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CWA # 1978, 17 February 2026
The World Today #256, 17 February 2026

  Global Politics Team

The World Today
Bangladesh: Tarique Rahman sworn in as Prime Minister after landslide victory
On 17 February, Tarique Rahman was sworn in as Prime Minister of Bangladesh following the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) decisive electoral victory. The oath was administered by President Mohammed Shahabuddin at an open-air ceremony held at the national parliament complex in Dhaka, marking a symbolic break from past traditions. Rahman assumes office amid major challenges, including restoring political stability, rebuilding investor confidence, and reviving key sectors, such as the garment industry, after prolonged unrest following the 2024 uprising that removed Sheikh Hasina’s government. An interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus had governed during the transition period. The BNP secured a two-thirds parliamentary majority, returning to power after nearly two decades. In his first remarks, Rahman urged calm, emphasising the need to maintain peace, law, and order while avoiding political retaliation.

Munich Security Conference: The US urges Europe to increase defence spending; Brussels stresses shared security responsibilities
On 16 February, the media reported that discussions at the Munich Security Conference highlighted a growing strain within the transatlantic alliance. The US Secretary of State urged European allies to increase defence spending and take greater responsibility for regional security. He also argued that a stronger European pillar within NATO is necessary to confront rising threats, particularly from Russia and broader global instability. US officials stressed that a stronger European military capacity is essential amid the war in Ukraine and evolving global security challenges. Meanwhile, European leaders responded by agreeing on the need to strengthen defence capabilities but emphasised that efforts should reinforce, not replace, transatlantic cooperation. They reiterated their continued support for Ukraine and underlined the importance of unity within NATO. European representatives also stressed that any future security framework must include Europe as a central actor, reflecting the alliance’s shared responsibility for collective defence.

The US-Iran Talks in Geneva: US Special Envoy meets Iran’s Foreign Minister; Khamenei warns Washington against regime change
On 17 February, Washington and Tehran opened indirect nuclear talks in Geneva amid a heightened US military buildup in the Middle East. The Oman-mediated negotiations involve US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. Donald Trump said he would be “indirectly” involved in the discussions and suggested Tehran wanted to reach a deal to avoid military consequences. An Iranian official reportedly stated that progress depends on Washington avoiding unrealistic demands, delivering meaningful sanctions relief, and further reiterating Iran’s willingness to accept nuclear program restrictions only in exchange of sanctions relief, yet refused to allow any discussion about its missile stockpile and zero enrichment freeze. US officials announced plans to conduct prolonged military operations, which will commence after diplomatic initiatives reach their end. Shortly after negotiations began, Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency reported that parts of the Strait of Hormuz would temporarily close for “security precautions” during military drills by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, underscoring regional tensions around the talks. Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that US attempts to force regime change would fail, saying even the world’s strongest army could be “slapped” and incapacitated.

Nigeria: The US military personnel arrive in Abuja to tackle Islamist insurgents
On 17 February, US troops arrived in Nigeria as Washington scales up an operation to target Islamist insurgents. President Trump has accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians. These people are mostly concentrated in the southern region and make up almost half the population of the country, from Islamist militants in the northwest. Nigeria denied the accusation and reiterated that its security forces target militants who attack both Christians and Muslims. The US carried out strikes targeting Islamic State-linked militants in December and has been working to boost Nigeria’s intelligence capabilities. The troops will train and advise local forces but will not take part in combat. Nigeria also expects significant support from the US government, including fighter jets and munitions.

The War in Ukraine: Geneva talks focus on territory amid strikes on energy infrastructure
On 17 February, the Kremlin said key issues, including territorial disputes, will be discussed in upcoming Geneva talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States. The media reported that Russia’s delegation will be led by Vladimir Medinsky, senior intelligence and economic officials. The peace talks come amid the US's push for a resolution. Meanwhile, Russia carried out massive attacks on the energy infrastructures of Ukraine, and Ukraine conducted drone attacks on Russia's energy infrastructure.

The UK: PM Starmer seeks greater powers to regulate children's online access
On 15 February, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he wanted new powers to quickly restrict access to online services for children, as his government considers measures including a ban on social media use for children under 16. He argued that existing laws move too slowly to keep up with technology and said he would not “sit back” while children are exposed to harmful content. This scrutiny seems to have intensified after questions over Elon Musk's flagship AI Grok were found to have been generating non- consensual sexual images.

