Australia and Indonesia signed a new security agreement on Friday aimed at strengthening defense cooperation between Canberra and Southeast Asia’s largest economy. The deal includes plans to build new military training facilities and enhance joint operational capabilities. According to a joint statement cited from Jakarta, a senior Indonesian officer will be embedded within Australia’s defense forces as part of the collaboration. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the agreement as a historic moment for bilateral relations.

Albanese said Australia would help Indonesia improve its military training infrastructure to make joint exercises more effective. He emphasized the countries’ shared maritime boundary as a natural foundation for close partnership. The agreement comes as Australia seeks to bolster its defense capacity amid China’s growing influence in the Asia-Pacific, while Indonesia maintains a balanced foreign policy to preserve ties with its key trading partner, China.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said the pact reflects Indonesia’s “independent and active” foreign policy and commitment to good neighborly relations. The deal follows a 2024 defense agreement that led to large-scale joint military exercises in East Java.

Iran’s state television reported that direct talks between Iran and the United States began on Friday in Oman. The discussions mark the first formal engagement between the two nations since the June conflict, during which the United States carried out strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities amid a 12-day war involving Israel. Iran has stated it remains prepared for self-defense, while U.S. President Donald Trump has not ruled out possible military action.

The Iranian delegation is led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and the U.S. side is represented by President Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff. The previous round of talks was suspended during last year’s hostilities, and this new dialogue is seen as a significant diplomatic development following a prolonged period of confrontation.

Analysts cited in the report suggest that the renewed discussions could play a crucial role in shaping the future diplomatic course regarding Iran’s nuclear program and the broader security landscape in the Middle East.

Islami Andolon Bangladesh’s Amir and Charmonai Pir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim announced that his party would establish a corruption-free Bangladesh if it came to power. Speaking at an election rally organized by the Islami Andolon Barguna district branch at Amtali Municipality field on Friday morning, he said all necessary steps would be taken to bring smiles to the faces of the country’s 180 million people and ensure their freedom of movement.

During the event, Karim introduced Maulana Oliullah as the Islami Andolon candidate for Barguna-1 and Md. Mizanur Rahman Kasemi for Barguna-2, both contesting under the hand-fan symbol. He stated that if the hand-fan symbol candidates won, Barguna district would be developed as a model district. The rally was presided over by Barguna-1 candidate Maulana Mahmudul Hossain Oliullah and attended by several party leaders including Professor Mahabubur Rahman, Professor Ashrab Ali Akon, and Maulana Saiful Islam.

The gathering reflected Islami Andolon’s campaign focus on anti-corruption and local development ahead of the upcoming elections.

Thailand held national elections on Sunday to form a new government after changing prime ministers three times in two years. The vote pits the reformist People’s Party, which won the most votes in the previous election, against the ruling conservative bloc. Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, currently imprisoned, continues to exert significant influence over Thai politics. Alongside the election, a referendum is being held on whether constitutional reform is needed, though no specific proposal has been presented.

According to reports from Bangkok, the incoming government will face challenges including a long-standing border dispute with Cambodia that turned deadly twice last year and the growing threat of transnational cyber fraud networks. Economically, Thailand is under pressure from weak growth and a tourism sector still below pre-pandemic levels, while Vietnam is overtaking it in attracting foreign investment.

Analysts predict no party will win an outright majority, raising the possibility of another fragmented outcome similar to the disputed election less than three years ago. They warn that entrenched military and judicial influence continues to weaken elected representatives and hinder democratic consolidation.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is set to announce its election manifesto for the 13th National Parliament election this afternoon. BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman will formally unveil the manifesto at 3:30 p.m. at the ballroom of Hotel Sonargaon in Dhaka. The event will be presided over by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and conducted by Standing Committee member and Election Steering Committee Chairman Nazrul Islam Khan.

According to party sources, the manifesto emphasizes BNP’s previously declared 31-point agenda, the July Charter, and the aspirations of young voters. It will feature people-oriented initiatives such as family cards, health cards, and farmer cards. The document will also include commitments to restore democracy, ensure judicial independence, decentralize administration, protect human rights, and strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms. Guidance on economic and foreign policy directions will also be presented.

The event is expected to be attended by prominent citizens, foreign ambassadors, high commissioners, and representatives from international organizations and diplomatic missions in Dhaka.

