SYDNEY, Feb 16, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Accused Bondi Beach killer Naveed Akram appeared in an Australian court via video link Monday, in his first public hearing since the nation's worst mass shooting in nearly three decades. Akram and his father, Sajid, allegedly attacked a Hanukkah celebration in December. He appeared in a Sydney court for about five minutes via video link from prison, according to a statement from the court and local media. Speaking outside the court, Akram's lawyer Ben Archbold said his client was being held in "very onerous conditions", ABC said. - 'Tactical' training -Police and intelligence agencies are also facing difficult questions about whether they could have acted earlier.

HOLLYWOOD, United States, Feb 16, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Period drama "Train Dreams" took home the Spirit Awards win for best feature Sunday, as both it and "The Secret Agent" gathered momentum ahead of the Academy Awards. "The Secret Agent" notched best international film as its team hopes to win in the same category at the Oscars next month. "The Secret Agent" will also be up for best picture, best actor and best casting. Brazil's "I'm Still Here" won best international feature at the Oscars last year. Other Spirit winners on Sunday included "Lurker," for best first screenplay and best first feature film.

What to know as South Korea ex-president Yoon faces insurrection verdictSEOUL, Feb 16, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - South Korea's disgraced former president Yoon Suk Yeol could be banished to death row on February 19 when he fronts court over his disastrous bid to impose martial law. - Insurrection -Yoon triggered the crisis in December 2024 when he announced the suspension of civilian government on live TV, sending troops to parliament to enforce his declaration of martial law. Prosecutors have sought the death penalty on the insurrection charges, accusing Yoon of suspending democracy to satisfy his "lust for power". Even if acquitted for insurrection, Yoon would remain in prison under a five-year sentence imposed last month for obstructing justice and other crimes linked to the martial law crisis. - Ex-first lady -Yoon's wife Kim Keon Hee was in January jailed for bribery in a separate case unrelated to the martial law takeover.

Oli, leader of the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), hopes to regain control of parliament in the March 5 elections. As prime minister, Oli became a lightning rod for protester fury. - Authoritarian streak -Political journalist Binu Subedi said Oli had an authoritarian streak, and considered his word as "final", rarely accepting criticism or suggestions, even from his own party. The veteran politician first became prime minister in 2015, before being re-elected in 2018 and reappointed briefly in 2021 in Nepal's often turbulent parliament. But Congress has since replaced his old ally, five-time prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, 79, electing 49?year?old Gagan Thapa as its new leader in January.

North Korea has deployed thousands of troops to fight for Russia, according to South Korean and Western intelligence agencies, and Seoul has estimated that around 2,000 have been killed. Analysts say North Korea is receiving financial aid, military technology and food and energy supplies from Russia in return. The report on Monday did not mention Russia, but Kim last week pledged to "unconditionally support" all of Russian President Vladimir Putin's policies and decisions. Photos released by KCNA show Kim touring the new homes built for the families on Saeppyol Street, alongside his teenage daughter Ju Ae, widely viewed as his heir apparent. "It visualises the state providing concrete compensation to the families of fallen soldiers... as a symbolic showcase," he said.

KATHMANDU, Feb 16, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Nepali candidates launch their campaigns on Monday for next month's parliamentary elections, the first since deadly anti?corruption protests toppled the previous government in 2025. A key election clash will see rapper-turned-mayor Balendra Shah, 35, face Oli in a head-to-head battle in the former prime minister's constituency. He has joined the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), the fourth biggest in the last parliament. The vote is being held unusually early in the year, due to an accelerated election schedule brought on by the September unrest. Extra security forces have been drafted to ensure calm, with around 300,000 officers and temporary election police deployed.

Barrister Farzana Sharmin Putul has become the only female Member of Parliament (MP) from the 72 parliamentary constituencies across the 16 districts of the northern divisions of Rajshahi and Rangpur. At 41, Barrister Putul is also the youngest female MP in the country. By profession, Barrister Putul is a Supreme Court lawyer. She faced family rivalry over party nomination, as her elder brother, Dr. Yasir Arshad Rajan, had also sought the nomination. Overcoming these adversities, Barrister Putul successfully crossed the electoral hurdle.

