BNP Secures Landslide Win in Bangladesh Elections; Tarique Rahman Set for Prime Minister Role – 2/13/2026, 12:25:08 PM

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) claims sweeping victory in parliamentary elections, with leader Tarique Rahman poised to become prime minister after leading in 181 constituencies; Indian PM Narendra Modi congratulated him on the win.[1][2]

US military actions escalate tensions: A second aircraft carrier is sailing from the Caribbean to the Middle East as President Trump weighs action against Iran’s nuclear program; meanwhile, the US completed withdrawal from Al-Tanf Garrison base in Syria, handing it to Syrian forces, and revoked a key scientific finding on greenhouse gas emissions.[1][2]

Ukraine receives UK air defense aid worth 680 million USD, as Defense Minister urges urgent PAC-3 missile supplies to protect energy infrastructure amid ongoing conflict.[1]

Ariane 6 rocket success: Europe’s heavy-lift rocket launched 32 Amazon low-Earth-orbit satellites from French Guiana in its first Ariane 64 configuration.[1][3]

Thailand forms coalition government between Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai parties.[1]

Mexico sends 814 tonnes of aid to Cuba, including food and hygiene items, on President Sheinbaum’s orders.[1]

UN appoints 40 members to the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI, with terms starting February 12, 2026.[1]

DPRK warns South Korea over sovereignty after earlier drone incursions.[1]

EU leaders accelerate single market strengthening, with possible enhanced cooperation among nine states if needed.[1]

Israel-Iran developments: Netanyahu states conditions may exist for a US-Iran deal; Navy conducts large-scale Mediterranean drill.[1]

Palestinian Authority faces crisis as Israel withholds tax revenues for 10th month, threatening basic services.[1]

Other notable events:
– Britain boosts Ukraine aid at NATO meeting; Portugal restricts under-16s’ social media access.[1]
– South Africa deploys army against organized crime; Turkey-Serbia pledge economic ties.[1]
– Cyclone Gezani death toll in Madagascar rises to 38, UN allocates 3 million USD aid.[1]
– US-Taiwan trade deal removes 99% of Taiwan’s tariff barriers.[2]
– UNICEF reports tripled child recruitment by Haitian armed groups.[2]
– Munich Security Conference opens amid trans-Atlantic tensions.[5]