filed on December 14 by Inqilab Moncho’s member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber, initially under several penal code sections, later amended to include murder charges. On January 6, a charge sheet against 17 accused was submitted by the Detective Branch, but the plaintiff expressed dissatisfaction and requested further investigation, which the court granted to the CID.

Among the accused, 11 are in custody and six remain absconding, including the alleged main shooter Faisal Karim Masud and several associates.

The United Kingdom has pledged to work closely with Bangladesh on shared priorities including economic growth, migration, climate change, and security. A spokesperson for the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said the British government hopes Bangladesh’s new administration will advance democratic, economic, and social reforms. The statement followed the country’s parliamentary election held on 12 February 2026, which the UK welcomed as a peaceful process leading to final results.

According to the FCDO spokesperson, the election outcome marks an important step toward fulfilling Bangladesh’s national goals and public expectations. Earlier, the UK congratulated BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and his party for their decisive victory, while also extending good wishes to the people of Bangladesh as they enter a new chapter. The British High Commission in Dhaka reiterated its interest in future collaboration to achieve mutual objectives in growth, migration, climate, and security.

The UK’s reaffirmed commitment signals continued engagement with Bangladesh on key bilateral and developmental issues following the recent election.

In the 13th National Parliamentary Election, 25 candidates contested across three constituencies in Madaripur, where 17 lost their security deposits for failing to secure the required number of votes. Despite close margins among the winners, most candidates received limited voter support. The results showed competitive races but a high rate of deposit forfeiture.

In Madaripur-1, with 324,289 registered voters, 56.34 percent turnout was recorded. Said Uddin Ahmed Hanjala of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish won with 64,909 votes, narrowly defeating BNP’s Nadira Akter, who received 64,528 votes. In Madaripur-2, BNP’s Jahandar Ali Mia won with 61,744 votes, while in Madaripur-3, BNP’s Anisur Rahman Khokon Talukdar secured victory with 96,188 votes. Across these constituencies, seven candidates in each of the first two and three in the third lost their deposits.

The analysis of results indicated that although the contests were competitive, a significant number of candidates failed to attract sufficient voter support, leading to a high rate of deposit forfeiture across the district.

An editorial from Amader Desh Online on February 15, 2026, argues that Bangladesh urgently needs an independent and permanent National Education Commission to ensure sustainable improvement in its education system. The article highlights that despite completing a political milestone through the 13th National Parliament election, the nation’s true progress depends on classroom outcomes. It notes that frequent policy changes, declining quality, and confusion over curricula have created instability, while low budget allocations—around 1.76% to 2% of GDP—fall far below UNESCO’s recommended 4% to 6%.

The piece stresses that most education spending goes to infrastructure and salaries, leaving little for research, teacher training, laboratories, or digital content. It calls for a commission composed of diverse experts, including educators, psychologists, and technologists, to design reforms that integrate coding, AI, and data science from early education. The Bangladesh Student Welfare Trust has also advocated for such a commission, emphasizing its potential to align national education with global standards.

The article concludes that political will is essential for implementing the commission’s recommendations, warning that indecision could cost future generations.

The United States House of Representatives has passed the 'Brave Burma Act' to increase pressure on Myanmar’s military junta and strengthen support for pro-democracy movements. The bipartisan bill, introduced by Michigan Republican lawmaker Bill Huizenga in May of the previous year, was approved on Monday, according to Myanmar-based media. The bill will now move to the Senate for approval before being sent to the President for signature.

If enacted, the law will authorize the President to decide annually whether to tighten sanctions on Myanmar’s oil and gas enterprises, the Myanmar Economic Bank, and the jet fuel sector for the next seven years. It will also extend existing sanctions on state-owned entities, officials, their families, and foreign associates until December 23, 2032, with provisions for stricter enforcement.

The act would allow the appointment of a special envoy with ambassadorial rank to coordinate sanctions, arms restrictions, humanitarian aid, and diplomatic engagement. It also directs the US Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund to oppose any effort to expand Myanmar’s participation while the State Administrative Council, formed after the 2021 military coup, remains in power.

The Vietnamese government has granted a license to Elon Musk’s satellite internet company Starlink to operate in the country, according to the national radio frequency regulator. The local unit, Starlink Services Vietnam Co., has been authorized to set up four gateway stations and deploy up to 600,000 terminal devices. Under the license terms, Starlink must ensure that its operations do not interfere with existing radio communication networks.

Officials said the move is expected to play a key role in expanding Vietnam’s satellite-based internet connectivity. About 80 percent of the country’s 100 million people currently use the internet, but rural and mountainous areas still face service gaps. Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, provides high-speed internet through thousands of low-orbit satellites and has indicated on its website that service in Vietnam will launch soon.

The development comes as Vietnam and the United States continue trade negotiations following a 20 percent U.S. tariff on Vietnamese goods last year. Vietnam’s top leader To Lam is scheduled to visit Washington this week for a meeting of the U.S. “Board of Peace” led by President Donald Trump.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused the United States of pressuring Kyiv, rather than Moscow, to make concessions in ongoing peace negotiations over the Russia-Ukraine war. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, he said sustainable peace requires concrete and long-term security guarantees for Ukraine, not just compromises. A trilateral meeting in Geneva, mediated by US President Donald Trump, is scheduled for next week, which Zelensky views with cautious optimism but also frustration over the negotiation format.

Zelensky criticized the absence of European nations from the talks, calling it a major mistake that could hinder prospects for ending the war. One of the most contentious issues remains Russia’s demand for Ukrainian troop withdrawal from the Donetsk region. Kyiv refuses unilateral withdrawal and seeks at least 20 years of Western security guarantees, while the US has proposed 15 years. Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to oppose any foreign troop presence in Ukraine.

Zelensky also called for a national referendum before any peace deal, alongside nationwide elections, a ceasefire monitoring mission, and prisoner exchanges. He said Russia holds about 7,000 Ukrainian soldiers, while Ukraine detains around 4,000 Russian troops.

Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) has postponed the launch of the country’s first Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) SIM and its integrated triple-play package combining voice, data, and content services. The launch, initially scheduled for February 15, 2026, will now take place on March 1, 2026, according to an official announcement citing unavoidable reasons for the delay.

A press release stated that BTCL successfully completed call tests for key MVNO services on February 8, 2026. These included voice and data calls, Alap-to-Mobile, Alap-to-Alap, and GPON integration. Despite earlier media reports suggesting a February 15 rollout, BTCL confirmed that the new date has been finalized for pilot marketing of the MVNO service.

Previously, the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology had announced that the MVNO SIM and triple-play package would be available at BTCL’s sales centers in Ramna, Gulistan, and Gulshan from February 15. The revised schedule now sets March 1 as the official market introduction date.