The Indian Neighbourhood Today
Nepal: Service providers and activists call for full decriminalisation of abortion
On 17 February, The Himalayan reported that the National Penal Code criminalises abortion except under limited circumstances. In cases of rape or incest, it allows termination of pregnancy only up to 18 weeks, and the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Act (SMRHR Act), which is a rights-based legislation, permits abortion in cases of rape or incest up to 28 weeks of pregnancy. Service providers fear that even if they follow the SMRHR Act and perform an abortion after 18 weeks in a rape case, they could still be prosecuted under the Penal Code. According to research conducted by Abortion Incidence and Unintended Pregnancies in Nepal 2023, about 52 per cent of abortions are still being carried out through unsafe methods.

Bangladesh: BNP forms the government; Tarique Rahman sworn in as the PM
On 17 February, The Daily Star reported that the newly elected Members of Parliament took the oath of office at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad this morning. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin administered the oath to the lawmakers elected in the 13th Parliamentary Election held on 12 February at the oath-taking room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Apart from taking office as MPs, they will also take an oath as members of the Constitution Reform Council. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath-taking ceremony of the new government at the parliament’s South Plaza at 1600 hours today.

Bangladesh: Writ petition challenges the constitutionality of the referendum
On 17 February 2026, Dhaka Tribune reported that a lawyer filed a writ petition with the High Court questioning the legality of the 12 February referendum and the cancellation of its results. ABM Ataul Majid Touhid, a Supreme Court lawyer, filed the petition as a public interest litigation, arguing that “the constitution does not allow for referendums and that the Election Commission has no authority to conduct one,” hence the referendum is “unconstitutional.” He added that his petition is expected to be heard next week by a High Court bench led by Justice Fatema Najib. The nationwide referendum was held alongside the country’s 13th parliamentary election, held on 12 February. The referendum recorded a voter turnout of 60.26 per cent. A total of 48,074,429 voters cast ballots in favour of the changes, while 22,565,627 voters voted against them.

Bangladesh: Indian delegation attends the swearing-in ceremony in Dhaka
On 17 February 2026, Dhaka Tribune reported that the Speaker of the Indian Lok Sabha, Om Birla, arrived in Dhaka on Tuesday to represent the government of India at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh's newly elected government. He was accompanied by the Indian Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri. The Speaker’s participation in this event underscores the deep and enduring friendship between the peoples of Bangladesh and India, reaffirming India's steadfast commitment to the democratic values that bind the two nations, said the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday. Further, the statement said that, as neighbours united by a shared history, culture, and mutual respect, India welcomed Bangladesh's transition to an elected government under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, whose vision and values have received an overwhelming mandate from the people. The Prime Minister of India spoke with Mr Rahman, congratulating him on his victory and committing to strengthening the multifaceted relations and advancing common development goals.

Bhutan: Thimphu takes initiative to strengthen maternal and neonatal care
On 16 February, the Kuensel reported that the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Bhutan Office, organised a one-day Mother and Child Health (MCH) Fair at the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck Mother and Child Hospital on 13 February 2026. Held under the theme “For Positive Pregnancy Experiences and Outcomes,” the fair aimed to strengthen awareness and action on maternal and neonatal health. The event emphasised the importance of early and regular Antenatal Care (ANC) and Postnatal Care (PNC) visits to prevent avoidable complications. Interactive booths, staffed by students from the Faculty of Nursing and Public Health under the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan and JICA volunteers, provided practical demonstrations on telemedicine Internet-based Cardiotocography (iCTG) monitoring, maternal nutrition, birth spacing, labour pain relief, and breastfeeding practices. Health officials noted Bhutan’s steady progress in reducing maternal and infant mortality but acknowledged persistent gaps in service utilisation and family support. The programme aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, reinforcing Bhutan’s commitment to ensuring safer pregnancies and healthier childhoods through sustained collaboration and community engagement.

