Iran and the United States have agreed to hold nuclear talks in Muscat, Oman, later this week. The confirmation came from both sides on Wednesday, following earlier uncertainty over the venue and agenda. Ahead of the meeting, US President Donald Trump warned Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that he should be “very worried.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on social media that the meeting is scheduled for Friday and thanked Oman for its support. The White House also confirmed the talks. Reports indicate that Turkey was previously considered as a host, but disagreements over including Iran’s ballistic missile program led the US to reconsider. Trump told NBC News that Iran was planning to build a new nuclear facility and warned of severe consequences if it proceeded. The US Navy has deployed the “Armada” fleet in the region, which recently shot down an Iranian drone, prompting Tehran to threaten retaliation. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that meaningful dialogue must address Iran’s missile program, support for regional armed groups, and human rights issues. Despite internal unrest and regional pressure, the Muscat meeting is viewed as a significant diplomatic step for both nations.

Local administration and law enforcement in Nesarabad upazila of Pirojpur have identified 77 polling centers as vulnerable ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election for the Pirojpur-2 constituency, which includes Nesarabad, Kaukhali, and Bhandaria upazilas. Officials said strict security measures are being implemented to prevent irregularities, influence, violence, or any obstruction to voters’ rights. Nesarabad Upazila Election Officer Rubayet Hossain stated that the area has the highest number of voters and polling centers among the three upazilas, making it more prone to risk. He added that preparations are in the final stage to ensure smooth voting for 198,001 registered voters, with ballot boxes, papers, and CCTV cameras ready for timely distribution. Pirojpur Election Commissioner Abdu Mannan reported that the constituency has a total of 405,302 voters, seven candidates including one independent, and 166 polling centers overall. Authorities emphasized that enhanced security and logistical readiness aim to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election process in the constituency.

Israel has suspended the transfer of patients from Gaza to Egypt through the Rafah crossing, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. The suspension came just days after Israel reopened the crossing on February 2, 2026, for the first time in about 18 months. On the first day, only five critically ill patients were allowed to cross into Egypt. The Red Crescent’s spokesperson Raed al-Nims told Al Jazeera that Israel announced the closure only minutes before it took effect, leaving many wounded and seriously ill Palestinians waiting in ambulances near the crossing. Israeli officials had earlier said that up to 50 Palestinians would be permitted to cross daily, but only five were allowed on Monday and 16 on Tuesday. Gaza’s health authorities reported that more than 18,000 patients are awaiting evacuation for treatment, including around 440 in critical condition. No explanation was given for why some patients were denied passage. Despite an ongoing ceasefire, Israeli forces continued airstrikes in Gaza. The Palestinian Health Ministry said at least 21 people were killed and 38 injured on Wednesday, bringing the total to 556 deaths and 1,500 injuries during the truce period.

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has announced that metro rail services in Dhaka will continue to operate normally during the national election and referendum period, despite a nationwide restriction on vehicular movement. DMTCL Director A.K.M. Khairul Alam confirmed that metro trains will run as on regular working days to ensure smooth travel for passengers and facilitate voter movement across the city. According to the announcement, station gates located directly beside polling centers may remain closed for security reasons, while all other gates will stay open. To maintain uninterrupted metro operations during the election period, DMTCL has canceled all staff leave. Earlier, the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges issued a circular on February 2 imposing restrictions on various types of vehicles, including taxis, pickups, microbuses, and trucks, from midnight on February 11 to midnight on February 12. Additionally, motorcycle movement across the country will be banned for 72 hours from midnight on February 10 to midnight on February 13, though exceptions will apply for emergency and election-related activities.

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that Washington is continuing discussions with Iran to ease tensions in the Persian Gulf, even as American forces shot down Iranian drones over the Arabian Sea. Speaking at the White House, Trump said talks were underway but declined to reveal their location. He referenced a previous U.S. operation called “Midnight Hammer” and noted that Iran might not want to face a similar situation again. According to Iranian media, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in West Jerusalem to discuss Iran. Reports cited U.S. officials saying Israel is pressing Washington to launch new strikes on Iran, though Trump currently opposes such action. The president has also warned that if nuclear talks fail, “something bad” could happen, and he recently deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln to the Gulf. The developments follow Israel’s 12-day assault on Iran in June 2025, which targeted military and nuclear sites. Turkish officials said a planned meeting between Iran’s foreign minister and Trump’s envoys will now take place in Oman instead of Istanbul.

