Protests over economic hardship and rising prices have spread across Iran, beginning on December 28 in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and expanding to 22 of the country’s 31 provinces. The demonstrations, initially led by business owners, have turned violent and evolved into a broader political crisis. In response, the Iranian government has intensified its crackdown on protesters.

Amid the unrest, US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham warned that former President Donald Trump would kill Iran’s supreme leader if the government continues its repression. Speaking to Fox News, Graham said the Iranian regime was killing its own people under the pretext of improving living conditions and described the situation as a major turning point in Middle Eastern history. He added that help was coming for the Iranian people.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei acknowledged that protesters’ demands were legitimate but declared that riots would not be tolerated. Government talks with business representatives in Tehran have failed to yield results, while Iranian officials strongly condemned Trump’s earlier remarks about US intervention if deadly force was used against demonstrators.

President Donald Trump has signed a memorandum directing the United States to withdraw from 66 international organizations. The White House announced on Wednesday that the decision was made because these organizations no longer serve U.S. national interests. According to a statement shared on social media platform X, the order covers 31 United Nations–affiliated bodies and 35 other international institutions, though no specific names were disclosed.

The White House explained that continued U.S. involvement in these organizations is no longer aligned with the country’s strategic and economic priorities. The announcement marks another step in Trump’s ongoing effort, during his second term, to reduce U.S. participation in global institutions.

Observers note that these moves have sparked renewed debate about America’s role in international affairs, as the administration continues to reassess its global commitments.

Around 150 Hindu extremists under the banner of the Vishva Hindu Parishad staged a violent protest outside the Bangladesh mission in Mumbai on Wednesday, tearing the Bangladeshi national flag and chanting anti-Bangladesh slogans. Local security forces intervened and dispersed the protesters before any damage occurred to the mission. Diplomatic sources confirmed that all mission staff remained safe.

The report stated that Hindu extremists in India have repeatedly attacked Bangladeshi missions, citing false allegations of persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh. Previous incidents included attacks on several missions, the burning of a visa center, and threats against Bangladesh’s High Commissioner in Delhi. The article alleged that these activities have direct support from the Indian government.

In response to security concerns, Bangladesh’s mission in Kolkata has suspended issuing tourist visas to Indian nationals. Similar restrictions were already in place in Delhi and Agartala. However, business and work visas remain available after multi-level verification. Diplomatic sources linked the decision to ongoing instability following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government and the upcoming February 12 general election in Bangladesh.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin stated that the upcoming election will not be manipulated as in the past, and the Election Commission will ensure a level playing field. He made the remarks on Thursday morning while visiting the appeal submission center at the Election Commission building in Agargaon, Dhaka. Nasir Uddin emphasized that the commission, as the appellate authority, will guarantee justice in hearing appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers.

The CEC said the commission believes in fairness and will act accordingly, ensuring justice under the law and regulations. He noted that unlike previous years, the nomination submission process was peaceful this time, with no reports of violence or bomb attacks. He added that aggrieved candidates have the opportunity to seek redress through appeals.

According to Election Commission officials, 131 appeals were filed on Wednesday, bringing the total to 295 over three days. Appeals came from various regions including Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Chattogram, Cumilla, Mymensingh, Barishal, and Faridpur. The CEC observed that the commission has become a focal point of public interest, as people from distant areas are coming to file appeals.

Protests in Iran over rising living costs entered their 11th day on Wednesday, spreading across much of the country. Demonstrations were reported in multiple provinces, including violent clashes in Lordegan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, where armed protesters opened fire, killing two security officers and injuring at least 30 others. President Masoud Pezeshkian called for patience and instructed security forces not to suppress peaceful demonstrators.

According to Iran’s Fars News Agency, around 300 shopkeepers in Lordegan closed their stores and gathered near Khardunpara and Shironi Bridge, chanting slogans before tensions escalated. Protesters reportedly threw stones at security personnel and vandalized government buildings, including the governor’s office. Separate incidents occurred in Bojnord, where a shop was set on fire, and in Tehran’s Shemiran district and Aligudarz, where large crowds chanted anti-government slogans. AFP reported that protests have spread to 25 of Iran’s 31 provinces.

The Norway-based group Iran Human Rights claimed that at least 27 protesters have been killed since the movement began on December 28 with a shopkeepers’ strike in Tehran.

Ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, the Election Commission (EC) has fixed the maximum campaign spending limit for candidates at 10 taka per voter. Due to large variations in voter numbers across constituencies, the permissible spending differs sharply. For example, candidates in Gazipur-2 can legally spend over 8 million taka, while those in Jhalakathi-1 are limited to 2.5 million taka. EC data show that the country currently has about 127.7 million voters, with Gazipur-2 having the highest and Jhalakathi-1 the lowest voter counts.

