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Representative Ro Khanna on Tuesday (Feb 10) named six “wealthy, powerful men” whose names were originally redacted in the Jeffrey Epstein files. Reading the names aloud on the House floor, the Democrat said he had forced the DoJ's hand into releasing the names. Democrats also released the identity of the individual to whom the paedophile Epstein sent an alarming email with mentions of “torture”.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epstein-files-latest-doj-reveals-new-names-after-pressure-from-lawmakers-who-are-the-newly-named-individuals-1770772043819">Epstein files: DoJ reveals names of paedophile's co-conspirators after pressure from lawmakers. Who are the newly named individuals?</a>This comes after Khanna and Rep. Thomas Massie reviewed unredacted materials related to the late convicted sex offender and demanded that the Justice Department disclose these individuals’ identities publicly if their redactions did not adhere to Congress's established terms. Here's all you need to know.<h2>Identity of person behind alarming 'torture video' revealed</h2>Another previously redacted identity linked to a 2009 email from Epstein referencing a "torture video" has also been revealed. The email, which was part of the recently released batch of over three million documents, read "where are you? are you ok I loved the torture video".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/epstein-files-bombshell-email-about-trump-and-mar-a-lago-mysteriously-redacted-from-doj-release-democrats-allege-cover-up-1770696241019">Damning email contradicting Trump claims on kicking Epstein out of Mar-a-Lago mysteriously redacted, Democrats EXPOSE alleged cover-up</a>In an X post, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche Officials revealed that the email recipient was a sultan. He said that the name was unredacted in a separate file ‘EFTA00666117’. The file reveals that the Sultan in question is Emirati businessman Sultan Bin Sulayem. At this time, it remains unclear what "torture video" Epstein was referring to in the message.<img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260211/image-1770784091570.png"><h2>Identities of six “wealthy, powerful men” revealed</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/RepThomasMassie?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepThomasMassie</a> and I forced last night the DOJ to disclose the identities of 6 men: Salvatore Nuara, Zurab Mikeladze, Leonic Leonov, Nicola Caputo, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, and billionaire businessman Leslie Wexner. I share details of what more we learned to hold the… <a href="https://t.co/5JwKwRUNIF">pic.twitter.com/5JwKwRUNIF</a>&mdash; Rep. Ro Khanna (@RepRoKhanna) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepRoKhanna/status/2021266289910563273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Among the latest revelations are the identities of six “wealthy, powerful men” whose names were previously redacted by the DoJ. They are Salvatore Nuara, Zurab Mikeladze, Leonic Leonov, Nicola Caputo, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, and billionaire businessman Leslie Wexner.&nbsp; Also named are retail billionaire Les Wexner, Epstein’s longtime assistant Lesley Groff, and former French modelling agent Jean-Luc Brunel. All three were listed as co-conspirators in a 2019 FBI document connected to the investigation. The latest disclosures followed complaints from lawmakers who reviewed unredacted material. Republican Representative Thomas Massie said several names had been unnecessarily hidden in earlier releases.&nbsp;

US lawmakers have revealed new names from the Epstein files after reviewing unredacted documents, including the identity of a mysterious “sultan” linked to a horrifying “torture video” email. Scroll down to read.

Representative Ro Khanna on Tuesday (Feb 10) named six “wealthy, powerful men” whose names were originally redacted in the Jeffrey Epstein files. Reading the names aloud on the House floor, the Democrat said he had forced the DoJ's hand into releasing the names. Democrats also released the identity of the individual to whom the paedophile Epstein sent an alarming email with mentions of “torture”. Also read | Epstein files: DoJ reveals names of paedophile's co-conspirators after pressure from lawmakers. Who are the newly named individuals? This comes after Khanna and Rep. Thomas Massie reviewed unredacted materials related to the late convicted sex offender and demanded that the Justice Department disclose these individuals’ identities publicly if their redactions did not adhere to Congress's established terms. Here's all you need to know. Identity of person behind alarming 'torture video' revealed Another previously redacted identity linked to a 2009 email from Epstein referencing a "torture video" has also been revealed. The email, which was part of the recently released batch of over three million documents, read "where are you? are you ok I loved the torture video". Also read | Damning email contradicting Trump claims on kicking Epstein out of Mar-a-Lago mysteriously redacted, Democrats EXPOSE alleged cover-up In an X post, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche Officials revealed that the email recipient was a sultan. He said that the name was unredacted in a separate file ‘EFTA00666117’. The file reveals that the Sultan in question is Emirati businessman Sultan Bin Sulayem. At this time, it remains unclear what "torture video" Epstein was referring to in the message. Identities of six “wealthy, powerful men” revealed

US lawmakers have revealed new names from the Epstein files after reviewing unredacted documents, including the identity of a mysterious “sultan” linked to a horrifying “torture video” email. Scroll down to read.

‘I loved the torture video’: Recipient of horrifying Epstein email FINALLY identified

The doorbell camera video from Nancy Guthrie's home was finally released nearly 10 days after she went missing. The FBI could not access it all this time because of a technical problem, and had to get innovative to get its hands on it. Meanwhile, a man was detained for questioning hours after a Monday ransom deadline ended. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department held the man during a traffic stop south of Tucson. "The subject is currently being questioned in connection to the Nancy Guthrie investigation," the department said on Tuesday night. He was later released. Earlier in the day, the department had released a security video showing the suspect at the door in a mask. The footage is from the doorbell camera and shows a masked man carrying a backpack and a gun going up to Guthrie’s home just before her disappearance. It is not clear whether the man detained is the same person seen on camera, and officials have yet to release any additional information. ABC News first reported about the arrest after 7 pm local time in Arizona, citing an unnamed law enforcement official. Describing the man seen on camera, FBI Director Kash Patel said he was “an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie's front door the morning of her disappearance.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-releases-masked-suspect-footage-in-disappearance-of-savannah-guthrie-s-mother-nancy-guthrie-1770754785232">FBI releases masked suspect footage in disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie</a><h2>Why was the release of Nancy Guthrie's doorbell camera footage delayed?</h2> Sheriff Chris Nanos of Pima County, Arizona, said that the camera on her door had been disconnected before she went missing. Nancy did not have a subscription to the service, otherwise the video would have automatically saved. This made recovering the footage difficult for investigators, and they had to work with a tech company. Kash Patel said the bureau was able to collect the video from “backend systems.” The intruder was captured on the internet-connected Google Nest camera, and it is not clear how the video was retrieved despite not being saved. Experts say cloud-based cameras have a complex infrastructure which can make such retrieval possible.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nancy-guthrie-kidnapping-savannah-guthrie-issues-fresh-appeal-as-random-deadline-ends-1770707608609">Nancy Guthrie kidnapping: Savannah Guthrie issues fresh appeal as ransom deadline ends</a> &nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/nancy-guthrie-abduction-fbi-publishes-footage-in-nancy-guthrie-kidnapping-case-1770780942272/embed<h2>Physical details of the suspect are visible in the doorbell camera video&nbsp;</h2>The man in the video has notable facial hair around the mouth and distinctive eyebrows visible through the mask. The backpack has reflectors, and he is wearing a zip-up jacket and light-coloured running shoes. On Tuesday (February 10), law enforcement officers searched the Tucson neighbourhood of Annie Guthrie, Savannah Guthrie's sister. This is the area where their 84-year-old mother spent the evening before she disappeared on February 1. Earlier on Monday, Savannah Guthrie released another video, urging people to report suspicious activity to help find their mother.

Nancy Guthrie missing case: A person has been detained in the suspected kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie. Earlier, the FBI released the doorbell video showing the suspect in a mask, holding a gun and wearing a backpack. Why did it take so long?