Education Adviser Professor Dr. C R Abrar stated that the world has entered the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, driven by artificial intelligence, robotics, big data, the Internet of Things, and automation, which are rapidly transforming global economies and societies. He emphasized that the primary goal of education should not be limited to awarding degrees but to developing skilled, innovative, and technology-aware human resources. He made these remarks on Thursday at the inauguration of the 'NWPGCL-BUET Robo Carnival 2026' held at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) campus. Dr. Abrar described the carnival as more than a technology exhibition, calling it a timely platform for shaping Bangladesh’s future development. He noted that the event would enhance students’ innovative thinking and research capacity while bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application. He praised the collaboration between BUET and the state-owned NWPGCL as a model partnership. He further highlighted that using AI and robotics in the energy and power sectors could improve efficiency, strengthen safety, and ensure sustainable growth. He urged reducing dependence on foreign technology through domestic research and innovation and called for stronger collaboration among students, teachers, researchers, and industry.

Serious allegations have emerged against a contractor over substandard roadwork on the M A Gani Road in Burichang upazila of Comilla. Locals claim that the contractor ignored tender conditions, used low-quality materials, and completed the carpeting hastily at night without following the approved schedule. As a result, the newly carpeted surface began to peel off within just seven days, sparking anger and concern among thousands of users of the Burichang–Brahmanpara road. Residents alleged that the required quality standards were not maintained, with minimal bitumen used and carpeting thickness far below the specified 50 millimeters—sometimes only 5 to 25 millimeters. Witnesses reported that the contractor’s team continued nighttime repairs despite local objections, raising further doubts about transparency. Contractor Mohammad Abul Hossain acknowledged hearing about damaged sections and said repairs were being arranged. Locals have demanded an impartial investigation into the project’s quality and strict action against those responsible. The Comilla Roads and Highways Department’s executive engineer, Khondaker Golam Mostafa, stated that post-completion re-carpeting should not occur and confirmed that an investigation is underway.

Japan will hold a snap election on Sunday, with opinion polls suggesting a major victory for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The country’s first female prime minister, Takaichi, has seen her popularity rise sharply in recent months, according to an AFP report. The 64-year-old leader, who took office last October as Japan’s fifth prime minister in five years, has gained strong appeal among younger voters and on social media. Pre-election surveys indicate that the LDP and its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), could win more than 300 of the 465 parliamentary seats, securing a two-thirds majority. Meanwhile, the main opposition alliance, formed by the CDP and Komeito under the new Centrist Reform Alliance, may lose about half of its current 167 seats. Despite her growing domestic support, uncertainty remains over Japan’s relations with China. Takaichi’s past visits to the Yasukuni Shrine and her remarks suggesting possible military intervention if China moves on Taiwan have drawn attention. Economically, her $135 billion stimulus plan has unsettled investors, though experts believe market forces will restrain any risky fiscal moves.

Israel has returned the bodies and remains of 54 Palestinian prisoners who had been held in its prisons. Gaza’s Health Ministry announced on Wednesday that the handover took place through the International Committee of the Red Cross. Forensic examinations of the bodies have begun, after which families will be allowed to identify their relatives according to established procedures. A Palestinian official said the transfer occurred amid Israel’s continued violations of the phased ceasefire agreement that took effect on October 10. Under that deal, Israel was expected to withdraw additional troops from Gaza and begin reconstruction efforts. According to United Nations estimates, rebuilding Gaza could cost around 70 billion US dollars. Despite the US-brokered ceasefire, Israeli airstrikes early Wednesday killed at least 21 Palestinians, including women and children, and injured many others. The attacks targeted tents of displaced people, a house, and a civilian gathering. The Palestine Red Crescent Society reported that shelling in the Al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis killed two people, including a paramedic, and wounded 12 others.

A total of 379,924 postal ballots from expatriate voters have arrived in Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and referendum. The information was confirmed on Thursday by Salim Ahmad Khan, team leader of the OCV-SDI project on expatriate voter registration. As of 9:30 a.m., 766,862 ballots had been sent to registered expatriate voters through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ app, with 526,008 ballots received and 480,416 votes already cast. Additionally, 444,952 expatriate voters have submitted their ballots to postal authorities in their respective countries, and 107,168 ballots have been received by returning officers in Bangladesh. The Election Commission has also begun sending postal ballots to domestic voters registered under the ICPV system. So far, 662,191 ballots have been dispatched within the country, with 260,447 voters receiving them. Among these, 211,122 have voted, and 168,519 have submitted their ballots to post offices or drop boxes. Returning officers have received 27,367 domestic ballots. According to Salim Ahmad Khan, a total of 1,533,684 voters, both domestic and expatriate, have registered through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ app to participate in the election and referendum via postal ballots.

