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bangladesh-nationalist-party-secures-majority-in-general-election-regional-leaders-extend-congratulations
WorldFeb 13, 2026

Bangladesh Nationalist Party secures majority in general election, regional leaders extend congratulations

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party has won a clear majority in Bangladesh’s general election, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape after nearly two decades. According to preliminary results, the BNP-led alliance secured 212 of the 299 parliamentary seats contested nationwide. An 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami won 77 seats, positioning it as the main opposition bloc in the new parliament. The outcome paves the way for BNP president Tarique Rahman to assume the office of prime minister. Rahman contested from two constituencies and was declared elected in b
bangladesh-wraps-up-first-general-election-since-2024-government-ouster
WorldFeb 12, 2026

Bangladesh wraps up first general election since 2024 government ouster

Voting has concluded across Bangladesh in the country’s first general election since the August 2024 ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. Election officials reported that polling began at 7:30 am local time and continued until 4:30 pm without any suspension or cancellation at voting centres. According to preliminary figures released Thursday afternoon, voter turnout reached 47.91 per cent by 2 pm across approximately 36,000 polling stations nationwide. Ballot counting began shortly after polls closed, with results expected to be announced in phases. Authorities said
activists-say-more-than-7-000-killed-in-iran-protest-crackdown-as-death-toll-disputed
WorldFeb 12, 2026

Activists say more than 7,000 killed in Iran protest crackdown as death toll disputed

Human rights activists say the number of people killed during last month’s nationwide protests in Iran has climbed to at least 7,002, sharply higher than figures released by the Iranian government. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported Thursday that it has verified thousands of deaths through a network of contacts inside the country. The organization, which has tracked previous waves of unrest in Iran, said the count continues to rise gradually as it crosschecks information amid restricted communications and internet disruptions. Iran’s government has provided only one
deadly-mosque-blast-in-islamabad-kills-at-least-31-during-friday-prayers
WorldFeb 06, 2026

Deadly mosque blast in Islamabad kills at least 31 during Friday prayers

A powerful explosion tore through a mosque in Pakistan’s capital during Friday prayers, killing at least 31 people and injuring more than 160 others, according to local authorities. The blast occurred inside a Shia mosque in the Taralai area of Islamabad, a residential district on the city’s outskirts. Worshippers were gathered for weekly prayers when the explosion went off, causing widespread panic and structural damage inside the mosque. Emergency services rushed the injured to nearby hospitals, where authorities declared medical emergencies to handle the influx of casualties. Police and
WorldFeb 04, 2026

Deadly strikes resume across Gaza after Rafah crossing reopens, hospitals say about 20 killed

Deadly Israeli strikes hit northern and southern parts of Gaza again after Israel reopened the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, with local hospitals reporting that about 20 Palestinians were killed. Medical officials said casualties were brought to several facilities as attacks continued in multiple areas. The Israeli military said the strikes targeted what it described as militant positions. According to Israeli officials, the attacks were carried out in response to gunfire directed at Israeli troops operating in northern Gaza, an incident that left one Israeli officer seriously
WorldFeb 03, 2026

Iran signals conditional openness to talks with U.S. amid diplomatic uncertainty

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says he has directed the country’s foreign minister to explore negotiations with the United States, provided talks take place under what he described as fair and respectful conditions. In a message posted Tuesday on social media platform X, Pezeshkian said discussions would only proceed if the diplomatic environment is free of threats or what he called unreasonable demands. He said any engagement must be guided by national dignity, prudence, and Iran’s broader interests. The remarks mark the clearest public indication so far that Iran’s new reformist a
trump-to-meet-colombian-president-petro-at-white-house-amid-drug-trafficking-concerns
WorldFeb 03, 2026

Trump to Meet Colombian President Petro at White House Amid Drug Trafficking Concerns

U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Colombian President Gustavo Petro at the White House on Tuesday. The meeting comes weeks after Trump threatened military action against Colombia over issues related to drug trafficking. On Monday, Trump indicated that Petro appears willing to cooperate with U.S. authorities to curb illegal drug shipments originating from Colombia. Officials say the discussions during the visit are expected to focus on regional security collaboration and efforts to accelerate anti-drug initiatives. Petro and Trump have also voiced ongoing criticism of Venezuelan
trump-signals-tariff-cut-for-india-after-pledge-to-halt-russian-oil-imports
WorldFeb 02, 2026