Abdur Rashid Jitu, vice president of Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU), along with several elected hall leaders, has joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The announcement was made at a press conference held on Friday at the BNP central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka. In addition to Jitu, multiple JAKSU leaders joined the BNP’s student wing, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal. Some elected representatives, including Maruf Hasan, Masud Rana Mintu, and Ripon Mondol, were absent from the joining event.

Those who joined the Chhatra Dal include Ibn-e-Shihab of Nawab Salimullah Hall, Rifat Ahmed Shakil of Al Beruni Hall, G.M.M. Raihan Kabir of A.F.M. Kamaluddin Hall, Amit Bonik of Rabindranath Tagore Hall, Bubli Ahmed of Nawab Faizunnesa Hall, Farhana Bithi of Begum Khaleda Zia Hall, Shahriar Nazim Riad of Mir Mosharraf Hossain Hall, and Shariful Islam of Shaheed Rafiq Jabbar Hall.

The JAKSU and hall elections were held on 11 September after a 33-year gap. In that election, the Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed “Combined Student Alliance” won 20 of the 25 central positions, while independent and Bangladesh Democratic Student Union candidates secured the remaining five.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called on the United States to maintain mutual respect in upcoming discussions on Iran’s nuclear program and other issues. In a message posted on social media platform X on Friday, Araghchi said Iran is entering the talks with an open mind and good faith but remains firm on protecting its rights. Before the talks, he met with Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi, according to Al Arabiya.

Araghchi emphasized that honoring commitments, equality, mutual respect, and shared interests are essential pillars for any sustainable agreement. The Iranian news agency Mehr reported that Araghchi and Al-Busaidi discussed bilateral, regional, and international matters during their meeting.

Direct talks between Iran and the United States are scheduled to take place in Oman on Friday. Washington is reportedly assessing whether diplomatic progress is possible on Iran’s nuclear program and other issues, while not ruling out the possibility of military action.

Authorities have imposed Section 144 around the Chief Adviser’s residence in the Jamuna area of Dhaka on Friday afternoon, according to the DMP Commissioner. Six platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed near Kakrail Mosque and Hotel Intercontinental to secure the state residence. The move follows escalating protests by government employees demanding publication and implementation of the ninth pay scale gazette.

Earlier in the day, demonstrators under the banner of the Government Employees Demand Implementation Unity Council began a rally at the Central Shaheed Minar before marching toward Shahbagh and Jamuna. Police initially blocked them at Shahbagh, later using tear gas, sound grenades, and water cannons to disperse the crowd. Despite several dispersal attempts, protesters regrouped and continued toward Jamuna, leading to further clashes and injuries.

The employees had previously observed work stoppages for several days, extending their strike duration from two to four hours nationwide. Their current demand centers on immediate publication and enforcement of the new pay scale effective from January 1.

The United States has instructed its citizens currently in Iran to leave the country immediately, according to a security alert issued early Friday by the U.S. Virtual Embassy in Iran. The advisory warned that internet disruptions are expected to continue, with heightened security measures, interruptions in public transportation, and restrictions on mobile, landline, and national internet services. It also cautioned that flights could be suspended at any time without prior notice.

The alert advised U.S. citizens to seek alternative communication methods and, if possible, exit Iran by land through Armenia or Turkey. Those unable to leave were urged to move to a secure building and keep essential supplies such as food, water, and medicine. Additional guidance included maintaining anonymity, dual nationals using Iranian passports to depart, keeping mobile phones charged, and monitoring local media for updates.

The advisory emphasized that citizens should not rely on U.S. government assistance when attempting to leave Iran, underscoring the seriousness of the current security situation.

Saudi Arabia has begun allowing wealthy non-Muslim foreign residents to buy alcohol, easing a 73-year-old ban. The change follows the 2024 opening of a liquor store in Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter for foreign diplomats. By late 2025, new rules were quietly introduced permitting affluent non-Muslim expatriates to purchase beer, wine, and spirits from the same outlets.

To qualify, buyers must hold a premium residency permit costing 100,000 riyals annually or earn at least 50,000 riyals per month. Muslim expatriates remain barred from purchasing alcohol, and buyers must present their residency card and declare their religion at the store. The policy marks a significant shift in the kingdom’s long-standing restrictions on alcohol sales.

Saudi Arabia originally banned alcohol in 1952. The recent relaxation is part of broader social and economic reforms aimed at reshaping the country’s image as more moderate and investment-friendly.

