U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that Iran is likely to pursue a negotiated agreement rather than face potential American military action. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump stated that he believes Iran wants a deal and confirmed he has set a timeline for talks, though he declined to share details. He also mentioned the presence of a large U.S. naval flotilla moving toward Iranian waters and expressed hope that an agreement could be reached. According to AFP, Tehran has warned that its nuclear and missile programs will never be subjects of negotiation. Trump further noted that he had learned Iran recently decided not to execute protesters, a move human rights groups suggested could indicate Tehran’s willingness to engage in dialogue after reports of thousands of deaths during unrest. The remarks come as both nations maintain a tense standoff, with U.S. military deployments signaling pressure and Iran signaling limits on what it is willing to discuss.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and jailed leader Imran Khan underwent eye surgery at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), where doctors confirmed the procedure was completed without any complications. PIMS Executive Director Professor Dr. Rana Imran Sikandar stated that the operation on Khan’s right eye lasted about 20 minutes, during which he remained stable. After receiving necessary post-operative instructions and documentation, Khan was discharged from the hospital. According to Dr. Sikandar, medical examinations revealed that pressure on blood vessels had caused reduced vision in Khan’s right eye. All required tests were conducted, and the surgery was performed with Khan’s prior consent. Earlier, Pakistan’s Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that Khan had been temporarily moved to PIMS for examination by eye specialists. Separately, the PTI had sought the Supreme Court’s assistance to arrange a meeting between Imran Khan and his personal physicians on Thursday, indicating ongoing coordination regarding his medical care.

Workers and employees at Chattogram Port began a work stoppage on Saturday, defying official warnings from the port authority. Although cargo unloading at the jetty continued, delivery and other internal operations came to a standstill. The strike was called by the Chattogram Port unit of the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal to protest the government’s decision to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to foreign company DP World. The program, announced earlier in the week, was supported by the Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad (SKOP). The port authority had issued a notice on Friday warning of strict administrative and legal action against those involved in anti-institutional activities, stating that the process of engaging the foreign company was based on a court ruling. Despite this, workers continued their planned program. According to labor leader Humayun Kabir, workers reported to duty but refrained from work as a peaceful protest, keeping vessel unloading ongoing to avoid congestion. Port officials said discussions were ongoing and that an official statement would be released later. The strike is scheduled to end at 4 p.m., with workers warning of tougher actions if the government does not reconsider the lease decision.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said his party does not want to see any corrupt or oppressive government and aims to build a humane Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Saturday around 11:45 a.m. while addressing an election rally of the 11-party alliance in Chauddagram as the chief guest. He pledged that if elected, Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher would serve as a senior cabinet member and urged local voters to seize this opportunity. Dr. Rahman emphasized youth participation, noting that 62 percent of Jamaat’s nominated candidates are young. He promised justice for all, including non-citizens residing in Bangladesh, and said no political party would be allowed to interfere in judicial matters. He criticized divisions based on race, religion, and politics, calling for unity and service-oriented governance. He also highlighted plans for major educational reforms, asserting that a better education system is essential for building a strong nation. The rally was chaired by Dr. Taher and attended by leaders from allied parties including the National Citizens Party and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish.

The United Nations is facing a deep financial crisis that could bring its operations to a standstill, Secretary-General António Guterres warned in a letter to member states. He urged countries to clear their outstanding dues and implement structural reforms to prevent a severe breakdown. UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said the organization currently lacks the liquidity to continue normal operations and called for immediate payments from member states. According to official data, by the end of 2025, member states owed the UN a record 1.57 billion dollars. While no specific country was named, the ongoing global geopolitical situation was cited as a major factor. Analysts linked the crisis to U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to cut funding to several UN agencies and pursue alternative international initiatives. Human rights experts warned that such reluctance from major powers could weaken global efforts to uphold international law and human rights. Guterres also criticized the rule requiring the return of unused funds each year, calling it unrealistic under current conditions. Only 36 of the 193 member states have paid their full 2026 dues, raising serious uncertainty about the UN’s financial future.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Porwar said that a rival political party has become unsettled after witnessing growing nationwide support for the 'scales' symbol. Speaking on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at an election rally in Chandpur-4 (Faridganj), he accused the rival group of turning fascist and engaging in violence, including the killing of a Quran memorizer. The event was organized for Jamaat and 11-party alliance candidate Maulana Bilal Hossain Miaji. Porwar alleged that women campaigning for the 'scales' are being attacked and that a local Jamaat secretary in Sherpur was tortured to death. He criticized the three major parties that have ruled Bangladesh over the past 54 years, claiming none were free from corruption or misrule. He said people now seek change. He added that Jamaat and ten allied parties, including several Islamic groups, the NCP, and LDP, have formed an 11-party alliance free from corruption allegations. If the alliance wins a majority, he pledged to build a just society ensuring equal rights for all religious communities.

