Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin said the Election Commission will ensure maximum justice in appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers. Speaking to reporters on Thursday morning at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, he stated that any aggrieved person can appeal the returning officer’s decision. He emphasized that the Commission believes in fairness and will act according to law and regulations.

The CEC noted that nomination submissions this year took place peacefully, without reports of violence, unlike in previous elections. He added that people from across the country are coming to file appeals, reflecting growing public interest in the election process. As of Wednesday, 295 appeals had been filed, including 131 on the third day.

According to EC data, 2,568 nomination papers were submitted for 300 parliamentary seats, of which 1,842 were declared valid and 723 rejected. Appeal hearings will be held from January 10 to 18 at the EC building, with results displayed on monitors and published online after each session.

Yemeni separatist leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi has fled to the United Arab Emirates, according to a statement issued Thursday by the Saudi-led coalition. The coalition said al-Zubaidi left Yemen after attempting to seize control of several areas and advance toward independence. Based on what it described as reliable intelligence, the coalition reported that al-Zubaidi and his associates escaped during the night.

The coalition further stated that the group traveled from Aden to Abu Dhabi using both boats and aircraft. The information was reported from Riyadh by the AFP news agency. The announcement marks a significant development in Yemen’s ongoing internal divisions, as al-Zubaidi has been a key figure in the country’s separatist movement.

The coalition’s statement did not specify al-Zubaidi’s current status in the UAE or any immediate response from Emirati authorities.

Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has announced a ‘zero tolerance’ policy against any threats to national security. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a statement on Thursday confirming the declaration. During a visit to the Lahore Garrison, Munir addressed army personnel, reaffirming the military’s determination to confront growing challenges with professionalism and resolve.

According to the ISPR statement, the army chief emphasized that the armed forces remain committed to protecting Pakistan’s sovereignty, regional integrity, and internal stability. He also urged continued discipline, excellence, and selfless national service among the ranks.

Earlier, a military spokesperson alleged that Afghanistan has become a hub for terrorists and non-state actors, accusing the Taliban government, which came to power in 2021, of providing shelter to militant groups.

Two candidates from the Inquilab Moncho, contesting under the Shibir-backed 'Adommo Jobian Oikko' panel, have won in the Jagannath University Central Student Council (JAKSU) election. The winners are Nur Mohammad and Shanta Akter, who serve respectively as convener and member secretary of the university branch of Inquilab Moncho. The results were confirmed on Thursday morning following the official announcement of the election outcome.

Nur Mohammad secured victory in the health affairs post with 4,470 votes, defeating Al Shahriar Shawon from the Chhatra Dal-backed panel, who received 2,913 votes, marking a margin of 1,557 votes. The election results analysis revealed that the Shibir-backed panel won 16 out of 21 positions, including the vice president, general secretary, and assistant general secretary posts.

Additionally, the Chhatra Dal-backed panel won four positions, while one independent candidate secured a post, completing the overall distribution of the JAKSU election results.

Bangladesh is mourning the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, the country’s first and three-time elected prime minister, eight days after her passing. Crowds from all walks of life have continued to gather at her grave, offering prayers and expressing grief beyond political divisions. The article portrays her as a beloved national figure whose leadership and personal sacrifices left a lasting mark on the nation’s political and emotional landscape.

The piece recounts Khaleda Zia’s transformation from a devoted homemaker and mother into a determined political leader. It highlights her perseverance through personal loss, political persecution, and imprisonment, as well as her steadfastness in upholding democratic ideals. Her tenure as prime minister is described as a period of development, stability, and women’s empowerment, marked by integrity and moral conviction.

Her death is depicted as the end of a defining era in Bangladesh’s political history, closing a chapter of women’s leadership and democratic struggle. The nation continues to honor her as an enduring symbol of courage, sacrifice, and commitment to the people.

U.S. President Donald Trump has approved a bill proposing import tariffs of up to 500 percent on India and several other countries that continue to buy oil from Russia. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said the bill will soon be presented to the U.S. Congress. He explained that the measure aims to punish nations purchasing cheap Russian oil, which he said supports President Vladimir Putin’s war efforts. Graham also named Brazil and China among the countries that could face these penalties.

