BNP Standing Committee member Selima Rahman has said that state reform and ensuring normal living conditions for people will be the main goals of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). She made the remarks on Monday at a prayer and memorial meeting organized by the Jatiyatabadi Nabin Dal at the National Press Club in Dhaka, held to pray for the soul of late BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Selima Rahman stated that if BNP comes to power, it will move forward under the leadership of Tarique Rahman to build a humane Bangladesh inspired by Khaleda Zia’s ideals and thoughts. She described Khaleda Zia as a symbol of global respect who endured political persecution and left behind a legacy of courage and dedication to democracy and citizens’ rights. Rahman emphasized that BNP seeks a fair and neutral upcoming election and remains united under Tarique Rahman’s leadership.

She also recalled Khaleda Zia’s contributions as a three-time prime minister in education, health, and women’s development, noting that the foundation of reform began with Ziaur Rahman’s 19-point program, later developed through Khaleda Zia’s vision and Tarique Rahman’s leadership.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has claimed that the ongoing protests and unrest in the country are now fully under control. Speaking on Monday in Tehran during a meeting with foreign diplomats, he said that although violence had escalated over the weekend, the situation has since returned to normal. According to Al Jazeera, Araghchi also accused U.S. President Donald Trump of provoking violence through interference, irresponsible remarks, and threats.

Araghchi stated that Iran is prepared for war but remains open to dialogue. He added that efforts are underway, in coordination with security forces, to restore internet services quickly. In a statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said that threats from U.S. officials align with Israeli government policies that increase regional tensions. The ministry warned that any aggression against the Islamic Republic would be met with a swift, precise, and extensive response.

The remarks come amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, with Tehran emphasizing both readiness for defense and willingness to engage diplomatically.

Students and citizens in Barishal organized an 'Azadi March' on Monday afternoon demanding justice for the murder of Shahid Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho. The event began at 2 p.m. in front of Ashwini Kumar Hall on Sadar Road under the banner of Barishal’s student and citizen groups. Participants called for the immediate arrest and trial of those responsible for Hadi’s killing.

Speakers at the program criticized law enforcement for failing to identify or arrest the killers despite the passage of considerable time since the incident. They warned that the student community would continue its movement until justice is ensured. The march later proceeded through major city roads and concluded at the Nathullabad Central Bus Terminal.

Students from various colleges and people from different professions joined the march, reflecting broad local participation in the demand for justice.

Professor Ali Riaz, special assistant to the chief adviser, stated that the upcoming referendum is essential not only for the next five years but also for ensuring the full establishment of democracy and the future governance structure of Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Monday at a conference held at the Hazrat Shah Makhdum Central Eidgah ground in Rajshahi, organized by the Divisional Administration and the Islamic Foundation to promote the referendum and encourage voter participation.

Riaz emphasized that key decisions regarding the independence of the judiciary, the Election Commission, and the Anti-Corruption Commission must be made through the people’s mandate. He urged citizens to vote “yes” in the referendum, describing it as a historic opportunity for direct public participation. He noted that while political parties hold differing views on signing the July National Charter, all are united in supporting the referendum.

Referring to past electoral experiences, Riaz said that people now want to vote but have often been deprived of a proper environment. The July National Charter and the referendum aim to restore that democratic atmosphere and ensure that future governments operate according to the people’s will.

Hasna Jasimuddin Moudud, wife of late Barrister Moudud Ahmed and former BNP Standing Committee member, has withdrawn her candidacy from the Noakhali-5 (Companiganj-Kabirhat and part of Sadar) constituency election. She had earlier submitted nomination papers to contest as an independent candidate but later decided to step down.

Speaking to the daily Amar Desh, Hasna Moudud said she made the decision out of respect for the party chairperson. She met BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman at his Gulshan office on Sunday, where he requested her to withdraw her independent candidacy for the Noakhali-5 seat. Following that meeting, she decided to honor his request and withdraw from the race.

