DINAJPUR, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - Polling began this morning in a peaceful and festive atmosphere in the Dinajpur-3 (Sadar) constituency, with voters turning out in large numbers. Voting is being held at 130 centres across Dinajpur Municipality and Sadar Upazila. Long queues of voters, including first-time voters and senior citizens, were seen at different polling stations since morning. Insher Ali, 84, and Tashir Uddin, 78, said they were happy to vote in a peaceful and secure environment after a long gap. The participation of both young and elderly voters reflects renewed enthusiasm for democratic engagement in the district.

February 12, 2026 15:44 UTC

Voting is underway peacefully in the district with a noticeable presence of women voters. Photo: BSSCHAPAINAWABGANJ, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - Voting is underway peacefully in the district with a noticeable presence of women voters and an atmosphere of enthusiasm across the constituencies. Polling for the 13th National Parliament Election and Referendum began at 7:30 am Thursday and is being conducted simultaneously in 515 polling centers across the district's three constituencies. Out of the 515 polling centers, 115 have been designated as key centers. Reports from polling centers indicate a peaceful and orderly environment, with voters entering freely and law enforcement actively maintaining security.

February 12, 2026 15:43 UTC

The highest turnout as of 2:00 PM was recorded in Rajshahi-4 constituency, where 49 percent of votes were cast. Photo: BSSRAJSHAHI, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS)- As of 2:00 PM today (12 February), an average of 46.16 percent of votes have been cast in the six parliamentary constituencies of Rajshahi district. According to the media cell, the highest turnout as of 2:00 PM was recorded in Rajshahi-4 constituency, where 49 percent of votes were cast. On the other hand, the lowest turnout was in the Rajshahi-3 constituency, with 44 percent. Among the other constituencies in the district, Rajshahi-1 and Rajshahi-2 each recorded 45 percent turnout, Rajshahi-5 recorded 48 percent, and Rajshahi-6 recorded 46 percent voter cast their vote.

February 12, 2026 15:28 UTC

Tarique Rahman vows to accept results if polls remain free, fair, peaceful. Photo : BSSDHAKA, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today said the polls results will be accepted if the election is held in a free, fair and neutral manner. "If the election is held in a free, fair, impartial manner and without controversy, then why shouldn't we accept it? Tarique Rahman made these remarks to reporters at the Gulshan BNP chairman's office after visiting various centers in the capital. Tarique Rahman said, "I have visited various centers so far, but I have not received news from all over the country yet.

February 12, 2026 15:28 UTC

The Fit for Duty exhibit is housed in two locations on Cornell’s campus: the Human Ecology Building and Wortham Museum in Barton Hall. These two places host a plethora of historic military dress while also adding in student creations inspired by the fashion of our armed forces. Fit for Duty and its study of the past, present and future of military dress does not end in Barton Hall or the Human Ecology Building. This collaboration brings to light how military dress in film fulfills its own function. In film, military dress can carry either positive or negative connotations, bringing to mind high-adrenaline action or the violence of war.

February 12, 2026 15:13 UTC





EC thanks all for ensuring free, fair referendum and nat’l pollsDHAKA, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - The Election Commission (EC) has expressed heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all the stakeholders for their full cooperation in holding the 13th national election in a free, fair and impartial manner. The release issued today by the Public Relations Department of the Election Commission Secretariat, the EC said the collective efforts and responsible roles of all stakeholders helped ensure a peaceful electoral environment across the country. The Commission extended special thanks to members of law enforcement agencies for maintaining law and order, as well as to election officials and polling staff for carrying out their duties with dedication and professionalism. Wishing continued peace, prosperity and progress for Bangladesh, the Election Commission has requested all concerned to arrange special prayers in all mosques after Jumma tomorrow. The EC reiterated its commitment to upholding democratic values and ensuring transparency and integrity in the country’s electoral process.

February 12, 2026 14:50 UTC

Voting in the 13th National Parliament Election began at 7:30am on Thursday, with polling taking place across 299 constituencies amid tight security and high public anticipation. The election in Sherpur-3 constituency has been postponed following the death of a candidate. A total of 127,298,522 voters in 299 constituencies are eligible to cast their ballots. Of them, 64,620,077 are male voters, 62,677,232 female voters and 1,213 third-gender voters. The total number of voters across 300 constituencies stands at 127,711,899.

