Sunamganj Deputy Commissioner Dr. Mohammad Elias Mia announced that 451 remote polling centers in the district will be brought under closed-circuit camera surveillance. He made the statement on Sunday morning while speaking to journalists, emphasizing that the initiative aims to ensure a peaceful and transparent election process in the region. The deputy commissioner described Sunamganj as a generally peaceful district with limited political tension. However, he noted that transportation and the movement of election materials in remote haor areas are difficult, and in case of any unrest, it would be hard to reach those locations quickly or preserve election records properly. To address these challenges, the administration decided to install CCTV cameras in those 451 centers. According to the district administration, the use of surveillance cameras is expected to help maintain neutrality and transparency during the upcoming election process in Sunamganj’s remote areas.

Abdul Monayem Munna, president of the Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, alleged that a deliberate campaign of misinformation and propaganda is being carried out to tarnish the organization’s image ahead of the upcoming national election. Speaking at a press conference on Sunday at the BNP’s election management office in Gulshan, Dhaka, he said that certain groups are using social media and online portals to spread false and misleading information against Jubo Dal. Munna presented several recent incidents which he claimed were examples of politically motivated disinformation. These included cases in Katuakhali, Kushtia, Rajbari, Bhola, and Narayanganj, where he said ordinary or unrelated events were falsely linked to Jubo Dal. He asserted that such actions were intended to undermine the growing popularity of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its youth wing. He declared that Jubo Dal would not bow to falsehoods or propaganda and would continue its democratic struggle through political, media, and legal means. Munna urged citizens and journalists to verify facts and remain vigilant against misinformation to protect democratic and peaceful electoral processes.

At least 25 people were injured on Saturday afternoon in a violent clash between residents of Manikdah and Hamirdi unions in Bhanga upazila of Faridpur district. The confrontation erupted at Pukhuria Bazar after some locals were reportedly not invited to a school’s annual sports competition. During the unrest, the head teacher, assistant teachers, students, and guardians of Pukhuria A.S. Academy were trapped inside the school premises, while severe traffic congestion developed on both sides of the highway. Several shops were allegedly vandalized and looted before police and local residents brought the situation under control after about three hours. According to police and locals, the incident began when unruly youths from Hamirdi union created chaos during a cultural segment of the event. The school’s head teacher, Enamul Kabir, tried to calm them, but an argument broke out over the issue of not inviting certain local dignitaries. The tension escalated after a student named Tamim was assaulted, prompting residents from nearby villages to join the confrontation. Police, aided by local people and political activists, eventually restored order and rescued those trapped inside the school. Traffic movement on the highway returned to normal by evening, police confirmed.

A report by US-based media outlet Drop Site News claims that President Donald Trump may authorize a military operation against Iran as early as this weekend. Citing multiple sources, the report says top US military officials have informed allied Middle Eastern governments that strikes could begin on Sunday, February 1. The operation would reportedly target Iran’s nuclear and missile facilities, as well as the leadership and infrastructure of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to the report, a former senior US intelligence officer, now advising several Arab governments, stated that the campaign’s main objective is regime change rather than solely addressing Iran’s nuclear or missile programs. The Trump administration allegedly believes that a successful strike on Iran’s leadership could trigger public protests leading to government collapse. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is described as optimistic about the plan, assuring Trump that Israel could assist in forming a new, pro-Western government in Iran. Senior Arab intelligence officials cited in the report warned that a US attack could begin “at any moment,” heightening regional anxiety and uncertainty across the Middle East.

At a roadside rally in Shahjadpur, Sirajganj, the Nationalist Citizens Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud alleged that a rival political party, while speaking of nationalism, has nominated foreign citizens as candidates in the upcoming elections. He compared such candidates to migratory birds who come to Bangladesh during elections and leave afterward. The event, held on Sunday, was attended by several NCP leaders, including election committee chairman Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, who urged voters to support the party’s Shapla Koli symbol for a corruption-free and well-governed Bangladesh. Speakers at the rally, including NCP joint member-secretary S.M. Saif Mostafiz, Monira Sharmin, and Mahin Sarkar, criticized attempts to send foreign citizens and loan defaulters to parliament. They argued that such individuals would not legislate in the national interest but rather in favor of vested groups. The NCP leaders called on citizens to vote for candidates who would remain with the people and uphold justice, transparency, and good governance. The rally also emphasized the party’s commitment to eradicating corruption, ensuring fair politics, and strengthening national sovereignty through responsible leadership.