An ally of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s coalition government, Member of Parliament L. S. K. Devarayalu, on Friday proposed a bill to ban social media use for children under 16. The proposal, titled the Social Media (Age Limit and Online Safety) Bill, seeks to prohibit minors from creating, using, or maintaining social media accounts, with platforms required to deactivate such accounts and verify user ages. The initiative comes amid global discussions on youth safety and mental health, particularly in major markets for platforms like Meta, YouTube, and X. Devarayalu argued that Indian children are not only addicted to social media but that Indian user data is being exploited by foreign platforms to develop advanced artificial intelligence systems, with strategic and economic benefits flowing abroad. India, the world’s second-largest smartphone market with 750 million devices and one billion internet users, currently has no minimum age limit for social media use. The bill, introduced as a private member’s bill, is not government-sponsored but could influence parliamentary debate. Similar restrictions have been adopted or studied in countries such as Australia, France, Britain, Denmark, and Greece.

The 14th Zakat Fair 2026 began in Dhaka on Saturday under the theme “Establishing Justice through Zakat.” The event was inaugurated by Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain, religious adviser to the interim government, at the Officers’ Club on Bailey Road. Organized by the Center for Zakat Management (CZM), the fair aims to promote a just, equitable, and poverty-free society through institutional zakat management. In his inaugural speech, Dr. Hossain emphasized that those who can afford but do not pay zakat lack true faith. He noted that zakat is not charity but the rightful due of the poor, and urged greater public awareness. Former caretaker government adviser Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman highlighted the global philosophical crisis regarding moral and financial responsibilities, stressing that zakat must be given and monitored responsibly. CZM CEO Dr. Mohammad Aiyub Mia said institutional zakat collection can play a major role in reducing income inequality and poverty. Speakers expressed hope that proper zakat management could significantly contribute to social justice and economic equity in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman announced that if his party comes to power, Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher will be appointed as a senior member of the cabinet. He made the statement on Saturday around 11:45 a.m. during an election rally in Chauddagram, urging local voters to seize the opportunity by supporting Jamaat in the upcoming election. During his speech, Dr. Rahman said the party rejects authoritarianism, fascism, and corruption, and aims to build a humane Bangladesh. He emphasized youth participation, noting that 62 percent of Jamaat’s nominated candidates are young people. He also pledged to ensure justice for all, including non-citizens living in the country, and promised that no political party would be allowed to interfere in the judicial process. The Jamaat chief reiterated his vision of forming an inclusive government that guarantees fairness and justice for every citizen if the party assumes power.

Israel will reopen the Rafah border crossing with Gaza on Sunday, February 1, after two years of closure. The Israeli military announced on Friday that limited movement of people will be allowed in both directions as part of a ceasefire agreement in the blockaded Palestinian enclave. The reopening will be coordinated with Egypt and supervised by a European Union mission, with prior Israeli security clearance required for travelers. According to the military statement, residents who left Gaza during the war will be permitted to return, subject to coordination with Egypt and Israeli approval. No immediate comments were available from Palestinian or Egyptian authorities. The crossing had been closed since May 2024, when Israeli forces took control of it. The Rafah crossing was originally scheduled to reopen under the first phase of the ceasefire agreement reached in October, but Israel delayed implementation until the recovery of the last hostage’s body. This condition caused several months of delay in enforcing the agreement.