Experts have questioned whether the spending limits are realistic or enforced in practice. Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SUJAN) said that although limits exist on paper, they have little reflection in reality, as money dominates elections. Former election commissioner Brigadier General (Retd.) M Sakhawat Hossain noted that the EC lacks a strong mechanism to verify candidates’ expense declarations, allowing many to exceed limits without consequence.

The EC Secretariat explained that voter disparities stem from urban migration and administrative boundaries. Under the Representation of the People Order, violating spending limits can lead to up to seven years in prison. A total of 2,582 candidates from 51 of 59 registered parties are contesting this election.

A final report submitted on January 4 by the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances revealed that enforced disappearances in Bangladesh during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure had reached alarming levels, affecting not only men but also women. The report documented at least 23 women as victims of enforced disappearance, allegedly at the hands of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and other law enforcement agencies. It stated that such acts were used not only to suppress political opposition but also to instill fear among women and reinforce social control.

The commission noted that the actual number of disappeared women was likely higher, as many families refrained from reporting cases due to fear, stigma, and social pressure. It described enforced disappearance as a systematic institutional tool, reportedly carried out with the knowledge and direction of senior political leadership. The report also traced changes in disappearance patterns over time, linking them to shifts in leadership and institutional practices.

The report concluded that enforced disappearances were not isolated incidents but part of a sustained state policy of repression that persisted for over a decade under political authorization.

U.S. President Donald Trump has invited Colombian President Gustavo Petro to the White House, just days after threatening possible military action against Colombia over alleged drug trafficking links. The invitation followed a tense period during which Trump warned Petro following a U.S. military operation in neighboring Venezuela that removed Nicolás Maduro from power. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump hinted at a similar intervention in Colombia but later softened his tone after a phone conversation with Petro.

Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that Petro had called to explain the drug situation and other disagreements between the two countries. He praised Petro’s approach and expressed eagerness to meet him soon in Washington. Earlier, Trump had imposed financial sanctions on Petro and his family without presenting evidence, prompting Petro to declare he was ready to take up arms if necessary.

Petro confirmed he would attend the White House meeting, though no date has been set. He also urged Trump to restore direct communication between their foreign ministries and presidential offices, noting the long-standing military and economic ties between Colombia and the United States.

With only 36 days remaining before Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus is intensifying preparations to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful vote. Intelligence and law enforcement reports warn that the banned Awami League and its affiliates may attempt to disrupt the election in several constituencies, particularly in seven high-risk districts: Gopalganj, Faridpur, Madaripur, Shariatpur, Gazipur, Narail, and Bagerhat. Authorities have identified 15 additional districts as vulnerable and are taking extra precautions.

The Home Ministry has announced that over 700,000 security personnel will be deployed nationwide from February 8 to 14, with special surveillance through CCTV at more than 2,500 high-risk polling centers. Restrictions on vehicle movement and firearm possession will be enforced during the election period. Political parties, including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, have expressed differing views on government neutrality and election fairness, while BNP leaders pledged cooperation to maintain a peaceful environment.

Officials emphasized that social media rumors and internal party conflicts could threaten electoral stability, urging all political groups to act responsibly to preserve a credible and participatory election process.

Sylhet Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Md. Sarwar Alam has declared that no one can buy him even with ten thousand crore taka and vowed to resign if anyone can prove he accepted a bribe. He made the statement on Wednesday evening during a press briefing at the district administration auditorium.

Sarwar Alam rejected allegations of discrimination against NCP candidate Ehteshamul Haque in the Sylhet-1 constituency, clarifying that the candidate’s nomination was canceled according to legal provisions, not personal bias. He said all candidates are equal before the law and that he acts based on conscience and legal duty. The returning officer explained that dual citizens were given until 2 p.m. the day after scrutiny to submit citizenship renunciation documents. Two candidates submitted valid documents and were conditionally accepted, but Ehteshamul Haque failed to provide any.

Sarwar dismissed claims of financial dealings as baseless and urged against spreading fake news on social media that could mislead voters or harm the election process.

Newly elected Vice President of Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU), Md. Riazul Islam, has dedicated his victory to the martyrs of the July Revolution, including Osman Hadi and Bishwajit Das, as well as to all fellow student activists and the recently deceased former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. He made the announcement during a press conference held late Wednesday night following the publication of the election results.

