A US-based human rights organization, Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), reported on Sunday, January 11, that more than 500 people have been killed in ongoing anti-government protests across Iran. The agency said it verified information from its workers inside and outside the country, confirming the deaths of 490 protesters and 48 security personnel over the past two weeks. HRANA also claimed that more than 10,600 people have been arrested during the unrest.

The protests began on December 28 in response to rising commodity prices and quickly escalated into a widespread anti-government movement, described as the largest since 2022. The Iranian government has accused the United States and Israel of fueling the demonstrations. Meanwhile, the US has expressed support for the protesters, with President Donald Trump warning that Washington might intervene if excessive force is used. Tehran has cautioned that any US attack would be met with a strong response.

Iran has not released official casualty figures, and Reuters reported that it could not independently verify HRANA’s claims. The government has also restricted nearly all internet services since Thursday, making it difficult to obtain reliable information from within the country.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday warned Cuba to come under a deal immediately or face unspecified consequences. In a post on his Truth Social platform, he announced the suspension of all oil and financial flows from Venezuela to Havana, declaring that Cuba would receive “zero” oil or money. Trump strongly advised the Cuban authorities to reach an agreement without delay.

The warning came a week after a U.S. military operation in Caracas aimed at capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and bringing him to New York. Reports said several members of Venezuelan and Cuban security forces were killed in that operation. Trump also reposted a message suggesting that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio could one day become president of communist-run Cuba, commenting that the idea “sounded good” to him.

Trump further claimed that Cuba had long received large amounts of oil and money from Venezuela in exchange for providing security assistance to its leadership, but stated that this arrangement would now end. He added that most Cuban members guarding Maduro were killed in the recent operation, asserting that Venezuela no longer needed such support.

A recent article highlights strong criticism of inflammatory remarks by Indian political leaders following the killing of Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh’s Bhaluka. The author states that while Bangladeshi law enforcement has arrested several suspects and continues operations, comments from India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) figures have crossed diplomatic and political boundaries. West Bengal opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari’s reference to Israel’s Gaza assault as a model to ‘teach Bangladesh a lesson’ is described as an expression of extremist nationalism and a violation of international norms.

The piece notes that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also used militaristic language about Bangladesh, suggesting a shift from diplomacy to force in regional relations. It argues that such rhetoric undermines India’s secular and democratic character and fuels intolerance against minorities. The article warns that India’s silence over these statements, alongside rising communal violence and discriminatory policies, signals a deeper crisis within its governance.

The commentary concludes that aggressive political language threatens South Asian stability and urges both nations to uphold dialogue, mutual respect, and international law to prevent further regional polarization.

The Bangladesh Air Force is in talks with Pakistan to acquire JF-17 Thunder fighter jets as part of its Forces Goal 2030 modernization program. In January 2026, Bangladesh Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan met Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Zahid Mahmood in Islamabad to discuss the potential purchase. Pakistan’s Inter Services Public Relations confirmed Bangladesh’s interest in buying up to 48 JF-17 aircraft, which could include defense cooperation, training, and maintenance agreements.

The JF-17, jointly developed by China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, is a multirole fighter capable of air combat, ground attack, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. The aircraft’s affordability and operational efficiency make it attractive for Bangladesh, which currently operates 44 aging fighters, including MiG-29s and F-7s. The JF-17 Block-3 variant features advanced radar, electronic warfare systems, and compatibility with Bangladesh’s existing Chinese defense systems.

India has expressed concern over the potential deal, citing its possible impact on regional strategic balance and India-Bangladesh relations. The acquisition is viewed as a move that could strengthen Bangladesh’s defense ties with Pakistan and China while enhancing its air defense capabilities.

An opinion piece by Md. Helal Mia, published on January 12, 2026, in the newspaper Amar Desh, alleges that India has supported Bangladesh’s recently ousted fascist government and provided refuge to its members after the 2024 student-led uprising. The writer claims that India’s foreign policy, guided by the Nehru Doctrine, seeks regional dominance rather than equitable relations with neighboring states. He describes India as a threat to South Asian sovereignty and accuses it of harboring expansionist ambitions.

The article further asserts that India’s ruling party, the BJP, suppresses minorities through militant groups and that India’s actions toward Bangladesh reflect a pattern of interference. The author criticizes India for allegedly sheltering thousands of Bangladeshi political figures without visas, mishandling border incidents, and failing to protect foreign diplomatic missions. He also accuses India of religious bias and hypocrisy regarding minority rights.

