Awami League Demands Yunus Resignation, Re-Poll
P&C | Friday, 13 Feb. 2026
Dhaka | Planet & Commerce
Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina has rejected the recently concluded Bangladesh national election as a “voter-less, illegal and unconstitutional farce,” demanding the resignation of interim leader Muhammad Yunus and the cancellation of the poll. In a strongly worded statement issued through the Bangladesh Awami League, Hasina alleged widespread irregularities, intimidation of party supporters and minorities, and historically low voter turnout. The election marked the first time in three decades that the Awami League’s iconic “boat” symbol was absent from the ballot paper, following the suspension of the party’s registration by the Bangladesh Election Commission. The poll was conducted under the interim administration formed after the August 2024 mass protests that led to Hasina’s removal from office. Hasina, currently residing in India after leaving Bangladesh during the political upheaval, expressed gratitude to citizens who she said boycotted what she described as a “so-called election.” According to the Awami League statement, voter turnout stood at just 14.96 percent by 11 am, citing figures attributed to the Election Commission. The party argued that such low participation reflected public rejection of an Awami League-free electoral process. The statement accused the interim government of orchestrating a systematic campaign of intimidation. Allegations included seizure of polling centers, gunfire incidents, ballot stamping, vote-buying, and unauthorized agents signing result sheets. The party claimed that irregularities began the evening before polling day and continued throughout voting hours. It further alleged that minority communities and Awami League supporters were subjected to threats, arrests, and harassment in the days leading up to the election.
Observers note that the election unfolded amid heightened political tension following the July 2024 uprising, which prompted the interim government to ban all Awami League activities in May 2025. The ban, authorities stated, would remain until proceedings at the International Crimes Tribunal are completed. The Election Commission subsequently suspended the party’s registration, effectively barring it from contesting the poll. Hasina’s statement also raised concerns over what she termed “abnormal increases” in voter numbers in certain areas of Dhaka, suggesting possible manipulation of electoral rolls. The Awami League called for an independent investigation into these discrepancies and demanded that the entire election be annulled. The party outlined a series of demands, including the immediate resignation of Yunus, the release of political prisoners including journalists and intellectuals, the withdrawal of what it described as false legal cases, restoration of Awami League political activities, and the organization of free and fair elections under a neutral caretaker government. The call for a caretaker framework echoes earlier constitutional arrangements that governed Bangladesh’s electoral process before being abolished. Political analysts say the dispute deepens uncertainty over Bangladesh’s democratic transition. The absence of the Awami League — which governed for over two decades across six terms — fundamentally altered the electoral landscape. While interim authorities maintain that the poll was conducted within constitutional parameters, critics argue that excluding the country’s largest political party undermines inclusivity.
The Yunus-led administration has defended the electoral process, asserting that measures were taken to ensure security and procedural compliance. However, opposition parties and civil society groups remain divided over the legitimacy of the vote. The controversy is likely to fuel further political mobilization, particularly if turnout figures and alleged irregularities become focal points of public debate. International reaction remains measured. Regional observers are closely monitoring developments, given Bangladesh’s strategic and economic significance in South Asia. The election’s outcome and the legitimacy dispute may influence foreign investment, trade negotiations, and diplomatic engagement. The broader political context reflects deep polarization following months of protests, arrests, and legal battles. The Awami League’s absence from ballots represents a historic departure from previous elections, reshaping party competition and voter dynamics. Whether Hasina’s demands gain traction domestically will depend on legal reviews, institutional responses, and public sentiment in the weeks ahead. As Bangladesh navigates its post-election phase, the debate over voter turnout, constitutional authority, and political inclusion underscores the fragility of democratic institutions during transitional periods. With the Awami League barred from participation and calling for annulment, the path toward political stability remains uncertain. For now, Sheikh Hasina’s rejection of the election sets the stage for a prolonged contest over legitimacy, governance, and the future direction of Bangladesh’s democracy.