Currently, India faces an additional 25 percent tariff on crude oil imports from Russia, bringing total tariffs on Indian goods to 50 percent. The Trump administration has also imposed sanctions on Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil, while pressuring New Delhi to halt Russian oil imports as a condition for trade agreements with the United States.

The bill, co-authored by Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, would authorize the Trump administration to impose secondary sanctions and tariffs on imports of Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other products, aiming to cut off funding sources for Russia’s military activities.

Protests over economic hardship and rising prices have spread across Iran, beginning on December 28 in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and expanding to 22 of the country’s 31 provinces. The demonstrations, initially led by business owners, have turned violent and evolved into a broader political crisis. In response, the Iranian government has intensified its crackdown on protesters.

Amid the unrest, US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham warned that former President Donald Trump would kill Iran’s supreme leader if the government continues its repression. Speaking to Fox News, Graham said the Iranian regime was killing its own people under the pretext of improving living conditions and described the situation as a major turning point in Middle Eastern history. He added that help was coming for the Iranian people.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei acknowledged that protesters’ demands were legitimate but declared that riots would not be tolerated. Government talks with business representatives in Tehran have failed to yield results, while Iranian officials strongly condemned Trump’s earlier remarks about US intervention if deadly force was used against demonstrators.

President Donald Trump has signed a memorandum directing the United States to withdraw from 66 international organizations. The White House announced on Wednesday that the decision was made because these organizations no longer serve U.S. national interests. According to a statement shared on social media platform X, the order covers 31 United Nations–affiliated bodies and 35 other international institutions, though no specific names were disclosed.

The White House explained that continued U.S. involvement in these organizations is no longer aligned with the country’s strategic and economic priorities. The announcement marks another step in Trump’s ongoing effort, during his second term, to reduce U.S. participation in global institutions.

Observers note that these moves have sparked renewed debate about America’s role in international affairs, as the administration continues to reassess its global commitments.

Around 150 Hindu extremists under the banner of the Vishva Hindu Parishad staged a violent protest outside the Bangladesh mission in Mumbai on Wednesday, tearing the Bangladeshi national flag and chanting anti-Bangladesh slogans. Local security forces intervened and dispersed the protesters before any damage occurred to the mission. Diplomatic sources confirmed that all mission staff remained safe.

The report stated that Hindu extremists in India have repeatedly attacked Bangladeshi missions, citing false allegations of persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh. Previous incidents included attacks on several missions, the burning of a visa center, and threats against Bangladesh’s High Commissioner in Delhi. The article alleged that these activities have direct support from the Indian government.

In response to security concerns, Bangladesh’s mission in Kolkata has suspended issuing tourist visas to Indian nationals. Similar restrictions were already in place in Delhi and Agartala. However, business and work visas remain available after multi-level verification. Diplomatic sources linked the decision to ongoing instability following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government and the upcoming February 12 general election in Bangladesh.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin stated that the upcoming election will not be manipulated as in the past, and the Election Commission will ensure a level playing field. He made the remarks on Thursday morning while visiting the appeal submission center at the Election Commission building in Agargaon, Dhaka. Nasir Uddin emphasized that the commission, as the appellate authority, will guarantee justice in hearing appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers.

The CEC said the commission believes in fairness and will act accordingly, ensuring justice under the law and regulations. He noted that unlike previous years, the nomination submission process was peaceful this time, with no reports of violence or bomb attacks. He added that aggrieved candidates have the opportunity to seek redress through appeals.

According to Election Commission officials, 131 appeals were filed on Wednesday, bringing the total to 295 over three days. Appeals came from various regions including Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Chattogram, Cumilla, Mymensingh, Barishal, and Faridpur. The CEC observed that the commission has become a focal point of public interest, as people from distant areas are coming to file appeals.

Protests in Iran over rising living costs entered their 11th day on Wednesday, spreading across much of the country. Demonstrations were reported in multiple provinces, including violent clashes in Lordegan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, where armed protesters opened fire, killing two security officers and injuring at least 30 others. President Masoud Pezeshkian called for patience and instructed security forces not to suppress peaceful demonstrators.