The doorbell camera video from Nancy Guthrie's home was finally released nearly 10 days after she went missing. The FBI could not access it all this time because of a technical problem, and had to get innovative to get its hands on it. Meanwhile, a man was detained for questioning hours after a Monday ransom deadline ended. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department held the man during a traffic stop south of Tucson. "The subject is currently being questioned in connection to the Nancy Guthrie investigation," the department said on Tuesday night. He was later released. Earlier in the day, the department had released a security video showing the suspect at the door in a mask. The footage is from the doorbell camera and shows a masked man carrying a backpack and a gun going up to Guthrie’s home just before her disappearance. It is not clear whether the man detained is the same person seen on camera, and officials have yet to release any additional information. ABC News first reported about the arrest after 7 pm local time in Arizona, citing an unnamed law enforcement official. Describing the man seen on camera, FBI Director Kash Patel said he was “an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie's front door the morning of her disappearance.” Also Read: FBI releases masked suspect footage in disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie Why was the release of Nancy Guthrie's doorbell camera footage delayed? Sheriff Chris Nanos of Pima County, Arizona, said that the camera on her door had been disconnected before she went missing. Nancy did not have a subscription to the service, otherwise the video would have automatically saved. This made recovering the footage difficult for investigators, and they had to work with a tech company. Kash Patel said the bureau was able to collect the video from “backend systems.” The intruder was captured on the internet-connected Google Nest camera, and it is not clear how the video was retrieved despite not being saved. Experts say cloud-based cameras have a complex infrastructure which can make such retrieval possible. Also Read: Nancy Guthrie kidnapping: Savannah Guthrie issues fresh appeal as ransom deadline ends https://www.wionews.com/videos/nancy-guthrie-abduction-fbi-publishes-footage-in-nancy-guthrie-kidnapping-case-1770780942272/embed Physical details of the suspect are visible in the doorbell camera video The man in the video has notable facial hair around the mouth and distinctive eyebrows visible through the mask. The backpack has reflectors, and he is wearing a zip-up jacket and light-coloured running shoes. On Tuesday (February 10), law enforcement officers searched the Tucson neighbourhood of Annie Guthrie, Savannah Guthrie's sister. This is the area where their 84-year-old mother spent the evening before she disappeared on February 1. Earlier on Monday, Savannah Guthrie released another video, urging people to report suspicious activity to help find their mother.

Nancy Guthrie missing case: A person has been detained in the suspected kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie. Earlier, the FBI released the doorbell video showing the suspect in a mask, holding a gun and wearing a backpack. Why did it take so long?

Nancy Guthrie missing case: Why release of doorbell camera footage take so long?

The United States on Tuesday (Feb 10) quietly revised its official factsheet on the recently announced trade agreement with India, making several notable changes. The edits come just hours after the US released its first official fact sheet on the deal, touted as "historic".<h2>What changed?</h2>There are multiple notable changes in the US fact sheet. One of the most visible changes involves agricultural products. In the earlier version of the factsheet, the White House said "India will eliminate or reduce tariffs on all US industrial goods and a wide range of US food and agricultural products, including dried distillers’ grains (DDGs), red sorghum, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruit, certain pulses, soybean oil, wine and spirits, and additional products."In the updated version, the reference to pulses has been removed.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-releases-first-official-fact-sheet-on-us-india-trade-deal-says-it-ll-open-1-4b-strong-market-to-american-goods-1770701855280">White House releases first official fact sheet on US-India trade deal; no mention of New Delhi ending Russian oil purchase</a>Another important revision concerns India’s proposed purchases of American goods. The original document stated that India "committed to buy more American products and purchase over $500 billion of US energy, information and communication technology, agricultural, coal, and other products". However, that wording has been softened, and the revised factsheet now reads India "intends" to buy more American products. The earlier mention of agricultural purchases has also been dropped from this section, and now it reads: "India intends to buy more American products and purchase over $500 billion of U.S. energy, information and communication technology, coal, and other products."<h2>Digital tax reference removed</h2>The updated document also removes text related to India’s digital services tax. Earlier, the factsheet said "India will remove its digital services taxes and committed to negotiate a robust set of bilateral digital trade rules that address discriminatory or burdensome practices and other barriers to digital trade, including rules that prohibit the imposition of customs duties on electronic transmissions."The revised version now states only that both sides will negotiate digital trade rules to address barriers and discriminatory practices. "India committed to negotiate a robust set of bilateral digital trade rules that address discriminatory or burdensome practices and other barriers to digital trade."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-lifts-25-tariff-on-india-says-new-delhi-committed-to-stop-directly-or-indirectly-importing-russian-federation-oil-1770427129351">Trump lifts 25% tariff on India, says New Delhi ‘committed to stop directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil’</a><h2>Core framework same</h2>Despite the revisions, the core framework of the agreement remains intact. The interim deal follows nearly a year of negotiations that began in February 2025 and aims to stabilise trade relations after a period of tension. Under the arrangement, US tariffs on Indian exports will fall to 18 per cent from as high as 50 per cent.

The US has edited its factsheet on the trade deal with India, removing key references including pulses, digital tax rollback, and even softening language on India’s $500 billion purchase plan. What changed? Scroll down to read.

The United States on Tuesday (Feb 10) quietly revised its official factsheet on the recently announced trade agreement with India, making several notable changes. The edits come just hours after the US released its first official fact sheet on the deal, touted as "historic". What changed? There are multiple notable changes in the US fact sheet. One of the most visible changes involves agricultural products. In the earlier version of the factsheet, the White House said "India will eliminate or reduce tariffs on all US industrial goods and a wide range of US food and agricultural products, including dried distillers’ grains (DDGs), red sorghum, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruit, certain pulses, soybean oil, wine and spirits, and additional products." In the updated version, the reference to pulses has been removed. Also read | White House releases first official fact sheet on US-India trade deal; no mention of New Delhi ending Russian oil purchase Another important revision concerns India’s proposed purchases of American goods. The original document stated that India "committed to buy more American products and purchase over $500 billion of US energy, information and communication technology, agricultural, coal, and other products". However, that wording has been softened, and the revised factsheet now reads India "intends" to buy more American products. The earlier mention of agricultural purchases has also been dropped from this section, and now it reads: "India intends to buy more American products and purchase over $500 billion of U.S. energy, information and communication technology, coal, and other products." Digital tax reference removed The updated document also removes text related to India’s digital services tax. Earlier, the factsheet said "India will remove its digital services taxes and committed to negotiate a robust set of bilateral digital trade rules that address discriminatory or burdensome practices and other barriers to digital trade, including rules that prohibit the imposition of customs duties on electronic transmissions." The revised version now states only that both sides will negotiate digital trade rules to address barriers and discriminatory practices. "India committed to negotiate a robust set of bilateral digital trade rules that address discriminatory or burdensome practices and other barriers to digital trade." Also read | Trump lifts 25% tariff on India, says New Delhi ‘committed to stop directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil’ Core framework same Despite the revisions, the core framework of the agreement remains intact. The interim deal follows nearly a year of negotiations that began in February 2025 and aims to stabilise trade relations after a period of tension. Under the arrangement, US tariffs on Indian exports will fall to 18 per cent from as high as 50 per cent.

The US has edited its factsheet on the trade deal with India, removing key references including pulses, digital tax rollback, and even softening language on India’s $500 billion purchase plan. What changed? Scroll down to read.

White House revises US-India trade deal fact sheet, removes key references, including pulses and digital taxes: What changed? Explained

Six years after a devastating cyclone struck Madagascar, India has solidified its role as the island nation's most reliable maritime partner and first responder in the Indian Ocean. In late January 2020, Cyclone Diane unleashed days of torrential rain on Madagascar, triggering flash floods, landslides and widespread destruction. At least 31 people died, more than 16,000 were displaced, and over 100,000 were affected, according to official reports at the time. President Andry Rajoelina declared a national emergency and appealed for urgent international help.India responded swiftly. The Indian Navy diverted INS Airavat, already in the southern Indian Ocean, to the northern port of Antsiranana. The mission, named Operation Vanilla, saw the ship deliver essential supplies including tents, blankets, medicines, food and clothing in early February. Medical teams set up clinics and assisted local rescue efforts.Weeks later, INS Shardul arrived with 600 tonnes of rice, the largest single relief cargo ever carried by an Indian naval vessel, to address acute food shortages. The humanitarian effort marked India as the first foreign responder and opened doors to deeper ties under its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.Defence cooperation followed rapidly. Madagascar's defence minister visited India in February 2020 for high-level talks. In 2021, the navies held their first joint patrol of Madagascar's Exclusive Economic Zone and a passing exercise. Indian training teams later instructed Malagasy special forces.Indian ships have since made regular port calls. INS Tir and Coast Guard vessels visited in 2023, while INS Sumedha conducted maritime partnership exercises. Cultural links grew, too, with events like International Yoga Day observances.High-level diplomacy accelerated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Rajoelina in Dubai in 2024. Madagascar's armed forces minister attended Aero India in Bengaluru in 2025, holding talks with India's defence leadership. India's Minister of State for Defence attended Madagascar's Independence Day celebrations in June 2025.Madagascar joined the inaugural Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) exercise in Tanzania in April 2025, alongside other regional navies, focusing on interoperability and shared security.Six years on, what started as cyclone relief has evolved into a robust partnership encompassing humanitarian aid, naval operations, capacity-building and strategic dialogue.

