The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which secured a decisive victory in the 13th national parliamentary election, has sworn in its elected members of parliament on Tuesday morning. Later in the afternoon, the new cabinet members are scheduled to take their oaths at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building in Dhaka. The cabinet, led by BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, will include 25 full ministers and 24 state ministers, forming a 50-member council of ministers.

Among those appointed to the cabinet are several figures who had not been widely discussed in political circles prior to the announcement. These include Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Khondaker Abdul Muktadir, Sardar Shakhawat Hossain Bakul, Fakir Mahbub Anam, and Sheikh Robiul Alam. Their inclusion highlights a mix of familiar and lesser-known faces in the new administration.

The swearing-in marks the formal beginning of the BNP-led government following its overwhelming electoral success, setting the stage for the party’s return to executive leadership.

Nasir Chowdhury, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate who won the 13th parliamentary election from Sunamganj-2 (Dirai-Shalla), took his oath of office on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The oath ceremony was held for all newly elected members of the 13th National Parliament, where Chowdhury appeared in a wheelchair to take his oath.

Chowdhury is a member of the BNP’s central executive committee and a former Member of Parliament. He was first elected to parliament in 1996 after defeating national leader Suranjit Sengupta with the plough symbol. Before his recent victory, he also served twice as chairman of Dirai Upazila Parishad.

Speaking about his development plans, Chowdhury said that the people of his area had elected him with love and high expectations. He expressed his own aspirations to implement various development projects and pledged to work hard to bring smiles to the faces of local residents.

The Cabinet Division of Bangladesh began inviting newly selected members to join the upcoming cabinet immediately after the swearing-in of parliament members. President Md. Shahabuddin is scheduled to administer the oath to 49 cabinet members on Tuesday afternoon at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building. The list includes 25 full ministers and 24 state ministers.

Despite earlier discussions suggesting their inclusion, several senior political figures were excluded from the final list. Those left out include Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Dr. Osman Faruk, Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, Lutfozzaman Babar, Dr. Reza Kibria, Barrister Andaleeve Rahman Partha, Khairul Kabir Khokon, and Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon. The full ministers include Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salah Uddin Ahmed, and others.

The cabinet formation follows the recent parliamentary oath ceremony, marking the next step in establishing the new government structure.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami held a parliamentary party meeting at the National Parliament Building on February 17, 2026, following the oath-taking of its newly elected members of parliament. The meeting was chaired by Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman and attended by MPs from the 11-party alliance, including the National Committee Party (NCP).

Earlier in the day, Jamaat MPs took their oaths at 12:30 p.m., followed by NCP lawmakers. Members of the 11-party alliance also took oaths as members of the Constitutional Reform Council. The NCP, a key component of the Jamaat-led alliance, has six MPs: Nahid Islam, Akhtar Hossain, Hasnat Abdullah, Abdul Hannan Masud, Abdullah Al Amin, and Atikur Rahman Mojahid.

In contrast, MPs elected from the BNP took their parliamentary oaths but did not take the oath for the Constitutional Reform Council. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed stated that a decision on this matter would be made after the parliamentary session begins.

Six elected members of the National Citizens Party (NCP) took their oath as members of parliament at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, according to the National Parliament Secretariat. The NCP, part of the 11-party electoral alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami, includes MPs Nahid Islam, Akhtar Hossain, Hasnat Abdullah, Abdul Hannan Masud, Abdullah Al Amin, and Atikur Rahman Mojahid.

The Parliament Secretariat had prepared for two separate oaths for newly elected representatives: one as members of parliament and another as members of the Constitutional Reform Council. Following the July National Charter implementation order, the council is to be formed with representatives from the 13th National Parliament. While Jamaat-e-Islami alliance members took both oaths, BNP’s 209 elected MPs declined to take the second oath for the council.

BNP’s standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the party would decide on the Constitutional Reform Council oath after the parliamentary session begins.

Bangladesh’s Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin announced that the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) has saved nearly Tk 1,000 crore in the current fiscal year due to improved transparency and accountability. Speaking at the inauguration of TCB’s Ramadan truck sale program in Dhaka on Tuesday, he said that if this trend continues, the government may no longer need to provide subsidies to TCB within the next four to five years. He also mentioned plans to add essential items such as soap and tea to TCB’s product list to further benefit consumers.

The Ramadan truck sale program will run from February 17 to March 12, excluding Fridays and holidays, offering affordable goods to low-income citizens. Each truck will serve about 400 people daily, reaching around 3.5 million beneficiaries nationwide with 23,000 tons of products. Items include edible oil, sugar, lentils, chickpeas, and dates at prices below market rates. The program will operate 450 mobile trucks across the country, with separate provisions for family cardholders.

If the savings trend continues, TCB’s operations could become self-sustaining, reducing the government’s fiscal burden in the coming years.

The Cabinet Division has invited 49 leaders from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to take oath as members of the new cabinet following the swearing-in of parliament members. The oath ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building, where President Md. Shahabuddin will administer the oath. Invitations began at 11 a.m. on Tuesday.

According to the Cabinet Division, 25 individuals are set to become full ministers and 24 will serve as state ministers. The list includes senior BNP figures such as Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salah Uddin Ahmed, and others, along with several technocrats. The announcement marks the formal beginning of a new cabinet formation process under BNP leadership.

The report also notes that some figures discussed earlier did not make it into the cabinet, while the National Committee Party (NCP) will not be part of the oath ceremony. A separate meeting of the Jamaat parliamentary group was also held ahead of the event.

Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election concluded in a festive atmosphere with broad public participation. Despite minor disputes over a few constituencies, candidates across parties displayed acceptance of results and mutual respect. Incidents of winners visiting defeated rivals’ homes with sweets and flowers, exchanging greetings, and pledging to build the nation together were widely reported. BNP leader Tarique Rahman met with leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami, the National Citizens Party, and Islami Andolan Bangladesh, assuring steps to prevent post-election violence.

