Bangladesh Opposition Claims Election Win

Bangladesh Nationalist Party Claims Victory in First Election Since Student Uprising

DHAKA, Bangladesh - The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, claimed victory Friday in the first elections held since the previous government was toppled in a student-led revolution in 2024, according to NPR Politics. Final results were yet to be announced by the Election Commission.

The election, held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, marked a significant moment for the country after the upheaval two years prior. BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman was seen casting his vote in Dhaka, according to a photo from the Associated Press. The NPR report indicated that the BNP was confident in its win, though official confirmation was pending.

In other news, a UK High Court found the government's ban on the pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization to be unlawful, according to BREAKING: NPR News. The court cited disproportionate actions by the government, though the ban remains pending appeal. This ruling highlights the ongoing debate around free speech and government restrictions in the context of political activism.

Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a renewed push for economic growth, focusing on reforms to attract investment and improve government efficiency during his state-of-the-nation address, according to BREAKING: Bloomberg. The announcement comes as the country seeks to address economic challenges and stimulate development. Further details on specific policies and their potential impact are expected.

In the United States, the debate around birth control continues, according to Vox. Access to contraceptives has never been easier, with many states passing legislation to allow pharmacists to prescribe and dispense hormonal contraceptives directly to individuals.

Finally, as the Lunar New Year approaches, a new trend is emerging on social media, according to Time. A cohort of self-identifying Chinese non-Chinese social media users, primarily from the U.S., have embraced the moment as their "Chinese era" or are "Chinamaxxing."