Audio recordings of former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak speaking with Jeffrey Epstein have surfaced, revealing Barak’s remarks about Israel’s demographic policies and attitudes toward different Jewish communities. Released last week by the U.S. Department of Justice, the undated recording captures Barak telling Epstein that he had informed Russian President Vladimir Putin that Israel needed one million Russian-speaking immigrants. He said Israeli authorities could now be more “selective” and “control the quality” of immigrants more effectively than in the past.

In the conversation, Barak appeared to disparage Jews from North Africa and Arab countries, contrasting them with potential Russian-speaking immigrants. He also discussed breaking the Orthodox rabbinate’s monopoly over religious definitions and ceremonies to encourage mass conversions to Judaism. The recording highlights long-standing divisions between religious and secular Jews and reflects Israel’s ongoing efforts to shape its population through immigration.

The report also notes that Israel continues to promote immigration, offering tax incentives to new arrivals in 2026. Past immigration waves, such as those from Ethiopia’s Beta Israel community, have exposed persistent racism and inequality within Israeli society.

Iran and the United States held indirect talks in Muscat, Oman, on Friday, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi leading Tehran’s delegation and US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Central Command chief Brad Cooper representing Washington. Araghchi described the discussions as a “good start” but said further steps would be decided after consultations with both capitals. Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi mediated between the two sides, saying the exchanges helped clarify positions and identify possible areas of progress.

The talks took place as tensions escalated following a US attack on Iran’s nuclear sites during a brief US-Israel conflict in June. Washington is demanding that Iran halt all uranium enrichment, restrict its missile program, and end support for allied armed groups in the region. Tehran insists it will only negotiate on nuclear issues to lift sanctions and demands an end to US threats of war. Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard unveiled a new Khorramshahr-4 ballistic missile, signaling continued military readiness.

Inside Iran, public opinion is divided. Some citizens hope diplomacy will ease economic hardship and avert conflict, while others fear the talks will fail and lead to war. The atmosphere remains tense following deadly nationwide protests last month.

Bangladeshi businessman and politician Krishna Nandi, a Hindu and parliamentary candidate for Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has stated that if his party comes to power, Hindus will live in Bangladesh with dignity, safety, and respect. Writing about his candidacy, Nandi said his nomination challenges the assumption that an Islamic political party cannot represent religious minorities. He emphasized that Jamaat’s principles include justice, accountability, and equal citizenship, and that his own presence in the party demonstrates these commitments.

Nandi explained that he joined Jamaat in 2003 out of conviction, finding discipline and moral clarity within the organization. He argued that fear has long been used to divide communities and that Jamaat’s internal principles reject intimidation and corruption. In his Khulna-1 constituency, he pledged to address injustices faced by minorities, including unfair dismissals and violence, through lawful means.

Referring to the July 2024 uprising, Nandi said Jamaat members protected minority communities and their places of worship. He described his campaign as an effort to restore trust between citizens and the state and to promote a politics beyond fear and communal suspicion.

A suicide bombing at the Khadija Tul Kubra mosque in Islamabad’s Tarlai Kalan area killed at least 31 people and wounded dozens more during Friday prayers. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said security guards attempted to stop the suspect, who opened fire before detonating explosives among worshippers. Authorities reported that 169 people were taken to hospitals following the blast. The ISIL (ISIS) group later claimed responsibility for the attack on its Telegram channel, sharing an image of the alleged bomber.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar condemned the bombing as a “cowardly suicide attack on innocent worshippers,” while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari expressed grief and called the assault a crime against humanity. Shia leader Raja Abbas Nasir criticized the authorities for failing to protect lives. The United Kingdom’s ambassador and the European Union delegation in Pakistan also condemned the violence.

The attack is among the deadliest in Islamabad in recent years, following previous suicide bombings in 2023 and 2008 that targeted the city’s judicial complex and Marriott hotel respectively.

Leaders of Iraq’s Coordination Framework (CF), the largest Shia political bloc, remain committed to nominating former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki for the premiership despite a warning from US President Donald Trump that Washington would cut off aid if he returned to power. Trump and the US administration view al-Maliki as aligned with Iran’s influence network in Iraq and fear his reinstatement would undermine efforts to curb Tehran’s reach. The CF reiterated that choosing a prime minister is an Iraqi constitutional matter free from foreign interference.

The CF’s internal divisions have deepened, with some factions, including the Badr Organization and the Islamic Supreme Council, backing al-Maliki, while others such as Ammar al-Hakim and Haider al-Abadi caution against economic repercussions from defying the US. Kurdish and Sunni parties also remain split, delaying the presidential election required before a new government can form. The CF is attempting to mediate between the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan to break the deadlock.