According to Iran’s Fars News Agency, around 300 shopkeepers in Lordegan closed their stores and gathered near Khardunpara and Shironi Bridge, chanting slogans before tensions escalated. Protesters reportedly threw stones at security personnel and vandalized government buildings, including the governor’s office. Separate incidents occurred in Bojnord, where a shop was set on fire, and in Tehran’s Shemiran district and Aligudarz, where large crowds chanted anti-government slogans. AFP reported that protests have spread to 25 of Iran’s 31 provinces.

The Norway-based group Iran Human Rights claimed that at least 27 protesters have been killed since the movement began on December 28 with a shopkeepers’ strike in Tehran.

Ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, the Election Commission (EC) has fixed the maximum campaign spending limit for candidates at 10 taka per voter. Due to large variations in voter numbers across constituencies, the permissible spending differs sharply. For example, candidates in Gazipur-2 can legally spend over 8 million taka, while those in Jhalakathi-1 are limited to 2.5 million taka. EC data show that the country currently has about 127.7 million voters, with Gazipur-2 having the highest and Jhalakathi-1 the lowest voter counts.

Experts have questioned whether the spending limits are realistic or enforced in practice. Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SUJAN) said that although limits exist on paper, they have little reflection in reality, as money dominates elections. Former election commissioner Brigadier General (Retd.) M Sakhawat Hossain noted that the EC lacks a strong mechanism to verify candidates’ expense declarations, allowing many to exceed limits without consequence.

The EC Secretariat explained that voter disparities stem from urban migration and administrative boundaries. Under the Representation of the People Order, violating spending limits can lead to up to seven years in prison. A total of 2,582 candidates from 51 of 59 registered parties are contesting this election.

A final report submitted on January 4 by the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances revealed that enforced disappearances in Bangladesh during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure had reached alarming levels, affecting not only men but also women. The report documented at least 23 women as victims of enforced disappearance, allegedly at the hands of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and other law enforcement agencies. It stated that such acts were used not only to suppress political opposition but also to instill fear among women and reinforce social control.

The commission noted that the actual number of disappeared women was likely higher, as many families refrained from reporting cases due to fear, stigma, and social pressure. It described enforced disappearance as a systematic institutional tool, reportedly carried out with the knowledge and direction of senior political leadership. The report also traced changes in disappearance patterns over time, linking them to shifts in leadership and institutional practices.

The report concluded that enforced disappearances were not isolated incidents but part of a sustained state policy of repression that persisted for over a decade under political authorization.

U.S. President Donald Trump has invited Colombian President Gustavo Petro to the White House, just days after threatening possible military action against Colombia over alleged drug trafficking links. The invitation followed a tense period during which Trump warned Petro following a U.S. military operation in neighboring Venezuela that removed Nicolás Maduro from power. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump hinted at a similar intervention in Colombia but later softened his tone after a phone conversation with Petro.

Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that Petro had called to explain the drug situation and other disagreements between the two countries. He praised Petro’s approach and expressed eagerness to meet him soon in Washington. Earlier, Trump had imposed financial sanctions on Petro and his family without presenting evidence, prompting Petro to declare he was ready to take up arms if necessary.

Petro confirmed he would attend the White House meeting, though no date has been set. He also urged Trump to restore direct communication between their foreign ministries and presidential offices, noting the long-standing military and economic ties between Colombia and the United States.

With only 36 days remaining before Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus is intensifying preparations to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful vote. Intelligence and law enforcement reports warn that the banned Awami League and its affiliates may attempt to disrupt the election in several constituencies, particularly in seven high-risk districts: Gopalganj, Faridpur, Madaripur, Shariatpur, Gazipur, Narail, and Bagerhat. Authorities have identified 15 additional districts as vulnerable and are taking extra precautions.

The Home Ministry has announced that over 700,000 security personnel will be deployed nationwide from February 8 to 14, with special surveillance through CCTV at more than 2,500 high-risk polling centers. Restrictions on vehicle movement and firearm possession will be enforced during the election period. Political parties, including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, have expressed differing views on government neutrality and election fairness, while BNP leaders pledged cooperation to maintain a peaceful environment.

Officials emphasized that social media rumors and internal party conflicts could threaten electoral stability, urging all political groups to act responsibly to preserve a credible and participatory election process.