At least 648 people have been killed in Iran as security forces intensified crackdowns on anti-government protests that have continued for 16 days. The Norway-based human rights group Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) reported the updated toll on January 12, noting that nine of the victims were under 18. Thousands more have been injured, while internet shutdowns have made it difficult to verify the true scale of casualties. Videos from Tehran hospitals and morgues reportedly show large numbers of bodies, underscoring the severity of the situation.

The protests began on December 28 in Tehran’s markets over economic hardship, inflation, and currency collapse, but quickly evolved into a political movement. Exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi’s call for intensified demonstrations further fueled the unrest. The United Kingdom and France have strongly condemned the violent suppression, urging Iran to respect citizens’ fundamental rights. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected Western criticism, accusing the UK of interference and warning of possible withdrawal of diplomats from London if Iranian missions are not protected.

International human rights groups have warned that unless the Iranian government shows restraint, violence and casualties could escalate further.

The 11-party electoral alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami is close to finalizing its seat-sharing arrangement ahead of the upcoming national election. After weeks of uncertainty and internal negotiations, the liaison committee met on Monday night to settle which party will field candidates in specific constituencies. Although most issues have been resolved, discussions with Islami Andolan and several Khelafat-based parties remain incomplete. A final round of talks is scheduled for Tuesday, with an official announcement expected on Wednesday.

According to Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, the seat-sharing process will take shape by Tuesday, and the final declaration will follow within a day. The alliance includes Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan, National Citizen Party (NCP), Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Khelafat Majlish, Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, Khelafat Andolan, Nezame Islam Party, Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA), and Bangladesh Development Party (BDP). Negotiations have allocated over 190 seats to Jamaat, around 40 to Islami Andolan, and smaller numbers to other partners.

If consensus is not reached with some parties, the final declaration may proceed without them, according to alliance sources.

The Palestinian group Hamas is preparing to hold internal elections to restructure its leadership following the deaths of top leaders during the Gaza war. A Hamas official said preparations are underway, with voting expected to take place within the first months of 2026 once conditions stabilize. The information was reported by Turkey-based media outlet Daily Sabah.

According to the report, the reorganization process includes forming a new 50-member Shura Council, a religiously influenced advisory body. Hamas’s three branches—Gaza Strip, occupied West Bank, and the diaspora—elect their members every four years. In previous elections, members gathered in mosques and other venues to vote for the Shura Council, which is responsible for choosing the political bureau and overall leader.

Sources indicate that two main contenders are leading for the position of political bureau chief: Gaza’s Khalil al-Hayya, supported by the Gaza branch and the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, and exiled leader Khaled Meshaal. Hamas views the leadership renewal as vital for strengthening Gaza’s resilience and maintaining organizational stability.

Somalia has announced the cancellation of all agreements with the United Arab Emirates, a decision made by the Somali government on Monday amid ongoing tensions in the Red Sea region. The move will require the UAE to withdraw its troops from military bases in Somalia and halt participation in major infrastructure projects.

According to documents obtained by the UK-based outlet Middle East Eye, the cancellation covers all contracts involving government bodies, affiliated agencies, and regional administrations. The decision applies to agreements related to the ports of Berbera, Bosaso, and Kismayo. The Somali cabinet also annulled bilateral security and defense cooperation agreements with the UAE.

The government stated that the decision followed reports and strong evidence of actions undermining Somalia’s sovereignty, national unity, and political independence. The announcement marks a significant shift in Somalia’s foreign relations and could affect regional dynamics in the Horn of Africa.

On Monday, the Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh reinstated the candidacy of 41 parliamentary aspirants following the review of their appeals. According to an official press release signed by EC’s Public Relations Director Md. Ruhul Min Mallik, a total of 71 appeals were resolved that day, with 41 approved, 24 rejected, and four kept pending. This brings the total number of reinstated candidates to 150 over the past three days. The appeal of Md. Hamidul Islam of the National People’s Party for Mymensingh-4, unresolved earlier, was also approved.

The EC stated that the approved appeals included candidates from multiple parties such as the Jatiya Party, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Gano Forum, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis, Amar Bangladesh Party, and several independents. In total, 2,568 nomination papers had been submitted for the 13th National Parliamentary Election, of which 723 were initially rejected by returning officers. The EC received 645 appeals against those decisions.

According to the election schedule, appeal hearings will conclude by January 18, candidate withdrawals by January 20, and symbols will be allocated on January 21. The national election is scheduled for February 12.