The writer concludes that Bangladesh must strengthen its independence by resisting Indian influence and forming alliances with other South Asian powers to counter what he calls Indian hegemony.

The Election Commission of Bangladesh reinstated the candidacy of 109 parliamentary aspirants after two days of appeal hearings related to the 13th National Parliamentary Election. On Sunday, 58 candidates regained eligibility following daylong hearings at the commission’s Agargaon office in Dhaka. The restored candidates include nominees from Jamaat-e-Islami, Nagorik Oikya, Jatiya Party, and several independent contenders. The hearings were conducted by the full commission led by Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin.

According to the commission, Sunday’s session reviewed 70 appeals, approving 58, rejecting seven, and keeping six unresolved pending submission of required documents by January 16. Earlier, returning officers had canceled 723 nominations on January 4, prompting 645 appeals. The appeal process is scheduled to continue until January 18. Among the reinstated are notable figures such as Mahmudur Rahman Manna of Nagorik Oikya and several independent candidates from key constituencies.

The decisions mark a significant phase in the pre-election process, as multiple political parties and independents regain eligibility to contest the upcoming parliamentary polls.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman was seen calling over and speaking with Sheikh Tanvir Bari Hamim, a leader of the Dhaka University unit of Chhatra Dal. A video of their brief meeting spread on social media on Sunday, showing Rahman opening a door to invite Hamim closer and exchange greetings. Hamim himself posted the video on his personal Facebook account.

In the caption and comments, Hamim expressed pride and gratitude, saying he felt honored that his leader personally called him over. He added that he did not seek any position in the party and wished to remain under its banner with Rahman’s affection. The video quickly circulated across social media platforms, drawing attention from BNP and Chhatra Dal members.

Following the post, many party activists praised Tarique Rahman’s warm gesture and extended good wishes to Hamim, reflecting positive engagement among BNP’s student wing members.

Dhaka University’s Sada Dal has expressed deep concern over the recent public harassment of Hasan Mohammad, an assistant professor in the Department of Law at Chittagong University. In a statement issued on Sunday night, signed by Professor Dr. Morshed Hasan Khan, Professor Dr. Abdus Salam, and Professor Dr. Abul Kalam Sarkar, the group demanded a swift, impartial investigation and legal action against those involved.

The statement said that publicly humiliating, intimidating, or physically harassing any university teacher creates insecurity in educational institutions. It emphasized that any allegations should be resolved through lawful and administrative processes, not through mob justice. The Sada Dal noted that similar incidents had occurred previously at Rajshahi and Dhaka universities, threatening the academic environment. The group condemned the growing trend of mob culture and teacher harassment on campuses in recent months.

The Sada Dal also urged authorities to take legal and administrative action against those who had previously intimidated or harassed students opposing the July 24 movement, stressing that real offenders should not evade justice while innocent individuals must not face harassment.

Barrister Rumin Farhana, recently expelled from the BNP as assistant international affairs secretary, inaugurated her central election office on Saturday in Shahbazpur, Sarail, Brahmanbaria. Speaking at the event, she declared her determination to contest as an independent candidate for the Brahmanbaria-2 constituency, asserting that she stood by the people when others did not. She emphasized that movements such as the 1952 Language Movement, the Liberation War, and the 2024 mass uprising were driven by ordinary citizens, not elites.

Farhana criticized those who, she claimed, had recently gained power and were now intimidating her supporters with legal threats. She warned that any attack on her campaign workers would face consequences. She also stated that she feared neither the administration nor political pressure, expressing confidence that the interim government would ensure a fair election without manipulation of ballot boxes.

The event concluded with prayers for the late BNP chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia. Local BNP leaders and residents attended the ceremony. Farhana was expelled from the BNP after deciding to run independently, while the party-backed alliance nominated Junaid Al Habib for the same seat.

At least 20 students were injured when army personnel baton-charged a peaceful protest in Panchagarh on Sunday afternoon. The demonstration, held at Sher-e-Bangla Park near the national highway, was organized by students demanding swift justice and maximum punishment for those responsible for the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi. Witnesses said the students had blocked the Dhaka-Tetulia road, causing traffic congestion, and ended their program after being asked by police and army officials.

