Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has called on citizens to vote 'yes' for reform, regardless of political affiliation. He made the appeal on Monday during a press briefing following a courtesy meeting with a three-member European Union election observation team led by Ivars Ijabs, a member of the European Parliament, at his office in Bashundhara, Dhaka. Dr. Rahman said a final announcement on seat-sharing for the upcoming national election would come within the next two days, adding that discussions with all parties were ongoing to reach a coordinated decision. He noted that the EU delegation inquired about election preparations, law and order, and the Election Commission’s role. He outlined three key conditions for post-election stability: building a corruption-free state, ensuring an independent judiciary, and implementing reform commission proposals. He emphasized that Jamaat seeks balanced foreign relations based on mutual respect and equality, with special attention to youth and women’s security. He also mentioned that around 200 EU observers would monitor the polls across districts and city corporations and expressed hope that the administration would act neutrally.

Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that the Islamic Republic is currently engaged in battles on four simultaneous fronts—economic, intellectual, military, and counterterrorism—against enemies led by the United States and Israel. Speaking in parliament on Sunday, he said these conflicts have been ongoing for years and are becoming increasingly complex. According to him, Iran’s adversaries have already been defeated militarily, prompting the US to attempt to incite unrest and impose what he described as a “terrorist war” inside the country. Ghalibaf warned that this so-called “terrorist war,” resembling Daesh-style operations, aims to harm Iran. He criticized US President Donald Trump’s threats and said the Iranian people have resolved to confront and eliminate armed terrorists. Separately, on January 9, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei accused certain groups of carrying out sabotage in Tehran and other cities to please the US president. He alleged that Trump was responsible for the deaths of over a thousand Iranians during a 12-day war in June 2025. Khamenei emphasized that the Islamic Republic, founded through great sacrifice, would never submit to foreign powers and urged Iranian youth to maintain unity and readiness to defeat all enemies.

A Chattogram court has sentenced ten individuals to life imprisonment for the murder of police constable Abdul Kaiyum, who was stabbed to death by robbers a decade ago. The verdict was delivered on Monday by Judge Mizanur Rahman of the Chattogram Special Judge Court. The convicted are Md. Javed, Nurul Alam, Suman Molla, Harunur Rashid, Tapan Chandra Sarker, Mintu Das, Arsal alias Russell, Faruk alias Bullet Faruk, Md. Sohel, and Md. Babul. Five of the convicts were present in court, while the other five remain absconding. Each convict was also fined 25,000 taka, totaling 250,000 taka, which the court ordered to be handed over to the slain constable’s family. According to court sources, the incident occurred on November 3, 2013, in front of the DIG bungalow at Tigerpass Ambagan under Khulshi Police Station, when robbers attacked police personnel, killing Kaiyum and injuring three others. Abdul Kaiyum, a resident of Sandwip upazila in Chattogram, had joined the police as a constable on October 6, 2012. The case was filed naming 11 suspects and several unidentified persons, and the verdict came after testimony from 14 witnesses.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman announced that the party’s final decision on seat-sharing will be declared within the next two days. He made the statement on Monday during a press briefing following a courtesy meeting with a three-member European Union election observation delegation led by Ivars Ijabs, a member of the European Parliament, at his office in Bashundhara, Dhaka. He said journalists would be invited when the parties sit together to finalize the agreement. During the hour-long discussion, topics included the upcoming February national election, the referendum, and the preparedness of Jamaat and its allies. The EU team inquired about the law and order situation, the roles of the government and the Election Commission, and whether a level playing field exists. Dr. Rahman said the party had raised its concerns with the relevant authorities and received partial remedies. He added that Jamaat supports fair elections, reform, and justice for all, emphasizing that voters must be able to cast their ballots freely and that results should reflect the people’s will. He also confirmed that the EU plans to send 200 observers to cover district and city corporation areas.

Mohammad Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), and Maulana Mohammad Mamunul Haque, amir of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, held a courtesy meeting on Monday afternoon at Haque’s personal office in Mohammadpur, Dhaka. The two leaders, both part of the Jamaat-e-Islami–led 11-party alliance, discussed the upcoming national election, the planned referendum, and other current political issues. According to party sources, the hour-long meeting covered the country’s ongoing political situation, recent political alignments, and future strategies. The discussion emphasized strengthening mutual understanding within the alliance and coordinating joint political initiatives. Particular focus was placed on developing a unified political stance to safeguard national interests, independence, and sovereignty, as well as mobilizing public support for a “yes” vote in the referendum. The meeting reflected efforts within the 11-party alliance to consolidate cooperation and define strategies ahead of the next election and referendum.

The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved a revised Annual Development Programme (ADP) of Tk 2 trillion for the 2025–26 fiscal year. Including projects under autonomous bodies and corporations, the total expenditure stands at Tk 2.289 trillion. The decision was made at an NEC meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the NEC Conference Room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. The revised plan allocates Tk 1.28 trillion from domestic sources and Tk 720 billion from foreign sources. According to the press briefing, the revised ADP reflects a reduction of Tk 300 billion compared to the original plan, with Tk 160 billion less from domestic sources and Tk 140 billion less from foreign assistance. The programme includes 1,330 projects, comprising 1,108 investment projects, 35 feasibility studies, 121 technical assistance projects, and 66 self-financed projects by agencies. Priority sectors include transport, power and energy, housing, education, and local government, which together receive Tk 1.211 trillion or 60.54% of total allocations. Planning officials stated that the revised ADP aims to expand economic activities, generate employment, develop human resources, improve social services, and support sustainable growth.

A Russian commander has claimed that his unit shot down a US-made F-16 fighter jet operated by Ukraine. In an interview broadcast on Russia-1 TV, the commander, identified as Sevar, said the aircraft was the most attractive target for his unit. According to him, two missiles were fired at the jet, with the first damaging it and the second delivering the final strike. Sevar stated that the operation took considerable preparation time and that his team had been tracking the aircraft before it entered their target zone. He did not specify when the incident occurred. Meanwhile, Ukraine reportedly carried out separate attacks on three Russian oil extraction facilities in the Caspian Sea and launched drone strikes on the city of Voronezh. The governor of the Voronezh region, Alexander Gusev, confirmed that one woman was killed and three others were injured in the drone attack. Several drones were shot down over the city, but casualties could not be avoided. The extent of damage to the Caspian oil facilities remains unclear. The developments highlight continuing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides reporting strikes across multiple fronts.

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.