world

Tehran: Iran has firmly stated that it will not compromise on its missile program, amid ongoing tensions with the United States. The warning came from Ali Shamkhani, advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during a program marking the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. According to state media, Shamkhani emphasized that Iran’s missile capabilities are non-negotiable, even as Tehran and Washington recently held preliminary talks in Oman regarding Iran’s nuclear program. Stalled Talks with the U.S. Last week’s discussions produced no concrete results, although both sides agreed to continue negotiations. Tehran insists that talks focus solely on its nuclear program, while Washington seeks to include Iran’s ballistic missile program and regional alliances. Analysts not...

Dhaka: As voting continues in Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections, a fresh act of violence has raised serious concerns over minority safety. Early reports indicate that a 28-year-old Hindu man was found dead in Moulvibazar district with his hands and feet bound and deep injuries across his body. The victim, identified as Ratan Sahukar, worked in the tea gardens of the Champa area. His body was discovered on Wednesday morning around 10 a.m., hours after polls opened at 7:30 a.m. Local colleagues allege that the wounds and bindings indicate a deliberate killing rather than an accident. Blood was reportedly still visible at the scene. Police have launched an investigation to determine whether the murder is linked to the elections or other motives. No official statement has yet been rel...

Dhaka: Voting is underway today for 299 of Bangladesh’s 300 parliamentary seats, marking a critical juncture in the country’s political landscape. Of the total 350 seats, 50 are reserved for women and not contested. One seat is pending due to the death of a candidate. Today’s election could determine whether Bangladesh continues on a path of religious extremism or moves toward a more liberal, inclusive society—making it a do-or-die moment for Jamaat-e-Islami. With the Awami League barred from contesting, Jamaat’s main competition comes from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Intelligence reports suggest that Jamaat’s influence on the ground has grown in recent months, particularly among Hindu voters, with the party reportedly promising protection to minority communities and even de...

Washington, D.C.: New evidence has emerged in the case of a Chicago woman who was shot by a U.S. Border Patrol agent last year. Bodycam footage released publicly shows the moments immediately before the shooting, shedding new light on the incident in which the woman was hit by five bullets but survived. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had initially claimed that Marymar Martinez, a 31-year-old Chicago schoolteacher, rammed her car into agents, prompting an officer to fire in self-defense. However, the bodycam footage suggests that the agents may have struck her vehicle first. Details of the Incident On October 4, 2025, Martinez reportedly followed Border Patrol agents, aiming to alert local residents to their presence. During the pursuit, agents fired at her car. Martinez...

Dhaka: Voting has begun for 299 of Bangladesh’s 300 parliamentary seats, marking the country’s first general election since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024. The election has drawn keen attention from across South Asia and the wider world. Though the Awami League, which secured over 35% voter participation in the past, was barred from contesting, hopes remain high that the elections will strengthen the country’s democratic institutions. The polls are being conducted under the leadership of Mohammad Yunus, who promised a fair and transparent election. Yet, the larger question remains: what will Yunus do after today’s elections? Transition and Transfer of Power Following the conclusion of voting, Yunus’ primary focus will be overseeing a smooth transfer of power...

Dhaka: Just hours ahead of Bangladesh’s general elections, Jamaat-e-Islami has signaled a significant shift in its approach toward India. The party’s leader, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, stated that Bangladesh is committed to maintaining strong, mutually beneficial relations with its neighbor. He also assured the protection of minority Hindu communities in the country. Speaking to reporters in Dhaka on the eve of the polls, Dr. Rahman emphasized national unity, equal citizenship, and constructive engagement with neighboring countries, including India. Commitment to Strong India-Bangladesh Ties Dr. Rahman said, “We seek to establish positive and enhanced relations with our neighbors and friends around the world. India is our closest neighbor and will remain a top priority. Our aim is not t...

Dhaka: Ahead of the Bangladesh parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12, Pakistan has sent a large contingent of journalists and civil society representatives to the country. Over 30 Pakistani journalists have arrived to cover the elections, marking an unprecedented scale of media and diplomatic presence from Islamabad. The Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka hosted a welcome dinner for the visiting journalists and delegation, signaling the strategic importance Islamabad places on the event and its narrative-building efforts. Sources suggest that the Bangladeshi interim government is covering the accommodation and meals for the Pakistani delegation. Media Coverage and Strategic InterestsAccording to reports, the delegation includes senior journalists from major Pakistani netwo...

The Hague / Islamabad / New Delhi: India has refused to participate in hearings at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague regarding the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), further escalating tensions with Pakistan. The court confirmed in a press release that India did not respond to repeated invitations to attend proceedings initiated by Pakistan over alleged treaty violations. The controversy centers on India’s Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects. Pakistan claims the design of these projects breaches the terms of the 1960 treaty, which governs shared river waters. India, however, has rejected the court’s authority, calling the tribunal illegally constituted and inconsistent with treaty provisions. Strategic Moves on the Chenab River India’s decision comes as it accelerate...

Dhaka: With less than a day to go before Bangladesh heads to the polls, tensions are running high over the role of the hardline Islamic party, Jamaat-e-Islami. Many citizens are expressing apprehension at the mere prospect of the party’s potential victory. The upcoming national elections, scheduled for Thursday, February 12, are the first since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. The main contest is expected between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, both of which have claimed they are poised for victory. The elections are taking place amid a backdrop of rising divisions and violence following Hasina’s departure. The country’s largest party, the Awami League, has been sidelined from the polls by an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. With the Awami ...

Dubai: A video circulating on social media claims that a Chinese women’s SWAT team outperformed India’s male NSG team during the UAE SWAT Challenge in Dubai. The clip, widely shared by certain Chinese and Pakistani accounts, has been fueling false narratives against India. However, authorities and experts confirm that the video is heavily edited and misleading. The Viral Claim The viral footage purportedly shows the start of a tactical event testing speed, coordination, accuracy, and performance under pressure. In the clip, the Chinese women’s team appears to take an early lead, navigating physical obstacles and live-fire drills, while the Indian male team is shown lagging behind. By the end, the video suggests that the Chinese team emerged victorious, and a similar clip circulated c...