Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said his party would ensure equal justice for all if it came to power. Speaking at an election campaign rally on Friday morning at Patahat RC College field in Mehendiganj upazila of Barishal, he stated that the same law would apply to both ordinary citizens and the president. He emphasized that Jamaat seeks victory not for itself but for all 180 million people of Bangladesh, aiming to build a fair and inclusive nation.

Rahman pledged that under Jamaat’s rule, no extrajudicial killings would occur, referring to frequent incidents before August 5. He criticized the Awami League for alleged oppression and inequality after independence, claiming that despite changes in government, the nation’s fate had not improved. He described Jamaat as the most oppressed political group, yet committed to speaking for public interest.

He added that the 11-party alliance was determined to establish a humane, discrimination-free Bangladesh and eradicate corruption. Several senior Jamaat and allied leaders attended the event.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) announced that from 9 a.m. today, the country will experience mainly dry weather with partly cloudy skies for the next 24 hours. Mild cold waves are currently sweeping across Moulvibazar, Panchagarh, Rajshahi, and Pabna districts, and these conditions may persist for a few more days. Light to moderate fog may form in river basin areas during early morning hours.

According to the BMD, both day and night temperatures across the country are expected to remain largely unchanged. The highest temperature recorded today was 31.6 degrees Celsius in Teknaf, while the lowest was 8.4 degrees Celsius in Sreemangal. In Dhaka, winds are blowing from the west-northwest at speeds of 8 to 12 kilometers per hour, with relative humidity measured at 68 percent at 6 a.m.

The department also reported that sunset in Dhaka will occur at 5:48 p.m. today, and sunrise tomorrow will be at 6:37 a.m.

Government employees have begun marching toward the Chief Adviser’s residence at Jamuna, demanding immediate publication and implementation of the gazette for the 9th pay scale based on the Ninth National Pay Commission’s report. The march started around 11 a.m. on Friday when participants broke through a police barricade near Hotel Intercontinental in Dhaka. Protesters declared they would not return home unless the gazette was issued within the day.

Earlier in the morning, government workers gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka before setting out for Jamuna. Participants included members of the Government Officers and Employees Welfare Association, as well as staff from various government, semi-government, and pay-scale-covered offices. Demonstrators alleged that although a pay commission was formed during the interim government, the failure to publish the gazette constituted an injustice.

The protest reflects growing frustration among public servants over delays in formalizing the new pay scale, with demands centered on immediate government action.

At least 18 workers were killed and eight others seriously injured after an explosion ripped through an unauthorized coal mine in East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, India, on Thursday morning, February 5. The blast occurred in the remote Thangsu area, and several workers are feared trapped inside. Police said the total number of miners present remains uncertain, and preliminary investigations suggest the explosion was triggered by dynamite used for illegal coal extraction.

Joint state and central rescue teams launched operations soon after the incident but were forced to suspend efforts Thursday evening due to difficult terrain and lack of equipment. Operations resumed Friday morning. Officials described the site as an illegal “rat-hole” mine with narrow tunnels, where toxic gas and smoke have reduced chances of survival for trapped workers. Most victims reportedly died from burns or suffocation caused by poisonous gases.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma expressed deep sorrow and promised strict action against illegal mining. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced compensation of 200,000 rupees for each victim’s family. Despite a 2014 ban on rat-hole mining, weak enforcement has allowed such dangerous operations to continue in remote areas.

The United Nations has reported that more than 900 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced from their homes in the occupied West Bank since the beginning of January 2026. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, citing the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said on Thursday that widespread displacement continues due to settler attacks, destruction, and access restrictions.

According to the UN, Israeli settlers carried out more than 50 attacks between January 20 and the previous Monday, resulting in casualties, property damage, or both. Dujarric also highlighted the worsening humanitarian situation in the blockaded Gaza Strip, where civilian deaths continue to rise.

He reminded all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure during conflicts.

Political dynamics in the Comilla-5 (Burichang–Brahmanpara) constituency have become increasingly complex ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election. Two candidates from the 11-party alliance are contesting: Jamaat-e-Islami’s Advocate Mobarak Hossain, a former Islami Chhatra Shibir leader, and Barrister Zubair Ahmed, joint secretary general of Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party. Observers note that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate, Haji Jasim Uddin, appears to be in a comparatively favorable position.