Goldman Sachs Lawyer Resigns Over Epstein Emails
P&C | Friday, 13 Feb. 2026
New York | Planet & Commerce
Kathy Ruemmler, the Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel of Goldman Sachs, announced her resignation Thursday after internal emails revealed a previously undisclosed close relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The disclosure has triggered intense scrutiny across Wall Street, raising questions about corporate governance, reputational risk, and compliance oversight at one of the world’s most powerful investment banks. Ruemmler, who previously served as White House Counsel under former President Barack Obama, said she would step down effective June 30, 2026. In her resignation statement, she emphasized her responsibility to place Goldman Sachs’ interests first, describing her tenure as one focused on strengthening legal integrity, regulatory compliance, and risk management processes within the firm. The controversy centers on email correspondence in which Ruemmler referred to Epstein as “Uncle Jeffrey” and expressed personal admiration for him, describing him as an “older brother.” The emails were reportedly exchanged years after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for sex crimes in Florida, for which he was registered as a sex offender. The tone of the correspondence has drawn criticism, particularly given Epstein’s well-documented criminal history and his later arrest in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges. Epstein died in a Manhattan jail in August 2019 while awaiting trial, an event that intensified public attention on his network of influential contacts across finance, academia, and politics. Ruemmler has since described Epstein as a “monster” in recent public statements, but the earlier emails suggest a more cordial and personal relationship prior to his second arrest.
Reports indicate that Ruemmler received luxury gifts from Epstein during her time in private practice after leaving the White House in 2014. The gifts allegedly included high-end handbags and a fur coat. Such exchanges have prompted renewed debate about ethics rules governing Wall Street executives and client relationships. Goldman Sachs’ internal code of conduct requires employees to seek preapproval for gifts from clients to avoid potential conflicts of interest and violations of anti-bribery regulations. Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon accepted Ruemmler’s resignation, describing her as one of the most accomplished legal professionals in her field. As recently as December, Solomon publicly expressed full confidence in her leadership. However, the mounting reputational fallout appears to have shifted the bank’s calculus amid intensifying media scrutiny and shareholder concern. The episode highlights broader governance challenges facing major financial institutions when personal associations intersect with corporate compliance standards. Analysts note that Wall Street has historically maintained strict boundaries regarding gift-giving between executives and clients, particularly after global financial reforms strengthened oversight frameworks. Any perception of compromised independence can carry significant reputational and regulatory risk. Ruemmler joined Goldman Sachs in 2020, assuming responsibility for overseeing legal strategy, regulatory investigations, and reputational management across global markets. Her background in public service and high-level legal advisory roles was viewed as an asset during a period of heightened regulatory complexity for financial institutions.
The timing of her resignation underscores the sensitivity surrounding associations with Epstein, whose network included prominent figures in politics, finance, and academia. Institutions linked to Epstein have faced waves of internal investigations and external audits aimed at restoring trust and transparency. Legal experts say the central issue is not criminal liability but reputational alignment and ethical optics. While no evidence has emerged suggesting Ruemmler was involved in Epstein’s criminal conduct, critics argue that maintaining close personal correspondence and accepting gifts from a convicted sex offender raises legitimate governance questions. In her statement, Ruemmler reiterated her commitment to integrity and acknowledged that stepping aside was in the best interest of the firm. Goldman Sachs has not yet announced her successor but indicated that interim arrangements will ensure continuity in legal oversight and compliance operations. The resignation marks another chapter in the ongoing fallout from Epstein’s legacy, which continues to reverberate across elite institutions years after his death. For Goldman Sachs, the priority now shifts to mitigating reputational damage, reinforcing compliance protocols, and reassuring investors and regulators of its governance standards. As Wall Street navigates evolving expectations of transparency and accountability, Ruemmler’s departure serves as a reminder that even indirect associations can carry significant consequences in an era of heightened public scrutiny.
