German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged "a new transatlantic partnership" and French President Emmanuel Macron called for "a strong Europe" as more than 60 leaders gathered for the annual Munich Security Conference. European leaders at the gathering defended their security commitments and the NATO alliance, which Trump's rhetoric has rattled. It's also the United States' competitive advantage. "In the era of great-power rivalry, even the United States will not be powerful enough to go it alone." "A strong Europe in a strong NATO means that the transatlantic bond will be stronger than ever," Rutte said.

US envoy to NATO says Russia may never be ready for peace dealMUNICH, Germany, Feb 14, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Washington's representative to NATO said Friday that Russia may never be ready to make a deal to end the war in Ukraine, which Moscow's forces launched nearly four years ago. "But I just am not convinced that ultimately the Russians are ready to make a deal, or ever will be able to make a deal," he added. The message was the opposite of that delivered by US President Donald Trump earlier in the day, who said Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky is "going to have to get moving" as "Russia wants to make a deal." Trump is pushing to end the conflict, unleashed when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, but US-mediated talks have not yielded any signs of a breakthrough so far. Ukraine has rejected a unilateral pull-back and wants robust Western security guarantees to deter Russia from re-launching its offensive following any ceasefire.

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Professor Ali Riaz, special assistant to the chief adviser, has said that Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has expressed his intention to return to his previous profession in the future and is making preparations for it. He made these remarks during a post-election press conference at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital on Saturday. Ali Riaz stated that in the February 12 referendum, a large majority of voters supported “Yes,” signaling that the people have endorsed the proposed reforms. He added that through the referendum, citizens clearly and decisively approved the constitutional amendments to the July National Charter. The press conference was also attended by Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the chief adviser.

The media and internet audiences alike tout these women as the next big thing in pop, glorifying them as the next incarnation of the Princess of Pop herself, Britney Spears. I hate to break it to you all (actually, I’m truly delighting in this), but neither Rae nor McRae is going to ever make a breakthrough and become Britney Spears. Britney Spears both exemplified perfect pop through her music and delivered countless performances, all more iconic than the last. She does have the dancing level of Spears, yet her music lacks the overt pop catchiness that Spears delivers so well. Rather, the way pop culture operates in our post-COVID and TikTok-centered world contains no infrastructure for a Britney Spears to emerge.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today spoke at a post-election press conference held at a city hotel today. Photo: BSSDHAKA, Feb 14, 2026 (BSS)- BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman today spoke at press conference on the winning of his party in the 13th National Parliamentary Election. I extend my sincere congratulations to every political party that participated in the national election, irrespective of the results. I call upon all democratic political parties that participated in the election. On the journey toward building a safe, humane, and democratic Bangladesh, I seek the cooperation of all, regardless of party or opinion.

“And now it’s not.”Years of steadily climbing coffee prices have some in this country of coffee lovers upending their habits by nixing café visits, switching to cheaper brews or foregoing it altogether. Coffee prices in the U.S. were up 18.3% in January from a year ago, according to the latest Consumer Price Index released on Friday . Over five years, the government reported, coffee prices rose 47%. Two-thirds of Americans drink coffee daily, according to the National Coffee Association. Growing up, Donelson watched enviously as her mother made a daily coffee jaunt (also to McDonald’s, also 10 sugars and five creams), and she duplicated the habit.

European Union Election Observation Mission terms Bangladesh parliamentary polls credible, urges stronger reforms for inclusive democracy. The Delegation of Members of the European Parliament, led by Tomáš Zdechovský (MEP), fully endorsed the mission’s statement. “The 2026 parliamentary elections were credible and competently managed, marking a pivotal step towards restoring democratic governance and rule of law. According to the EU observers, Election Day was orderly, festive and calm, with dedicated poll workers efficiently managing the opening, voting and counting processes. Tomáš Zdechovský, Head of the Delegation of the European Parliament, said: “The country is now entering a new crucial phase.

