Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that the Islamic Republic is currently engaged in battles on four simultaneous fronts—economic, intellectual, military, and counterterrorism—against enemies led by the United States and Israel. Speaking in parliament on Sunday, he said these conflicts have been ongoing for years and are becoming increasingly complex. According to him, Iran’s adversaries have already been defeated militarily, prompting the US to attempt to incite unrest and impose what he described as a “terrorist war” inside the country.

Ghalibaf warned that this so-called “terrorist war,” resembling Daesh-style operations, aims to harm Iran. He criticized US President Donald Trump’s threats and said the Iranian people have resolved to confront and eliminate armed terrorists. Separately, on January 9, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei accused certain groups of carrying out sabotage in Tehran and other cities to please the US president. He alleged that Trump was responsible for the deaths of over a thousand Iranians during a 12-day war in June 2025.

Khamenei emphasized that the Islamic Republic, founded through great sacrifice, would never submit to foreign powers and urged Iranian youth to maintain unity and readiness to defeat all enemies.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman announced that the party’s final decision on seat-sharing will be declared within the next two days. He made the statement on Monday during a press briefing following a courtesy meeting with a three-member European Union election observation delegation led by Ivars Ijabs, a member of the European Parliament, at his office in Bashundhara, Dhaka. He said journalists would be invited when the parties sit together to finalize the agreement.

During the hour-long discussion, topics included the upcoming February national election, the referendum, and the preparedness of Jamaat and its allies. The EU team inquired about the law and order situation, the roles of the government and the Election Commission, and whether a level playing field exists. Dr. Rahman said the party had raised its concerns with the relevant authorities and received partial remedies.

He added that Jamaat supports fair elections, reform, and justice for all, emphasizing that voters must be able to cast their ballots freely and that results should reflect the people’s will. He also confirmed that the EU plans to send 200 observers to cover district and city corporation areas.

Mohammad Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), and Maulana Mohammad Mamunul Haque, amir of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, held a courtesy meeting on Monday afternoon at Haque’s personal office in Mohammadpur, Dhaka. The two leaders, both part of the Jamaat-e-Islami–led 11-party alliance, discussed the upcoming national election, the planned referendum, and other current political issues.

According to party sources, the hour-long meeting covered the country’s ongoing political situation, recent political alignments, and future strategies. The discussion emphasized strengthening mutual understanding within the alliance and coordinating joint political initiatives. Particular focus was placed on developing a unified political stance to safeguard national interests, independence, and sovereignty, as well as mobilizing public support for a “yes” vote in the referendum.

The meeting reflected efforts within the 11-party alliance to consolidate cooperation and define strategies ahead of the next election and referendum.

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.