Six years on, what started as cyclone relief has evolved into a robust partnership encompassing humanitarian aid, naval operations, capacity-building and strategic dialogue.

Six years after a devastating cyclone struck Madagascar, India has solidified its role as the island nation's most reliable maritime partner and first responder in the Indian Ocean. In late January 2020, Cyclone Diane unleashed days of torrential rain on Madagascar, triggering flash floods, landslides and widespread destruction. At least 31 people died, more than 16,000 were displaced, and over 100,000 were affected, according to official reports at the time. President Andry Rajoelina declared a national emergency and appealed for urgent international help. India responded swiftly. The Indian Navy diverted INS Airavat, already in the southern Indian Ocean, to the northern port of Antsiranana. The mission, named Operation Vanilla, saw the ship deliver essential supplies including tents, blankets, medicines, food and clothing in early February. Medical teams set up clinics and assisted local rescue efforts. Weeks later, INS Shardul arrived with 600 tonnes of rice, the largest single relief cargo ever carried by an Indian naval vessel, to address acute food shortages. The humanitarian effort marked India as the first foreign responder and opened doors to deeper ties under its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision. Defence cooperation followed rapidly. Madagascar's defence minister visited India in February 2020 for high-level talks. In 2021, the navies held their first joint patrol of Madagascar's Exclusive Economic Zone and a passing exercise. Indian training teams later instructed Malagasy special forces. Indian ships have since made regular port calls. INS Tir and Coast Guard vessels visited in 2023, while INS Sumedha conducted maritime partnership exercises. Cultural links grew, too, with events like International Yoga Day observances. High-level diplomacy accelerated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Rajoelina in Dubai in 2024. Madagascar's armed forces minister attended Aero India in Bengaluru in 2025, holding talks with India's defence leadership. India's Minister of State for Defence attended Madagascar's Independence Day celebrations in June 2025. Madagascar joined the inaugural Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) exercise in Tanzania in April 2025, alongside other regional navies, focusing on interoperability and shared security. Six years on, what started as cyclone relief has evolved into a robust partnership encompassing humanitarian aid, naval operations, capacity-building and strategic dialogue.

Six years on, what started as cyclone relief has evolved into a robust partnership encompassing humanitarian aid, naval operations, capacity-building and strategic dialogue.

Operation Vanilla legacy: India becomes Madagascar's go-to partner in crisis and security

As many as eight people, including a gunman, have been killed on Tuesday (Feb 9) in a shooting incident at a secondary school in British Columbia. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said the incident involved an "active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School" in British Columbia province and that "an individual believed to be the shooter was also found deceased with what appears to be a self‑inflicted injury." Police said that there are no other suspects or an ongoing threat to the public. Some local reports indicated that another shooting inside a home took place and police confirmed that two were found dead and both incident could be connected. This takes the total toll in mass shooting incident in Canada's British Columbia to 10. The name of the shooter or motive behind the incident has not been disclosed yet.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-i-love-his-family-trump-assures-honourable-probe-in-alex-pretti-shooting-but-blames-him-for-carrying-a-gun-1769569293167">'I love his family': Trump assures 'honourable' probe in Alex Pretti shooting, but blames him for 'carrying a gun'</a>&nbsp;According to AP, &nbsp;the town of Tumbler Ridge more than 1,000 kilometers north of Vancouver, near the border with Alberta. It is a municipality located in British Columbia. The Tumbler Ridge government website lists Tumbler Ridge Secondary School as having 175 students from Grades 7 to 12.<h2>How the situation unfolded?</h2>In a statement, the district administration said that at approximately 1:20 p.m., a gunman started shooting at people inside Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. A public alert was issued as officers responded to the scene. “As part of the initial response, officers entered the school to locate the threat. During the search, multiple victims were located. An individual believed to be the shooter was found deceased,” it added. It said that apart from the deceased and the injured, all remaining students and staff have been safely evacuated, and police are working closely with the school authorities to support a coordinated reunification process for families. It also said that the situation was brought under control by 6:45 p.m.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-australia-s-bondi-beach-attack-to-peshawar-school-massacre-10-major-mass-shooting-incidents-that-shocked-the-world-1765791651249">From Bondi Beach attack to Peshawar school massacre: 10 major mass shooting incidents that shocked the World</a>&nbsp;Canadian politician Nina Nina Krieger, who serves as Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General of British Columbia, issued a statement saying the situation is “extremely concerning in Tumbler Ridge.” "Residents of Tumbler Ridge are being asked to stay indoors as police respond to a report of an active shooter. All our thoughts are with people in Tumbler Ridge. I’ve spoken to the mayor and local MLA, and we are offering the RCMP any additional assistance they need,” she added in a Facebook post.<h2>District administration's appeal to people</h2>In an appeal to people, the district administration asked the residents to rely only on confirmed information provided through official RCMP updates as the investigation continues. It extended support to families who have lost their loved ones. “There are no words sufficient for the heartbreak our community is experiencing tonight. We are devastated by the loss of life and the profound impact this tragedy has had on families, students, staff, and our entire town. Our deepest condolences are with the loved ones of those who have been lost. We are holding close everyone who is injured, grieving, and affected. We encourage residents to check in on one another and hold your loved ones close as we navigate this unimaginable loss together.”

A shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia has killed as many as eight people. Local reports indicated another shooting at home. The police said the suspected shooter was found dead with a self-inflicted injury. Several others were injured

As many as eight people, including a gunman, have been killed on Tuesday (Feb 9) in a shooting incident at a secondary school in British Columbia. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said the incident involved an "active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School" in British Columbia province and that "an individual believed to be the shooter was also found deceased with what appears to be a self‑inflicted injury." Police said that there are no other suspects or an ongoing threat to the public. Some local reports indicated that another shooting inside a home took place and police confirmed that two were found dead and both incident could be connected. This takes the total toll in mass shooting incident in Canada's British Columbia to 10. The name of the shooter or motive behind the incident has not been disclosed yet. Also Read: 'I love his family': Trump assures 'honourable' probe in Alex Pretti shooting, but blames him for 'carrying a gun' According to AP, the town of Tumbler Ridge more than 1,000 kilometers north of Vancouver, near the border with Alberta. It is a municipality located in British Columbia. The Tumbler Ridge government website lists Tumbler Ridge Secondary School as having 175 students from Grades 7 to 12. How the situation unfolded? In a statement, the district administration said that at approximately 1:20 p.m., a gunman started shooting at people inside Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. A public alert was issued as officers responded to the scene. “As part of the initial response, officers entered the school to locate the threat. During the search, multiple victims were located. An individual believed to be the shooter was found deceased,” it added. It said that apart from the deceased and the injured, all remaining students and staff have been safely evacuated, and police are working closely with the school authorities to support a coordinated reunification process for families. It also said that the situation was brought under control by 6:45 p.m. Also Read: From Bondi Beach attack to Peshawar school massacre: 10 major mass shooting incidents that shocked the World Canadian politician Nina Nina Krieger, who serves as Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General of British Columbia, issued a statement saying the situation is “extremely concerning in Tumbler Ridge.” "Residents of Tumbler Ridge are being asked to stay indoors as police respond to a report of an active shooter. All our thoughts are with people in Tumbler Ridge. I’ve spoken to the mayor and local MLA, and we are offering the RCMP any additional assistance they need,” she added in a Facebook post. District administration's appeal to people In an appeal to people, the district administration asked the residents to rely only on confirmed information provided through official RCMP updates as the investigation continues. It extended support to families who have lost their loved ones. “There are no words sufficient for the heartbreak our community is experiencing tonight. We are devastated by the loss of life and the profound impact this tragedy has had on families, students, staff, and our entire town. Our deepest condolences are with the loved ones of those who have been lost. We are holding close everyone who is injured, grieving, and affected. We encourage residents to check in on one another and hold your loved ones close as we navigate this unimaginable loss together.”

A shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia has killed as many as eight people. Local reports indicated another shooting at home. The police said the suspected shooter was found dead with a self-inflicted injury. Several others were injured

Mass shooting in Canada's British Columbia: 8, including shooter, killed in school, 2 found dead at home - What we know so far

As countdown began for Bangladesh Elections on February 12, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate from Dhaka-14 constituency has agreed that Hindus have been subjected to persecution but expressed confidence that Hindu voters will support them. Jamaat candidate Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem Arman, also said that India and Bangladesh are indispensable for each other. Pitching for a “modern Bangladesh”, the Jamaat leader said that people of the country wants change and that is what his party is promising.&nbsp;Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/bangladesh-elections-and-yunus-referendum-on-feb-12-why-he-wants-a-yes-vote-what-critics-fear-1770706808503">Bangladesh elections and Yunus' 'referendum' on Feb 12: Why he wants a ‘yes’ vote, what critics fear?</a>&nbsp;Jamaat candidate Arman made the remarks while speaking to NDTV. "India and Bangladesh are indispensable for each other, and we have to work together," &nbsp;he said. This is seen as a major U-turn by Jamaat as it has historically been pro-Pakistan positions. When asked about the support by Hindu voters who have faced violence, Arman said, "We are promising change, and whoever wants change will rally behind us, irrespective of race, religion and gender. I believe Hindus have been subjected to persecution historically, and I believe they also want change, and because of this demand for change, we will get their support."&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-bnp-edges-jamaat-in-bangladesh-poll-surveys-1770746776902/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-bnp-edges-jamaat-in-bangladesh-poll-surveys-1770746776902/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>Jamaat's position in upcoming polls</h2>Jamaat-e-Islami (BJI) has entered electoral politics in this year's elections after being banned for years by Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League. With Awami League banned in the elections and Hasina ousted, Jamaat is expected to register its “best-ever electoral performance.” Major surveys projected the party to win around 30-40% votes and approximately 105 seats. Jamaat has stitched an alliance with 11 parties including the National Citizen Party (NCP) that finds its beginning in the 2024 uprising against Hasina. Notably, Jamaat alliance enjoys the support of Gen Z voters. Its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir rceently won student union elections at the Dhaka University.&nbsp;The party has attempted rebranding itself by positioning it as a party who supports change and has even nominated its first-ever Hindu candidate. However, it faces major scrutiny due to its past stance during the 1971 independence war. Moreover, though the party's manifesto promises to include a "significant number of women" in the cabinet, it has not fielded a single female candidate for any of the 300 parliamentary seats in this election.&nbsp;Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/bangladesh-elections-is-beijing-set-to-strengthen-its-grip-as-india-loses-influence-in-dhaka-1770726875636">Bangladesh Elections: Is Beijing set to strengthen its grip as India loses influence in Dhaka?</a><h2>Bangladesh Polls</h2>This come ahead of elections in Bangladesh scheduled on February 12, 2026. This marks the first general election since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. It will replace the interim administration of Muhammad Yunus. The election has evolved into a bipolar contest between Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) coalition. BNP leader Tarique Rahman, son of late former PM Khaleda Zia is being seen as the frontrunner. He returned from 17 years of exile, after which his party is leading most major opinion polls.

Ahead of Bangladesh’s February 12 elections, Jamaat candidate Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem Arman acknowledged past persecution of Hindus and expressed confidence in their support. With Awami League out, polls suggest a tight BNP–Jamaat contest as the country votes after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster.

As countdown began for Bangladesh Elections on February 12, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate from Dhaka-14 constituency has agreed that Hindus have been subjected to persecution but expressed confidence that Hindu voters will support them. Jamaat candidate Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem Arman, also said that India and Bangladesh are indispensable for each other. Pitching for a “modern Bangladesh”, the Jamaat leader said that people of the country wants change and that is what his party is promising. Also Read | Bangladesh elections and Yunus' 'referendum' on Feb 12: Why he wants a ‘yes’ vote, what critics fear? Jamaat candidate Arman made the remarks while speaking to NDTV. "India and Bangladesh are indispensable for each other, and we have to work together," he said. This is seen as a major U-turn by Jamaat as it has historically been pro-Pakistan positions. When asked about the support by Hindu voters who have faced violence, Arman said, "We are promising change, and whoever wants change will rally behind us, irrespective of race, religion and gender. I believe Hindus have been subjected to persecution historically, and I believe they also want change, and because of this demand for change, we will get their support." https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-bnp-edges-jamaat-in-bangladesh-poll-surveys-1770746776902/embed Jamaat's position in upcoming polls Jamaat-e-Islami (BJI) has entered electoral politics in this year's elections after being banned for years by Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League. With Awami League banned in the elections and Hasina ousted, Jamaat is expected to register its “best-ever electoral performance.” Major surveys projected the party to win around 30-40% votes and approximately 105 seats. Jamaat has stitched an alliance with 11 parties including the National Citizen Party (NCP) that finds its beginning in the 2024 uprising against Hasina. Notably, Jamaat alliance enjoys the support of Gen Z voters. Its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir rceently won student union elections at the Dhaka University. The party has attempted rebranding itself by positioning it as a party who supports change and has even nominated its first-ever Hindu candidate. However, it faces major scrutiny due to its past stance during the 1971 independence war. Moreover, though the party's manifesto promises to include a "significant number of women" in the cabinet, it has not fielded a single female candidate for any of the 300 parliamentary seats in this election. Also Read | Bangladesh Elections: Is Beijing set to strengthen its grip as India loses influence in Dhaka? Bangladesh Polls This come ahead of elections in Bangladesh scheduled on February 12, 2026. This marks the first general election since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. It will replace the interim administration of Muhammad Yunus. The election has evolved into a bipolar contest between Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) coalition. BNP leader Tarique Rahman, son of late former PM Khaleda Zia is being seen as the frontrunner. He returned from 17 years of exile, after which his party is leading most major opinion polls.

Ahead of Bangladesh’s February 12 elections, Jamaat candidate Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem Arman acknowledged past persecution of Hindus and expressed confidence in their support. With Awami League out, polls suggest a tight BNP–Jamaat contest as the country votes after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster.

Is Jamaat softening anti-India stance ahead of Bangladesh polls?

The US Justice Department has released more names from the Jeffrey Epstein case files amid mounting pressure from lawmakers who were granted access to less-redacted versions of key documents. The move comes amid growing scrutiny of how federal authorities handled the publication of millions of records linked to the late financier and convicted sex offender.<h2>Who are the new people named in the disturbing Epstein files?</h2>Among the newly unredacted individuals are six “wealthy, powerful men” who were previously redacted by the DoJ. They are Salvatore Nuara, Zurab Mikeladze, Leonic Leonov, Nicola Caputo, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, and billionaire businessman Leslie Wexner.&nbsp; Along with Wexner, Epstein’s longtime assistant Lesley Groff, and former French modelling agent Jean-Luc Brunel were listed as co-conspirators in a 2019 FBI document connected to the investigation.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosive-epstein-files-accuse-trump-of-raping-13-year-old-murdering-a-new-born-white-house-says-this-about-allegations-1769823565436">Explosive Epstein files accuse Trump of raping 13-year-old, murdering a newborn; White House says THIS about allegations</a>Wexner, the former head of L Brands, has previously said he cut ties with Epstein in 2007 and denied knowledge of any illegal activity. A legal representative of Wexner in December told the press, that prosecutors had indicated Wexner was "neither a co-conspirator nor target in any respect".Groff’s attorney, in a statement to CNN, also said she had never been informed she was considered a co-conspirator and had cooperated voluntarily with investigators and "was told that she was not being prosecuted". Groff "never seen this document and was unaware of it," they said.Brunel, who had been charged with rape of a minor and other offences in France, died in prison in 2022. Authorities ruled his death a suicide. He had denied wrongdoing.Democratic Representative Ro Khanna on Tuesday (Feb 10) identified six previously redacted names on the House floor, saying he had forced the DoJ's hand into releasing them.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-health-secretary-robert-f-kennedy-jr-s-bizarre-link-with-paedophile-revealed-in-latest-epstein-file-dump-dinosaur-hunt-emails-1770444507541">Trump health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s bizarre link with paedophile revealed in latest Epstein file dump</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Yesterday <a href="https://twitter.com/RepRoKhanna?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepRoKhanna</a> and I found a list of names and photos in the Epstein files that DOJ had improperly redacted. DOJ promptly unredacted the men’s names as well as several women in the list that we didn’t flag. The two redacted names are victims. <a href="https://t.co/fLLzGW9rR7">https://t.co/fLLzGW9rR7</a> <a href="https://t.co/DTfK30Kppk">pic.twitter.com/DTfK30Kppk</a>&mdash; Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepThomasMassie/status/2021235321942217085?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Pressure from Congress</h2>Blanche told CNN that the department was not concealing information, noting that Wexner’s name already appears "thousands of times" in previously released records. "DOJ is hiding nothing," Blanche insisted in an email exchange with the publication.The latest disclosures followed complaints from lawmakers who reviewed unredacted material. Republican Representative Thomas Massie said several names had been unnecessarily hidden in earlier releases.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The US Justice Department has released additional names from the Jeffrey Epstein files after lawmakers pushed for less-redacted documents. Newly identified individuals are listed as co-conspirators. All you need to know.