In Faridpur-1 constituency, Awami League leader Kazi Atiar Rahman Robi publicly declared support for the BNP’s candidate Khandaker Nasirul Islam during an election campaign event held on Friday. Speaking as chair of a prayer gathering for late former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, Robi said he had joined the Awami League under Boalmari upazila chairman Musha Mia but would now vote for the BNP’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, as the Awami League was not currently active. His remarks were made in front of local BNP leaders and quickly spread on social media.

The statement caused a stir in local politics, with many reacting online. Some described Robi’s comments as a reflection of current political realities, while others criticized them as opportunistic. The event was attended by several BNP figures, including central JCD leaders and local organizers. Boalmari BNP’s assistant agriculture affairs secretary Abdur Rahman said Robi, a three-time union council chairman candidate, should not have spoken that way publicly and that the BNP was embarrassed by his remarks.

The viral video has intensified political discussions in Faridpur ahead of the election, highlighting shifting local allegiances.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that if Bangladesh can build a professional army, the world will be compelled to respect it. He made the remarks on Monday evening at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka while addressing retired armed forces officers. He emphasized that the army primarily serves the nation, and its international service is optional. According to him, the size of the army is less important than its wisdom, courage, and technical strength.

Dr. Rahman also highlighted the importance of the upcoming national election scheduled for February 12, describing it as crucial for the country’s future. He called for an environment where every citizen can vote freely and see their choice reflected in the results. He urged the government and the Election Commission to ensure a fair, neutral, and participatory election process.

Addressing the retired officers, he said they have a social responsibility to help ensure a fair election, even without joining Jamaat. He also praised the army’s role in preventing civil unrest during the previous year’s political turmoil.

A Jamaat-e-Islami candidate has filed an appeal with the Appellate Division challenging the Election Commission’s decision to suspend election activities in Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 constituencies. The appeal was submitted on Monday by Barrister Nazibur Rahman Momen, the Jamaat candidate for Pabna-1, seeking directives to resume the electoral process and hold the elections on schedule.

The Election Commission had earlier decided to suspend the elections in these two constituencies following an Appellate Division order related to constituency boundary issues. The commission issued a letter on January 6 instructing returning officers to halt all election activities for Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 until further notice. The elections were originally scheduled for February 12 as part of the 13th National Parliamentary Election.

According to the appeal, the suspension decision was described as unjustified, and a hearing on the matter is expected within a few days, as stated by the candidate.

The Election Commission (EC) will verify whether the voter list of those registered through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ app matches the constituency-based voter lists ahead of the 13th parliamentary election and referendum. To ensure accuracy, the EC will send soft copies of both the registered and main voter lists to returning officers, who will issue certification after verification. The directive was confirmed in a letter signed by EC Senior Assistant Secretary Nasir Uddin Chowdhury.

According to the circular, expatriate Bangladeshis, government officials, polling officers on duty, and imprisoned voters will cast their votes through postal ballots. More than 1.53 million citizens have already registered on the EC’s app to vote under this system. District and upazila election officers will certify the watermark-marked and photo-printed voter lists for ICV and OCV voters to ensure they are error-free. Two printed copies of these lists will be produced, one for the returning officer’s office and another for election officials’ records.

As per the election schedule, appeals regarding candidate nominations will continue until January 18, withdrawals until January 20, symbol allocation on January 21, campaigning from January 22 to February 10, and voting on February 12.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) will contest 30 constituencies in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, according to the party’s spokesperson and Election Steering Committee Chairman Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan. He made the announcement on Monday, January 12, during an interview with the media. The NCP will participate as part of an 11-party electoral alliance formed under a mutual understanding.

Asif Mahmud stated that all party leaders and activists have accepted the decision in the interest of the nation and the people. He described the alliance as a reformist coalition against dominance and said the NCP made significant concessions to form it. He expressed optimism that the alliance would form the next government. He also mentioned that those who had submitted resignations remain valuable to the party, as their resignations have not yet been accepted.

The NCP spokesperson clarified that the alliance is strategic rather than ideological. In 270 constituencies where the NCP has no candidates, the party will campaign for a “yes” vote in the referendum and work at the grassroots level as representatives of the referendum candidates.

The Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) has recommended exemption for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and 111 others in an attempted murder case filed at Dhanmondi Police Station during the July uprising. The final report was recently submitted to the Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Court, which set February 3 for the next hearing on whether to accept the report. The case was filed on September 3, 2024, alleging that on August 4, during the July movement, a man named Sahed Ali was injured near Dhanmondi 27, along with several students.

