Independent candidate Tasnim Jara has congratulated the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for its victory in the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Contesting from Dhaka-9 constituency, she also personally thanked her rival and winning BNP candidate Habibur Rashid Habib through a verified Facebook post, mentioning that she had called him the previous night to convey her congratulations.

According to unofficial results, Jara, a former NCP leader, received 44,684 votes under the football symbol, while Habib secured 111,212 votes with the paddy sheaf symbol, a margin of 66,528 votes. Jara finished third in the constituency. In her post, she expressed gratitude to Professor Yunus and the Election Commission for organizing what she described as a credible election amid a complex national situation.

Jara also clarified that she would not return to the United Kingdom, emphasizing her commitment to Bangladesh and her goal of contributing to a long-term transformation of the country’s political culture.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday, February 13, that Washington must reach an agreement with Iran over its nuclear program by March. Speaking to reporters at the White House, he warned that failure to do so could lead to 'terrible' consequences. Trump expressed hope that a deal could be achieved within the next month, emphasizing that both sides must act positively to move forward.

He further cautioned that if Iran does not advance in the negotiations, an operation called 'Midnight Hammer' could resume, this time with greater intensity. His remarks have sparked renewed concern internationally about the state of U.S.–Iran relations.

Analysts cited in the report suggested that Trump’s tough message is part of a strategy to increase pressure on Iran to limit its nuclear activities, a move that could further complicate the security situation in the Middle East.

BNP Standing Committee member and Election Steering Committee Chairman Nazrul Islam Khan said on Friday that the people have entrusted the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its leader Tarique Rahman with the responsibility for the country’s welfare for the next five years. Speaking at a press conference, he stated that the BNP secured more than two-thirds of the parliamentary seats, and many allied candidates also achieved victory.

When asked about his satisfaction with the election, Khan replied that being one hundred percent satisfied is difficult but expressed moderate satisfaction. He explained that unlike previous elections, this one saw no major loss of life, damage to property, or state assets. However, he noted that the culture of voter participation had not fully returned and expressed hope that public interest in voting would increase in the coming days.

Khan’s remarks highlighted both the party’s electoral success and its intention to rebuild voter engagement following years of declining turnout.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman arrived at the party’s central office in Moghbazar around 12:30 p.m. on Friday but did not speak to journalists. The office, once crowded with leaders and activists during Thursday’s election day, appeared deserted when he visited. Only a few party workers and reporters were seen at the site, according to a BBC correspondent.

During the election, Jamaat leaders had repeatedly claimed they were preparing to form the government. However, it is now clear that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a majority and will form the next government. Despite failing to achieve its goal of governing, Jamaat is expected to win more seats in this election than in any previous one.

Party sources indicated that Jamaat leaders will hold a meeting after Friday prayers to discuss the outcome and announce their official reaction.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has raised concerns over the transparency of the recent national parliamentary election, where the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured victory in more than two-thirds of the constituencies. In a post on its official Facebook page, Jamaat stated that the process of preparing and announcing the results was unclear to the party. It alleged that many of its candidates lost by narrow margins under mysterious circumstances.

The party further claimed that discrepancies and irregularities were repeatedly observed in the results, which it described as seemingly manipulated. Jamaat also accused the administration of failing to maintain neutrality during the election process. Alongside these allegations, the party urged its supporters to remain patient and wait for the next announcement from the political alliance.

The report also mentioned that the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) made similar complaints regarding the announcement of election results, though details of their statements were not elaborated in the source.

BNP Chairperson’s adviser Mahdi Amin described the party’s victory in the 13th national election as a triumph of democracy and Bangladesh. Speaking to reporters outside the party’s Gulshan office, he said the public’s trust and affection for BNP leader Tarique Rahman would ensure that, as prime minister, he upholds the rights and freedoms of all citizens. Amin added that the BNP government would be a welfare-oriented administration.

At an official briefing, Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed reported that voter turnout in the 13th parliamentary election stood at 59.44 percent. According to the commission, BNP secured 211 seats, including two suspended results in Chattogram, while Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 68 seats, the National Citizen Party (NCP) 6, Islami Andolan Bangladesh 1, Bangladesh National Party (BJP) 1, Gano Songhoti Andolon 1, Gono Odhikar Parishad 1, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish 2, Khelafat Majlish 1, and independent candidates 7, totaling 299 constituencies.

