Pakistan will play India in Colombo tomorrow after earlier announcing a boycott in protest of what it called India’s dominance and ICC’s double standards. The decision followed a tripartite meeting in Lahore among the ICC, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), where BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul played a key role in ensuring the match proceeds. Former ICC media manager and Pakistani journalist Sami Ul Hasan said the India-Pakistan match is essential for the good of cricket.

The dispute began when the ICC refused Bangladesh’s request to shift its T20 World Cup venue from India to Sri Lanka, leading Bangladesh to withdraw from the tournament. Scotland replaced Bangladesh in the competition. The Lahore meeting also resolved uncertainties over possible sanctions, confirming Bangladesh would face no punishment and would continue hosting ICC events through 2031. Hasan credited ICC’s proactive role and cooperation with PCB and BCB for the positive outcome.

Hasan explained that canceling the India-Pakistan match would have caused major financial losses, affecting ICC’s ability to support smaller cricket nations dependent on shared revenues.

Hasnat Abdullah, the chief organizer of the NCP’s southern region, has been elected from Cumilla-4 constituency with the Shapla Koli symbol, securing 166,583 votes in the 13th National Parliamentary Election. His nearest rival, BNP-backed Gon Odhikar Parishad candidate Md. Jasim Uddin, received 49,000 votes. Speaking to journalists at Cumilla Town Hall after receiving his victory certificate from the district returning officer’s office on Friday afternoon, Abdullah said he won with 80% of the votes and vowed to win the hearts of those who did not support him.

He emphasized his intention to build a just society where even enemies would not face injustice. Referring to the period since August 24, Abdullah said he could no longer remain as he was before, as new responsibilities now rest on his shoulders. He mentioned the loss of several comrades, including Shaheed Hadi Bhai, and pledged to take responsibility for the families of martyrs as part of his future work.

Abdullah’s remarks highlighted his focus on unity and fairness as guiding principles for his upcoming parliamentary role.

Several major cricket and football matches will be broadcast live on February 14, 2026, across multiple television and streaming platforms. The T20 World Cup 2026 will feature three key fixtures: Ireland vs Oman at 11:30 a.m., England vs Scotland at 3:30 p.m., and New Zealand vs South Africa at 7:30 p.m. These matches will be shown on T Sports, Nagorik TV, and Star Sports.

Football fans will also have a packed schedule with live coverage of the FA Cup, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Saudi Pro League. The FA Cup will feature Manchester City vs Salford City at 9:00 p.m. and Liverpool vs Brighton at 2:00 a.m. on Sony Ten 2. La Liga’s Real Madrid will face Real Sociedad at 2:00 a.m., while Inter Milan meets Juventus in Serie A at 1:45 a.m. on Fancode and Bet365. Bundesliga’s Werder Bremen will play Bayern Munich at 8:30 p.m., and Saudi Pro League’s Al Fateh will meet Al Nassr at 11:30 p.m.

The day’s lineup highlights a global mix of cricket and football events, offering fans continuous live sports coverage across time zones.

In the 13th National Parliamentary Election, deposits of 20 candidates from three constituencies in Feni were forfeited after they failed to secure one-eighth of the total valid votes, as required by election rules. Only six candidates from the BNP and Jamaat-led 11-party alliance retained their deposits, according to unofficial results.

In Feni-1, BNP’s Rafiqul Alam Majnu and Jamaat’s S.M. Kamal Uddin were the only candidates to meet the threshold, while five others lost their deposits. In Feni-2, BNP’s Zainal Abedin and AB Party chairman Mojibur Rahman Manju retained theirs, with nine others forfeiting. In Feni-3, BNP’s Abdul Awal Mintu and Jamaat’s Mohammad Fakhroddin Manik met the required vote share, while six others failed to do so.

The results show that the BNP and Jamaat-led alliance dominated the three constituencies, leaving other parties and independent candidates far behind in vote counts.

Ershad’s Jatiya Party (Japa) has faced a complete political collapse in Bangladesh’s latest national election held on February 12, 2026. Once dominant in the Rangpur region, the party fielded candidates in 200 constituencies across the country but failed to win a single seat. In Rangpur Division, where it contested 30 of 33 seats, Japa lost all to the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance, while the National Citizen Party (NCP) secured two seats. The results mark the end of Japa’s four-decade-long political presence.

The report attributes Japa’s downfall to its long-standing alliance with the Awami League and its perceived closeness to India. Party chairman GM Quader, who previously acknowledged discussions with Indian officials, claimed that the Awami League had “blackmailed” Japa into joining the election. However, voters rejected the party, and all its candidates forfeited their deposits. Internal divisions among factions led by GM Quader, Raushan Ershad, and Anisul Islam Mahmud further weakened the organization.