Analysts described these gestures as a sign of a new culture of tolerance and harmony in national politics, unseen in the past decade and a half. They linked this shift to the “July Revolution,” which they said initiated a qualitative change in political behavior. Political scientists noted that such acceptance of differing opinions reflects the essence of democracy and could strengthen parliamentary cooperation.

Experts added that if this environment of goodwill continues, Bangladesh’s political culture may regain health and stability, fostering constructive governance and inclusive democratic practice.

Indian Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri arrived in Dhaka on Tuesday, February 17, to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the new cabinet under Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they were received at the airport by Md. Nazrul Islam, Secretary (East and West) of the ministry.

The event is drawing several high-level foreign dignitaries. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu and Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay have also arrived in Dhaka to attend the ceremony. Other attendees include Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma, Maldives’ Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel, Sri Lanka’s Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, UK Under Secretary for India-Pacific Affairs Seema Malhotra, and Turkey’s Under Secretary Beris Ekinci.

The presence of multiple regional and international representatives underscores the diplomatic significance of the new government’s inauguration in Bangladesh.

Teachers, students, and staff of Jahangirnagar University gathered on Tuesday morning at the university’s Shaheed Minar to sing the national anthem, celebrating the establishment of a democratic government following the fall of 17 years of authoritarian rule. The event was organized and supervised by Professor Shamima Sultana, director of the Institute of Comparative Literature and Culture, and saw spontaneous participation from across the campus community.

Speakers including JAKSU Vice President Abdur Rashid Jitu, Professor Shamima Sultana, and Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Kamrul Ahsan described the occasion as a symbolic renewal of national unity and commitment to building a just and inclusive Bangladesh. They emphasized participation beyond political and religious divisions, recalling past struggles for democracy and equality. The vice-chancellor paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the 1971 Liberation War and the 2024 uprising, linking the anthem’s performance to a renewed pledge for a better nation.

Senior faculty members, administrative officials, and student leaders from various organizations attended the event, underscoring a collective aspiration for a peaceful and democratic future.

Jamaat-e-Islami has cancelled its previously announced protest program in Dhaka. The party’s Dhaka South unit had declared a demonstration and rally to be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday at the north gate of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram, citing the country’s prevailing situation and unrest. However, the decision to cancel the event came less than an hour after the announcement.

According to Abdus Sattar Suman, assistant publicity secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka South, the protest was withdrawn as the uncertainty surrounding the oath-taking of the party’s members of parliament was resolved. The MPs have since taken their oaths, ending the earlier uncertainty.

The cancellation indicates a shift in the party’s immediate political stance following the completion of the oath-taking process, though no further details were provided on future plans.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that he expects Ukraine to reach a quick agreement with Russia during talks scheduled for Tuesday in Geneva. The discussions are being held under U.S. mediation and aim to end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and restore peace. Trump made the remarks while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on his way to Washington.

The Geneva meeting is focused on achieving a resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has continued despite multiple international efforts. Trump emphasized that Ukraine should come to the negotiating table quickly and finalize a deal with Moscow. His comments came as anticipation builds around the U.S.-brokered talks intended to halt hostilities and establish stability in the region.

The outcome of the Geneva discussions could determine the next phase of diplomatic engagement between Moscow and Kyiv, with Washington playing a central mediating role.

Independent lawmaker Rumin Farhana from Brahmanbaria-2 constituency did not take the oath as a member of the Constitutional Reform Council, although she was sworn in earlier as a Member of Parliament. The oath-taking ceremony took place shortly before 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the oath room of the National Parliament Building.

Chief Election Commissioner A. M. M. Nasir Uddin administered the oath, while Parliament Secretariat Secretary Kaniz Mowla conducted the event. During the ceremony, Rumin Farhana left the venue before the oath for the Constitutional Reform Council was administered. In contrast, elected members from Jamaat took both oaths — as MPs and as members of the council.

The report did not specify the reason behind Rumin Farhana’s decision to abstain from the council oath or any official reaction following the event.

A colorful rally was held in Manikganj to welcome the holy month of Ramadan and to call for preserving its sanctity. The event, organized by Manikganj Islamia Kamil Madrasa, took place on Tuesday morning. The procession began from the madrasa campus, paraded through the main streets of Manikganj town, and concluded back at the campus. The disciplined participation and religious atmosphere drew attention from residents across the city.

The rally was led by the madrasa principal, Md. Atiqur Rahman, with teachers, students, parents, and local dignitaries joining spontaneously. Participants carried banners, festoons, and placards urging respect for Ramadan’s holiness. The area echoed with slogans promoting moral conduct and discouraging indecency during the fasting month.

In his concluding remarks, Principal Rahman emphasized that Ramadan is not only a month of fasting but also a time for self-purification, restraint, and moral learning. He urged everyone to uphold honesty in business and refrain from social misconduct during the holy month.

National Citizens Party (NCP) northern chief organizer Sarjis Alam has alleged that the newly formed BNP government began its journey by betraying the July Charter and the aspirations of the earlier uprising. He made the remark on Tuesday in a verified Facebook post following the start of the BNP-led government.

Before the swearing-in ceremony of BNP’s elected members of parliament at the National Parliament building, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed informed party MPs that they would not take the oath for the Constitutional Reform Council that day. Holding two forms in white and blue, he explained that no one had yet been elected as a member of the council and that it had not been incorporated into the constitution. He added that the council must first be constitutionally established and its oath-taking procedures defined before any swearing-in could occur.

Salahuddin emphasized that the party had so far acted in accordance with the constitution and would continue to do so, announcing the decision under the direction of the party chairman.