Venezuela National Assembly Weighs Prisoner Amnesty Plan
P&C | Friday, 13 Feb. 2026
Caracas | Planet & Commerce
Thousands of Venezuelans poured into the streets of the capital in rival demonstrations as the National Assembly debated a sweeping amnesty bill that could free hundreds of political prisoners, marking the first major opposition protest since the removal of former President Nicolás Maduro earlier this year. The duelling rallies on National Youth Day underscored the fragile political climate under interim President Delcy Rodriguez, whose government faces mounting pressure to deliver on promises of reform and reconciliation. The protests unfolded as lawmakers weighed landmark legislation covering alleged political crimes dating back to 1999. Although government officials had previously suggested the bill would pass this week, a final vote has been postponed, fueling speculation about internal divisions and concerns over implementation details. The amnesty proposal represents one of the most consequential legislative initiatives in Venezuela in decades, potentially reshaping the country’s human rights landscape. Rodriguez, who assumed leadership following the January U.S. operation that led to Maduro’s arrest and extradition, has positioned the bill as part of a broader stabilization effort. She described the legislation as designed “to heal the wounds left by political confrontation fueled by violence and extremism,” pledging that it would apply to charges such as treason, terrorism, and spreading hate that were frequently used to detain dissidents. However, the bill would exclude those convicted of murder, drug trafficking, corruption, or serious human rights violations. Human rights organizations have cautiously welcomed the initiative while demanding transparency. The Venezuelan rights group Foro Penal reports that at least 431 political detainees have been released since Rodriguez took office, though more than 600 remain in custody. Discrepancies between government figures and independent counts have fueled skepticism. Critics also cite the case of opposition figure Juan Pablo Guanipa, who was released only to be placed under house arrest, as evidence that reforms may be partial or conditional.
International observers are closely monitoring developments. Alex Neve of the United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Venezuela has described the bill as an opportunity to alleviate suffering but emphasized that civil society must play a central role in the process. Transparency, legal clarity, and consistent enforcement will determine whether the legislation restores public confidence. The amnesty debate intersects with broader questions about electoral legitimacy and democratic governance. Venezuela has faced repeated allegations of election irregularities, most notably in 2024 when Maduro claimed a controversial third term. Opposition leaders, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado, were barred from contesting the vote, fueling claims of disenfranchisement. Machado and her allies maintain that opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez was the rightful winner, a position supported by several independent analysts. The current bill also proposes lifting political bans that have prevented opposition leaders from seeking office. Whether such provisions are fully implemented could significantly influence Venezuela’s next electoral cycle. However, National Assembly leader Jorge Rodriguez has ruled out immediate presidential elections, arguing that national stabilization must precede any new vote. The protests reflect deep divisions within Venezuelan society. Government supporters rallied in defense of Rodriguez’s reform agenda and her cooperation with Washington, while opposition demonstrators demanded comprehensive amnesty and accelerated democratic transition. The competing narratives highlight the precarious balance between reconciliation and accountability in a country long marked by polarization.
U.S.-Venezuela relations add another layer of complexity. President Donald Trump has described bilateral relations as “extraordinary” following renewed diplomatic engagement and energy cooperation. On Wednesday, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright visited Caracas to discuss expanded oil production and foreign investment in Venezuela’s state-controlled energy sector. The meeting marked the first cabinet-level U.S. visit to the country in years. Trump also publicly denied that oil magnate Harry Sargeant III had authority to negotiate on behalf of the U.S. government, responding to media reports about efforts to secure access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. The administration has framed its engagement with Rodriguez as part of a broader hemispheric strategy aimed at stabilizing the region and countering rival influence. As the National Assembly continues deliberations, Venezuela stands at a crossroads. Passage of the amnesty bill could signal a decisive shift toward political normalization and reintegration into the international community. Conversely, delays or partial implementation may deepen mistrust and prolong unrest. For now, the sight of thousands marching in Caracas underscores both hope and uncertainty. The amnesty proposal offers a potential breakthrough in a country that until recently denied the existence of political prisoners. Whether it becomes a cornerstone of reconciliation or another contested chapter in Venezuela’s turbulent history remains to be seen.