The collapse of Japa, once a major political force in northern Bangladesh, signals a major realignment in the country’s opposition landscape, with Islamist and new parties gaining ground in its former strongholds.

The National Citizens Party (NCP), formed less than a year ago by youth leaders of the July uprising, made a surprising debut in Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election held on Thursday. Despite being a new entrant, the party contested 30 constituencies as part of an 11-party alliance and secured six seats, emerging as the third-largest political force after the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. NCP’s winning candidates include Nahid Islam in Dhaka-11, Akhtar Hossain in Rangpur-4, Hasnat Abdullah in Cumilla-4, Abdul Hannan Masud in Noakhali-6, Dr. Atik Mujahid in Kurigram-2, and Abdullah Al-Amin in Narayanganj-4.

According to unofficial results, NCP candidates achieved narrow to decisive victories, with margins ranging from a few thousand to over one hundred thousand votes. In several other constituencies, NCP contenders finished second with close margins, reflecting significant voter support for the new party. NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan alleged attempts to tamper with results in some areas during a late-night press briefing.

The NCP originated from the 2024 anti-discrimination movement and formally launched on 28 February 2025, joining the 11-party alliance shortly before the election.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has reported that 90 percent of school buildings in the Gaza Strip have been damaged or completely destroyed during two years of Israeli military aggression. The agency shared this information on Thursday through a post on social media platform X, noting that the few remaining intact schools have been converted into shelters. Children in Gaza are now entirely dependent on temporary classrooms or digital platforms for their education.

UNRWA stated that it is working to support the education of children affected by the ongoing devastation in Gaza. The report comes amid continuing conflict that began after Palestinian resistance groups launched an operation in Israel on October 7, 2023, aimed at breaking the long-standing blockade of Gaza. In response, Israeli forces initiated one of the most intense military campaigns in recent history.

According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, as of February 11, more than 72,000 people have been killed during the two-year-long Israeli offensive.

In Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, Jamaat-e-Islami, leading an 11-party alliance, fielded candidates in 224 constituencies and won 68 seats. According to the party’s election management committee member Dr. Zobaer Ahmad, alliance candidates lost in 53 constituencies by margins of fewer than 10,000 votes. He stated that if these seats had been won, the alliance’s total could have reached around 120. Jamaat leaders plan to file complaints with the Election Commission regarding alleged irregularities.

Party representatives alleged widespread vote rigging by rival candidates, claiming that fake votes were cast across multiple polling centers. Specific examples include Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar losing in Khulna-5 by 2,608 votes, and other close defeats in Dhaka, Pirojpur, Dinajpur, and Mymensingh constituencies. The alliance is reviewing official results and has already submitted several complaints to the Election Commission.

Several defeated candidates have demanded suspension of the announced results and a recount in affected constituencies, citing discrepancies found during their review of center-wise results.

Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, held after what the report describes as years of authoritarian rule, allowed citizens to exercise their voting rights freely. According to unofficial results available until Friday, many first-time and lesser-known candidates won, while several high-profile and veteran politicians suffered defeats across multiple constituencies.

Among the most notable outcomes were the losses of three senior leaders of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami: Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, Assistant Secretary General AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, and Supreme Court lawyer Mohammad Shishir Monir. Each was defeated by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidates in their respective constituencies. Other prominent figures who lost include BNP’s Harunur Rashid Harun, football captain Aminul Haque, and Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s senior leader Syed Fazlul Karim. Some candidates even lost their deposits.

The election marked a shift from previous years’ uncontested or manipulated polls, as described in the report. It reflected a restoration of voter participation and competition, with results showing both major and smaller parties facing mixed outcomes across the country.

U.S. President Donald Trump has revoked a key scientific ruling from former President Barack Obama that declared greenhouse gases dangerous to public health. The announcement was made Thursday at the Oval Office, according to a BBC report. The reversal nullifies federal measures introduced under the Obama administration to curb emissions of gases linked to global warming.

During his Oval Office address, Trump described the 2009 ruling as a disastrous Obama-era policy that harmed the American auto industry and made cars unaffordable for consumers. The White House called the move the largest deregulation in U.S. history, claiming it would reduce vehicle prices by about $2,400 for manufacturers.

Former President Obama criticized the decision, warning it would increase health risks for Americans and weaken the nation’s ability to combat climate change. Environmental groups also condemned the move, calling it one of the most damaging setbacks for climate action and vowing to challenge it in court.

