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Bangladesh’s New Leader Faces Challenge of Delivering Reform After Landslide Election Victory

Bangladesh is poised to have Tarique Rahman as its next prime minister, a development that comes 18 months following the removal of the country’s longest-serving leader amid widespread demonstrations.

It has been over two years since Sheikh Hasina's election victory, which was widely criticized as being unfairly influenced in her favor. At the time, it seemed unlikely that her 15-year hold on power would be disrupted so suddenly, or that a rival party, which had been largely dismissed, would make such a significant comeback.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman Tarique Rahman gestures during an election campaign rally, ahead of the national election at Pallabi, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, February 8, 2026.
Tarique Rahman is expected to become Bangladesh's new prime minister – despite never before holding power

However, in the context of Bangladeshi politics, this shift is merely another instance of the alternating pattern of power between Hasina's Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which have been trading power for decades.

This marks the first time that Tarique Rahman, the new leader of the BNP, has formally led the party and contested an election.

His mother, Khaleda Zia, who passed away late last year, had led the party for four decades, taking over after the assassination of his father, Ziaur Rahman, the founder of the BNP and a key figure in Bangladesh's war for independence.

Tarique Rahman has faced allegations of corruption and benefiting from nepotism during his mother's tenure. He returned to Bangladesh five days before her death, ending his 17-year self-imposed exile in London.

Although Rahman, 60, has occasionally acted as the de-facto chair of the BNP when his mother was imprisoned or ill, he is largely viewed as an untested leader.

According to political scientist Navine Murshid, Rahman's lack of experience may actually work in his favor, as people are willing to give change a chance and are hopeful for positive outcomes.

The BNP's primary objective is to restore democracy in Bangladesh, according to the party.

Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inspects the guard of honour during a visit to Thailand in 2024
Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in a 2024 uprising

Senior BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that the party's first priority is to rebuild the country's democratic and financial institutions, which have been damaged over the past decade.

Bangladesh has a history of broken promises, with parties often becoming increasingly authoritarian after coming to power.

However, the country's young people, who played a key role in the "July uprising" of 2024 that led to Hasina's ouster, appear less willing to accept the status quo this time around.

Tazin Ahmed, a 19-year-old who participated in the uprising, expressed her desire for a better future, stating that the real victory will be when the country is free from corruption and has a stable economy.

Ahmed emphasized that the resignation of the previous prime minister was not the ultimate goal, but rather a step towards achieving a corruption-free and prosperous Bangladesh.

Her cousin, Tahmina Tasnim, 21, echoed similar sentiments, calling for unity among the people and a stable nation with a strong economy, and warning that they will not hesitate to take action if necessary.

Since Hasina's departure, Bangladesh's interim leader, Mohammad Yunus, has struggled to maintain law and order.

A couple of young women in Bangladesh smile and give the thumbs up sign
Cousins Tahmina Tasnim, 21, and Tazin Ahmed, 19, had participated in the uprising and were first-time voters in this election

The new government will need to prioritize restoring law and order, as well as addressing the country's economic challenges, including high food prices and unemployment among the large youth population.

Sociologist Samina Luthfa noted that the lack of experience in governing is a challenge faced by all parties.

The Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami, which has been banned twice in Bangladesh's history, including during Hasina's tenure, has won a significant number of seats in this election.

The National Citizens Party (NCP), a new party formed by some of the students who led the uprising, has won six seats in its first election.

Luthfa observed that the incoming parliament will feature many new leaders who have never held office before.

She noted that the NCP's young members have a lot to learn, while the more experienced politicians lack experience in governing the country, making it a challenging task ahead.

Jamaat's election manifesto focused on secular and development-oriented policies, with no mention of Islamic law.

A mother and daughter smile on voting day. The daughter gives a thumbs up sign
All parties have faced accusations of letting Bangladeshi women down by not having more female candidates

However, the party's website suggests that its ultimate goal is to implement Islamic law, which has raised concerns about its intentions if it were to come to power.

Murshid stated that Jamaat's performance in the election was not unexpected, given its strong organization and grassroots efforts over the years.