Trump signals tariff cut for India after pledge to halt Russian oil imports

U.S. President Donald Trump says his administration plans to lower tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent, down from the current 25 per cent, after India agreed to stop purchasing oil from Russia. The announcement follows months of pressure from Washington urging New Delhi to reduce its reliance on discounted Russian crude amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. India has been one of the world’s largest buyers of Russian oil since Moscow’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, taking advantage of lower prices as many Western countries moved to restrict energy trade with Russia. The issue has been a
pakistan-says-145-militants-killed-in-security-crackdown-after-deadly-balochistan-attacks
WorldFeb 02, 2026

Pakistan says 145 militants killed in security crackdown after deadly Balochistan attacks

Pakistan’s security forces say they have killed about 145 militants in a series of counter-operations across the southwestern province of Balochistan, following coordinated attacks that left around 50 people dead. The provincial government says the operations were launched shortly after the assaults, which targeted multiple locations early Saturday. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said the army and police responded swiftly after the attacks, which were later claimed by the banned separatist group Balochistan Liberation Army. He stated that those killed in the security operation were

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canada-eu-to-forge-a-new-strategic-partnership-geneviève-tuts
CanadaSep 09, 2026

Canada-EU to Forge a New Strategic Partnership: Geneviève Tuts

European Union Ambassador to Canada Geneviève Tuts has revealed that the EU and Ottawa are working toward an unprecedented strategic partnership. Her comments come ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s planned address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, next week. Carney has been invited to speak as a non-European leader. According to Tuts, the proposed trade and strategic framework will be part of the broader security and economic alliance Carney highlighted last month. She said the partnership would be distinct from the EU’s existing agreements with countries such as Switz
bc-forestry-sector-urges-urgent-action-writes-to-premier-eby
BCSep 09, 2026

BC Forestry Sector Urges Urgent Action, Writes to Premier Eby

Major organizations representing British Columbia’s forestry sector have written to Premier David Eby, calling for immediate action to address the growing crisis in the province’s forest industry. The BC Council of Forest Industries, BC Wood and the United Steelworkers jointly sent a letter to the provincial government this month, urging Premier Eby to establish a Forestry Crisis Action Group under his leadership. The groups said B.C.’s forestry sector is at a critical crossroads. While acknowledging that international trade pressures are beyond the direct control of the provincial gover
CanadaSep 09, 2026

Canada Eases Study Rules for Temporary Foreign Workers, Allows Up to 6 Months of Study Without Permit

The Canadian government has announced a temporary measure allowing eligible temporary foreign workers already in the country to study for up to six months without applying for a study permit. The initiative is aimed at helping workers upgrade their skills, obtain short-term training and pursue professional licensing while continuing to work. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the measure will particularly benefit workers in high-demand fields, including nurses, laboratory technicians and skilled tradespeople. The government says the move is intended to help addr
CanadaSep 09, 2026

Tariff War Could Push Up Prices at Canadian Retail Stores

Canadian shoppers could see higher prices at retail stores as the ongoing tariff war begins to affect newly imported goods. However, retailers say the impact may take some time to reach store shelves as businesses first work through inventory purchased before the latest tariffs came into effect. Matt Poirier of the Retail Council of Canada said products with short shelf lives or those that sell quickly are likely to see price increases first. This could be followed by slower-moving items such as ovens and washing machines as retailers replenish their stock with tariff-affected products. Canad
85-year-old-man-killed-by-stray-bullet-in-burnaby-apartment
BCSep 09, 2026

85-Year-Old Man Killed by Stray Bullet in Burnaby Apartment

An 85-year-old man was killed after being struck by a stray bullet inside his apartment in Burnaby. According to the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT), the body of Chang Yong Cho was found on Aug. 30 inside his apartment in the 7400 block of Kingsway. Police had received reports of a shooting in a nearby block at around 1:30 a.m. Later that day, at approximately 4 p.m., Burnaby RCMP received a call requesting a welfare check at the apartment, where Cho was found dead from a gunshot wound. Investigators said shots were fired during a dispute between a group of young people. One of t