BNP candidate Mostafizur Rahman Babul, who won the Jamalpur-3 (Melandah-Madarganj) constituency election, visited the home of his defeated rival, Jamaat candidate Maulana Mojibur Rahman Azadi, on Friday afternoon in Adipait village of Melandah municipality. Carrying sweets, Mostafizur exchanged greetings with Azadi, and the two embraced to share the joy of the election outcome. The BNP winner personally offered sweets to his opponent, who in turn congratulated him and pledged cooperation in local development efforts.

The cordial meeting between the two political rivals, marked by mutual respect and symbolic gestures, quickly spread across social media and drew widespread praise. Local voters viewed the encounter as a rare example of positive politics, emphasizing the importance of such conduct in maintaining post-election peace and strengthening democratic culture.

Observers in the area described the event as a bright example of social unity and democratic values, noting that such cooperation among political opponents sends a constructive message to the community.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, has achieved a landslide victory in Bangladesh’s general election. Indian media outlets have been analyzing the outcome, describing it as a temporary relief for India and favorable to its national interests. Reports from India Today, NDTV, The Hindu, News18, and Firstpost highlighted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi promptly congratulated Tarique Rahman, calling the gesture significant for bilateral ties. Analysts noted that India sees no better option than working with Bangladesh’s new government.

Coverage emphasized that Tarique Rahman’s policy toward India remains a key question, given that his mother Khaleda Zia’s India policy was once viewed as troubling for New Delhi. Indian outlets described Tarique as more liberal than Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami, whose rise would have worried India. Reports also discussed India’s concerns over alleged persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh and its expectation to raise the issue with the new government.

Several Indian reports suggested that Tarique Rahman’s leadership could restore strained Dhaka–Delhi relations and potentially open a new chapter in trade and cooperation between the two neighbors.

Bangladesh marks the first day of spring, known as Pahela Falgun, on February 14, 2026, with nationwide celebrations. The National Spring Festival Celebration Council is organizing the main event at the Liberation War Museum’s open grounds in Agargaon. The festival begins at 7:30 a.m. with instrumental and vocal performances by students of Bengal Parampara Sangeetalay, followed by group and solo music, dance, recitations, and cultural exchanges. Various renowned cultural organizations and artists are participating in the event.

This year’s Pahela Falgun coincides with Valentine’s Day, creating a dual celebration across the country. Citizens are also observing Anti-Autocracy Resistance Day, commemorating the 1983 student movement against the Majid Khan Commission’s education policy. The festive atmosphere is further influenced by the recent national election and referendum results. However, the annual Ekushey Book Fair has been postponed due to the election, reducing one traditional element of springtime festivities.

Historians note that Valentine’s Day originated from ancient Roman traditions and the martyrdom of Saint Valentine in 270 AD, whose legacy inspired the global observance of the day of love.

China’s Yangtze River, once severely polluted and ecologically degraded, is showing signs of revival following a government-imposed fishing ban. The policy, implemented using evolutionary theory to enhance effectiveness, also provided alternative employment for fishers who depended on the river for their livelihood. A study published Thursday in the journal Science reported that fish biomass in the river has more than doubled, and several endangered species have returned.

French researcher Sébastien Bros from the University of Toulouse described the initiative as the most positive freshwater conservation step taken in two decades. His team analyzed changes across the vast waterway, which supports 400 million people and numerous major factories. The findings indicate that the ban not only restored aquatic life but also improved water quality.

The Chinese government spent about three billion dollars to compensate and retrain nearly two hundred thousand fishers, leading one hundred thousand to stop fishing. Between 2019 and 2021, total biomass doubled and biodiversity increased by 13 percent, signaling a remarkable ecological comeback for the world’s third-largest river.

U.S. President Donald Trump is considering a multibillion-dollar plan for Gaza’s reconstruction and intends to present detailed proposals for deploying a stabilization force under a United Nations mandate. According to a Reuters report, Trump will outline these initiatives at the Board of Peace meeting in Washington on February 19, which will include leaders and representatives from 20 countries. The peace council, launched by Trump in Davos last month, includes members such as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Indonesia.

Indonesia has already announced plans to send 8,000 troops to Gaza, pending an agreement. Trump is also seeking reconstruction funds from wealthy Gulf nations including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. His son-in-law Jared Kushner, though not holding an official position, has been involved in discussions with Israel and Arab states regarding the plan. However, both Saudi Arabia and Qatar have expressed reluctance to provide financial support.

The upcoming peace council meeting is viewed as a test case for whether the proposed peacekeeping force and financial commitments will materialize. Some Arab and Muslim countries oppose the UN peacekeeping mandate, fearing it could shield Israeli military actions in Gaza.