The US Justice Department has released more names from the Jeffrey Epstein case files amid mounting pressure from lawmakers who were granted access to less-redacted versions of key documents. The move comes amid growing scrutiny of how federal authorities handled the publication of millions of records linked to the late financier and convicted sex offender. Who are the new people named in the disturbing Epstein files? Among the newly unredacted individuals are six “wealthy, powerful men” who were previously redacted by the DoJ. They are Salvatore Nuara, Zurab Mikeladze, Leonic Leonov, Nicola Caputo, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, and billionaire businessman Leslie Wexner. Along with Wexner, Epstein’s longtime assistant Lesley Groff, and former French modelling agent Jean-Luc Brunel were listed as co-conspirators in a 2019 FBI document connected to the investigation. Also read | Explosive Epstein files accuse Trump of raping 13-year-old, murdering a newborn; White House says THIS about allegations Wexner, the former head of L Brands, has previously said he cut ties with Epstein in 2007 and denied knowledge of any illegal activity. A legal representative of Wexner in December told the press, that prosecutors had indicated Wexner was "neither a co-conspirator nor target in any respect". Groff’s attorney, in a statement to CNN, also said she had never been informed she was considered a co-conspirator and had cooperated voluntarily with investigators and "was told that she was not being prosecuted". Groff "never seen this document and was unaware of it," they said. Brunel, who had been charged with rape of a minor and other offences in France, died in prison in 2022. Authorities ruled his death a suicide. He had denied wrongdoing. Democratic Representative Ro Khanna on Tuesday (Feb 10) identified six previously redacted names on the House floor, saying he had forced the DoJ's hand into releasing them. Also read | Trump health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s bizarre link with paedophile revealed in latest Epstein file dump

The US Justice Department has released additional names from the Jeffrey Epstein files after lawmakers pushed for less-redacted documents. Newly identified individuals are listed as co-conspirators. All you need to know.

Epstein files: DoJ reveals names of paedophile's co-conspirators after pressure from lawmakers. Who are the newly named individuals?

Federal investigators have released newly recovered surveillance images showing a masked, armed individual in connection with the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of television anchor Savannah Guthrie. The images were made public more than a week after Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Tucson, Arizona, home during the early hours of 31 January. Authorities believe she was abducted and taken against her will.&nbsp;According to the FBI, the footage had initially been inaccessible due to interference with the home’s security system. FBI Director Kash Patel said investigators were able to retrieve images that may have been damaged or lost after recording equipment was removed. Two brief video clips show the suspect approaching the front door, appearing to inspect the surveillance camera, and then attempting to obscure its view using nearby vegetation before leaving the area. Savannah Guthrie shared the footage on social media, urging the public to help identify the person shown.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/savannah-guthrie-s-mom-disappearance-trump-offers-federal-assistance-savannah-s-brother-in-law-tommaso-cioni-linked-to-investigation-1770219154782">Savannah Guthrie's mom's disappearance: Trump offers federal assistance; Savannah's brother-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, linked to investigation</a>&nbsp;She said her family remains hopeful that her mother is alive and called on anyone with information to come forward.“This person is known by someone,” she wrote. “Please help us bring her home.” Police say the doorbell camera stopped functioning at 1:47 am, while motion was later detected shortly after 2:00 a.m. Minutes later, data from Nancy Guthrie’s pacemaker disconnected from her phone. Investigators also confirmed that the blood found on the front porch belonged to her.<h2>Watch the video here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">New video in the search for Nancy Guthrie: Over the last eight days, the FBI and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department have been working closely with our private sector partners to continue to recover any images or video footage from Nancy Guthrie’s home that may have been lost,… <a href="https://t.co/XCEvkA5eJ6">pic.twitter.com/XCEvkA5eJ6</a>&mdash; FBI Phoenix (@FBIPhoenix) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBIPhoenix/status/2021303417914753471?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Despite the new evidence, authorities said earlier this week that no suspects or vehicles had been formally identified. The case has drawn national attention, prompting renewed appeals from the Guthrie family. The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to answers in the case. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Donald Trump has reviewed the footage and encouraged the public to assist investigators.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">New images in the search for Nancy Guthrie: Over the last eight days, the FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department have been working closely with our private sector partners to continue to recover any images or video footage from Nancy Guthrie’s home that may have been lost,… <a href="https://t.co/z5WLgPtZpT">pic.twitter.com/z5WLgPtZpT</a>&mdash; FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBIDirectorKash/status/2021281103454072983?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Officials are also examining several ransom messages sent to media organizations, including one demanding payment in Bitcoin. A prior ransom deadline passed earlier this month, and one person has been arrested in connection with a hoax message. The family has said they are prepared to do whatever it takes to secure Nancy Guthrie’s safe return.

FBI releases masked suspect footage in disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie

Federal investigators have released newly recovered surveillance images showing a masked, armed individual in connection with the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of television anchor Savannah Guthrie. The images were made public more than a week after Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Tucson, Arizona, home during the early hours of 31 January. Authorities believe she was abducted and taken against her will. According to the FBI, the footage had initially been inaccessible due to interference with the home’s security system. FBI Director Kash Patel said investigators were able to retrieve images that may have been damaged or lost after recording equipment was removed. Two brief video clips show the suspect approaching the front door, appearing to inspect the surveillance camera, and then attempting to obscure its view using nearby vegetation before leaving the area. Savannah Guthrie shared the footage on social media, urging the public to help identify the person shown. Also Read: Savannah Guthrie's mom's disappearance: Trump offers federal assistance; Savannah's brother-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, linked to investigation She said her family remains hopeful that her mother is alive and called on anyone with information to come forward. “This person is known by someone,” she wrote. “Please help us bring her home.” Police say the doorbell camera stopped functioning at 1:47 am, while motion was later detected shortly after 2:00 a.m. Minutes later, data from Nancy Guthrie’s pacemaker disconnected from her phone. Investigators also confirmed that the blood found on the front porch belonged to her. Watch the video here

The FBI has released new surveillance images of a masked suspect as investigators intensify the search for Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother

WATCH | FBI releases masked suspect footage in disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie

US President Donald Trump "fully supports" Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, despite revelations about his ties with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the White House said on Tuesday (Feb 10). "Secretary Lutnick remains a very important member of President Trump's team and the president fully supports the secretary," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters during a press conference.&nbsp;This came after Lutnick admitted that he had lunch on the private island of a late convicted sex offender in 2012. But he denied any deeper ties with him, amid bipartisan calls for his resignation. "We had lunch on the island, that is true, for an hour," Lutnick told a Senate committee hearing. But he stressed that he was with his wife, children and nannies. "We were on family vacation," he said. "Over a 14-year period, I did not have any relationship with him. I barely had anything to do with that person," Lutnick told the Senate Appropriations Committee.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epstein-had-interests-in-psychic-activities-paid-20-000-to-hong-kong-academic-for-finding-people-with-special-abilities-1770309794286">Epstein had interests in ‘psychic activities’, paid $20,000 to Hong Kong academic for finding people with ‘special abilities’</a>&nbsp;When asked if Trump had a call with the Palm Beach, Florida, Police Department in the mid-2000s about Epstein, Leavitt declined to say anything. “It was a phone call that may or may not have happened in 2006, I don’t know the answer to that question,” she said, adding: “What I’m telling you is what President Trump has always said, is that he kicked Jeffrey Epstein out of his Mar-a-Lago club because Jeffrey Epstein was a creep and that remains true.”&nbsp;She added that if the call did take place, it “corroborates” Trump’s account that he had a falling out with Epstein in the early 2000s and cut ties with him. As per the newly released documents in the Files, Trump said on the call, “Thank goodness you’re stopping him. Everyone has known he’s been doing this.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The White House said US President Donald Trump fully supports Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, dismissing concerns over his alleged links to Jeffrey Epstein and reaffirming confidence in his role.