The withdrawal marks the end of her short-lived independent bid in the constituency, aligning her decision with the party leadership’s direction.

A three-member delegation led by Ivars Ijabs, chief observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission and a member of the European Parliament, met with Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman in Dhaka’s Bashundhara area on Monday afternoon. The meeting took place at the Jamaat leader’s office and was described by the party’s central publicity department as cordial and friendly.

During the discussion, both sides exchanged views on issues of mutual interest between Bangladesh and the European Union. They emphasized close cooperation to ensure that the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election is free, fair, and acceptable. The meeting also highlighted the importance of strengthening Bangladesh’s constitutional and democratic institutions.

The EU delegation assured that a 200-member team would observe the forthcoming national election in Bangladesh. Both parties expressed optimism about maintaining the continuity of bilateral relations, development, and progress between Bangladesh and the European Union.

Home Adviser Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has called on members of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) to perform their duties with honesty, dedication, and professionalism during the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. He made the appeal on Monday morning at the passing-out parade of the 41st BCS (Ansar) officers, Upazila Ansar-VDP trainers, and the 26th and 27th battalions held at the Ansar and VDP Academy in Shafipur, Gazipur.

The adviser stated that a total of 555,958 Ansar-VDP members will be deployed across 42,766 polling centers nationwide, with 13 members assigned to each center. Among them, three will be armed, six unarmed male, and four unarmed female members. Additionally, 1,191 Ansar battalion striking force teams, each consisting of ten members, will be stationed across the country to strengthen election security. He noted that the Ansar and VDP have been preparing since August 2025 to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election.

Chowdhury also urged new Ansar-VDP members to uphold moral values and remain free from corruption, describing corruption as the greatest enemy of the state.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that his country is prepared for war but remains open to dialogue. He accused US President Donald Trump of inciting violence through interference in Iran’s internal affairs, irresponsible remarks, and threats. The statement was made amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington.

According to a statement from Iran’s Foreign Ministry, the US threats and what it called an irresponsible stance constitute a clear violation of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and amount to incitement of violence and terrorism against Iranian citizens. The ministry added that threats from US officials align with Israeli government policies that increase regional tensions.

The statement warned that any aggression against Iran would be met with a swift, precise, and extensive response, and that such a situation could push the entire region toward greater crisis and instability, for which the United States would bear full responsibility.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has condemned alleged question leaks, irregularities, and negligence by authorities in the recruitment of assistant teachers for government primary schools. In a statement issued on Monday by NCP’s Joint Member Secretary and Education and Research Secretary Faisal Mahmud Shanto, the party demanded that if any truth is found in the allegations, the examination held on January 9 should be canceled and retaken.

The NCP expressed deep concern over reports of question paper leaks and irregularities in the recent primary teacher recruitment exam, noting that similar incidents had previously occurred in the Directorate of Primary Education’s office assistant recruitment test. The party criticized the interim government formed after the 2024 student uprising for failing to establish a transparent and fair recruitment system, accusing ministries and departments of focusing instead on tender and recruitment trade.

The NCP urged an impartial investigation into all allegations and called for withholding publication of results until the probe is complete. It also warned that if negligence persists, the party will join job seekers in protest to demand justice.

An awareness meeting on the upcoming National Parliament Election and Referendum 2026 was held at the Taraganj Upazila Parishad hallroom in Rangpur on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. The meeting was presided over by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Monabbir Hossain. Among those present were Taraganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ruhul Amin, Upazila Livestock Officer Md. Ifthekharul Islam, Upazila Election Officer Shimu Parvin, other local officials, and journalists from print and electronic media.

Discussions at the meeting focused on the importance of the Referendum 2026 program, raising voter awareness, adherence to the electoral code of conduct, and expanding public outreach on election-related information. Participants emphasized the need for collective efforts by all concerned to ensure a fair, free, and peaceful election process.

The meeting underscored the role of local administration, law enforcement, and media in promoting transparency and voter participation ahead of the national election.