Both alliance candidates are actively campaigning, but their simultaneous presence has reportedly confused voters. Political analysts believe this split may benefit the BNP contender. Jamaat and AB Party leaders confirmed that only two constituencies nationwide—Comilla-5 and Sunamganj-3—feature both parties’ candidates under a mutual understanding within the 11-party coalition. Jamaat’s candidate expects AB Party to withdraw soon, while AB’s Zubair Ahmed insists he is running independently and is confident of victory.

The 11-party alliance, announced on January 15 in Dhaka, allocated 179 seats to Jamaat and three to AB Party. Local leaders say the overlapping nominations in Comilla-5 are part of the coalition’s agreed flexibility.

Norwegian authorities have opened an investigation into former Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland on suspicion of aggravated corruption following disclosures about his connections with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The move follows the release of U.S. Department of Justice documents showing years of communication between Jagland and Epstein, including emails suggesting Jagland stayed at Epstein’s residence. Norway’s white-collar crime unit, Okokrim, said it found reasonable grounds to investigate and has asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to revoke Jagland’s immunity as a former head of an international organisation.

Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stated that Jagland’s immunity should not obstruct the investigation and announced Norway would propose its revocation to the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers. Jagland’s lawyer did not immediately comment but was quoted by local media as saying his client welcomed the inquiry and remained calm about its outcome.

The investigation comes amid broader scrutiny in Norway over ties between prominent figures and Epstein. The World Economic Forum also launched a review into its CEO Borge Brende’s past interactions with Epstein, underscoring growing pressure for transparency among Norwegian elites.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has confirmed that Pakistan will boycott its ICC Men’s Twenty20 World Cup match against India, describing the move as an act of solidarity with Bangladesh. Sharif told his cabinet that the decision followed careful deliberation and reflected Pakistan’s stance that politics should not interfere with sports. The match, scheduled for February 15, will not be played by Pakistan, effectively confirming earlier speculation about the government’s position.

The decision comes after Bangladesh was ousted from the tournament for refusing to travel to India for its fixtures, a situation that followed the expulsion of Bangladeshi player Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League on the directives of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha said the team would seek government advice if it faces India in later knockout stages. The International Cricket Council (ICC) criticized the boycott, saying selective participation undermines the spirit of global competitions and could have long-term consequences for Pakistan’s cricket.

It remains unclear whether the Pakistan Cricket Board will face additional sanctions or bans beyond forfeiting two points. The T20 World Cup begins on Saturday.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Lucky Oberoi was shot dead on Friday morning, January 6, in Jalandhar, Punjab. The attack occurred in front of a gurdwara in the city’s Model Town area when unidentified assailants on a motorcycle opened fire as Oberoi was parking his car. He was struck by five bullets and later died at a private hospital while receiving treatment. Police have launched an investigation and are reviewing nearby CCTV footage to identify the attackers.

The killing has triggered sharp political reactions over Punjab’s law and order situation. Opposition leader Partap Singh Bajwa blamed Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, saying law and order in the state had collapsed and questioned the safety of ordinary citizens if ruling party leaders were not secure. Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiromani Akali Dal also criticized the government, alleging that Punjab was becoming a safe haven for gangsters.

Police have intensified operations to track down the culprits as fear spreads across the area following the daylight shooting.

A three-way contest is unfolding in the Jessore-5 (Monirampur) constituency ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election, with the main competition expected between BNP’s expelled rebel candidate Shahid Md. Iqbal Hossain and Jamaat-e-Islami’s Gazi Enamul Haque. The BNP-led alliance’s official nominee, former Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam leader Rashid Ahmad, is reportedly trailing behind. Iqbal Hossain was initially nominated by the BNP but was later expelled after refusing to withdraw his candidacy when the seat was allocated to Jamiat as part of a joint anti-fascist movement arrangement.

Local reports indicate that most BNP activists in Monirampur are campaigning for Iqbal Hossain, while only a few support the official BNP symbol candidate. The constituency has about 375,000 voters, including roughly 100,000 religious minorities, many of whom are said to back Iqbal. His long-standing local presence and previous tenure as three-time mayor have strengthened his influence. Jamaat’s campaign, however, remains active, particularly among women voters.

Iqbal Hossain expressed full confidence in his victory, while Jamaat’s campaign committee stated they are on the path to success, identifying Iqbal as their main rival.