According to eyewitnesses, the baton charge began just after the students concluded their program, escalating tensions in the area. Journalists and bystanders were also reportedly injured and received treatment at Panchagarh Modern Sadar Hospital. Student leaders Fazle Rabbi and Mokaddesur Rahman San accused the army of attacking them after the program ended and demanded an impartial investigation and accountability for those involved.

Panchagarh Army Camp Commander Major Adnan Morshed expressed regret over the incident, stating that the army also supports the demand for justice in Hadi’s murder. He said the clash may have occurred while trying to clear traffic and noted that army members were also injured. He called for a mutual resolution of the misunderstanding.

Bangladesh’s interim government foreign affairs adviser Md. Touhid Hossain met Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Jeddah on Sunday, January 11, 2026. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the emergency session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers. Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the meeting in a statement.

According to the statement, both sides expressed satisfaction with the current strength of Bangladesh-Pakistan bilateral relations. They discussed enhancing cooperation through high-level visits, expanding trade, and promoting educational collaboration. The two officials also exchanged views on various important regional and global issues.

The meeting followed two recent telephone conversations between Touhid Hossain and Ishaq Dar, one of which occurred while Dar was visiting China. The series of engagements indicates ongoing diplomatic communication between the two countries.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has called on the European Union to classify Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. In a post on social media platform X, Sa’ar said he discussed the matter with German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, during which the issue of declaring the IRGC a terrorist group was raised.

Sa’ar noted that Germany has long maintained this position and that the importance of the issue has become increasingly clear. The report adds that several countries, including the United States and Canada, have already listed Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization.

The IRGC, formed shortly after Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, is described as a powerful armed force closely linked to the country’s supreme leadership. It plays a central role in preserving the revolution’s ideals and maintaining Iran’s Islamic governance, with its own ground, naval, and air forces, as well as a large volunteer militia known as the Basij Resistance Force.

The Indian government has sharply criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani after his letter to jailed Indian student leader Umar Khalid surfaced online. The Ministry of External Affairs advised Mamdani to focus on his own affairs, following the letter’s circulation on social media platforms such as X and Instagram. Mamdani had written the letter after meeting Khalid’s parents during their visit to the United States in December last year.

According to a report by Middle East Eye, ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that elected representatives should respect the independence of other democracies’ judiciaries and avoid expressing personal biases. Khalid has been imprisoned without trial since September 2020, accused of involvement in the February 2020 Delhi riots. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has described him as persecuted for protesting in defense of religious freedom.

On January 5, 2026, India’s Supreme Court rejected the bail petitions of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, extending Khalid’s continued detention.

Israeli police have detained Zachi Braverman, chief of staff to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on allegations of obstructing an investigation. The arrest, confirmed on Sunday, follows reports that Braverman was linked to the leak of sensitive military information during the Gaza war. Braverman had been nominated as Israel’s next ambassador to the United Kingdom, but opposition figures are now calling for his appointment to be suspended.

Former Netanyahu aide Eli Feldstein recently claimed that Braverman tried to interfere with a probe into the leak of classified military documents to foreign media during the conflict with Hamas. Feldstein himself had been arrested in 2024 for leaking a secret Israeli military document to a German tabloid, which aimed to support Netanyahu’s stance that military pressure could secure the release of Israeli hostages. Israeli media reported that police searched Braverman’s home and expect Feldstein to provide further testimony.

Braverman and Feldstein have also been linked to the so-called “Qatargate” scandal, involving alleged efforts to promote Qatar’s image in Israel. Opposition leader Yair Lapid urged the government to suspend Braverman’s ambassadorial nomination in light of these developments.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman will begin his official campaign for the 13th National Parliamentary Election on January 22, starting from Sylhet. According to BNP Media Cell Convener Dr. Mowdud Hossain Alamgir, Rahman will inaugurate the campaign by visiting the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (R.) and Shah Paran (R.) before participating in rallies and public meetings across the country.

The Election Commission’s schedule sets January 21 as the date for the allocation of election symbols, with formal campaigning permitted from the following day. Rahman stated at a hotel event in Dhaka that the BNP will present its planned programs to the public beginning January 22.

The campaign marks the formal entry of the BNP into the election race, aligning with the national timeline for political activities as defined by the Election Commission.