US President Donald Trump "fully supports" Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, despite revelations about his ties with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the White House said on Tuesday (Feb 10). "Secretary Lutnick remains a very important member of President Trump's team and the president fully supports the secretary," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters during a press conference. This came after Lutnick admitted that he had lunch on the private island of a late convicted sex offender in 2012. But he denied any deeper ties with him, amid bipartisan calls for his resignation. "We had lunch on the island, that is true, for an hour," Lutnick told a Senate committee hearing. But he stressed that he was with his wife, children and nannies. "We were on family vacation," he said. "Over a 14-year period, I did not have any relationship with him. I barely had anything to do with that person," Lutnick told the Senate Appropriations Committee. Also read: Epstein had interests in ‘psychic activities’, paid $20,000 to Hong Kong academic for finding people with ‘special abilities’ When asked if Trump had a call with the Palm Beach, Florida, Police Department in the mid-2000s about Epstein, Leavitt declined to say anything. “It was a phone call that may or may not have happened in 2006, I don’t know the answer to that question,” she said, adding: “What I’m telling you is what President Trump has always said, is that he kicked Jeffrey Epstein out of his Mar-a-Lago club because Jeffrey Epstein was a creep and that remains true.” She added that if the call did take place, it “corroborates” Trump’s account that he had a falling out with Epstein in the early 2000s and cut ties with him. As per the newly released documents in the Files, Trump said on the call, “Thank goodness you’re stopping him. Everyone has known he’s been doing this.”

The White House said US President Donald Trump fully supports Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, dismissing concerns over his alleged links to Jeffrey Epstein and reaffirming confidence in his role.

Trump ‘fully supports’ Lutnick, despite his ties with Jeffrey Epstein, says White House

Amid the tensions with Iran, US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday (Feb 10) that another aircraft might be on its way to the Middle East. "We have an armada there and maybe another one on the way," the American President told Axios in an interview. Moreover, it was reported that Trump said that "any deal with Iran must include its ballistic missiles. "We can make an excellent deal with Iran," he added.&nbsp;This came after the report that American forces in Qatar's al-Udeid air base, the biggest US base in the region, put Patriot air defence missiles into truck launchers. "Patriot missiles were placed in M983 Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTT) rather than semi-static launcher stations-- which could allow them to be less easily targeted by Iran or deployed more quickly if needed," a Reuters report said on Tuesday (Feb 10).&nbsp;"The decision to do so gives the Patriots much greater mobility, meaning they can be moved to an alternative site or repositioned with greater speed," William Goodhind, a forensic imagery analyst with Contested Ground, told Reuters.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/disgusting-behaviour-by-president-most-openly-racist-trump-shares-video-depicting-obamas-as-monkeys-sparks-outrage-1770392209346">‘Disgusting behaviour by President’: ‘Most openly racist’ Trump shares video depicting Obamas as monkeys, sparks outrage</a>&nbsp;On the other hand, Trump also expressed hope for further negotiation. He claimed that Iran "wants to make a deal very badly" and is engaging much more seriously than during previous talks due to the military threat. "Last time they didn't believe I would do it," Trump said, alluding to his decision to strike Iran's nuclear facilities in June. “They overplayed their hand,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;The American president said that it was a "no brainer" that any deal with Iran would include its nuclear programme. Still, he also thought it would be possible to address Iran's ballistic missile stockpiles. When questioned about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's take on the upcoming talks, Trump said he doesn't think Netanyahu is nervous about the U.S.-Iran negotiations. "He also wants a deal. He wants a good deal." &nbsp;

Donald Trump hinted at deploying more US military power to the Middle East ahead of Iran nuclear talks, saying any future deal must also include restrictions on Tehran’s ballistic missile programme.

Amid the tensions with Iran, US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday (Feb 10) that another aircraft might be on its way to the Middle East. "We have an armada there and maybe another one on the way," the American President told Axios in an interview. Moreover, it was reported that Trump said that "any deal with Iran must include its ballistic missiles. "We can make an excellent deal with Iran," he added. This came after the report that American forces in Qatar's al-Udeid air base, the biggest US base in the region, put Patriot air defence missiles into truck launchers. "Patriot missiles were placed in M983 Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTT) rather than semi-static launcher stations-- which could allow them to be less easily targeted by Iran or deployed more quickly if needed," a Reuters report said on Tuesday (Feb 10). "The decision to do so gives the Patriots much greater mobility, meaning they can be moved to an alternative site or repositioned with greater speed," William Goodhind, a forensic imagery analyst with Contested Ground, told Reuters. Also read: ‘Disgusting behaviour by President’: ‘Most openly racist’ Trump shares video depicting Obamas as monkeys, sparks outrage On the other hand, Trump also expressed hope for further negotiation. He claimed that Iran "wants to make a deal very badly" and is engaging much more seriously than during previous talks due to the military threat. "Last time they didn't believe I would do it," Trump said, alluding to his decision to strike Iran's nuclear facilities in June. “They overplayed their hand,” he said. The American president said that it was a "no brainer" that any deal with Iran would include its nuclear programme. Still, he also thought it would be possible to address Iran's ballistic missile stockpiles. When questioned about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's take on the upcoming talks, Trump said he doesn't think Netanyahu is nervous about the U.S.-Iran negotiations. "He also wants a deal. He wants a good deal."

Donald Trump hinted at deploying more US military power to the Middle East ahead of Iran nuclear talks, saying any future deal must also include restrictions on Tehran’s ballistic missile programme.

'Have an armada there, maybe another one on the way': Trump ahead of nuke talks with Iran

On Tuesday (February 10), survivors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein gathered with Democratic lawmakers on Capitol Hill to introduce a new bill designed to eliminate the statute of limitations for federal sex trafficking offenses. This legislation, known as Virginia’s Law, aims to remove legal obstacles that have long hindered survivors of sexual violence from seeking justice.&nbsp;Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Rep Teresa Leger Fernandez are sponsoring the bill, which is named after Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s most well-known accusers. Schumer explained that the bill would address a system that often allows abusers to avoid responsibility by simply waiting for the clock to run out. “Justice should not expire,” Schumer said, emphasising that survivors should have the opportunity to seek accountability on their own terms, when they are ready and strong enough to face the legal challenges of civil litigation.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-i-will-never-walk-away-starmer-stands-firm-as-epstein-fallout-rocks-uk-government-1770738602217">‘I will never walk away’: Starmer stands firm as Epstein fallout rocks UK government</a>&nbsp;The bill also seeks to expand the legal reach to prevent offenders from evading justice by taking victims across state or national borders. Fernández underscored that powerful individuals, like Epstein and his associates, should not be allowed to escape prosecution by moving victims or offenses across jurisdictions.&nbsp;Virginia Giuffre, who tragically passed away by suicide last April at age 41, was a key figure in the movement to hold Epstein and his co-conspirators accountable. Her brother, Sky Roberts, spoke passionately at the press conference, highlighting how this legislation fulfills his sister’s mission to empower survivors to come forward without fear of time constraints. “Today we give Virginia her voice back,” Roberts said.&nbsp;Giuffre’s widow, Amanda Roberts, echoed this sentiment, urging lawmakers to pass the bill in honour of Virginia's fight for justice. “Let this be the moment we choose accountability over denial, courage over comfort, and justice over obstacles,” she said, quoting Virginia's memoir: “We need to make it easier to punish those who victimise others.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ai-3-hour-deadline-for-big-tech-on-illegal-content-1770739572957/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/ai-3-hour-deadline-for-big-tech-on-illegal-content-1770739572957/embed</a>&nbsp;While President Biden’s 2022 law removed the statute of limitations for child sex abuse survivors, including those trafficked, it did not apply retroactively. Schumer emphasised that Virginia’s Law would close any gaps, ensuring that no survivor is denied justice due to arbitrary legal deadlines.&nbsp;The bill also arrives at a time when the Trump administration faces growing criticism for its handling of the Epstein investigation, particularly the redactions in the Epstein Files. Fernandez accused President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi of obstructing justice to protect Epstein’s associates. “We’re coming for you,” she declared. “How dare you use the Department of Justice to protect predators.”