BNP’s nominated candidate for constituency 300, Saching Prue Jerry, has been conducting extensive election campaigns across Lama upazila in Bandarban ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election. Over the past three days, he has held road meetings, public gatherings, and market-based events in the municipality and remote hill areas including Sarai, Gazalia, Rupshipara, Lama Sadar, Fasiakhali, Aziznagar, and Faitong unions. On Friday, he continued his campaign from morning to night in several markets of Fasiakhali and Faitong unions. During his campaign, Jerry stated that the BNP’s symbol, the paddy sheaf, has become a symbol of public trust and affection. He pledged to implement a 31-point plan and take effective measures to improve communication, healthcare, and education in the neglected hill regions if elected. He also urged voters to support the paddy sheaf to build a non-discriminatory and secular Bangladesh. Lama Upazila Election Officer Abdul Hamid confirmed that all preparations have been completed for a free, fair, and neutral election on February 12, with 88,829 voters casting ballots across 42 centers. The administration, army, and law enforcement agencies are jointly monitoring to ensure a peaceful electoral environment.

England began their T20 series against Sri Lanka with a rain-affected victory at Pallekele on January 31, 2026. The visitors won by 11 runs under the DLS method after rain stopped play when England were 125 for 4 in 15 overs while chasing a target of 134. Phil Salt contributed 46 runs, helping England secure a 1–0 lead in the three-match series led by Harry Brook. Sri Lanka’s innings ended at 133 all out in 16.2 overs after the match was reduced to 17 overs due to rain. Kusal Mendis scored 37 runs, while the team suffered a sudden collapse after reaching 76 for 1. Sam Curran claimed his first international T20 hat-trick by dismissing Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, and Matheesha Pathirana in the final three balls of the 16th over. With this win, England extended their dominance on the tour, having already secured the preceding ODI series.

Venezuelan interim president Delcy Rodríguez announced on Friday the introduction of a general amnesty law, marking her first major reform initiative since Nicolás Maduro was removed from power in a U.S.-led operation several weeks ago. Speaking at the Supreme Court in Caracas, Rodríguez said the proposed law would cover all incidents of political violence from 1999 to the present, aiming to heal political divisions, restore the justice system, and ensure good governance. Rodríguez also declared the start of a national dialogue on judicial reform and the closure of the notorious El Helicoide prison, which human rights groups said had been used to torture political prisoners. The facility will be converted into a sports, cultural, and commercial center. Within four weeks of taking office, Rodríguez has moved quickly to introduce social and economic changes, including legislation opening Venezuela’s vital oil sector to private investment, leading the United States to lift sanctions on the industry. The new administration’s reforms and release of political prisoners have been praised by U.S. President Donald Trump, and Washington is resuming diplomatic operations in Caracas, with diplomat Laura Doglu set to arrive as chargé d’affaires.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit Sirajganj and Tangail districts today, Saturday, January 31, 2026. On his way from Rangpur to Dhaka, he will speak at an election rally at the BSCIC Industrial Park in Paikpara, Sirajganj Sadar upazila at 2 p.m. During the event, he will introduce BNP’s parliamentary candidates for all constituencies in Sirajganj and Pabna districts. The visit has generated enthusiasm among party leaders and activists. BNP Standing Committee member and Sirajganj-2 parliamentary candidate Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, along with senior administrative officials, have inspected the rally venue. Saidur Rahman Bacchu, general secretary of Sirajganj district BNP and chief coordinator of the election management committee for six constituencies, said extensive preparations have been made to ensure the success of the rally, which marks Rahman’s return to the area after a long time. After the Sirajganj rally, Rahman will travel to Tangail, where he is scheduled to address another public gathering at 4 p.m. at an open field near the Darun-Charjana Bypass on the Jamuna Bridge–Tangail–Dhaka highway.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, in Moscow on Friday, according to the Kremlin. The meeting took place as tensions between Iran and the United States continue to escalate. The Kremlin confirmed that Putin welcomed Larijani, while Iran’s embassy in Moscow stated that the two discussed bilateral economic relations and key regional and international issues, though no further details were disclosed. Russia’s state news agency RIA Novosti reported that the visit had not been announced in advance and that Moscow has offered to mediate between Washington and Tehran. The meeting comes amid heightened friction between the US and Iran, with US President Donald Trump recently announcing that a “massive armada” was moving toward Iran and urging Tehran to return to negotiations. The undisclosed details of the discussions suggest that Moscow may be seeking a diplomatic role in easing regional tensions, though the immediate outcomes of the meeting remain unclear.