TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman spoke at a press conference at the MIDAS centre in the capital’s Dhanmondi area this morning. Photo: Video ScreenshotDHAKA, Feb 16, 2026 (BSS) - Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman has described the recently concluded national election as “acceptable,” calling it fair, competitive, participatory, and inclusive. Responding to a question, Dr Iftekharuzzaman explained that although the Awami League had announced a boycott and vowed to resist the polls, its grassroots leaders and activists remained active. Regarding allegations of election manipulation, the TIB executive director said, “There was no election engineering. Nothing happened that would suggest election engineering took place.”

Sri Lanka’s Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr Nalinda Jayatissa. File PhotoDHAKA, Feb 16, 2026 (BSS) – Sri Lanka’s Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr Nalinda Jayatissa will represent his country at the oath-taking ceremony of Bangladesh’s new cabinet led by BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday. Bangladesh High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andalib Elias saw off the Sri Lankan minister at Colombo airport today morning before his departure for Dhaka, according to a message received here. Tarique Rahman is set to assume office as Prime Minister following the landslide victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) under his leadership in the 13th parliamentary election. The participation of the Sri Lankan minister at the swearing-in ceremony underscored the strong and friendly bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

DHAKA, Feb 16, 2026 (BSS) - The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has extended the deadline for submitting online VAT returns for the January 2026 tax period through its e-VAT system until February 22, citing public interest. In addition, taxpayers faced further difficulties on February 15 when the OTP server of the e-Challan system experienced downtime, preventing many from completing their return submissions on time. The decision aims to ensure that businesses and VAT-registered entities are not penalised for delays caused by factors beyond their control. Officials said the extended timeline would help taxpayers complete the submission process smoothly after disruptions linked to the holidays and technical issues. The NBR urged all VAT-registered entities to use the extended period responsibly and submit their January 2026 returns within the new timeframe to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with tax regulations.

MOSCOW, Feb 16, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The Kremlin on Monday rejected as "baseless" an assessment by five European countries that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died from poisoning while in an Arctic prison two years ago. "We naturally do not accept such accusations. We disagree with them. We consider them biased and baseless," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, including AFP, during a daily briefing call.

DHAKA, Feb 16, 2026 (BSS) - The Home Ministry has directed all concerned particularly the police to ensure maximum security around the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Prime Minister, scheduled to take place at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban tomorrow. The law enforcement agencies have been asked to take all necessary measures to guarantee the safety of the Prime Minister and cabinet members during the oath-taking ceremony. Special security arrangements will be centered on the South Plaza, marking an unprecedented shift in venue for the cabinet swearing-in ceremony. The security convoy will include police protection, Presidential Guard Regiment (PGR) security, SSF personnel, jammer systems for network control, SSF security screening teams, an ambulance and medical support. According to the Constitution, the President will administer the oath to the Prime Minister and other cabinet members later in the afternoon ceremony.

"I call upon everyone, regardless of party, creed, religion, caste and gender to continue the struggle to build a just, humane, and democratic Bangladesh. Prof Yunus expressed confidence that the people of Bangladesh and all political stakeholders will protect and enrich this democratic trajectory through steel-strong unity in the days ahead. "This election will be an excellent example of how Bangladesh's elections should be in the future," the Chief Adviser added. The Chief Adviser congratulated all candidates who contested the polls, including the winners and losers. I was given three responsibilities- reform justice and elections- to return Bangladesh to normal situation," the Chief Adviser added.

Photo: BSSRANGPUR, Feb 16, 2026 (BSS) - A high school teacher was arrested on Mondayafternoon in the city for allegedly offering a bribe of Taka seven lakh toRoksana Begum, Deputy Director of the Directorate of Secondary and HigherEducation, Rangpur region. "The arrested teacher is Md Maidul Islam, a former teacher of Kochaikata HighSchool in Roumari upazila of Kurigram district," Rangpur Metropolitan KotwaliPolice Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Shahjahan Ali told BSS at 9 pmtonight. On Monday (February 16) afternoon, Roksana Begum handed him over to thepolice along with the bribe money. Seeing the matter, Roksana Begum called the officers and employees of heroffice and handed her over to the police. OC Shahjahan Ali said that after interrogation, teacher Maidul was arrestedwith Taka seven lakh taka in cash.