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed support for Chinese investment in Venezuela’s oil industry, saying Beijing is welcome to make major deals in the sector. He made the remarks aboard Air Force One while speaking to reporters, as Venezuela seeks new foreign investment following the removal of Nicolás Maduro and amid efforts to overcome a deep economic crisis. Venezuela, which holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, recently introduced legal reforms to ease private and foreign investment in its oil sector. Under Maduro, China had been the country’s main oil buyer, but Beijing condemned his January 3 arrest by U.S. forces, creating uncertainty about future ties. Trump also said interim President Delcy Rodríguez reached an energy cooperation agreement with India, which plans to buy Venezuelan oil instead of Iranian supplies. Trump indicated that Washington and Caracas will share oil profits and that the U.S. is working closely with Venezuela’s new leadership. He further suggested that the U.S. may pursue a potential deal with Cuba, hinting at possible diplomatic openings.

Meta is developing a new Instagram feature that would let users remove themselves from someone else’s Close Friends list. The company told TechCrunch that the feature remains in an early testing phase and is not yet available to general users. Reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi first revealed the change after analyzing app code and sharing screenshots showing that users who leave a Close Friends list will no longer see related stories or content unless re-added. The Close Friends feature, introduced in 2018, allows users to share stories, reels, or posts with a selected group. Until now, there was no option to voluntarily exit another person’s list. The new control could be welcomed by users seeking more privacy, though some may find it awkward if friends notice their departure. Snapchat already offers a similar option, leaving Instagram comparatively behind in this area. Meta is also testing subscription-based features across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. While details remain undisclosed, early indications suggest premium tools could include expanded audience lists and enhanced privacy controls. Meta emphasized that core experiences will stay free, with subscriptions aimed at users seeking extra control and features.

Widespread fear of war has gripped Iranians at home and abroad since the night of January 30, following rumors of an imminent US military strike. Many residents across Iran, particularly in Tehran, have begun stockpiling dry food, water, and basic medical supplies. Some are sealing their windows with tape to minimize potential damage from bomb blasts. The anxiety has persisted into early February, with social media flooded by advice on how to survive missile attacks and prepare for emergencies. Residents describe sleepless nights and growing uncertainty. A 68-year-old woman from eastern Tehran said her friends warned of a possible attack that same night. Younger Iranians, like 27-year-old student Soroush, recalled earlier wartime fears but noted that people now seem mentally prepared. He criticized both Iranian leaders and Western powers, saying ordinary lives have become part of a geopolitical game. Reports also mention online betting on potential US strikes, reflecting the tense atmosphere. The continuing rumors have left citizens bracing for the worst, with many preparing for at least ten days of self-sufficiency.

Bangladesh Railway has temporarily suspended three of its employees for allegedly allowing passengers to travel without tickets in exchange for money. The suspension was issued on Saturday, December 31, under the signature of the Chief Commercial Manager (East) of Bangladesh Railway. The accused employees are Steward-1 Md. Arif, Steward Manager-2 Md. Jewel Rana, and Conductor/Guard-3 Md. Mostafizur Rahman Limon, who were on duty in coach 'ঞ' of the 704 Mahanagar Provati Express running from Dhaka to Chattogram on January 18. The allegations surfaced on social media and were later verified through a preliminary investigation, which confirmed the authenticity of the claims. Following this confirmation, the railway authorities decided to suspend the three employees temporarily. The report states that further action will be taken after a detailed investigation based on evidence. The incident highlights ongoing efforts by Bangladesh Railway to address misconduct among its staff and ensure accountability within the organization.

Field-level voters in Faridpur-4 constituency, covering Sadarpur, Charbhadrasan, and Bhanga, believe a three-way contest is likely in the upcoming national election. The seat, historically dominated by the Awami League since independence, has occasionally been won by the Jatiya Party and BNP. Former independent MP Mujibur Rahman Nixon, a relative of Sheikh Hasina, held the seat for three consecutive terms. Following the political shift on August 5, 2024, many Awami League leaders reportedly left the area amid fear of legal action, creating a vacuum now being filled by opposition forces. Supporters of former MP Nixon have largely joined the BNP’s campaign, backing its candidate, Krishak Dal’s central general secretary Shahidul Islam Khan Babul. BNP activists claim unity under his leadership, with no internal disputes. Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami, which previously performed poorly in the area, reports increased youth support and hopes to capitalize on public discontent over corruption and irregularities. Voters identify Babul, Jamaat’s Mohammad Sarwar Hossain, and independent candidate architect Mujahid Beg as the main contenders. Local observers expect the main electoral battle to center on these three candidates, reflecting shifting alliances and voter sentiment in the region.

