The Indian government has imposed a two-month ban on virtual private network (VPN) use in Indian-administered Kashmir, citing national security concerns. The order, issued on December 29, described VPNs as a threat to national security and alleged that they were being misused to incite unrest. Following the ban, police have intensified searches, stopping pedestrians and vehicles to check mobile phones, and have taken action against more than 100 individuals accused of violating the order. The decision has caused significant anxiety among professionals and residents who rely on VPNs for secure communication and data protection. Basit Bande, an IT professional from Pulwama working in Pune, told Al Jazeera that the government’s order was issued without adequate consideration for professionals whose work depends on VPN access. He fears losing his job or being forced to relocate permanently to Pune as many corporate systems, including email, require VPN connections. According to cybersecurity firm Surfshark, about 20 percent of India’s 800 million internet users use VPNs, making the country one of the largest VPN markets globally. The ban has sparked renewed debate about digital rights and online security in India.

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.

The Government of Bangladesh is set to launch a national registration and digital ID card program for freelancers to formalize the country’s growing freelancing sector. The Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology announced that the digital platform for the initiative has been completed and will be officially inaugurated on Tuesday. Registered freelancers will be able to use their ID cards to access banking services, loans, credit cards, financial incentives, and both government and private training opportunities. According to the ministry’s statement, the platform, freelancers.gov.bd, has successfully passed vulnerability assessment and penetration testing, ensuring its security and technical readiness. The initiative aims to strengthen connections between freelancers, banks, government institutions, and the private sector, which the ministry expects will elevate Bangladesh’s digital economy to new heights. The ministry described the program as a strategic national initiative designed to promote self-employment among youth, increase foreign currency earnings, and expand technology-based employment opportunities across the country.

Police in Kulaura upazila of Moulvibazar arrested four robbers with weapons while they were fleeing after a robbery early Sunday. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. in the Baganbari area of Hossainpur under Kadipur Union. The arrested men were identified as Juber Ahmad Jubla, 28, Delwar Hossain, 27, Nazim Mia, 26, and Zakir Hossain, 30, all residents of different areas in Kulaura. Police also seized a microbus and a motorcycle used in the crime. According to police sources, the robbers stopped local resident Lal Mia, 42, while he was returning home on a motorcycle, and took his phone, wallet, and motorcycle at knifepoint before escaping in a microbus. Acting on the report, a police team led by Additional Superintendent of Police Azmal Hossain and Officer-in-Charge Moniruzzaman Mollah launched an operation in the Chunghar area around 3 a.m. and arrested four suspects. During the raid, Azmal Hossain sustained a finger injury from an attack by the robbers. Police said the detainees are identified robbers and have been charged. They will be presented before the court soon.

Israel and Germany have signed a new security cooperation agreement, according to a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released on Sunday. The deal was signed in Jerusalem by Netanyahu and German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt. The statement described Iran and its allies, including Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, as threats to both regional stability and international security. The agreement reflects Germany’s deep commitment to Israel’s security, the statement said. It establishes a broad security partnership between the two countries’ agencies in areas such as cyber defense, advanced technology, law enforcement, counterterrorism, and civil protection. The development follows Germany’s suspension of military equipment exports to Israel in August of the previous year due to concerns that its weapons could be used in the Gaza war. Germany is Israel’s second-largest arms supplier after the United States.

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.

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and the Bangladesh Young Column Writers’ Forum, Dhaka University branch, will jointly organize the Shaheed Osman Hadi Memorial Book Fair 2026. The five-day event will take place from January 18 to 22 at the TSC Payra Chattar on the university campus, remaining open to the public daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The fair will be inaugurated by Omar Bin Hadi, brother of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, with Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan attending as chief guest. The announcement was made at a press conference held in front of Madhur Canteen, where Forum President Ashiq Khan stated that the fair aims to highlight the life and ideals of Shaheed Osman Hadi, portraying him as a symbol of protest and resistance against oppression. The event will feature stalls from various publishers, memorial sessions, discussions, seminars, and interactive programs involving young writers and readers. Organizers said the fair seeks to promote books as tools of free thought and resistance and will be held annually as a platform for cultural and intellectual exchange.

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.

China has declared its firm support for Cuba following recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump. On Monday in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China stands strongly for Cuba’s national sovereignty and security and opposes any external interference. She urged the United States to end its long-standing blockade, sanctions, and pressure on Cuba, calling for actions that promote regional peace and stability. Trump had earlier announced on his social media platform that Cuba would no longer receive oil or financial assistance from Venezuela. He claimed that Cuba had been receiving substantial oil and funds in exchange for providing security services to Venezuelan leaders, but that arrangement had now ended. Trump also alleged that many Cubans were killed during recent U.S. military operations in Venezuela. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel blamed the United States’ decades-long blockade for his country’s deep economic crisis, asserting that Cuba remains an independent and sovereign nation despite persistent external pressure.

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.

Bangladesh Bank has eased loan facilities for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) importers, allowing them to import gas on credit for up to 270 days. The central bank issued a circular on Monday, stating that LPG, usually imported in bulk and later bottled for retail, will now be treated as an industrial raw material for trade credit purposes. This classification enables importers to access the same deferred payment terms available for other industrial raw materials under existing foreign exchange regulations. According to the circular, banks have been instructed to assist importers in obtaining buyer’s credit from foreign banks and financial institutions. Additionally, offshore banking units have been authorized to provide bill discounting facilities to support the sector. The move aims to address the time-intensive nature of LPG storage, bottling, and distribution processes. The decision comes amid a supply shortage that has pushed the price of a 12-kilogram LPG cylinder up to 2,500 taka, significantly above the government-fixed rate, causing hardship for consumers and businesses.

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.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh has announced that the previously postponed recruitment examination for the positions of Assistant Secretary and Assistant Director will now be held on January 16. The multiple-choice (MCQ) test is scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). According to UGC Secretary Dr. Md. Fakhrul Islam, the revised seating arrangement for the candidates was published on January 8 on the commission’s official website. The announcement confirms the new date and venue for the examination, which had been delayed earlier for unspecified reasons. The UGC’s update ensures that candidates can now prepare for the rescheduled test with clear information on timing and location, as officially communicated by the commission.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over reports of violence and excessive force used against civilians during ongoing anti-government protests in Iran. In a statement on Sunday, January 11, he called on Iranian authorities to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from unnecessary or disproportionate use of force against demonstrators. His spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said the Secretary-General was deeply saddened by reports of numerous deaths resulting from the crackdown. Guterres emphasized the importance of fully protecting freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association as recognized under international law. He urged that Iranian citizens be allowed to voice their demands and grievances peacefully and without fear. The UN chief also called for the restoration of internet and communication services to ensure the free flow of information across the country. According to the UK-based monitoring group NetBlocks, Iran’s internet has been cut off for more than 72 hours. The protests began on December 28 in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar over the sharp fall of the Iranian rial and worsening economic crisis, later spreading nationwide. The US-based group HRANA reported at least 490 protesters and 48 security personnel killed, with over 10,600 arrests, though the Iranian government has not released official figures.