The results indicate a decisive victory for BNP, positioning the party to form the next government following the election.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission announced that 59.44 percent of votes were cast in the 13th parliamentary election, while 60.26 percent of voters supported the 'Yes' side in the national referendum. The announcement was made by Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed during a press briefing at the Election Commission Secretariat on Friday afternoon. According to the Commission, the figures were compiled from data received from polling centers across the country.

The Commission reported that voter turnout increased by about 18 percent compared to the 12th national election. Officials attributed the higher participation to improved law and order and better administrative preparation. A total of 127.7 million registered voters were eligible to cast ballots in 299 constituencies, where 50 political parties and independent candidates fielded 2,028 contenders.

Preliminary results show the BNP securing 211 seats including two pending results in Chattogram, followed by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami with 68 seats and several smaller parties and independents sharing the remainder. The referendum outcome indicates a clear majority in favor of the 'Yes' side.

China has congratulated the people of Bangladesh for successfully completing the 13th national parliamentary election and extended its greetings to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for winning the polls. The Chinese Embassy in Dhaka issued a message on Friday, February 13, 2026, expressing Beijing’s willingness to work with the new BNP-led government.

In its congratulatory message, the embassy stated that China looks forward to jointly working with Bangladesh’s new administration to open a new chapter in bilateral relations. The statement emphasized China’s appreciation of the peaceful and successful conduct of the election and its readiness to strengthen cooperation.

According to the report, since the interim government took office in August 2024, Beijing has intensified its engagement with Dhaka, increasing investment and collaboration in defense and healthcare sectors.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has congratulated Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its chairman Tarique Rahman on their historic victory in Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election. In a post on social media platform X, she addressed Rahman as 'brother' and extended greetings to the people of Bangladesh, wishing them well and offering early Ramadan greetings.

Banerjee expressed hope that the longstanding friendly relations between Bangladesh and India would continue. Her message followed a similar congratulatory note from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who also used X to convey his warm wishes to Tarique Rahman for leading the BNP to victory. Modi described the result as a reflection of the trust of the Bangladeshi people.

The congratulatory messages from both Indian leaders highlight regional attention to Bangladesh’s electoral outcome and signal continued diplomatic goodwill between the neighboring countries.

Japan’s Coast Guard seized a Chinese fishing vessel in the East China Sea near Kyushu’s Nagasaki Prefecture on February 13, 2026. The vessel, carrying 11 crew members including its captain, was intercepted within Japan’s exclusive economic zone after allegedly attempting to flee when ordered to stop. All crew members are currently in custody, according to a Coast Guard statement.

This marks Japan’s first seizure of a Chinese vessel in four years, the last such incident occurring in 2022. The operation comes at a time of heightened concern between Tokyo and Beijing over Taiwan, a self-governing island that China claims as an inseparable part of its territory. The issue has resurfaced following recent remarks by Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

The seizure underscores the fragile maritime relations between Japan and China, particularly as both nations navigate sensitive territorial and political disputes in the region.

All three parliamentary constituencies in Feni district were won by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidates in the 13th national election. The results were announced late Thursday night, February 12, 2026, by district returning officer Monira Haque. In Feni-1, BNP’s Rafiqul Alam Majnu secured 119,904 votes, defeating Jamaat’s SM Kamal Uddin, who received 92,000. In Feni-2, BNP’s Joynal Abedin won with 131,210 votes, ahead of Mujibur Rahman Manju of the AB Party, who got 80,058. In Feni-3, BNP’s Abdul Awal Mintu gained 157,425 votes, surpassing Jamaat’s Mohammad Fakhruddin Manik with 108,160.

Voter turnout was reported at 56.41% in Feni-1, 51.87% in Feni-2, and 54.47% in Feni-3. Across the three constituencies, a total of 26 candidates contested. The election also included a ‘yes-no’ referendum on constitutional amendments, with ‘yes’ votes leading in all three seats. For the first time, expatriates and election officials participated through postal ballots.

The BNP’s clean sweep in Feni marks a notable outcome in the district’s electoral landscape, as confirmed by unofficial results from the returning officer.