The kids vitamin brand launched a New Year campaign that quickly went viral and is still trending among parents. Hiya Kids Daily MultivitaminHiya Kids Daily Multivitamin Hiya uses a blend of 15 essential vitamins and minerals, including D, B12, Zinc and Iron, to help fill common nutrient gaps as kids hit growth spurts, change routines and develop new habits. Buy Hiya Kids Daily MultivitaminHiya Kids Daily Greens + SuperfoodsHiya Kids Daily Greens + Superfoods Hiya Kids Daily Greens packs 30+ supercharged fruits, veggies and antioxidants into one kid‑friendly chewable designed to support immunity, digestion and overall wellness. Buy Hiya Kids Daily Greens + SuperfoodsHiya Kids Daily ProbioticHiya Kids Daily Probiotic Hiya Kids Daily Probiotic is formulated with a high‑quality blend of clinically studied probiotic strains to support digestion, immunity and gut balance—especially helpful during growth spurts, new‑school‑year germs or after antibiotics. Buy Hiya Kids Daily ProbioticHiya Kids Daily Fiber+Hiya Kids Daily Fiber+ Hiya Kids Daily Fiber uses a blend of plant‑based prebiotic fibers to support regularity, digestive comfort and balanced gut health—without gas, artificial sweeteners or gritty textures.

Photo : BSSRAJSHAHI, Feb 15, 2026 (BSS)- Bachar Asha Cultural Organization, which works to establish social dignity and achieve self-reliance for the hijra and underprivileged communities, has celebrated its 23rd founding anniversary today. On the occasion, blankets were distributed among the members of Bachar Asha Cultural Organization by Bondhu Social Welfare. The event was presided over by the president of Bachar Asha Cultural Organization, Mostafa Sarker. The work that Bachar Asha Cultural Organization has been carrying out for a long time conveys a message of positive change for society. Over the past 23 years, Bachar Asha Cultural Organization has implemented 22 projects with the support of local and international donor agencies.

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Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman on Sunday said the Army will return to barracks once the newly elected government assumes office. He, however, said a portion of the army will remain deployed in the field to assist in maintaining law and order until the police regain full control of the situation. The army chief made the remarks while addressing members of all ranks of the Bangladesh Army at the CAS Darbar on Sunday morning. Members deployed in United Nations peacekeeping missions also joined in the address virtually. At the event, the army chief expressed gratitude to army personnel for their "excellent sense of responsibility" and professionalism in carrying out election duties.

India routed their bitter rivals Pakistan by 61 runs on Sunday to qualify for the next round of the T20 World Cup in a showdown that had been in doubt until a few days ago. The defeat for Pakistan continued their woeful record against India in World Cups. India have won eight of nine T20 World Cup meetings and all eight of their ODI World Cup encounters. It became 6-2 when Jasprit Bumrah's second ball trapped Saim Ayub (6) plumb in front. Earlier, India captain Suryakumar and his Pakistan opposite number Agha did not shake hands at the coin toss, which Agha won and elected to bowl.

Six fishermen were abducted by armed forest pirates from a dry fish processing camp inside the Sundarbans on Friday night. The abducted fishermen were identified as Khairul Islam, 35, Faruk Hossain, 28, Shamsul Islam, 25, Safrul Islam, 32, Maruf Hossain, 28 and Milon, 30. According to the Bangladesh Forest Department, the incident took place at Shelarchar under the Sharankhola Range of the East Sundarbans. Dubla Char dry fish production patrol outpost in-charge Milton Roy said the attackers took advantage of the near-deserted condition of the camp. Bangladesh Coast Guard has been informed to assist in the rescue operation and efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators and ensure the safe return of the abducted fishermen, added the official.

Bangladesh Air Force observed the 57th death anniversary of martyr Sergeant Zahurul Haque with due solemnity on Sunday. Sergeant Zahurul Haque was a free-spirited patriotic soldier. Under the Air Force Act, Sergeant Zahurul Haque was later held captive in Dhaka Cantonment. In recognition of his outstanding contribution for the liberation of the country, a student hall of Dhaka University was named after "Sergeant Zahurul Haque Hall" and Bangladesh Air Force Base in Chittagong was named after Bangladesh Air Force Base Zahurul Haque in 1982. Air Officer Commanding of BAF Base Zahurul Haque, Air Vice Marshal Md Abdullah Al-Mamun, OSP, BSP, ndc, afwc, psc senior officers, airmen and other members of the Base attended the Milad Mahfil.

The woman has been admitted to Noakhali General Hospital. However, the BNP activist accused in the case said that at the time the alleged incident in Chanandi Union took place, he was admitted to Noakhali General Hospital. Meanwhile, after the rape allegation spread on social media, the accused BNP activist Rahman Hossain went live on Facebook to deny the claims. The alleged crime scene in Chanandi union is about one and a half hours away from Noakhali General Hospital. Hatia BNP member Md Alauddin alleged that political rivals were trying to tarnish the party's image by staging a "false rape drama."