Investigation officer Shahjahan Bhuiyan stated that the case contained factual errors and that no injured persons mentioned in the complaint could be located. Official gazettes listing those injured in the July movement did not include the names cited in the case. The complainant, identified as Shariful Islam, could not produce the alleged victims or any medical documents despite repeated requests.

The PBI concluded that due to insufficient evidence and lack of verifiable witnesses, the allegations could not be substantiated. The report noted that if credible information about the victims emerges later, a new charge sheet may be filed.

Alhaj Golam Nabi Alamgir, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate for Bhola-1 (Sadar) constituency in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, has withdrawn his nomination. His lawyer, Advocate Md. Amirul Islam Baset, submitted the withdrawal application to the returning officer on Monday afternoon, citing personal reasons. The returning officer and Bhola Deputy Commissioner Dr. Shamim Rahman confirmed receipt and acceptance of the application in accordance with election rules.

According to the submission, Alamgir had filed his nomination on December 28, 2025, which was verified as valid on January 3, 2026. The withdrawal letter was signed on January 11 and submitted on January 12. Following his withdrawal, Barrister Andaleeve Rahman Partha, chairman of the Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), will now contest the February 12 election from Bhola-1 under the BNP alliance with the “bullock cart” symbol.

Other candidates in the constituency include Jamaat-e-Islami’s Principal Nazrul Islam, Islami Andolan’s Md. Obaidur Rahman, NPP’s Md. Mizanur Rahman, Gano Adhikar Parishad’s Md. Ainur Rahman Jewel, and Islami Front’s Mohammad Ashraf Ali.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has announced that the interim government is fully prepared to hold a free, fair, and peaceful national election on February 12. Speaking in Dhaka during a courtesy meeting with former Japanese First Lady Akie Abe and a delegation of Japanese entrepreneurs, Yunus reiterated that he has no intention of joining politics or holding any government or state position after the election.

During the meeting, Yunus highlighted his focus on expanding quality healthcare, promoting youth entrepreneurship, and implementing his 'Three Zero' vision—zero unemployment, zero net carbon emissions, and zero wealth concentration. He called for increased Japanese investment in Bangladesh and urged Japan to recruit more Bangladeshi workers. Akie Abe praised Yunus for his leadership in restoring peace and stability and supporting economic recovery in Bangladesh.

The discussion covered cooperation in investment, marine research, and recruitment of caregivers and nurses for Japan’s aging population. Yunus also revealed plans to visit Tokyo in March to join a joint marine research initiative with the Sasakawa Foundation, which plans to sign an agreement to develop three model fishing villages along Bangladesh’s coast.

Syed Shahjahan Saju, president of the Dhaka metropolitan unit of Bangladesh NAP, has joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. The announcement came on Monday afternoon at the party’s Dhaka South office, where Saju filled out a Jamaat associate membership form and submitted it to Helal Uddin, a central working committee member and Naib-e-Ameer of Dhaka South. Helal Uddin welcomed him and presented organizational materials and books on Jamaat’s constitution.

Saju stated that he joined Jamaat-e-Islami to contribute to building a welfare state based on justice and fairness. He said that Jamaat’s commitment to creating a corruption-, terrorism-, and extortion-free Bangladesh inspired his decision, adding that no other political party had shown such courage. Saju had served as Dhaka NAP president for the past ten years.

Helal Uddin said Jamaat aims to build a hunger- and poverty-free, humane Bangladesh without corruption or discrimination. He added that growing public trust in Jamaat’s leadership has led many patriotic politicians to join the party, including Saju.

The political platform July Oikya, inspired by the spirit of the 24th mass uprising, announced it will submit a memorandum to the Election Commission on Tuesday demanding the cancellation of nominations of candidates from the 14-party alliance, including the Jatiya Party, and the NDF coalition for the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The announcement was made Monday afternoon at a press conference held at Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen by one of the group’s organizers, Plabon Tarek. As part of the program, a ‘March to EC’ will take place on January 13 at noon, followed by similar marches and memorandum submissions to divisional election offices on January 14.

At the press conference, July Oikya organizer Musaddeq Ali Ibne Mohammad accused the Election Commission of failing to act on repeated demands and warned it to stop serving what he called fascist interests. He questioned whether the Commission truly intends to hold a fair election. Another organizer, A.B. Zubair, said the group has been campaigning to ban the Awami League’s politics and to cancel nominations of parties allegedly involved in past atrocities.

The organizers reiterated their demand for immediate cancellation of all nominations of the Jatiya Party and allied groups, emphasizing their ongoing legal and protest efforts.