Myanmar: NUG Foreign Minister attends 62nd Munich Security Conference
On 17 February, Mizzima reported that the Union Minister for Foreign Affairs of the National Unitary Government (NUG), Daw Zin Mar Aung, attended the 62nd Munich Security Conference 2026 in Munich, Germany. This is Daw Zin Mar Aung’s fourth consecutive year of attending since the 2021 coup. The conference, held from 13 to 15 February, centred on global challenges, the erosion of international norms, and emerging technological threats. During the conference, the Minister met with international leaders and delegates, presenting the on-the-ground realities and human rights violations faced by the people of Myanmar to the world. Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung stated: “Our responsibility is to ensure that the international community understands our country, our revolution, the aspirations of our people, and both the achievements and challenges we face,” while outlining the progress and challenges of the Spring Revolution. She added that the conference serves as a crucial platform to draw international attention to the Myanmar crisis, noting that it brings together world leaders in one place and offers a rare opportunity to elevate the issue on the global stage.

Myanmar: The Military Chief makes a rare visit to the resistance stronghold of North Sagaing
On 16 February, The Irrawaddy reported that Junta Chief Min Aung Hlaing travelled to the North Sagaing region, specifically to Homalin, a strong resistance stronghold. This is his first visit to the region in years since the 2021 military coup. The trip comes after the regime retook Banmauk, a town near the Kachin border, last week and after Kachin Independence Army leader Lieutenant General Gun Maw revealed plans to secure three Sagaing Region districts of Kawlin, Kantbalu, and Katha, which he described collectively as the “gateway to Kachin State.” During his address, Min Aung Hlaing urged his soldiers and police to work together with local communities to restore stability in the region. He also reiterated his plans to modernise Myanmar’s navy and air force, putting them on par with international peers. He boasted of expanding and upgrading aircraft and warships, and of acquiring sophisticated weapon systems. Min Aung Hlaing blamed unrest in parts of Sagaing on what he called the region’s “low education level,” repeating a claim he has made on multiple occasions. He accused resistance groups of exploiting politics for personal gain, illegally extracting natural resources, and extorting money from civilians.

Sri Lanka: President Dissanayake in India to participate in AI Impact Summit 2026
On 17 February, the Daily Mirror reported that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to visit India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the AI Impact Summit 2026. This visit is significant, as India has remained Sri Lanka’s critical regional partner since the 2022 economic collapse. Also on the agenda is a recalibration of Colombo’s foreign policy to portray itself beyond just crisis management and towards future-oriented policies. Sri Lanka also seeks diversification from debt-heavy infrastructure towards knowledge and technological partnerships. Engagement with India may also signal investor confidence amid ongoing IMF-linked reforms. In the domestic sphere, this visit allows the administration to present itself as moving toward policy modernisation and post-crisis recovery momentum.

Pakistan: CDF Munir reaffirms UAE’s role in Pakistan’s security
On 16 February, Dawn reported that Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir reaffirmed that the security and stability of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are “an integral part of Pakistan’s own security,” the ISPR said. He made these remarks during a meeting with Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during which the two discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in economic collaboration, investment, and security. The two leaders also discussed regional developments and stressed the importance of continued coordination to promote the peaceful resolution of disputes. The army chief also appreciated the government of the UAE for its “longstanding investments and continued support to Pakistan’s economy and security over the decades.”

Pakistan: Islamabad condemns Israel’s move to convert areas of the West Bank into “state property”
On 16 February, Dawn reported that Pakistan strongly condemned Israel’s latest decision to convert large areas of the occupied West Bank into “state property”, a statement by the Foreign Office (FO) said. Al Jazeera reported that the Israeli government had approved plans to claim large areas of the West Bank if Palestinians could not prove ownership. “Pakistan strongly condemns the latest attempt by the Israeli occupying power to convert areas of the Occupied West Bank into so-called state property, and to expand illegal settlement activities,” the statement said. It also pointed out that these steps violated international law and relevant United Nations Security Council and General Assembly resolutions. It also, once again, reaffirmed its full support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an “independent, viable, and contiguous State of Palestine, based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.”

Iran: Military drills in the Strait of Hormuz
On 17 February, Al Jazeera reported that Iran has begun military drills in the Strait of Hormuz, amidst nuclear talks with the USA. The region was blocked off for a set period to ensure shipping safety. The Supreme Leader, Khamenei, noted that “determining the outcome of the negotiation in advance” would be foolish and wrong. These developments have come to light as Iran and the US held the second round of talks, mediated by Oman. Khamenei also mentioned that the US would not succeed in destroying Tehran. The central issue involved has been the reduction of US sanctions while debating on Tehran’s nuclear enrichment activities. The matter has raised several eyebrows since the Strait of Hormuz facilitates roughly 20 per cent of the world’s oil cargo.

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