She acknowledged that Jamaat is a well-organized party, but also expressed concerns about its inherently anti-democratic and patriarchal nature.

Luthfa criticized all parties for failing to adequately represent women in Bangladesh, with only about 4% of candidates being female.

She emphasized that the women who participated in the July uprising have been let down by all parties, which have failed to translate their collective energy into meaningful political representation.

Luthfa urged parliament members to quickly nominate skilled and deserving women to the reserved seats in parliament.

In Bangladesh's parliament, 50 seats are reserved for women, who are nominated by parties in proportion to their electoral performance.

While this election was distinct from previous ones under Hasina, being genuinely competitive and with an uncertain outcome, the exclusion of her party has raised questions about the election's credibility.

A man carries a ballot box above his head amid a crowd of people in Bangladesh
This election is the first in a few in which the outcome was not known before polling began

When asked if the BNP would support allowing the Awami League to re-enter the political process, senior leader Chowdhury stated that it is not up to the BNP to decide, citing the Awami League's questionable credibility.

Chowdhury noted that the Awami League's past actions, including allegations of killing and persecuting its own people, would need to be addressed before it could be considered a viable political force again.

Hasina, currently in exile in India, has denounced the recent election as a "farce" and called for a new election in which the Awami League can participate.

While public opinion is currently strongly against the Awami League, it would be premature to write off the party entirely, given Bangladesh's complex political history.

The situation remains fluid, with the new government facing significant challenges in restoring stability and democracy to the country.

Additional reporting by Aakriti Thapar

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Bhatia and Hisatsune Take the Lead, McIlroy Faces Uphill Battle

At the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Akshay Bhatia carded a 64, eight under par, to move into a tie for second-round lead with Ryo Hisatsune, both players sitting at 15 under.

Rory McIlroy trails the leaders by six strokes as the tournament heads into the weekend, following a second round that saw him card a 67.

The current standings at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am after round two are as follows:

A Bhatia (US) and R Hisatsune (Jap) are tied at the top with a score of -15, while R Fowler (US) and S Burns (US) are one stroke back at -14, and MW Lee (Aus), S Straka (Aut), and J Bridgeman (US) are at -12.

Other notable players include M Fitzpatrick (Eng), K Bradley (US), H Matsuyama (Jap), J Spieth (US), and X Schauffele (US) at -10, T Fleetwood (Eng) and R McIlroy (NI) at -9, S Lowry (Ire) at -8, S Scheffler (US) at -6, and J Rose (Eng), H Hall (Eng), and R MacIntyre (Sco) at -5.

Akshay Bhatia's impressive eight-under-par 64 has earned him a share of the lead with Ryo Hisatsune, both sitting at 15 under par.

Defending champion Rory McIlroy finished his second round with a birdie, signing for a 67, but remains six strokes off the pace.

McIlroy's round was marked by five birdies and an eagle, but he was hindered by bogeys on the 10th and 14th holes, before closing with a strong four on the par-five 18th.

Earlier in the day, Akshay Bhatia had posted one of the top rounds at Spyglass Hill, while Ryo Hisatsune recovered from a mid-round slump to pick up four shots in his final five holes.

Rickie Fowler has moved into a tie for second place alongside Sam Burns, with a score of 14 under, as he seeks his first victory since July 2023.

Sepp Straka of Austria is the highest-placed European player at 12 under, with England's Matt Fitzpatrick two strokes back, alongside a group including Keegan Bradley, Jordan Spieth, and Xander Schauffele.

Tommy Fleetwood of England followed his opening 67 with a 68 to join Rory McIlroy at nine under, while Shane Lowry of Ireland is one stroke behind.

Scottie Scheffler has rejuvenated his chances with a strong stretch of three birdies and an eagle on five holes after the turn, bringing him to six under par.

Justin Rose and Harry Hall of England, along with Scotland's Robert MacIntyre, are currently at five under par, with each player having completed one round at both Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill.

The remaining rounds will be played exclusively at Pebble Beach, with no 36-hole cut in place at the $20m (£14.7m) PGA Tour event.