US–Taiwan Finalize Tariff Deal, Boost Trade Ties
P&C | Friday, 13 Feb. 2026
Taipei | Planet & Commerce
The United States and Taiwan have finalized a reciprocal trade agreement that cements a 15 percent U.S. tariff rate on imports from Taiwan while committing Taipei to significantly expand purchases of American goods through 2029. The deal, confirmed by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, marks a pivotal moment in U.S.–Taiwan economic relations and reshapes high-technology supply chain cooperation at a time of heightened global trade realignment. Under the finalized framework, the Trump administration has locked in a 15 percent tariff rate for Taiwanese imports, down from the 20 percent initially imposed earlier this year. The rate aligns Taiwan with key Asian export competitors such as South Korea and Japan, placing it on equal footing within the U.S. tariff structure. The agreement formalizes and expands upon a preliminary deal reached in January, providing technical clarifications and product-level commitments. Taiwan has pledged to substantially increase purchases of U.S. goods between 2025 and 2029. These commitments include $44.4 billion in liquefied natural gas and crude oil, $15.2 billion in civil aircraft and engines, and $25.2 billion in power grid equipment, generators, marine systems, and steelmaking machinery. The scale of these procurement pledges is designed to reduce the growing U.S. trade deficit with Taiwan, which surged to $126.9 billion during the first eleven months of 2025, largely driven by rising imports of advanced artificial intelligence chips. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te hailed the agreement as a transformational opportunity for Taiwan’s economy. Writing publicly, Lai described the deal as a step toward optimizing the Taiwan–U.S. economic framework, strengthening industrial supply chains, and building a strategic high-technology partnership. He also highlighted exemptions secured for more than 2,000 Taiwanese product categories exported to the United States, which he said would reduce the average tariff burden on U.S.-bound goods to 12.33 percent.
The agreement includes significant tariff concessions on agricultural imports. Taiwan will immediately eliminate tariffs of up to 26 percent on many American farm goods, including beef, dairy products, and corn. However, certain tariffs will remain partially intact, with duties on pork belly and ham reduced but not fully removed. The compromise reflects domestic political sensitivities in Taiwan, where agricultural trade liberalization remains contentious. Beyond tariff reductions, the pact addresses non-tariff barriers. Taiwan agreed to remove regulatory obstacles affecting U.S. motor vehicles and to recognize American auto safety standards. The agreement also streamlines standards acceptance for medical devices and pharmaceuticals, potentially expanding market access for U.S. exporters. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer described the deal as a win for American farmers, manufacturers, and workers. He emphasized that strengthening trade ties with Taiwan enhances supply chain resilience in advanced sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and next-generation electronics. The agreement reinforces bilateral economic interdependence amid intensifying U.S.–China strategic competition. Investment commitments remain a cornerstone of the framework. Taiwan previously pledged that its firms would invest $250 billion in the United States to expand semiconductor manufacturing, energy infrastructure, and AI production capacity. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company has already committed $100 billion to U.S.-based fabrication plants. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick previously indicated that Taiwan’s government would guarantee an additional $250 billion in investments, though the finalized text did not elaborate on detailed timelines.
The agreement signals an evolution in U.S. trade policy under President Donald Trump, blending tariff recalibration with large-scale procurement and investment pledges. Analysts view the deal as part of a broader strategy to rebalance trade deficits while reinforcing supply chain security in high-technology manufacturing. By aligning Taiwan’s tariff rate with Japan and South Korea, Washington avoids disadvantaging a critical semiconductor supplier while preserving leverage in trade negotiations. Taiwan’s parliament must still approve the deal, and opposition lawmakers hold a majority. Political debate is expected to focus on agricultural concessions and long-term strategic implications. However, business groups in Taiwan have largely welcomed the clarity provided by the finalized tariff structure, particularly for semiconductor exporters and advanced electronics manufacturers. Energy markets may also feel the impact of Taiwan’s substantial LNG and crude oil purchase commitments, which are expected to support U.S. energy producers and reinforce bilateral energy security cooperation. Aviation and heavy industry sectors likewise stand to benefit from large-scale procurement agreements. The deal arrives amid a shifting global trade landscape characterized by supply chain diversification and strategic industrial partnerships. For Washington, securing deeper integration with Taiwan’s technology sector enhances resilience against geopolitical disruptions. For Taipei, the agreement strengthens access to the U.S. market while embedding its semiconductor leadership within American strategic planning. As the two sides implement the framework over the coming years, attention will turn to compliance monitoring, investment execution, and deficit reduction targets. If successful, the pact could become a model for future reciprocal trade agreements blending tariffs, procurement commitments, and industrial cooperation.