Riazul expressed gratitude to teachers, administrative staff, and law enforcement agencies for their roles in ensuring a fair and orderly election. He specifically praised the teachers for their tireless efforts in maintaining discipline and transparency throughout the process. He also thanked police, RAB, APBN, DGFI, NSI, BSSC, Rover Scouts, and Rangers for their cooperation.

Calling for unity on campus, Riazul emphasized maintaining strong relationships among teachers, students, and peers. He urged all student organizations and political groups to work together to uphold campus harmony and implement future initiatives under the slogan “Struggle and Possibility, Walking Together.”

Four journalists from the daily Amar Desh have been honored with the 'July Bravery' award in recognition of their courageous reporting during the July uprising. The award ceremony, held on Wednesday in Dhaka at the Institution of Diploma Engineers (IDEB) auditorium, also recognized around 1,200 individuals, including injured participants, families of martyrs, and journalists. The event coincided with the first anniversary of the Anti-Aggression Movement and the Felani Killing Day.

The program was organized by the Anti-Aggression Movement with support from the JAM organization. Among the awardees, 102 journalists received the 'Bartabir' honor for their brave roles in July. The event was presided over by acting convener Md. Tarek Aziz, with former BNP joint secretary general Aslam Chowdhury as chief guest and JAM chairperson Mehrin Uzma as special guest. Leaders from various political and student organizations, as well as families of martyrs and injured individuals, also spoke at the event.

Speakers emphasized the need to uphold justice for those killed during the uprising and to strengthen the Anti-Aggression Movement across the country under the leadership of the July fighters.

The Shibir-backed panel secured victory in the top three positions—Vice President (VP), General Secretary (GS), and Assistant General Secretary (AGS)—in the Jagannath University Central Student Union (JAKSU) election. The results were announced by the election commission around 11:45 p.m. on Wednesday after counting votes from 38 centers. Shibir-supported candidate Riazul Islam won the VP post with 5,564 votes, defeating AKM Rakib of the Chhatra Dal-backed panel by 876 votes. Abdul Alim Arif and Masud Rana, also from the Shibir panel, won the GS and AGS posts respectively.

In other results, candidates from the Adommo Jobian Oikko Parishad won eight posts, including Liberation War and Democracy Secretary, Education and Research Secretary, and Health and Environment Secretary. The Chhatra Dal-backed Nirvik Jobian Oikko Parishad won three posts, while Shibir-supported candidates secured four of the seven executive member positions. Independent candidate Md. Zahid Hasan also won one executive seat.

The long-awaited election, held on Tuesday after several postponements, saw 66 percent voter turnout among 16,445 registered voters across 39 centers and 178 booths.

In the only female hall election of Jagannath University, the Adommo Jobian Oikko Parishad, backed by the female student organization, secured a sweeping victory by winning 10 out of 13 posts, including vice president (VP), general secretary (GS), and assistant general secretary (AGS). The results were officially announced around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, about 30 hours after voting concluded. Chief Election Commissioner Professor Dr. Mostafa Hasan declared the results.

According to the announced results, Jannatul Umme Tarin of Adommo Jobian Oikko Parishad was elected VP with 571 votes, defeating Farzana Rimi of the Oporajitar Ogragoti panel, who received 236 votes. Sumaiya Tabassum of the same panel won the GS post with 571 votes, while Redwana Khawla secured the AGS position with 545 votes. The Oporajitar Ogragoti panel, supported by the Chhatra Dal, won two posts, and one independent candidate, Mosha Khadija Khatun, was elected Health and Environment Secretary.

The election results highlight the dominance of Adommo Jobian Oikko Parishad in the Nawab Faizunnesa Chowdhurani Hall, the university’s only female dormitory.

The Shibir-backed panel secured victory in the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) election, winning the vice president (VP), general secretary (GS), and assistant general secretary (AGS) positions. The results, announced by the election commission around 11:45 p.m. on Wednesday after counting votes from 38 centers, showed Shibir-supported VP candidate Riazul Islam defeating Chhatra Dal-backed candidate A.K.M. Rakib by 876 votes. Riazul received 5,564 votes, while Rakib obtained 4,688.

Following his victory, Riazul Islam, representing the Shibir-supported “Adommo Jobian Oikko” panel, expressed gratitude to all voters and respect for their decision. He described the university’s students as mature and intelligent, emphasizing that everyone voted according to their judgment. Riazul stated that he equally respects both supporters and non-supporters and refrained from labeling the result as a “landslide victory,” attributing success and defeat to divine will.

Riazul also called for post-election unity, saying he does not want divisions among students. He pledged to continue working collaboratively with members of other panels, as they did before the election.