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Gordon Ramsay believes Beckham family will overcome their issues with time

Following a reported disagreement with his parents, Sir David and Lady Victoria Beckham, the celebrity chef advised Brooklyn to consider a future time when his mother and father would no longer be present, saying “one day you’re not going to have your Mum and Dad”.

Gordon Ramsay has come to the defense of Sir David and Lady Victoria Beckham, describing them as "good parents" and expressing confidence that time will help mend their relationship with their son Brooklyn, following a highly publicized family dispute.

Gordon Ramsey in a navy blue suit and black shirt, with David Beckham in a black leader jacket and white t-shirt.
Gordon Ramsay and David Beckham pictured together in 2019

In an interview with the Sun, Ramsay, a longtime friend of the Beckham family, praised Brooklyn for carving out his own path in life, showing admiration for the young man's independence.

Brooklyn Beckham sparked widespread attention in January with a series of Instagram posts, in which he revealed that he had no interest in reconciling with his family, amid months of speculation about a potential feud.

The posts included several allegations against his parents, primarily related to his wedding to American actress Nicola Peltz, the daughter of a wealthy businessman; the Beckhams have not publicly responded to these claims.

One of Brooklyn's most striking allegations was that his mother had commandeered the first dance at his wedding, which he claimed had been meticulously planned in advance to a romantic ballad.

Brooklyn described the incident as deeply uncomfortable and humiliating, stating that his mother's behavior had made him feel uneasy in front of their guests.

However, a report from British Vogue, which had a presence at the wedding, offered a differing account, noting that Brooklyn had invited his mother to join him on stage for a dance, and that they were later joined by his father and younger sister, Harper.

Gordon Ramsay, who attended the wedding, countered Brooklyn's allegations in his interview with the Sun, asserting that nothing untoward or salacious had occurred during the event.

Ramsay emphasized the strong bond between David and Brooklyn, highlighting the depth of their relationship and the love that David has for his son.

The chef expressed optimism that Brooklyn would eventually reflect on his actions, suggesting that it was only a matter of time before he reevaluated his behavior.

Ramsay cautioned that it is easy to get caught up in the intensity of the moment, but ultimately, things will return to normal.

When asked if he had been in touch with Brooklyn, Ramsay revealed that they had exchanged a few messages, and that he holds a deep affection for the young man.

Ramsay described Brooklyn as eager to establish his independence, but urged him to remember that his parents will not always be there to support him, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong family bond.

Ramsay's comments came as he prepares for the release of his new Netflix documentary, Being Gordon Ramsay.

While Sir David has not directly addressed the family dispute, he did offer some general thoughts on social media in January, noting that children should be allowed to make mistakes and learn from them.

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James Van Der Beek, former teen star, struggles to cover medical expenses

A fundraising effort was established to support the actor’s family, who faced financial hardship following costly cancer treatments.

In the 1990s and 2000s, James Van Der Beek was a ubiquitous figure in the entertainment industry, starring in the popular teen drama Dawson's Creek and gracing numerous magazine covers, including one that labeled him a "new superstar".

James Van Der Beek wears a black polo and stands in front of a blue background
James Van Der Beek kept working after being diagnosed with cancer

However, his family's subsequent struggles with financial hardship, particularly in the face of his medical bills, highlighted the precarious financial situation faced by many actors and ordinary Americans alike, who often find themselves struggling to make ends meet due to exorbitant medical costs.

Van Der Beek, who had six children with his wife, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 48, three years after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

The financial burden of his medical treatment was so significant that his wife has now made a public appeal for donations to prevent the family from losing their home, with a total of $2.3m (£1.7m) raised so far.

In the months leading up to his death, Van Der Beek had spoken publicly about the financial strain of his cancer treatment, and had even auctioned off memorabilia from his career, including a plaid shirt from the first episode of Dawson's Creek, to help make ends meet.

James Van Der Beek, as Dawson Leery, appears standing in a field with a hand in his jeans pocket, wearing a white t-shirt and red plaid long-sleeved buttoned-down shirt
James Van Der Beek auctioned off the shirt he wore in this promotional still

As Van Der Beek explained to People Magazine last November, "I've been holding onto these items for years, and given the recent challenges I've faced, it's become clear that now is the time to use them to make a difference."