February 12, 2026 14:50 UTC

With second win, AG Mah top poolSports Reporter :HOSTS AG Maharashtra blanked AG Chhattisgarh 3-0 to top the table with six points from two matches while AG Rajasthan and AG Gujarat shared a point each playing a 1-1 draw on third day of the ongoing Indian Audit & Accounts Department (IA&AD) West Zone Football Tournament, on Wednesday. In the match between AG Maharashtra and AG Chhattisgarh, Akbar Siddhique opened the former’s account with a well placed goal in seventh minute of play. Afzal Akhtar of AG Maharashtra was named Player of the Match. In match between AG Gujarat and AG Rajasthan, Prateek Sharma of Rajasthan opened the team’s account with a classic header in the 22nd minute when he got a rebound from the goalkeeper from a direct kick from Ajay Saini. Thursday’s fixtures: AG Madhya Pradesh vs AG Maharashtra: 9.00 am; AG Rajasthan vs AG Chhattisgarh: 11.00 am.

February 12, 2026 14:48 UTC

Mahdi Amin, spokesperson of the BNP’s election steering committee spoke at a press conference held this evening at the BNP’s election steering committee office in Gulshan. Photo: BSSDHAKA, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - Mahdi Amin, spokesperson of the BNP’s election steering committee, has called upon the party leaders and activists to stay vigilant until announcement of the final results saying BNP’s victory is inevitable. He made these remarks at a press conference held this evening at the BNP’s election steering committee office in Gulshan. Mahdi Amin called upon the pro-democratic people to stay alert to ensure that the election results are properly secured. Mahdi Amin further alleged that a particular political party used social media in a way that created fear among voters regarding casting their ballots.

February 12, 2026 14:13 UTC

The 68th annual Grammys unfolded in Los Angeles on Feb. 1, hosted by Trevor Noah in his last year as emcee and was aired by CBS. This year’s Grammys were something more than an industry celebration; the ceremony was a showcase of both talent and the moment we’re living in. The stage grew quiet, leaving only raw vocals, minimal instrumentation and emotion, a performance driven by intimacy rather than production. Bad Bunny’s DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS took Album of the Year, marking the first time a Spanish-language record earned the honor. Beyond this historic win, Bad Bunny’s speech honored his roots and those who “had to leave their homeland to follow their dreams.”Even as the Grammys remain a celebration of music, it’s hard to ignore what’s going on in the country right now.

February 12, 2026 14:13 UTC

Rajshahi division records 57.84% average voter turnout, highest in Rajshahi district. The information was confirmed by the media cell of the Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner's Office. According to the Divisional Commissioner's Office, the highest turnout as of 4:00pm was recorded in Rajshahi district, where 70.55 percent of votes werecast. On the other hand, Natore district recorded the lowest turnout at 50 percent. Among the other districts in the division, voter turnout stood at 59.88 percent in Joypurhat, 55 percent in Chapainawabganj, 61.08 percent inSirajganj, 52.50 percent in Naogaon, 57.15 percent in Bogura, and 56.53 percent in Pabna.

February 12, 2026 14:03 UTC

DHAKA, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - Authorities began counting postal ballots for 13 constituencies in the capital at 4:30 pm today, immediately after voting in the 13th National Parliamentary Elections concluded. "The counting of postal ballots started at 4:30 pm at Will's Little Flower School and College in Kakrail for 13 constituencies," said Md Abdur Rahim, Director of the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner's Office, speaking to BSS. Due to space constraints at the Divisional Commissioner's Office, the ballot boxes are being counted at Will's Little Flower School and College. He added that the results will be sent directly to the Divisional Commissioner's Office. The Dhaka Divisional Commissioner oversees 13 constituencies, while two fall under the Regional Election Commission.

February 12, 2026 14:03 UTC

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February 12, 2026 14:01 UTC

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February 12, 2026 13:51 UTC

DHAKA, Feb 12, 2026 (BSS) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Sona Shrestha as Director General of its South Asia Department (SARD), where she will lead the development and implementation of ADB’s strategy and operations in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. “I am honored to be appointed Director General of South Asia,” said Shrestha. Prior to this appointment, Shrestha was Deputy Director General for SARD. In earlier professional roles in ADB, she gathered extensive operations experience across Central and West Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific.

February 12, 2026 13:48 UTC