Pro-government supporters in Iran launched nationwide counter-demonstrations on January 12, 2026, targeting what authorities described as foreign-backed rioters. According to Press TV, rallies began in some provinces between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. local time, with larger gatherings scheduled for 2 p.m. in Tehran and other major regions.

The demonstrations followed weeks of unrest that began on December 28, when Iranian shopkeepers closed their businesses to protest the falling value of the rial. Those protests evolved into anti-government movements. Iranian officials alleged that the United States and Israel incited the unrest, turning peaceful demonstrations violent. Tehran has blamed U.S. sanctions for the economic crisis and currency depreciation.

The government acknowledged that grievances over rising living costs were legitimate and pledged to take steps to address the economic challenges. Authorities maintained that the situation across the country remained under control.

Myanmar’s ruling military-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has won the parliamentary seat formerly held by detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi. A senior USDP official told AFP on Monday that the party secured victory in the Kawhmu constituency, located in Yangon Region. The official added that the USDP won 15 of 16 lower house seats in the region. Voting in Kawhmu and several other constituencies took place on Sunday as part of the second phase of a three-stage national election.

Suu Kyi was ousted and detained following the 2021 military coup, after the junta alleged widespread fraud in the previous year’s election, which her National League for Democracy (NLD) had won by a landslide. The final phase of the month-long election is scheduled for January 25, with the junta claiming the process will return power to the people.

Pro-democracy groups have accused the authorities of staging a controlled election that suppresses dissent and favors military-linked candidates, particularly after the NLD was dissolved and Suu Kyi remained under house arrest.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman has accused the government of surrendering to bureaucratic power. Speaking at a press conference on Monday morning at TIB’s headquarters in Dhanmondi’s Midas Center, he said the bureaucracy has become more powerful than the advisory council, reflecting group and political interests. He argued that a section of the bureaucracy is stronger than government advisers.

Dr. Iftekharuzzaman stated that the government has given no importance to the urgent recommendations of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Reform Commission. He alleged that as long as the bureaucracy maintains exclusive control, the ACC’s full independence will remain deliberately excluded. He further said that the formation of the Police Commission contradicts the July Charter.

The remarks highlight TIB’s concern over bureaucratic dominance in governance and the lack of priority given to institutional reforms aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability.

S M Jilani, the BNP-nominated candidate for the Gopalganj-3 constituency and president of the party’s central volunteer wing, carried out a grassroots campaign in Tungipara’s Patgati Dakshinpara area on Monday, January 12, 2026. Starting early in the morning, he met farmers in the fields and visited local homes to exchange greetings and discuss community issues. He listened to residents’ concerns about local hardships and expectations.

During the campaign, Jilani stated that standing beside the people in their joys and sorrows is the core of his political philosophy. He pledged to work for the rightful interests of the people of Tungipara and Kotalipara if elected. Local residents shared their views on development, employment, education, and healthcare, while Jilani assured them of sincere efforts to address their problems.

Local BNP leaders and representatives from affiliated organizations were present during the campaign and interactions with residents.

Exiled opposition leader Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last Shah, has said that Iran’s freedom is imminent. In a message posted on social media platform X, he claimed that widespread protests over the past two weeks, particularly in the last four days, have shaken the foundations of what he called the “illegitimate Islamic Republic.” Pahlavi announced the beginning of a new phase of a “national uprising” aimed at overthrowing the Islamic Republic and restoring Iran, adding that international support would soon follow.

The protests, which began on December 28, have spread across multiple cities and regions, driven by economic hardship, rising prices, and severe inflation. According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), at least 538 people have been killed and more than 10,600 arrested so far, though the actual figures may be higher due to government suppression and information restrictions. The Iranian government has not released any official casualty or arrest data.

U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly supported the Iranian protesters and warned that Washington could take military action if Tehran continues to suppress demonstrations violently. Analysts say Iran is facing a deep political crisis fueled by domestic unrest, opposition activity, and international pressure.