The high cost of Van Der Beek's medical treatment was compounded by the fact that he was no longer earning the same level of income as he had during the height of his career, and he had also revealed that he had not received residuals from his work on Dawson's Creek, which would have provided a significant source of additional income.

In a 2012 interview with Today, Van Der Beek recalled that he had been paid "almost nothing" for his work on Dawson's Creek, and that his contract had not included provisions for residual payments.

Despite his diagnosis, Van Der Beek continued to work, appearing in two episodes of the TV show Overcompensating in 2025, although it is unclear whether this work was sufficient to qualify him for health insurance through the actors' union, SAG-AFTRA, which requires members to work a minimum of 108 days per year or earn at least $28,090 on union shoots to be eligible.

Van Der Beek's situation is not unique, as other high-profile actors, such as Beverly Hills 90210 star Shannen Doherty, who passed away in 2024, have also spoken out about their struggles with medical debt and lack of insurance.

Actor Benjamin Byron Davis, who has appeared in TV shows and films such as Marvel's Ant Man, noted that the decline of residual payments has become a major issue for actors, making it difficult for them to make a living and qualify for health insurance through their union.

Katie Holmes, James Van Der Beek, Michelle Williams, and Joshua Jackson sit on a board walk and pose for a photo
Van Der Beek and his Dawson's Creek co-stars pictured in 1997

"The revenue streams that actors have traditionally relied on have dried up," Davis explained, citing the impact of streaming on the way production companies compensate performers, and adding that many actors depend on these payments to survive.

Davis himself lost his health insurance during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes, but was able to regain it once the strikes were over and he was able to meet the union's eligibility requirements again.

According to Davis, the minimum earnings required to qualify for health insurance through SAG-AFTRA have increased significantly over the past decade, making it difficult for many actors to access affordable healthcare.

Valerie Yaros, an archivist with SAG-AFTRA, noted that while the union's health insurance plan provides good coverage for those who are eligible, many actors struggle to meet the requirements.

Yaros added that it is possible that Van Der Beek may have lost his eligibility for the union's health insurance plan due to his reduced work hours.

In 2024, Van Der Beek spoke to People about the challenges of dealing with cancer treatment and insurance, describing it as a "full-time job".

Van Der Beek's death has brought attention to the ongoing debate about rising healthcare costs in the US, an issue that has been recognized by both Republicans and Democrats as in need of reform, but has yet to be adequately addressed.

The US has one of the most expensive healthcare systems in the world, with estimated spending on healthcare projected to reach $5.9tn in 2026, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Approximately 100 million people in the US struggle to pay off their medical and dental healthcare debt, according to recent data.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Van Der Beek's widow, Kimberley, and their six children, who are facing an uncertain future and significant financial strain in the wake of his passing.

The page, which was shared by Van Der Beek's wife, notes that the family is struggling to stay in their home and provide for the children's education and well-being, despite the significant donations that have been made so far.

The page reads, "In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future, and the costs of James's medical care and extended fight against cancer have left the family without sufficient funds."

Even with health insurance, cancer treatment can be extremely costly in the US, with some studies suggesting that the average monthly cost of chemotherapy can range from $1,000 to $12,000.

Eva Stahl, vice president of policy at Undue Medical Debt, a nonprofit that has paid off approximately $25bn of medical debt for nearly 15 million people, noted that the US private healthcare system often leaves even those with insurance facing high deductibles and significant out-of-pocket costs.

"People are being forced to choose between life-saving treatments and debt," Stahl said, highlighting the unfairness of the current healthcare system, which can leave even those with significant resources, like James Van Der Beek, struggling to afford necessary care.

Michael Short, a graphic artist in Tennessee who has personal experience with medical debt, shared the story of his sister, who was forced to declare bankruptcy due to medical debt from cancer treatments, despite having insurance coverage.

"The prices of these medications and treatments are just so high," Short said, noting that the costs can quickly add up to hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.

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