U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado on Thursday, according to a U.S. administration official cited by AFP. The meeting comes as pressure mounts on Venezuela’s interim government to accelerate the release of political prisoners. Under President Nicolás Maduro’s rule, the Venezuelan government has freed 116 detainees, though human rights groups report that only about 50 of an estimated 800 to 1,200 prisoners have actually been released.

The U.S. administration has expressed support for Machado, and Trump’s meeting is seen as a signal of Washington’s continued involvement in Venezuela’s political crisis. Trump has also warned interim President Delcy Rodríguez that failure to comply with U.S. directives ensuring access to Venezuelan oil could bring consequences.

Observers view the upcoming meeting as significant for the future of Washington–Caracas relations and the broader Venezuelan political situation.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated that the upcoming national parliamentary election will decide which direction Bangladesh will take. He made the remarks on Tuesday morning at Hotel Le Méridien in Dhaka during the South Asian Regional Conference titled “Current State and Future Directions of Higher Education–2026,” a three-day event.

Dr. Yunus emphasized that young people are engaging in politics and expressed hope that many of them will win in the election. He criticized the education system for focusing mainly on job preparation, saying education should instead awaken creativity and independent thinking. He urged that students be developed not only as job seekers but also as job creators, highlighting the importance of entrepreneurship, imagination, and courage to innovate.

He further noted that South Asia is a region full of potential, but political instability, social divisions, and misguided policies often prevent that potential from being realized. Education, he said, could empower the region’s youth to lead transformative change. The conference, organized under the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project funded by the Bangladesh government and the World Bank, included 30 international representatives from several countries.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on goods from countries maintaining trade relations with Iran. The declaration was made on January 12 through a post on Truth Social, where Trump said the decision would take immediate effect. Analysts view the move as part of Washington’s strategy to increase pressure on Tehran as anti-government protests in Iran entered their third week.

Trump did not clarify what constitutes 'doing business with Iran,' though China, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and India are identified as major trading partners of the country. The White House has yet to specify which nations or products will be most affected. The announcement follows Trump’s earlier warning of possible military intervention if violence against Iranian protesters continues. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed that airstrike options remain under consideration.

The protests, driven by Iran’s deepening economic crisis, have resulted in hundreds of deaths, according to human rights monitors. Internet restrictions have made it difficult to verify information from inside Iran, while Trump claimed Iranian officials have reached out for talks but warned that the U.S. may act before any meeting occurs.

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.