'Justice should not expire': Epstein survivors support new legislation to remove statute of limitations for sex trafficking crimes

On Tuesday (February 10), survivors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein gathered with Democratic lawmakers on Capitol Hill to introduce a new bill designed to eliminate the statute of limitations for federal sex trafficking offenses. This legislation, known as Virginia’s Law, aims to remove legal obstacles that have long hindered survivors of sexual violence from seeking justice. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Rep Teresa Leger Fernandez are sponsoring the bill, which is named after Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s most well-known accusers. Schumer explained that the bill would address a system that often allows abusers to avoid responsibility by simply waiting for the clock to run out. “Justice should not expire,” Schumer said, emphasising that survivors should have the opportunity to seek accountability on their own terms, when they are ready and strong enough to face the legal challenges of civil litigation. Also Read: ‘I will never walk away’: Starmer stands firm as Epstein fallout rocks UK government The bill also seeks to expand the legal reach to prevent offenders from evading justice by taking victims across state or national borders. Fernández underscored that powerful individuals, like Epstein and his associates, should not be allowed to escape prosecution by moving victims or offenses across jurisdictions. Virginia Giuffre, who tragically passed away by suicide last April at age 41, was a key figure in the movement to hold Epstein and his co-conspirators accountable. Her brother, Sky Roberts, spoke passionately at the press conference, highlighting how this legislation fulfills his sister’s mission to empower survivors to come forward without fear of time constraints. “Today we give Virginia her voice back,” Roberts said. Giuffre’s widow, Amanda Roberts, echoed this sentiment, urging lawmakers to pass the bill in honour of Virginia's fight for justice. “Let this be the moment we choose accountability over denial, courage over comfort, and justice over obstacles,” she said, quoting Virginia's memoir: “We need to make it easier to punish those who victimise others.” https://www.wionews.com/videos/ai-3-hour-deadline-for-big-tech-on-illegal-content-1770739572957/embed While President Biden’s 2022 law removed the statute of limitations for child sex abuse survivors, including those trafficked, it did not apply retroactively. Schumer emphasised that Virginia’s Law would close any gaps, ensuring that no survivor is denied justice due to arbitrary legal deadlines. The bill also arrives at a time when the Trump administration faces growing criticism for its handling of the Epstein investigation, particularly the redactions in the Epstein Files. Fernandez accused President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi of obstructing justice to protect Epstein’s associates. “We’re coming for you,” she declared. “How dare you use the Department of Justice to protect predators.”

Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein back new legislation aiming to abolish the statute of limitations for sex trafficking crimes, ensuring justice for victims without time constraint

Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, is facing a high-voltage drama, and his career is at stake over the Epstein Files' fresh revelations. His problems escalated after a top member of his party, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, called for his resignation. This was over a former ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson, who was mentioned in the Jeffrey Epstein Files. As the fresh documents, released a week ago, revealed that Mandelson had strong ties with the late sex offender, Starmer is facing extreme pressure as he was the one who appointed Mandelson to his administration. The documents released by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed that Mandelson had maintained a close friendship with the American sex offender, even after his conviction. Epstein was found guilty of solicitation of sex with a minor in 2008 and was jailed.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/disgusting-behaviour-by-president-most-openly-racist-trump-shares-video-depicting-obamas-as-monkeys-sparks-outrage-1770392209346">‘Disgusting behaviour by President’: ‘Most openly racist’ Trump shares video depicting Obamas as monkeys, sparks outrage</a>&nbsp;The documents also revealed that Mandelson may have received payments from Epstein and passed sensitive information to him during the financial crisis of 2008 - 2009. After the revelation, Starmer admitted that he was aware of Mandelson and Epstein's close ties when he appointed the former as ambassador. But, he said, Mandelson lied about the extent of the friendship with Epstein. The issue escalated so much so that two of the key members of Starmer's circle resigned, and a third is under pressure to go. Moreover, Sarwar called for Starmer to do the same. Although, for now, a few members from his cabinet have come forward in support of Starmer.<h2>What did Sarwar say?</h2>Sarwar said there had been "many achievements" under the Labour government, but voters "can't hear them and can't see them" because "the leadership in Downing Street have become a huge distraction". He added that the announcement was "not easy and not without pain", saying that Sir Keir was a "decent man" but that his "first loyalty" was to Scotland.<h2>Support for Starmer</h2>After Sarwar's call, many cabinet ministers came out in support of Starmer, which led to the end of the coup, which never actual was there. Former deputy prime minister and a senior member of the Labour Party, Angela Rayner, said in an X post that while she did not defend Starmer’s judgement, “the worst possible response [to the scandal] would be to play party politics or factional games.”&nbsp;“I urge all my colleagues to come together, remember our values and put them into practice as a team,” she wrote on X, adding: “The PrimeMinister has my full support in leading us to that end.”<h2>'I'm not prepared to walk away'</h2>Meanwhile, Starmer told MPs that he is not prepared to walk away from his mandate. "I have had my detractors every step along the way, and I've got them now," Starmer said, adding: "Detractors that don't want a Labour government at all, and certainly not one to succeed."&nbsp;"But I'll tell you this, after having fought so hard for the chance to change our country, I'm not prepared to walk away from my mandate and my responsibility to my country, or to plunge us into chaos, as others have done," he added.

Keir Starmer faces intense pressure after Epstein Files linked his appointee Peter Mandelson to Jeffrey Epstein, triggering internal Labour revolt, resignation calls, and a leadership crisis without a clear challenger.

Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, is facing a high-voltage drama, and his career is at stake over the Epstein Files' fresh revelations. His problems escalated after a top member of his party, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, called for his resignation. This was over a former ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson, who was mentioned in the Jeffrey Epstein Files. As the fresh documents, released a week ago, revealed that Mandelson had strong ties with the late sex offender, Starmer is facing extreme pressure as he was the one who appointed Mandelson to his administration. The documents released by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed that Mandelson had maintained a close friendship with the American sex offender, even after his conviction. Epstein was found guilty of solicitation of sex with a minor in 2008 and was jailed. Also read: ‘Disgusting behaviour by President’: ‘Most openly racist’ Trump shares video depicting Obamas as monkeys, sparks outrage The documents also revealed that Mandelson may have received payments from Epstein and passed sensitive information to him during the financial crisis of 2008 - 2009. After the revelation, Starmer admitted that he was aware of Mandelson and Epstein's close ties when he appointed the former as ambassador. But, he said, Mandelson lied about the extent of the friendship with Epstein. The issue escalated so much so that two of the key members of Starmer's circle resigned, and a third is under pressure to go. Moreover, Sarwar called for Starmer to do the same. Although, for now, a few members from his cabinet have come forward in support of Starmer. What did Sarwar say? Sarwar said there had been "many achievements" under the Labour government, but voters "can't hear them and can't see them" because "the leadership in Downing Street have become a huge distraction". He added that the announcement was "not easy and not without pain", saying that Sir Keir was a "decent man" but that his "first loyalty" was to Scotland. Support for Starmer After Sarwar's call, many cabinet ministers came out in support of Starmer, which led to the end of the coup, which never actual was there. Former deputy prime minister and a senior member of the Labour Party, Angela Rayner, said in an X post that while she did not defend Starmer’s judgement, “the worst possible response [to the scandal] would be to play party politics or factional games.” “I urge all my colleagues to come together, remember our values and put them into practice as a team,” she wrote on X, adding: “The PrimeMinister has my full support in leading us to that end.” 'I'm not prepared to walk away' Meanwhile, Starmer told MPs that he is not prepared to walk away from his mandate. "I have had my detractors every step along the way, and I've got them now," Starmer said, adding: "Detractors that don't want a Labour government at all, and certainly not one to succeed." "But I'll tell you this, after having fought so hard for the chance to change our country, I'm not prepared to walk away from my mandate and my responsibility to my country, or to plunge us into chaos, as others have done," he added.

