BANGLADESH PM SHEIKH HASINA SECURES FIFTH TERM AMIDST OPPOSITION BOYCOTT

In a Sunday election marked by an opposition boycott led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has secured re-election for a fifth term, according to officials. The ruling Awami League, led by Hasina, has claimed victory in more than 50 percent of seats, with counting still in progress, as reported by an Election Commission spokesman to AFP.

Hasina, 76, has overseen rapid economic growth in a nation that once grappled with extensive poverty. However, her government has faced accusations of widespread human rights abuses and a severe crackdown on opposition forces. Although her party faced minimal effective competition in the seats it contested, it strategically refrained from fielding candidates in select constituencies, likely to prevent the characterization of the legislature as a one-party institution.

The opposition BNP, substantially weakened by mass arrests, declared a general strike and joined others in refusing to partake in what they termed a "sham election." Despite Hasina's call for citizens to exhibit faith in the democratic process, initial reports from election officials suggested a modest turnout of approximately 40 percent.

In response to the boycott, Hasina labeled the BNP a "terrorist organization" and emphasized her commitment to maintaining democracy in the country. Preliminary results, compiled by media outlets from polling stations, indicate that Hasina has secured over two-thirds of the parliament seats, with nearly 90 percent of results declared. Out of the 264 seats announced from the total 300, the Awami League won 204, and its ally, the Jatiya Party, secured an additional nine seats, according to data collated by Somoy TV, the country's largest private news broadcaster.

BLINKEN URGES ARAB LEADERS FOR GAZA CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Embarking on a crucial diplomatic initiative in the Middle East, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held discussions on Sunday with Arab leaders, emphasizing the urgency of containing the potential expansion of Israel's conflict with Hamas in Gaza. During meetings with Jordan's King Abdullah II and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Blinken advocated for Israel to adjust its military strategies to minimize civilian casualties and increase the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The secretary of state also underscored the importance of formulating comprehensive plans for the post-conflict future of the Palestinian territory.

This mission, Blinken's fourth to the region since the commencement of the conflict, will also include visits to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, the West Bank, and Egypt. In his meeting with King Abdullah II in Amman, Blinken reassured the Jordanian leader that the US opposes the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza and the occupied West Bank. During a subsequent news conference in Doha, he stressed the necessity of allowing Palestinian civilians to return home and not compelling them to leave Gaza. Furthermore, Blinken pledged to convey to Israeli officials, during his upcoming visit, the imperative of taking additional measures to prevent civilian casualties in Gaza.

ISRAEL: DISMANTLED HAMAS MILITARY IN NORTHERN GAZA

Israel’s military said it had dismantled Hamas’s military capabilities in northern Gaza, and was now focusing on doing the same in the central and southern parts of the enclave, where it said it plans to take a different approach to destroying Hamas. There were still some Hamas fighters in northern Gaza, but they no longer worked under an organised military command, and were limited in how much damage they could inflict, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the chief military spokesman, said late Saturday.

REGULATORS ACROSS THE WORLD ORDER INSPECTIONS ON BOEING MAX-9 PLANES

Airlines worldwide, including Alaska, United, Aeromexico, Turkish Airlines, Copa Airlines, and Icelandair, have grounded Boeing 737 MAX-9 jets for immediate inspections following a panel blowout over Oregon. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration mandated inspections for about 171 affected planes, taking four to eight hours each. Alaska Airlines grounded all 65 MAX-9 planes, with United grounding 46, causing approximately 60 cancellations. The National Transportation Safety Board reported a mid-flight door panel opening on Alaska Flight 1282 but stated no major injuries occurred. Other airlines, such as Copa Airlines and Turkish Airlines, also suspended MAX-9 flights for inspections. European Union’s Aviation Safety Agency pledged to follow the FAA's directive, though it believes no EU airlines currently operate the 737 MAX-9. Singapore Airlines confirmed it remains unaffected as it doesn't fly this model. Boeing, which has delivered approximately 218 737 MAX planes worldwide, continues to grapple with technical and quality control issues.

OPPOSITION RALLY IN PAK. HIT BY INTERNET DISRUPTION

Internet and social media services across Pakistan were severely disrupted on Sunday night as the party of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan prepared to launch a massive online campaign ahead of elections next month.