Kim Showcases Power At North Korea Congress
P&C | Friday, 13 Feb. 2026
Pyongyang | Planet & Commerce
North Korea is preparing to convene its Ninth Party Congress this month, a rare and tightly choreographed political spectacle expected to cement Kim Jong Un’s authority while spotlighting sweeping military expansion and strategic policy direction for the next five years. The once-every-five-year gathering of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea comes at a time of heightened regional tensions, expanding nuclear capabilities, and shifting geopolitical alliances. The Congress, scheduled to open in late February on an undisclosed date, will assess the current five-year development plan and outline future domestic and foreign policy priorities. At the previous Congress in 2021, Kim openly acknowledged that earlier economic targets had failed in “almost every sector,” pledging renewed focus on heavy industry, agricultural productivity, and consumer goods manufacturing. This year’s session is expected to emphasize self-reliance, industrial modernization, and military deterrence amid global instability. In the weeks leading up to the Congress, Kim has toured strategic facilities across the country, including cruise missile test sites, weapons manufacturing complexes, and large-scale greenhouse farms. The visits appear designed to reinforce his image domestically as both supreme commander and economic steward, showcasing achievements in food production and technological advancement while highlighting progress in strategic weapons systems. Analysts say the Congress will provide critical insights into Kim’s policy calculus. Rachel Minyoung Lee of the Stimson Center notes that the event will signal North Korea’s strategic priorities at a pivotal moment marked by closer ties with Russia and continued friction with the United States and South Korea.
One of the most closely watched issues will be succession planning. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service recently briefed lawmakers that Kim appears to be solidifying the role of his teenage daughter, believed to be named Kim Ju Ae, as a potential heir. Observers will scrutinize whether she attends the Congress and whether she receives a formal title, a step that could signal the consolidation of a fourth-generation Kim dynasty. Speculation also surrounds the possible revival of the title “president” for Kim, a designation historically linked to North Korea’s founder, Kim Il Sung. If adopted, such symbolism would further reinforce continuity of the ruling family’s authority while projecting stability amid external pressure. Military theatrics are expected to accompany the Congress, including a large-scale parade in Pyongyang highlighting North Korea’s expanding nuclear and conventional arsenal. Recent advances include solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, and enhanced artillery systems reportedly supplied to Russia during the Ukraine conflict. Analysts suggest Pyongyang may unveil or test-fire a next-generation missile such as the Hwasong-20, underscoring its deterrence capabilities. The regime’s nuclear doctrine remains central to its messaging. Experts argue that recent U.S. actions abroad have reinforced Pyongyang’s belief in the necessity of nuclear weapons. The January U.S. special forces operation targeting Venezuela’s former leader Nicolás Maduro has been cited by South Korean defense analysts as a cautionary example of vulnerability faced by non-nuclear states. Kim Yeoul-soo of the Korea Institute for Military Affairs suggests such developments intensify North Korea’s commitment to nuclear deterrence as protection against external intervention.
Defector and former diplomat Tae Yong-ho notes that North Korean strategists frequently reference Iraq, Libya, and the Ukraine war as lessons in the importance of maintaining credible deterrence. Securing nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed submarines remains a top priority in Pyongyang’s defense roadmap. Completion of such platforms within the next five years would represent a significant strategic leap. At the same time, the Congress will likely emphasize economic resilience and strategic partnerships. North Korea’s growing alignment with Russia may be portrayed as a “blood-tied alliance,” bolstering anti-U.S. rhetoric while diversifying diplomatic options. The regime may also signal its stance toward Seoul, which Kim has labeled a “hostile” state, rejecting outreach from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. On relations with Washington, the picture is more nuanced. U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated interest in renewing summit diplomacy that stalled in 2019 over sanctions and denuclearization disputes. Kim has left open the possibility of talks if U.S. demands to dismantle North Korea’s nuclear arsenal are softened. Experts remain divided on whether recent geopolitical developments will harden Pyongyang’s stance or encourage limited engagement to manage tensions. For North Korea, the Ninth Party Congress represents more than routine political theater. It is a platform to reaffirm ideological unity, consolidate leadership succession, demonstrate military prowess, and articulate long-term national objectives. The combination of economic messaging and strategic weapons displays underscores Kim’s dual narrative of domestic prosperity and external deterrence. As Pyongyang prepares for the Congress, regional capitals will be watching closely for signals on nuclear testing, missile launches, diplomatic overtures, and succession dynamics. The outcomes may shape Northeast Asia’s security landscape for years to come.