Violent clashes erupted outside Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus' Dhaka residence as government employees demanding implementation of the Ninth National Pay Scale confronted police. The unrest occurred six days before general elections meant to restore elected governance since August 2024's violence that forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to India. Protesters marched from Shaheed Minar to Jamuna chanting "there is no rice in the stomach," accusing authorities of ignoring livelihood concerns. Police deployed water cannons, tear gas, sound grenades, and lathi charges, injuring several demonstrators. A deputy commissioner questioned protesters about election sabotage, prompting threats to boycott voting. Heavy security remained deployed around Shahbagh and Jamuna as tensions persisted.

A suicide bombing at a Shia imambargah in Islamabad's Shehzad Town killed at least 31 people and injured 169 during Friday prayers. The explosion at Tarlai Imambargah scattered severed limbs across the prayer area as desperate families searched for loved ones. Emergency services rapidly transported victims to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences and Polyclinic hospitals, which declared emergencies. The attack coincides with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's state visit and follows recent deadly clashes between Pakistani forces and the Balochistan Liberation Army. This marks Islamabad's second major bombing in six months, after November's court complex suicide attack killed 12. Videos showed security personnel cordoning off the site as forensic teams and medical staff flooded the area.

A new white paper released in London says the Indian diaspora has played a major role in building modern Britain, from post-war recovery to today’s digital economy. The report was launched by Here & Now 365 founder Manish Tiwari with the Aston India Centre at Aston University. It maps four waves of Indian migration to the UK since Independence, covering labour, business, public services, and technology sectors. The study says Indian-born professionals now make up about 15% of the UK’s technology workforce. It adds that Britain’s tech industry ranks second globally after the US and China, with strong Indian participation. Manish Tiwari said, “Indian migrants helped rebuild Britain after the war, powered its digital revolution, and strengthened its health and care systems in times of crisis.” Aston University noted the diaspora “supports public services and powers innovation” while strengthening UK–India economic links.  

At least 31 people were killed and 169 injured in a suicide bombing at a Shia imambargah in Islamabad on Friday. The blast took place at Tarlai Imambargah in the Shehzad Town area while worshippers were offering Friday prayers. Police said early findings point to a suicide attacker. One officer told Reuters, “We have shifted several people to hospitals. I can’t say how many are dead at this moment, but yes people have died.” Emergency services reached the site soon after the explosion. An emergency was declared at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences. The wounded were moved to PIMS and Polyclinic hospitals for treatment. (PC: X)

A senior Russian military general was shot several times and injured in an attack in Moscow, officials said. Lt Gen Vladimir Alexeyev was targeted inside a residential building in the city’s north-west area. He was taken to hospital and his condition is not known. Russia’s Investigations Committee said it has opened a criminal case for attempted murder. Spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko said, “The victim has been hospitalised at one of the city's hospitals.” Alexeyev is a senior officer in Russia’s military intelligence directorate, the GRU. He has been involved in Ukraine war talks and past negotiations during the Wagner mutiny. Authorities have not named any suspects yet. (PC: BBC)

Millions of newly released US Justice Department files linked to Jeffrey Epstein have sparked online claims about cannibalism and baby eating. Social media posts pointed to selected lines mentioning “cannibal” and unusual email phrases about “babies” and “cream cheese.” Fact-checking site Snopes reviewed the records and said the words appear in the files but do not prove the viral accusations. Snopes said “cannibal” appears 52 times and “cannibalism” six times, mostly in unverified statements. One anonymous witness in a 2019 interview made extreme ritual abuse claims but gave no proof. The documents do not show verified evidence that Epstein or his associates ate babies. (PC: HT)

Senior officials from the United States and Iran are due to begin direct talks in Oman as tensions rise over the risk of military conflict. The US team will be led by special envoy Steve Witkoff, while Iran’s delegation will be headed by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The talks aim to reduce tensions and build a path for wider negotiations. Washington wants limits on Iran’s nuclear work, missiles and regional armed groups. Tehran says discussions will focus only on its nuclear programme. President Donald Trump has warned Iran of bombing if no deal is reached, saying its leadership “should be very worried.” Iran has warned it will respond with force. (PC: BBC)

Protests were held in the UK and parts of Europe against Pakistan’s Kashmir Solidarity Day events, with demonstrators calling them a propaganda exercise. Rallies took place outside the Pakistan consulate in Bradford and in London and Brussels. Groups linked to the United Kashmir People’s National Party said the day was “fraudulent solidarity” and a “Day of Betrayal.” Protesters raised slogans against land grabbing and state repression. Leaders accused Pakistani authorities of denying rights in Pakistan-administered regions. One statement said, “True solidarity is measured by actions, not slogans.” Speakers also alleged demographic changes and disinformation campaigns linked to the observance. (PC: NDTV)

Bangladesh is set to sign a trade pact with the United States on February 9, just days before national elections on February 12, according to official statements and local reports. Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman confirmed the signing date. Local media said both sides signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement, keeping terms of the deal confidential. The agreement is being finalised under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, whose term ends after the vote. Bangladesh currently faces 20% US tariffs and is seeking a cut to 15%. A garment industry leader said, “This should have been done after the election, because it carries major implications.” (PC: HT)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued an apology for believing Peter Mandelson's lies and appointing him as US ambassador, addressing the scandal during a speech in East Sussex. Starmer stated that when Mandelson was questioned about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, his answers were "intentionally intended to create the impression" that he "barely knew" him. When asked if he would resist party efforts to remove him as leader, Starmer said he remains focused on changing the country for the better. The PM expressed his intention to release the Mandelson files "as quickly as possible." Political editor Chris Mason described the moment as a prime minister "scrapping for his future with his back against the wall."