Muhammad Yunus stepped down as Bangladesh’s chief adviser after the election of a new government. In his farewell speech, he spoke about stronger regional ties. He mentioned Nepal, Bhutan and India’s northeastern “Seven Sisters” while outlining a plan for sub-regional economic cooperation. He proposed better trade, connectivity and maritime access through Bangladesh. His remarks may draw attention in New Delhi, as ties between India and Bangladesh have been tense. Yunus said his government focused on sovereignty and national interest. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by Tarique Rahman, won the recent election and will form the next government.

BNP chief Tarique Rahman will take oath as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister on Tuesday after his party’s election win. The ceremony will be held at the South Plaza of the Parliament Complex, not at Bangabhaban. State news agency BSS said the oath for cabinet members is set for 4:00 pm. Members of Parliament will be sworn in earlier at 10:00 am. President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath. A BNP leader said, “As the leader of the majority party, our party chairman will be the Prime Minister.” Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is expected to attend, along with leaders from Maldives, Turkey and Sri Lanka. (PC: HT)

Satellite images show a larger US military presence near Iran, including warships and fighter jets. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier was located in the Arabian Sea, about 700 km from Iran, near Oman. It leads a strike group with three guided missile destroyers and about 90 aircraft. Reports say the USS Gerald R Ford carrier is also heading to the region. Analysts tracked at least 12 US ships across the Middle East. More F-15 and EA-18 fighter jets were also seen at bases in Jordan. A military expert said the deployment shows “more depth and sustainability” and acts as a deterrent force. (PC: BBC)

Bangladesh interim chief adviser Muhammad Yunus resigned on Monday, a day before the new elected government is set to take charge. He announced his decision in a farewell national broadcast. Yunus said, “Today, the interim government is stepping down,” and urged that democracy and free speech should continue. He confirmed power would pass to the incoming government after the recent election. Tarique Rahman’s BNP won a clear majority with 209 of 297 seats. His oath ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday at the Parliament complex. Yunus returned to lead the interim setup in August 2024 after Sheikh Hasina’s exit from office. (PC: HT)

A garment factory worker in Bangladesh was killed by a mob after being accused of insulting the Prophet Muhammad, according to police and local reports. Dipu Chandra Das, 28, was taken from his workplace in Mymensingh after rumours spread. Investigators say he was beaten by a large crowd and later burned near a highway. Police said about 150 people took part and 22 have been arrested so far. An officer called it a “hate crime” and said more suspects are being traced. The killing led to protests and international concern. Authorities have promised compensation and support for the victim’s family. (PC: BBC)

Two female soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces were rescued by police after being chased by a crowd of ultra-Orthodox men in Bnei Brak near Tel Aviv. Videos showed the women running as officers formed a protective line. Police said 23 people were arrested. Stun grenades were used to break up the crowd. Three officers were injured and police vehicles were damaged. Reports said the soldiers were wrongly suspected of delivering draft notices. The IDF said they were on a home visit to another soldier. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident “unacceptable” and said it was the act of an “extreme minority.” (PC: BBC)

The Baloch Liberation Army, a separatist militant group, said it is holding seven Pakistani security personnel and has given Islamabad seven days to agree to a prisoner exchange. In a statement and video message, the group warned the detainees could face execution if talks do not begin. It said the men were captured during what it called “Operation Herof.” The group claimed 17 personnel were detained in total and 10 were later released as they were ethnic Baloch police staff. Pakistani authorities have not officially responded so far. The claims have not been independently verified. Pakistan lists the BLA as a banned terrorist organisation. (PC: NDTV)

Larry the Cat marked 15 years at 10 Downing Street on Sunday as Britain’s official Chief Mouser. The former stray was adopted from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2011 under then Prime Minister David Cameron. He has served during six prime ministers and is seen as a steady presence during political change. His listed duties include greeting guests and checking security areas, along with “testing antique furniture for napping quality.” Photographer Justin Ng said Larry often appears during major visits and is “great at photo-bombing.” A Cambridge professor said his approval ratings are likely higher than most political leaders. (PC: ABC)

US President Donald Trump said member states of his proposed “Board of Peace” have pledged over $5 billion for Gaza’s reconstruction. He urged Hamas to agree to “full and immediate” disarmament before a February 19 meeting in Washington.   Trump said countries also promised thousands of personnel for a UN-authorised stabilisation force in Gaza. The plan is part of a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. It includes Israeli troop withdrawal and Hamas disarmament.   Hamas has called disarmament a red line. Some US allies have raised concerns about the board’s structure and membership rules. (PC: Reuters)

Hundreds of thousands of people protested against Iran’s government across the world on Saturday. The rallies followed a call by exiled prince Reza Pahlavi for a “global day of action.”   About 350,000 gathered in Toronto. Around 250,000 joined in Munich. Large crowds also marched in Los Angeles, London and other cities.   In Munich, Pahlavi told supporters, “Know that you are not alone.” He criticised Iran’s leaders and called the regime “corrupt” and “repressive.”   Protests began in Iran in December over rising prices. Activists say thousands were killed. Iranian officials say about 3,000 died, including security forces. (PC: Getty Images)