The United States and Russia have agreed to resume high-level military communication following two days of discussions in Abu Dhabi, held amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. The decision is being viewed as a significant step forward in bilateral relations, marking the first such engagement since senior military dialogue was suspended in 2022 before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The talks also led to the exchange of more than 300 prisoners, the first in four months.

According to the U.S. European Command, maintaining military dialogue is vital for global stability and peace, as it enhances transparency and helps reduce tensions. Moscow has not yet issued an official response. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the discussions as complex and urged faster progress, while Kyiv’s chief negotiator Rustem Umerov said trilateral talks would continue in the coming weeks.

The main dispute remains over the future of eastern Ukraine’s territories. Russia demands Ukrainian troop withdrawal from the Donbas region and international recognition of occupied areas, while Kyiv has proposed a ceasefire along current frontlines and rejected withdrawal demands.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, a partner in the 11-party alliance, announced its manifesto for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election at its central office in Purana Paltan on Friday. Party chief Allama Mamunul Haque presented the manifesto, pledging to build a new Bangladesh based on justice, integrity, and humane Islamic governance. The manifesto outlines 22 commitments across six priority areas, including balanced development, good governance, national security, foreign policy, education reform, and youth employment.

The party emphasized ending the culture of enforced disappearances, killings, and corruption, calling for state reform grounded in truth, justice, and accountability. It proposed a welfare-oriented state ensuring citizens’ basic rights to food, shelter, healthcare, education, and justice. The manifesto also supports a professional defense system, an independent foreign policy, and a unified moral education framework. It promises employment guarantees for youth and equal rights for women across all sectors.

Mamunul Haque described the manifesto as a moral duty rather than a political promise, asserting that a state built on piety, justice, and humane governance would ensure peace, prosperity, and security for all citizens.

Former England cricketer Mark Butcher has said that Pakistan’s decision to boycott its T20 World Cup match against India, in protest of a recent ICC decision involving Bangladesh, could spell disaster for both India and the International Cricket Council. The move has created a major crisis for the ICC, as the India–Pakistan match is considered one of the most financially lucrative and high-profile contests in world cricket.

Speaking on the Stick to Cricket podcast, Butcher argued that India often influences cricket decisions to its advantage, leaving Pakistan in a weaker position. He recalled that during the Champions Trophy, India’s refusal to play in Pakistan forced a complete rescheduling that affected all teams. Butcher said such actions disrupt tournament balance and logistics, with schedules frequently adjusted for India’s convenience.

He added that Pakistan’s stance reflects solidarity with Bangladesh, noting that while Pakistan and Dubai were allowed to co-host the Champions Trophy, Bangladesh was denied similar flexibility. Butcher warned that canceling the India–Pakistan match would cause massive financial losses for organizers and broadcasters.

Lebanese Army Chief Rodolphe Haykal met this week with top US military official General Dan Kane, following the cancellation of Haykal’s previously planned Washington visit. A spokesperson confirmed on Thursday that Kane met Haykal on Tuesday and Qatar’s defense chief the day before. The meetings reaffirmed the importance of the United States’ enduring defense relationships in the Middle East.

Haykal’s Washington trip, scheduled for November 2025, was canceled just hours before departure after US political and military officials withdrew from all planned meetings. Reports at the time indicated that influential Republican Senator Lindsey Graham played a role in the decision. Graham had accused Haykal of failing to take effective steps to disarm Hezbollah and said their meeting was abruptly shortened after he questioned whether Lebanon’s military considered Hezbollah a terrorist organization.

Last month, the Lebanese army announced completion of the first phase of its plan to disarm Hezbollah, implemented between the Israeli border and the Litani River region.

The United States has seized more than 200 illegal online pharmacies connected to an India-based international criminal organization, according to a statement from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The agency said multiple nationwide operations led to the arrest of four individuals. The DEA described the pharmacies as spreading poison among Americans by selling counterfeit and unauthorized pills. The enforcement actions began on January 27 across the country.

Investigations into these online pharmacies had been ongoing since 2022. The DEA stated that the operations were conducted jointly with Indian law enforcement agencies to combat illegal drug traffickers. The agency emphasized that such joint actions aim to curb the flow of dangerous and unapproved drugs that threaten public health and safety in the United States.

During the investigation, the DEA identified thousands of customers who had purchased drugs from these websites and sent over 2,000 letters seeking public information. The agency also issued five immediate suspension orders and one show-cause notice as part of the crackdown.