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Bangladesh’s opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, has declared victory in the 2026 general election and says it has enough seats to form the next government, even as the Election Commission has yet to release official results. Delay in formal results has sparked debate, but early trends…
Interim leader Muhammad Yunus cast his ballot in Dhaka as Bangladesh holds elections, its first since the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Voters across the country are participating today, with vote counting and live updates unfolding as political parties await results.
India is monitoring Bangladesh’s February polls because the result will shape regional security, trade, and diplomatic ties. Dhaka’s political landscape has shifted after the ouster of long-time leader Sheikh Hasina, raising questions about future relations, minority protections, and influence from neighbours like China, affecting India’s strategic interests.
For the first time in 37 years, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei skipped a traditional annual meeting with air force commanders—a ceremony he has led since 1989. His absence, coming amid rising tensions and heightened military pressure from the United States, has drawn global attention and speculation.
India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal says the interim trade agreement with the United States carefully protects agricultural and sensitive farm interests. He emphasized that key sectors like dairy, grains and other staples remain shielded, and Indian farmers’ needs were prioritised while expanding export opportunities.