The standoff coincides with a looming US decision on renewing legal protections for Iraq’s oil revenues held in New York. A refusal to renew could freeze Iraqi assets, threatening the country’s economy and adding pressure on Baghdad’s political negotiations.

The United States announced new sanctions on Friday targeting 14 vessels described as part of a “shadow fleet” allegedly used to evade restrictions on transporting Iranian oil and petroleum products. The State Department also imposed penalties on two individuals and 15 entities, including ship management companies based in China, Liberia, and Turkiye, for trading in Iranian-origin crude, petroleum, or petrochemical products. The move coincided with US-Iran talks in Oman aimed at easing tensions between the two countries.

According to the State Department, the sanctions are intended to support antigovernment protests in Iran and to curb the Iranian government’s destabilizing activities. Within hours of the announcement, President Donald Trump signed an executive order threatening additional tariffs on any country acquiring goods or services from Iran. The administration said the measures seek to cut off revenue that Tehran uses to fund terrorism abroad and repress its citizens.

The sanctions form part of a broader pressure campaign under Trump, which has included military actions, threats of further strikes, and the deployment of naval forces near Iran. Despite regional allies urging restraint, the administration maintains that it will continue targeting networks supporting Iran’s oil trade.

As Bangladesh prepares for the February 12 national election, the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami alliances are competing intensely for power, with both parties offering varied promises to voters. The central question remains whether the incoming government will alter the 2025–26 fiscal budget announced by the interim administration led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. So far, neither alliance has held formal discussions on revising the current budget structure.

A BNP policy adviser told Amader Desh that if the party forms the next government, it will prioritize market stability during Ramadan, possibly reducing import duties to keep prices within consumers’ reach. BNP also plans to adjust tariffs on education materials and introduce a “family card” to ensure household healthcare access. In contrast, Jamaat’s leadership said no internal review of the budget has yet taken place and that any decision will follow party-level discussions.

An NBR official noted that with less than five months left in the fiscal year, major structural changes would be difficult to implement. He added that the next government will likely focus on preparing the following year’s budget while managing inflation, revenue targets, and debt pressures.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh announced that postal ballot counting for the upcoming national election will begin across the country at 4:30 p.m. on February 12. Each constituency’s returning officer will designate the counting location, and 300 presiding officers have been appointed to oversee the process. Political parties may have one polling agent present during counting, which will be conducted under strict adherence to EC regulations to ensure transparency and credibility.

According to EC officials, the process is designed to fully protect voter confidentiality. Declaration forms and ballots will be separated before counting, and once verified, valid ballots will be counted without any possibility of linking them to individual voters. Security forces will be present, and all counting will occur in front of polling agents. Postal ballots for the parliamentary election and referendum will be counted separately, with results later combined with general votes.

The EC noted that postal ballot counting may take longer than regular ballots due to multiple verification steps. Ballot boxes were sealed earlier in the presence of polling agents, and lock details were publicly posted to maintain transparency.

Election campaigns in Sylhet have drawn attention for their peaceful atmosphere and candidate tolerance, despite the absence of traditional posters, rallies, and feasts. As of early February 2026, two-thirds of the official campaign period has passed without any reports of violence or conflict. Returning Officer and District Commissioner Sarwar Alam confirmed that all 33 candidates across six constituencies are campaigning freely, while law enforcement and border guards remain on high alert to ensure a fair election.

Police Commissioner Abdul Quddus described the overall law and order situation as stable, with only minor local incidents reported. Shahjalal University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Sarwar Uddin Chowdhury expressed optimism about high voter turnout, noting the positive environment. The district has 2.9 million registered voters, and many residents are preparing to return to their villages to cast ballots.

Although some citizens miss the festive atmosphere of past elections, the conflict-free campaigns and strong administrative oversight have led local observers to describe Sylhet’s polls as a potential model for fair and peaceful elections in Bangladesh.

Pakistan has protested the International Cricket Council’s decision to allow Scotland to play in the T20 World Cup instead of Bangladesh. Calling the move unfair, the Pakistan government decided to boycott its group-stage match against India as part of the protest. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha expressed disappointment over Bangladesh’s exclusion, describing Bangladeshis as “brothers” and asking for their support during the tournament.

Speaking to media in Colombo, Salman said the decision to boycott India was made by the government, not the players. He added that if Pakistan faces India in the knockout stage, the team will consult the government again before deciding whether to play. Reflecting on the previous World Cup, Salman said Pakistan aims to correct past mistakes after losing to the United States.