Venezuelan interim president Delcy Rodríguez has met with senior executives from Spain’s Repsol and France’s Maurel & Prom to discuss the country’s energy sector. The state-owned oil company PDVSA confirmed the meetings on Wednesday, describing them as the new administration’s first major talks with foreign investors since the ouster of Nicolás Maduro one month ago. According to PDVSA’s separate statements, discussions with Repsol focused on ensuring Venezuela’s energy security and sovereignty while maintaining mutual interests and profitability. Talks with Maurel & Prom emphasized strengthening strategic partnerships aimed at increasing Venezuela’s oil production capacity. Both Repsol and Maurel & Prom have long been involved in Venezuela’s oil production and trade, though their operations have faced disruptions in recent years due to strict U.S. sanctions.

BNP candidate and central treasurer M Rashiduzzaman Millat in Jamalpur-1 (Dewanganj-Bakshiganj) constituency has drawn controversy after a video of his campaign speech went viral on social media. In the video, recorded Monday night at Haruabarhi Rahmani Madrasa field, Millat is heard saying that police have been instructed not to arrest or harass Awami League supporters and that they can vote freely. He urged them to support the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol, claiming Awami League would not win elections for at least 20 years. The remarks triggered widespread debate across the district, with many voters expressing surprise and anger. Some Awami League activists reportedly began openly campaigning for Millat, while others criticized the move as political opportunism. Dewanganj Upazila BNP leaders confirmed that some Awami League members were joining BNP activities under local approval. Police officials, including the Dewanganj officer-in-charge and Jamalpur superintendent of police, denied Millat’s claims, stating that regular arrest operations continue and no such instructions were given. Jamaat candidate Nazmul Haque Sayeedi accused Millat of betraying political commitments and demanded the removal of the Dewanganj police chief for alleged bias.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has voiced concern over what he sees as inconsistency and double standards in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision-making. Speaking on a Sky Sports podcast, he said recent actions by the ICC and some powerful cricket boards suggest unequal treatment that could undermine fairness and balance in world cricket. Hussain acknowledged the ICC’s challenges when teams cancel tours at the last moment but questioned whether the same strictness applies to all nations equally. He cited a hypothetical scenario where a strong cricketing nation, such as India, might withdraw from a tournament citing government restrictions, asking whether the ICC would respond with the same firmness. Hussain emphasized that rules should be applied consistently to all teams and called for transparency and fairness in cricket governance. Referring to a recent controversy, he mentioned that the issue began when the BCCI removed Mustafizur Rahman from Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL squad, citing the current situation between Bangladesh and India. Hussain warned that such board-level decisions are affecting on-field behavior and damaging cricket’s image, urging the ICC to adopt uniform policies for all nations.

Pakistan has decided to boycott its cricket match against India in protest of Bangladesh’s exclusion from the T20 World Cup. The decision was announced by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who told his cabinet that politics should not interfere with sports and that Pakistan should stand firmly beside Bangladesh. He described the move as a well-considered and appropriate decision. In response, Dr. Asif Nazrul, the interim government’s adviser on law, justice, parliamentary affairs, and sports in Bangladesh, publicly thanked Pakistan for its stance. He expressed his appreciation through a verified Facebook post on Thursday, acknowledging Pakistan’s solidarity with Bangladesh following the controversial exclusion. The development highlights a rare show of regional support in international cricket, with Pakistan aligning itself with Bangladesh’s position against perceived politicization in the sport.

Iran has unveiled a new underground missile base as tensions with the United States continue to escalate. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the development on Wednesday, February 4, during an official ceremony attended by Iran’s Armed Forces Chief Abdolrahman Mousavi and Aerospace Division head Sayed Majed Mousavi. Senior military officials reviewed the Guard’s missile readiness and capabilities during the event. During the inspection, the Armed Forces Chief stated that Iran is fully prepared to face any potential threat. He explained that following a 12-day conflict with Israel in June of the previous year, Iran shifted its military strategy from a defensive to an offensive posture, enhancing its ability to conduct large-scale operations in a short time. The new approach also includes plans for asymmetric warfare and countering enemy strategies. In recent days, the United States has increased its military presence around Iran, deploying warships and other assets. Although both countries have agreed to hold talks, concerns remain that U.S. forces could strike Iran if negotiations fail. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any U.S. attack could ignite a wider regional war.