As the election date nears, campaigning in Barishal-2 constituency has become increasingly competitive, with candidates and supporters canvassing from morning to night. Voters say they prefer honest and capable candidates. Although eight contenders are running, the main contest appears to be between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami nominees, both striving to attract Awami League voters, whose support could determine the outcome.

BNP has nominated industrialist and education enthusiast S. Sarfuddin Ahmed Santu, but internal divisions have weakened his campaign. Several BNP leaders who were denied nomination have refrained from joining his campaign, and some have defected to Jamaat. This has created mixed reactions locally. Jamaat’s candidate, Master Abdul Mannan, is seen as honest though less popular, while BNP’s Santu remains widely known. Other strong candidates include JASAD’s Abul Kalam Azad Badol, a former local chairman.

Election officials report that law and order in Barishal-2 remains under control, with no incidents of political violence so far. The constituency, comprising Uzirpur and Banaripara upazilas, has 385,807 voters and 140 polling centers. Observers note that Awami League supporters’ voting direction could decide the final result.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has indicated that Turkey and Saudi Arabia may jointly invest in the Turkish-made stealth fighter jet known as 'Kaan'. Speaking to reporters on his return from Cairo on Wednesday, Erdogan said the aircraft has received strong international praise and that both nations could implement the partnership at any time. He confirmed that a major defense industry cooperation agreement has already been signed between Ankara and Riyadh and emphasized Turkey’s determination to expand this collaboration.

Erdogan also addressed broader regional and international issues, expressing optimism about easing tensions between Iran and the United States. He stated that dialogue is the only sustainable path to resolving their disputes. On the Gaza situation, Erdogan said Turkey would play an active role in ensuring the proper implementation of the Gaza peace plan and in restoring peace and stability there.

The United States and Iran are set to begin high-level talks in Muscat, Oman, amid fears of military confrontation. The discussions, expected to start on Friday, follow Washington’s strong reaction to Iran’s violent crackdown on nationwide anti-government protests last month. Human rights groups report thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of arrests. The talks will be led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

The US has demanded Iran suspend its nuclear program, reduce enriched uranium stockpiles, and address issues including ballistic missiles, regional militias, and human rights. Iran insists the talks should focus solely on its nuclear activities. President Donald Trump has warned of possible airstrikes if no agreement is reached, while Iran has threatened retaliation against US assets in the Middle East and Israel. Regional mediators view the dialogue as a last chance to prevent open conflict.

Analysts describe Iran’s government as being at its weakest since the 1979 revolution, facing economic crisis and internal dissent. The outcome of these talks could determine whether tensions ease or escalate further in the region.

Two days before Japan’s snap election, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly declared his full support for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi through a message on Truth Social. Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, took office in October and is hoping for a major victory in Sunday’s vote. Polls suggest her ruling coalition could secure a supermajority in parliament. Trump praised Takaichi as a strong and wise leader who loves her country and confirmed she will visit the United States on March 19.

Trump said the U.S. and Japan are moving toward an important trade agreement and cooperating closely on national security. His endorsement breaks with the usual U.S. presidential practice of avoiding involvement in foreign elections, though Trump has previously supported leaders such as Argentina’s Javier Milei and Hungary’s Viktor Orbán. Takaichi earlier welcomed Trump warmly in Japan and supported his Nobel Peace Prize nomination.

Polls indicate Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party has regained strength after past scandals and inflation challenges. Analysts suggest a strong mandate could allow her to advance economic and security reforms if her coalition achieves a two-thirds majority.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has warned that his country will deliver a firm and equal response to any provocation from India. He issued the warning on Thursday during a special address in Azad Kashmir marking Kashmir Solidarity Day, according to The News. Sharif stated that Pakistan would respond directly from the front where any provocation originates.

In his speech, Sharif accused India of conducting terrorism in Pakistan through proxies following its defeat in the war last May. He said regional peace would remain impossible until India abandons what he described as its aggressive, expansionist, and hegemonic ambitions. The prime minister emphasized that Pakistan’s armed forces and security agencies would counter any India-backed terrorist activity with the same determination and skill shown in confronting enemy warplanes.

Sharif reiterated that Pakistan seeks peace based on equality and justice, describing the recent military success as both a demonstration of professional strength and a tribute to the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people.