According to unofficial results announced by the district returning officer on February 13, 2026, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidates have won in all five constituencies of Jamalpur. The closest rivals in each seat were candidates from Jamaat-e-Islami. The results cover Jamalpur-1 through Jamalpur-5, where BNP nominees secured significant margins of victory.

In Jamalpur-1 (Dewanganj-Bakshiganj), BNP’s M. Rashiduzzaman Millat received 172,124 votes, defeating Jamaat’s Nazmul Haque Sayeedi, who got 93,661. In Jamalpur-2 (Islampur), Sultan Mahmud Babu won with 95,678 votes against Jamaat’s Md. Shamiul Haque with 61,655. In Jamalpur-3 (Melandah-Madaripur), Mostafizur Rahman Babul secured 206,214 votes, while Jamaat’s Mujibur Rahman Azadi got 79,607. In Jamalpur-4 (Sarishabari), Faridul Kabir Talukdar Shamim won with 146,546 votes, defeating Jamaat’s Advocate Abdul Awal with 44,161. In Jamalpur-5 (Sadar), Advocate Warez Ali Mamun received 199,344 votes, while Jamaat’s Maulana Muhammad Abdus Sattar got 113,201.

The results indicate a clean sweep for BNP in Jamalpur, with Jamaat-e-Islami emerging as the main opposition in the district’s electoral contests.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has won five of the six parliamentary constituencies in Noakhali, according to results confirmed by the district returning officer and the Noakhali district administration office. The remaining seat, Noakhali-6 (Hatiya), was won by Abdul Hannan Masud, senior joint chief coordinator of the National Congress Party (NCP) and candidate of the 11-party alliance. The elections were held across all six constituencies, with BNP candidates securing victories in Noakhali-1 through Noakhali-5.

In Noakhali-1, Barrister A.M. Mahbub Uddin Khokon won with 126,833 votes, while in Noakhali-2, Zainul Abdin Faruk received 83,982 votes. Former minister Barkat Ullah Bulu triumphed in Noakhali-3 with 141,031 votes, and Mohammad Shahjahan won Noakhali-4 with 219,182 votes. Businessman Md. Fakhrul Islam took Noakhali-5 with 147,808 votes. In Hatiya, NCP’s Abdul Hannan Masud gained 90,118 votes, defeating BNP’s Mahbuber Rahman Shamim, who received 63,372 votes.

Local BNP leaders attributed the party’s loss in Hatiya to internal divisions, as two independent candidates affiliated with BNP also contested the seat, splitting the vote.

Six senior leaders of the National Citizens Party (NCP), formed in the spirit of the July uprising, have been declared unofficial winners in Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election. The results, announced on Thursday, confirm that these six will represent the party in the new parliament.

Among the winners, NCP convener Nahid Islam won in Dhaka-11 by 2,000 votes, securing 93,872 votes against BNP’s M A Kaiyum. In Rangpur-4, member secretary Akhtar Hossain received 147,947 votes, while in Cumilla-4, southern organizer Hasnat Abdullah won with 160,081 votes. Joint coordinator Hannan Masud triumphed in Noakhali-6, joint convener Atik Mujahid in Kurigram-2 with 156,503 votes, and joint member secretary Abdullah Al Amin in Narayanganj-4 with 106,171 votes.

The NCP’s victories across multiple constituencies mark its formal entry into the national legislature, reflecting growing political traction for the party that emerged from the July movement.

A local Volunteer League leader in Feni, Ismail Hossain Kawser, reportedly divorced his wife, Bibi Johura, for casting her vote despite his prohibition. The incident occurred on Thursday evening, February 12, in the Dharmapur Bashtala area of Feni Sadar upazila. After learning that his wife had voted earlier that day, Kawser verbally pronounced triple talaq in public and forbade her from entering their home. Enraged locals detained and beat him, but he later escaped amid growing crowds.

According to residents, Johura had gone to vote for the first time, taking her three children with her, while her husband was asleep. Kawser, president of Ward No. 9 Volunteer League in Dharmapur Union, was known for his aggressive behavior and had previously faced community arbitration for domestic violence. Locals described him as a man who used to intimidate people during the Awami League’s tenure.

Following the incident, Johura, now separated with three children, faces an uncertain future and is reportedly working in others’ homes to support her family.