FOLLOW US: @TheStatesmanLtd @thestatesmanltd thestatesman1875 www.thestatesman.com People’s Parliament, Always in Session India’s National Newspaper since 1818 | Pages 16 | ` 5.00 | KOLKATA LC | NEW DELHI | MUMBAI | BHUBANESWAR | LUCKNOW | SILIGURI ‘Telecom companies cannot defer payment of spectrum dues’ Today’s Matches Ireland v Oman England v Scotland New Zealand v S Africa ‘Vital to balance population growth’ Page 12 BRIEFLY SC seeks CBI status report on Manipur cases: New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to file a status report within two weeks on its probe into 11 FIRs related to the 2023 ethnic violence in Manipur, after concerns were raised about gaps on the central probe agency’s part. The top court also suggested that the Gauhati and Manipur High Courts could be entrusted with the task of monitoring the proper conduct of trials in cases tied to clashes that took place in Manipur in 2023. Page 16 Page 9 BNP sweeps Bangladesh polls, Tarique Rahman set to be PM JAYANTA ROY CHOWDHURY/ ARTI BALI PM Modi says he looks forward to working with new Bangladesh leader ASHOK TUTEJA CM Mamata congratulates Tarique Rahman New Delhi, 13 February New Delhi/Dhaka, 13 February T he Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) swept to victory in a low-voterturnout elections to Bangladesh's parliament, winning 213 of the 296 declared constituencies and catapulting party chief Tarique Rahman to become the country's next prime minister. The landslide win marks a dramatic return to power for the BNP after nearly two decades in opposition and 17 years in self-imposed exile for Mr Rahman with a decisive mandate that will hopefully bring political stability to Bangladesh, which has been going through chaotic times ever since the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government was toppled in August 2024. This was the first election when the Awami League was Zimbabwe stun Australia by 23 runs in T20 WC upset SATURDAY INTERVIEW Speed vs Sense Page 8 Saturday, 14 February 2026 SPORTS BUSINESS EDITORIAL | banned from the polls, creating a void in the politics of the South Asian nation of 170 million people. For decades, politics in this country revolved around the rivalry between Hasina and former premier Khaleda Zia, a contest popularly known as the 'Battle of the Begums'. From 1991 to 2024, the two leaders alternated in power, shaping more than three decades of governance. Mr Rahman (60), son of former premier Khaleda Zia and former President Zia ur Rahman, led the BNP's resurgence following years of political wilderness under Hasina's rule. With more than two-thirds majority in the 300-seat Jatiya Sangsad, BNP party leaders feel they can cherry pick from the referendum which was also voted on along with the parliamentary elections. The referendum was on a proposed reform charter aimed at introducing prime ministerial term limits, establishing a new upper house, strengthening presidential powers, and enhancing judicial independence. Fifty additional seats reserved for women will be allocated from party lists; this too is expected to reinforce BNP’s hands. • The man who will be king: Page 11 With elections done and dusted in Bangladesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday took the lead in congratulating Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman after he led his party to a decisive victory. Though it came in the form of a post on the X social media platform, its significance was not lost because his message to the new leader in Bangladesh came much before China or Pakistan reacted in the rapidly-changing regional dynamics of South Asia. “I convey my warm congratulations to Mr Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership. India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals,’’ the PM said. Hours later, the PM spoke to the Bangladesh leader on the phone. He wrote on ‘X’: “Delighted to speak with Mr Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections. I conveyed my best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. As two close neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, I reaffirmed India’s continued commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of both our peoples.’’ STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Kolkata, 13 February Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday congratulated BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman after his party secured a majority in Bangladesh’s general election. In a message posted on social media, she wrote: “My greetings to all brothers and sisters and the people of Bangladesh. Advance Ramadan Mubarak.” “Congratulations to my brother Tarique, his party, and other parties for this massive victory in Bangladesh. May everyone stay well and happy,” she wrote.