By boycotting India, Pakistan will lose two points, which could hurt its net run rate. Salman acknowledged the challenge, noting that weather conditions are beyond their control and the team’s focus remains on playing good cricket.

At an election campaign rally held Wednesday night at the Bypass intersection in Rajapur upazila, Jhalakathi, Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadiq Kayem expressed support for Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Dr. Fayzul Haque in the Jhalakathi-1 (Rajapur-Kathalia) constituency. Kayem stated that if Jamaat came to power, justice and fairness would be established in the country, emphasizing that the party practices politics based on ideals rather than power.

He urged followers to build a new Bangladesh inspired by the sacrifices of Shaheed Osman Hadi and Shaheed Abu Saeed. Kayem also warned that anti-national and hegemonic forces were conspiring again and called for vigilance. He described Dr. Fayzul Haque as a successor to Osman Hadi’s ideals and said his victory could help establish a justice-based society.

Local leaders and supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatra Shibir attended the event, which was part of the ongoing campaign for the Jhalakathi-1 constituency.

At least ten people were injured in a clash between activists of the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami in Monpura upazila of Bhola on Friday morning. The incident occurred in Ward 3 of Uttar Sakuchia Union during election campaigning. Police and naval personnel arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control after about one and a half hours. Several of the injured were admitted to Monpura Upazila Health Complex.

Witnesses said the clash began when Jamaat supporters went for campaign activities near the house of a local BNP leader, prompting objections from BNP activists. The altercation escalated into violence, injuring a local journalist and members of both groups. Jamaat’s union secretary Abdur Rahim claimed six of their workers were hurt, three seriously, while BNP’s joint general secretary Abdur Rahim Farazi said both sides engaged in scuffles during campaigning.

Monpura police officer-in-charge Sheikh Farid Uddin stated that no written complaint had been filed yet, but legal action would follow if one is received.

Former International Cricket Council (ICC) president Ehsan Mani has called on current ICC chairman Jay Shah to take an active role in reducing tensions between Pakistan and India. Speaking to Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper from London, Mani said Shah should personally visit Pakistan to persuade its government to withdraw its boycott and to listen carefully to its concerns. He warned that the ICC must also protect global cricket from potential financial losses if the standoff continues.

Mani criticized the ICC’s reported decision to assign deputy chairman Imran Khwaja to handle talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), arguing that as a representative of associate member Singapore, Khwaja was not the right person for the task. He said the ICC chairman himself should engage directly with the Pakistani government. Mani added that Pakistan’s decision likely rests on a strong foundation, especially if the matter reaches the ICC arbitration committee.

He expressed concern that India’s influence within the ICC could affect any arbitration outcome, as seen in 2018, and suggested Pakistan could appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland if justice is denied.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir celebrated its 49th founding anniversary in Shahjahanpur upazila of Bogura with a bicycle rally and a brief assembly on Friday morning. The rally began at 10:30 a.m. from Majhira Bazar and moved through various roads along the Dhaka–Bogura highway before concluding with a gathering. The event was chaired by Abu Sayem, president of the Shahjahanpur town branch, and attended by a large number of members and students.

Bogura district east branch office secretary Tawfiqul Islam Taki attended as chief guest, while Baytul secretary Talibul Habib and publication secretary Rakibul Islam Robin were special guests. In his address, Taki emphasized the importance of student organizations in fostering morally and ideologically sound generations. Jamaat-e-Islami’s nominated candidate for Bogura-7, Golam Rabbani, also spoke, urging unity to build a generation inspired by ethics, education, and patriotism.

Speakers highlighted Shibir’s ongoing efforts to promote ideal education, social responsibility, and positive leadership among youth, calling on students to contribute to national welfare through discipline and human values.

At least nine people, including women and children, were injured after being bitten by a fox in Nikli upazila of Kishoreganj on Friday. The incidents occurred between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in separate locations at Badarpur and Jalalpur villages under Karapasha Union. The injured were taken to the upazila health complex, where they received primary treatment before returning home.

According to local accounts, a fox behaving abnormally attacked several residents in Badarpur village, biting them on their legs and lower bodies before fleeing. In a separate incident in Jalalpur village, a man named Jahangir Mia and his wife were attacked when the fox pounced on them. Jahangir later struck the animal with a stick, killing it on the spot.

Following the attacks, panic spread across the area, and residents urged the local administration to take immediate action to prevent further incidents.