Khan and most senior leaders of his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party (PTI) have been rejected as candidates for the February 8 vote in what they say is a campaign by the military-led establishment to thwart their participation.

PTI planned a massive national and global telethon on Sunday evening to launch its manifesto and raise campaign funds, but Internet disruptions started from early evening.

“The incident is consistent with previous social media filtering events which have all been imposed during rallies or speeches by opposition leader Imran Khan,” said Netblocks, a watchdog organisation. Netblocks Director Alp Toker said the disruptions were affecting network providers across the country.

“Such nation-scale social media targeting political activities is almost unprecedented at this scale — Venezuela is one other country that has used similar measures to limit opposition speeches and rallies,” he said.

The Human Rights Council of Pakistan condemned the disruption as “a violation of international law”.

ON CAPITOL RIOT ANNIVERSARY, TRUMP DOWNPLAYS SIEGE, CALLS JAILED RIOTERS ‘HOSTAGES’

Newton : Donald Trump began his campaign in Iowa on the third anniversary of the Capitol riot, downplaying the events and referring to jailed rioters as "hostages." In a two-hour speech in Newton, Trump described January 6 as a "beautiful day" and hinted at pardoning those incarcerated. He criticized President Joe Biden, claiming economic decline, border chaos, and failure to prevent Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Trump warned of WWIII if Biden is re-elected, emphasizing this as the last chance to save America. Meanwhile, Republican rivals Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis campaigned in Iowa, aiming to emerge as alternatives to Trump, who leads in early polls. Trump used the opportunity to intensify attacks on Haley, citing her controversial Civil War remarks. He expressed fascination with the "horrible" war, suggesting it could have been negotiated.

N KOREA FIRES NEAR SEA BORDER, KIM’S SISTER MOCKS SEOUL

Seoul : North Korea fired over 90 artillery shells near its disputed sea border with South Korea on Sunday. Kim Jong-un's sister, Kim Yo Jong, mocked South Korea's ability to detect launches, stating they detonated blasting powder simulating artillery sounds on Saturday. South Korea claimed more than 60 rounds were fired on Saturday, but North Korea denied it, asserting it was a test of detection capabilities. The recent provocations raise tensions between the two nations.

BHUTAN VOTES TOMORROW AS ECONOMIC STRIFE HITS ‘NATIONAL HAPPINESS’

Thimpu : Bhutan is set to hold general elections amid economic concerns challenging its emphasis on "Gross National Happiness." Both participating parties prioritize government success measured by "happiness and well-being." The kingdom grapples with youth unemployment, leading to a significant migration abroad, notably to Australia. Parties, like the Bhutan Tendrel Party (BTP) and People's Democratic Party (PDP), highlight these issues. Tourism, a vital foreign currency earner, struggles to recover from pandemic disruptions. The government reduced daily fees for foreign visitors, but numbers remain low. Both parties aim to boost hydropower investment, with the PDP proposing support industries for job creation. As Bhutan faces economic hardships, voters ponder the future, and neighboring countries, including China and India, observe the strategic implications.

FIVE TRAPPED IN SLOVENIA SINCE SATURDAY AS RAINWATER FLOODS CAVE

LJUBLANJA: Five persons have been trapped in a cave in central Slovenia since Saturday after heavy rain caused flooding. A family of three adults with two guides were trapped when they began a tourist visit to the Krizna Jama (Cross Cave), some 50 km south of the capital Ljubljana on Saturday morning.

AIR STRIKE ON MYANMAR VILLAGE KILLS 15, AS JUNTA BATTLES REBELS ACROSS COUNTRY

At least 15 people, including children, lost their lives in an air strike on a village in northwestern Myanmar. The junta faces intensified fighting against opponents in the northern and eastern regions. The strike, targeting a village in Khampat Township, Tamu district, resulted in conflicting reports, with local media mentioning 15 deaths, while witnesses claimed a higher toll of 19, including eight children. The attack focused on two churches, causing casualties as people fled. The village is controlled by a People’s Defence Force group, considered "terrorists" by the military. The junta labeled reports of the attack as "fake news," denying aircraft presence in the area.