Agricultural sector is now in a better position than before: AdviserAgriculture Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury -File PhotoDHAKA, Feb 16, 2026 (BSS)- Agriculture Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said that the current relief in the country’s agricultural sector is the result of the combined efforts of its all stakeholders . “The agricultural sector is now in a better position than before,” he said. Expressing gratitude, he thanked officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and its affiliated departments and agencies for their cooperation during his tenure.

DHAKA, Feb 16, 2026 (BSS) - The final phase of the Spectrum BangladeshNational Cup Chess has begun at the Chess Federation hall room today(Monday). Minhaz Uddin, FIDE MasterKhandaker Aminul Islam, FIDE Master Mohammad Javed, FIDE Master Mehdi HasanParag, FIDE Master Syed Mahfuzur Rahman, Golam Mostafa Bhuiyan, CandidateMaster Md. In the first round, IM Mohammad Fahad Rahman defeated Siam Chowdhury, IMManon Reja Neer defeated CM Md. Azmaeen Parvez Sayor, FM Mohammad Javed defeated WFMWarsia Khusbu, FM Mehedi Hasan Parag defeated CM Sohel Chowdhury, FM SyedMahfuzur Rahman defeated WFM Noshin Anjum, CM Md. MasumHossain defeated CM Md.

Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin -File photoDHAKA, Feb 16, 2026 (BSS) – Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin today said that he never compromised on ethical standards after taking charge. Bashir made the remarks at a farewell reception today accorded to him by the Ministry of Commerce in his honour at the Ministry, said a Commerce Ministry press release. Bashir Uddin said, “After taking charge of the Ministry of Commerce, I never compromised on ethical issues, and I never will.

CA delivers farewell address to officials, staff at his officeChief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today delivered a farewell address to the officials and employees at his office in the city's Tejgaon, Dhaka. Photo : CA's Press WingDHAKA, Feb 16, 2026 (BSS) - Chief Adviser of the interim government Professor Muhammad Yunus today delivered a farewell address to the officials and employees at his office in the city's Tejgaon area. Following the speech, he participated in a photo session with all those serving at the Chief Adviser's Office (CAO), said the Chief Adviser's Press Wing this afternoon. Tenure of Prof Yunus is going to end tomorrow following the swearing-in ceremony of the new government led by BNP.

NCP Convener Nahid Islam and Member Secretary Akhter Hossain signed the July National Charter today in the presence of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna. Photo: CA's Press WingDHAKA, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS)- National Citizen Party (NCP) has signed the July National Charter, giving it compete shape on the aspects of approval of all stakeholders. National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz, Commission Member Badiul Alam Majumdar, and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Monir Haider were present on the occasion. Speaking at the event, Prof Yunus said, “The nation believed that the NCP would sign this charter, and today that conviction came true, the July National Charter has attained completion. The Chief Adviser further said the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected members of parliament will be held tomorrow and wished wellbeing of all in the coming days.

CA to address nation at 9:15pmChef Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. File photoDHAKA, Feb 16, 2026 (BSS) – Chef Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus will address the nation at 9:15pm tonight. Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar will simultaneously air the speech, said the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.

National Citizen Party Convener Nahid Islam on Monday vowed to ensure justice for Sharif Osman Bin Hadi and the perpetrators of the July uprising killings. Nahid Islam, who contested the national election from Dhaka-11 constituency, won by a margin of more than 2,000 votes. Running with the Shapla Kali (water lily bud) symbol, he secured 93,872 votes. Meanwhile, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman paid a courtesy call on Nahid at his residence on Bailey Road in the capital around 8:30 pm on Sunday. Meanwhile, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman paid a courtesy call on Nahid at his residence on Bailey Road in the capital around 8:30 pm on Sunday.

Authorities have prepared 37 official vehicles for the incoming cabinet, with formal calls to prospective ministers scheduled to be made on Tuesday morning. Officials said additional vehicles remain on standby and will be dispatched immediately if required. President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath of office to BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, whose party secured an absolute majority in the general election, along with members of his cabinet. An official from the Cabinet Division told bdnews24.com that around 1,200 guests, including local and foreign dignitaries, have been invited to attend the ceremony. The official added that the distribution of invitation cards has already been completed.