The Secretary General of BIMSTEC Indra Mani Pandey and Chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Tarique Rahman. Collage PhotoDHAKA, Feb 16, 2026 (BSS) – The Secretary General of BIMSTEC Indra Mani Pandey today congratulated Chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Tarique Rahman on his party’s historic victory in the 13th national parliamentary elections. In a congratulatory message, the Secretary General extended warm greetings to Tarique Rahman on leading the BNP to a decisive electoral win. Bangladesh is a founding member and hosts the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), which promotes collaboration in areas including trade, connectivity, energy, security and people-to-people exchanges among member states.

SynopsisTarique Rahman, set to become Prime Minister, has called for maintaining law and order at any cost. His party, BNP, secured a sweeping victory in the recent parliamentary elections. Rahman emphasized the need for everyone's cooperation to build a safe and humane Bangladesh. He declared the outcome as the victory of the people and the beginning of a fascism-free state.

The four Cornellians — Laura Fortino ’13, Brianne Jenner ’15, Kristin O'Neill ’20 and Rory Guilday ’25 — represent three countries, all of which succeeded in advancing to the tournament’s knockout stages. Read more about Guilday, Jenner and O'Neill here, and Fortino here. In Guilday’s final first-round matchup against Canada, she squared off versus Jenner and O'Neill, marking the first time Cornellians had ever faced one another in women’s hockey at the Olympics. In Canada’s second game, O'Neill became the fourth Cornellian to score a goal in a women’s hockey Olympic tournament when she knocked home a rebound six minutes into a 5-1 win over Czechia. The former Cornell blueliner now represents Italy, trying to boost the host-nation in its second women’s hockey Olympic tournament appearance.

The United Nations has congratulated Bangladesh on holding its National Parliament elections and referendum. UN Secretary-General Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric conveyed the message at a briefing in Geneva on Saturday. He said: “The Secretary-General encourages all political stakeholders to strengthen national unity, uphold democratic practices and the rule of law, ensure the full enjoyment of human rights, and protect minorities.”He added: “This is not only what we expect from a government following an election, but what the people themselves expect from their government. We remain committed to supporting Bangladesh in its efforts to build a peaceful and prosperous future.”

US President Donald Trump said Friday that a change of government in Iran would be the “best thing that could happen,” as he sent a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East to ratchet up military pressure on the Islamic Republic. “Seems like that would be the best thing that could happen,” Trump told reporters at the Fort Bragg military base in North Carolina when a journalist asked if he wanted “regime change” in Iran. Videos verified by AFP showed people in Iran this week chanting anti-government slogans as the clerical leadership celebrated the anniversary of the Islamic revolution. Iran and the United States, who have had no diplomatic relations since shortly after the revolution, held talks on the nuclear issue last week in Oman. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) NGO said “hundreds” of people were facing charges linked to the protests that could see them sentenced to death.

At least 20 people were injured in clashes that broke out in Faridpur over local dominance and post-election tensions, during which several houses were vandalized and set on fire. Army and police personnel from two upazilas rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control. The incident occurred between 10am and 11am on Saturday in the Moyendia Bazar area along the border of Saltha and Boalmari upazilas. Faridpur Assistant Superintendent of Police (Saltha-Nagarkanda Circle) Mahmudul Hasan said the clash occurred due to a dispute between the Moyendia and Khardia groups over dominance. The clash occured around 10am, during which houses were vandalized and torched.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday said the party will follow a foreign policy that protects the country’s interests in its dealings with China, India, and Pakistan. Our economy faces challenges, and the country’s law and order situation is a concern. Therefore, we must ensure good governance.”On Bangladesh’s future relations with China and the Belt and Road Initiative, Tarique said: “We will try to protect the interests of the people of Bangladesh. If something is not in Bangladesh’s interest, naturally we cannot pursue it. Everyone has some issue or the other; we have to listen to everyone.”On reviving SAARC, Tarique said: “You know, SAARC was established through Bangladesh’s initiative.