The Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party electoral alliance on Sunday demanded that the Election Commission (EC) recount votes in 32 constituencies, alleging manipulation during the counting and result publication of the national election. "Particularly 32 constituencies have been identified. We have been defeated here by a small margin of votes. This is the statement of our candidates....we have submitted the list of such constituencies to the commission and asked them to recount the votes there," said Jamaat Assistant Secretary General AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad.

He said this while briefing reporters after a meeting between the delegation and the EC in the city's Nirbachan Bhaban. Four election commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Anwarul Islam Sarker and Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah were present in the meeting. Azad said there are allegations that the agents of their candidates were forcibly removed from many polling stations during the counting of votes and even those who were present in the counting room faced threats and intimidation when they tried to complain about any irregularities.

Breaking tradition, the cabinet swearing-in will not be held at Bangabhaban's Darbar Hall. For the first time, an incoming government will begin its journey under the open sky, with cabinet members taking the oath of office at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad on Tuesday afternoon. The newly elected MPs will also be sworn in at the same venue in the morning. Multiple sources from the Chief Adviser's Office, Cabinet Division, and Parliament Secretariat confirmed the matter.

Traditionally, MPs are sworn in at the parliament's oath room and the cabinet at Bangabhaban's Darbar Hall. However, this time, both ceremonies will be held at the parliament's south plaza, as preferred by the incoming government, officials said. President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath to the prime minister and cabinet members. While either Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin or Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury will administer the oath to the MPs.

The United Nations (UN) congratulated the people of Bangladesh on holding the parliamentary elections and referendum, urging all political actors to strengthen national cohesion and uphold democratic norms and human rights. In a message issued by the UN, Secretary-General António Guterres extended congratulations to the people of Bangladesh for holding of the elections and referendum. The UN chief encouraged all political stakeholders to build on the momentum generated by the polls to reinforce national unity and democratic practices.

Guterres underscored the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring the full enjoyment of human rights by all citizens, including the protection of minorities. He expressed hope that Bangladesh would continue advancing its democratic transition while pursuing inclusive and sustainable reforms in the days ahead. The United Nations reiterated its support for Bangladesh's continued efforts toward strengthening democratic institutions and fostering social cohesion.

Bangladesh's premier literary event, Ekushey Book Fair, is set to open later this month amid mounting opposition from a large section of mainstream publishers who warn that holding the fair during Ramadan could inflict heavy financial losses on the industry. Bangla Academy has confirmed that the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 will begin on February 20, even as more than 300 publishers have threatened to boycott the event if the schedule is not reconsidered. To facilitate confirmation of stall and pavilion allotments, Bangla Academy earlier extended the payment deadline from February 9 to February 11. According to organisers, a total of 662 stalls have been allotted this year, 133 more than in 2025.

Dr Md Selim Reza, member secretary of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 Organising Committee, told UNB that preparations are already well underway. "The lottery for allocation of stalls and pavilions was completed on Tuesday night. Allocation has already been finalised. Now publishers can start organising their allotted spaces," he said.