Israel has reopened the Rafah crossing after two years of closure, allowing only limited movement of people between Gaza and Egypt. The Israeli military stated that the reopening is part of a ceasefire agreement in the blockaded Palestinian enclave. According to the announcement, the crossing was opened on Sunday for restricted two-way movement under political directives. Coordination for departures from Gaza and entries into the territory will be carried out with Egypt, and travelers will require prior Israeli security clearance under the supervision of a European Union mission. Residents who left Gaza during the conflict will be allowed to return, subject to Israeli approval and coordination with Egypt. The crossing had remained closed since Israeli forces took control in May 2024. It was initially scheduled to reopen under the first phase of the ceasefire agreement signed in October, but Israel delayed implementation until the recovery of the last hostage’s body, causing several months of postponement.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has denied allegations that personal data of 14,000 journalists were leaked from its website. The EC explained that for a short period, applicant information for journalist and observer accreditation cards was visible on the site but could not be downloaded. The issue arose after complaints surfaced on Saturday, prompting the EC to clarify that the visibility occurred while the site was being worked on, not due to hacking or data theft. According to EC Public Relations Director Ruhul Mallik, the application portal for journalists was closed on Thursday following objections, and the observer application section was being shut down on Saturday. Some registered users who logged into their dashboards could temporarily view the admin panel, which led to confusion about a data breach. Mallik emphasized that no external party accessed or misused the data. The EC recently developed the pr.ecs.gov.bd website to process applications for journalists and election observers online for the first time. However, due to technical and information-handling issues, the commission decided to revert to manual applications for the upcoming February 12 referendum and parliamentary elections.

BNP Election Steering Committee spokesperson and party chairperson’s adviser Mahdi Amin has condemned an alleged misogynistic post from the verified X (Twitter) account of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. Speaking at a press conference in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Sunday, Amin said that if the post is genuine, it represents a dangerous attempt to push society into medieval darkness. He noted that the post, made on January 31, suggested women face exploitation and moral decline when leaving home in the name of modernity. Amin questioned the credibility of Jamaat’s claim that the account was hacked about nine hours after the post drew widespread criticism. He pointed out inconsistencies in the timeline of the hacking report and the general diary filed at Hatirjheel police station. Amin further accused Jamaat of a history of misogynistic behavior, citing previous remarks by its leaders and the party’s exclusion of women from leadership roles. He reaffirmed BNP’s commitment to women’s freedom, dignity, and equality, describing Jamaat’s stance toward working women as deeply insulting and contrary to the values of a civilized society.

The Afghan Embassy in Japan officially ceased operations on Saturday, marking the end of its diplomatic activities in Tokyo. Afghan Ambassador Shida Mohammad Abdali confirmed the closure in a statement on social media platform X, noting that it was the embassy’s final working day and expressing sorrow as he departed Tokyo. Before its closure, the embassy served as the formal diplomatic channel between Afghanistan and Japan, providing consular services such as passports and visas to Afghan nationals residing in Japan. The move follows a broader pattern since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, which has led to the suspension or limitation of Afghan diplomatic missions in several countries and the dismissal of diplomats appointed by the previous government. Japan has not formally recognized the Taliban-led Afghan government and continues to maintain only limited humanitarian engagement. The embassy’s closure has raised concerns about the availability of diplomatic representation and essential consular services for Afghans living abroad.

A newly released set of documents from the U.S. Department of Justice, known as the 'Epstein Files,' includes a 2013 email describing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan as a 'London society lion' or an influential figure in London’s elite circles. The email, written by former UN official Nasra Hassan to Norwegian diplomat Terje Rød-Larsen, discussed using Khan’s influence to support Western-backed initiatives in Pakistan, particularly health and vaccination programs. At the time, Imran Khan was an opposition politician and former cricket star, known internationally more for his social connections than for holding public office. Hassan’s email suggested that Khan’s social reach made him a potentially more effective intermediary on sensitive diplomatic issues, such as polio eradication, than then–Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The correspondence indicated that Western partners considered engaging Khan to advance health campaigns in Pakistan. The emails were released as part of an ongoing investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s financial and professional networks, shedding light on the diplomatic discussions surrounding Pakistan’s health initiatives in 2013.