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.

A protest rally organized by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and its 11-party electoral alliance was held on Monday against alleged post-election violence, including allegations of repression, assault, killings, and rape. Abdus Sattar Sumon, assistant publicity secretary of Dhaka South Jamaat, said the gathering was called to protest violence and persecution following the February 12 election. Ameer of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Mamunul Haque, and National Citizen Party (NCP) chief organizer Nasiruddin Patwary and other senior alliance leaders were present at the rally. Leaders of Dhaka North and South Jamaat addressed the rally. The Jamaat-led alliance secured 77 seats, with Jamaat winning 68, the NCP six, Khelafat Majlis one, and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis two.

Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election will be remembered as a ‘role model’ in the country’s electoral history, said Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Monday. Speaking at a farewell reception at the Police Headquarters, he praised the role of law enforcement agencies in ensuring what he described as a peaceful and credible vote. The adviser expressed gratitude to members of the security forces for their contribution to the smooth conduct of the National Election and Referendum 2026, which he said had drawn international recognition. Among those present were Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali, RAB (SIF) Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman and other senior officials. Earlier, the Home Adviser attended similar farewell receptions organised by the Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, Immigration and Passport Department, and Border Guard Bangladesh.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday delivered a farewell address to officers and staff at the Chief Adviser’s Office, marking the end of the interim administration’s tenure. Following his speech, he joined officials and employees for a photo session at the office. The interim government, which assumed office on August 8, 2024, under Prof Yunus, is set to conclude its term with the swearing-in of a new government on Tuesday (February 17). The BNP-led alliance is poised to form the next government after securing a landslide victory in Thursday’s national election, winning 212 seats, while the Jamaat-e-Islami led alliance won 77 seats.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Monday began a series of military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, state media reported on the eve of talks with the United States. The war games, the duration of which was not specified, aim to prepare the Guards for “potential security and military threats” in the strait, state TV said, after the United States deployed a large naval force to the area. The exercises, overseen by Guards chief General Mohammad Pakpour, aim to bolster the IRGC’s ability to react quickly, Iranian media reported. The Guards are the ideological arm of Iran’s military. The drills take place as Tehran and Washington ready for a new round of talks in Geneva on Tuesday, mediated by Oman.

Final preparations are underway at the Central Shaheed Minar to mark Amar Ekushey February and International Mother Language Day 2026. Cleaning and repainting work has begun at the main monument and surrounding areas to pay tribute to the language martyrs. a visit to the site showed workers washing the monument and its base after clearing away dust and debris, giving it a refreshed appearance. Workers involved in the project told Dhaka Tribune that work on the main structure was progressing quickly. To ensure tight security, CCTV cameras were being installed, and a temporary control room for law enforcement was being set up in the area.

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US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the member states of his so-called “Board of Peace” have pledged more than $5 billion (€4.2 billion) ‌ for reconstruction and humanitarian efforts in Gaza. Reconstruction of Gaza is expected to cost $70 billion, according to United Nations, World Bank and European Union estimates, after more than two years of war. The US-brokered October 10 ceasefire calls for an armed international force to provide security and disarm Hamas, but few nations have expressed interest. Trump is also urging Hamas to move ahead with full disarmament under his postwar plan for Gaza. Disarmament is an important part of the second phase of the US-mediated ceasefire plan that was agreed in October between Israel and Hamas.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Monday dismissed speculations that its president Aminul Islam has left the country permanently following the recent general election. Board officials clarified Aminul Islam is currently in Australia on a personal visit to meet his family and is scheduled to return. Adding to the speculation is the fact that Aminul was a resident of Australia before assuming the BCB presidency. The national team recently opted out of the ongoing T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, citing security concerns in India. The BCB had requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate their matches to Sri Lanka, a plea that was ultimately rejected.