Keir Starmer faces intense pressure after Epstein Files linked his appointee Peter Mandelson to Jeffrey Epstein, triggering internal Labour revolt, resignation calls, and a leadership crisis without a clear challenger.&nbsp;

The coup without a leader, and why Keir Starmer was the target | WION Explains

Minorities in Bangladesh continue to face targeted attacks, with another incident involving a Hindu businessman coming to light. Sushen Chandra Sarkar, a 62-year-old Hindu trader, was killed by unidentified individuals in the Trishal area of Mymensingh district in northern Bangladesh. Sarkar, who owned a small business named Bhai Bhai Enterprise, was reportedly hacked to death inside his shop. The perpetrators allegedly closed the shutter and fled the scene.&nbsp;The incident comes just three days before Bangladesh’s general elections, scheduled for February 12, nearly 18 months after the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in a violent uprising in August 2024 that ended her 15-year tenure.&nbsp;According to the Bangladesh police, the incident came to light after Sarkar, a resident of Southkanda village, failed to return home late on Monday night.&nbsp;“Sushen Chandra Sarkar was a businessman. When he didn’t return home at night, his son repeatedly called him but received no response. Eventually, the son went to his father’s shop and found him injured by criminals, with a head wound caused by a sharp weapon. He was taken to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead despite efforts to save him,” Hasan Israfil, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) of Trishal Circle, told ANI.&nbsp;Hasan added that the motive behind the killing remains unclear and that an investigation is underway. “We have not yet been able to determine the motive behind this murder. We are still trying to uncover the reason,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yunus-vows-peaceful-transfer-of-power-hails-upcoming-election-as-defining-moment-for-bangladesh-1770732143141">Yunus vows peaceful transfer of power, hails upcoming election as defining moment for Bangladesh</a>&nbsp;Under Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who replaced Sheikh Hasina at the helm of Bangladesh’s caretaker government, radical elements have gained greater space amid a deteriorating security environment. The period has seen a rise in attacks against Hindu minorities.&nbsp;The Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) has raised serious concerns in its latest report, warning that unfounded blasphemy accusations are increasingly being used to harass minorities, seize their property and, in some cases, kill them.&nbsp;According to the report, 73 false blasphemy-related cases were recorded across 32 districts between June and December 2025, with Hindu minorities emerging as the primary targets. The incidents involved beatings, lynchings and illegal occupation of property.&nbsp;The organisation said such allegations are often used as a pretext to settle personal vendettas or conceal disputes over land and other assets. The report documents each case in detail, listing victims’ names, locations and dates, and also includes the killing of Dipu Chandra Das.

The deceased was identified as Susen Chandra Sarkar, who owned Bhai Bhai Enterprise and hailed from Southkanda village.

Minorities in Bangladesh continue to face targeted attacks, with another incident involving a Hindu businessman coming to light. Sushen Chandra Sarkar, a 62-year-old Hindu trader, was killed by unidentified individuals in the Trishal area of Mymensingh district in northern Bangladesh. Sarkar, who owned a small business named Bhai Bhai Enterprise, was reportedly hacked to death inside his shop. The perpetrators allegedly closed the shutter and fled the scene. The incident comes just three days before Bangladesh’s general elections, scheduled for February 12, nearly 18 months after the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in a violent uprising in August 2024 that ended her 15-year tenure. According to the Bangladesh police, the incident came to light after Sarkar, a resident of Southkanda village, failed to return home late on Monday night. “Sushen Chandra Sarkar was a businessman. When he didn’t return home at night, his son repeatedly called him but received no response. Eventually, the son went to his father’s shop and found him injured by criminals, with a head wound caused by a sharp weapon. He was taken to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead despite efforts to save him,” Hasan Israfil, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) of Trishal Circle, told ANI. Hasan added that the motive behind the killing remains unclear and that an investigation is underway. “We have not yet been able to determine the motive behind this murder. We are still trying to uncover the reason,” he said. Also Read: Yunus vows peaceful transfer of power, hails upcoming election as defining moment for Bangladesh Under Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who replaced Sheikh Hasina at the helm of Bangladesh’s caretaker government, radical elements have gained greater space amid a deteriorating security environment. The period has seen a rise in attacks against Hindu minorities. The Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) has raised serious concerns in its latest report, warning that unfounded blasphemy accusations are increasingly being used to harass minorities, seize their property and, in some cases, kill them. According to the report, 73 false blasphemy-related cases were recorded across 32 districts between June and December 2025, with Hindu minorities emerging as the primary targets. The incidents involved beatings, lynchings and illegal occupation of property. The organisation said such allegations are often used as a pretext to settle personal vendettas or conceal disputes over land and other assets. The report documents each case in detail, listing victims’ names, locations and dates, and also includes the killing of Dipu Chandra Das.

The deceased was identified as Susen Chandra Sarkar, who owned Bhai Bhai Enterprise and hailed from Southkanda village.

Another Hindu man killed in Bangladesh, trader hacked to death at workplace

Amid the diplomatic tensions between Iran and the US over nuclear talks, an Iranian lawmaker said that Tehran had informed America that the upcoming talks will sitrictly restricted to the nuclear issue.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Before holding negotiations with the Americans, we told them that we are only willing to negotiate on the nuclear matter,” Esmail Kowsari told the Tehran-based Didban Iran website on Tuesday (Feb 10). Kowsari, who is a member of the parliament's national security and foreign policy committee, added that under any deal, Tehran would not accept eliminating enrichment.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We will by no means accept zero enrichment, and even if an agreement is reached, it will be solely on the nuclear issue,” the IRGC general-turned-lawmaker said. “I am not optimistic about the negotiations between Iran and the United States yielding results,” he added.<h2>'Iran will dilute its enriched uranium if...'</h2>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/disgusting-behaviour-by-president-most-openly-racist-trump-shares-video-depicting-obamas-as-monkeys-sparks-outrage-1770392209346">‘Disgusting behaviour by President’: ‘Most openly racist’ Trump shares video depicting Obamas as monkeys, sparks outrage</a>&nbsp;Iran's atomic chief Mohammad Eslami said on Monday (Feb 09), “In conclusion, in response to a question about the possibility of diluting 60 per cent enriched uranium… the head of the Atomic Energy Organisation said that this depends on whether all sanctions would be lifted in return," the official IRNA news agency reported.&nbsp;Diluting uranium simply means mixing it with a water blend to reduce the enrichment level. As per the AFP, before US and Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities in June 2025, Iran had been enriching uranium to 60 per cent, which far exceeded the 3.67 per cent limit that was allowed under a now-defunct nuclear agreement reached with world powers in 2015.&nbsp;Western countries, led by the US, have alleged Tehran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons, a claim denied by Iran. Moreover, the UN has claimed that Iran is a non-nuclear-weapons state enriching uranium to 60 per cent. It is also unknown where more than 400 kg of highly enriched uranium that Iran possessed before the war has ended up.

Iran lawmaker Esmail Kowsari said Tehran will negotiate with the US only on nuclear issues, reject zero uranium enrichment, and expressed pessimism over talks amid ongoing sanctions and tensions.

Amid the diplomatic tensions between Iran and the US over nuclear talks, an Iranian lawmaker said that Tehran had informed America that the upcoming talks will sitrictly restricted to the nuclear issue. “Before holding negotiations with the Americans, we told them that we are only willing to negotiate on the nuclear matter,” Esmail Kowsari told the Tehran-based Didban Iran website on Tuesday (Feb 10). Kowsari, who is a member of the parliament's national security and foreign policy committee, added that under any deal, Tehran would not accept eliminating enrichment. “We will by no means accept zero enrichment, and even if an agreement is reached, it will be solely on the nuclear issue,” the IRGC general-turned-lawmaker said. “I am not optimistic about the negotiations between Iran and the United States yielding results,” he added. 'Iran will dilute its enriched uranium if...' Also read: ‘Disgusting behaviour by President’: ‘Most openly racist’ Trump shares video depicting Obamas as monkeys, sparks outrage Iran's atomic chief Mohammad Eslami said on Monday (Feb 09), “In conclusion, in response to a question about the possibility of diluting 60 per cent enriched uranium… the head of the Atomic Energy Organisation said that this depends on whether all sanctions would be lifted in return," the official IRNA news agency reported. Diluting uranium simply means mixing it with a water blend to reduce the enrichment level. As per the AFP, before US and Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities in June 2025, Iran had been enriching uranium to 60 per cent, which far exceeded the 3.67 per cent limit that was allowed under a now-defunct nuclear agreement reached with world powers in 2015. Western countries, led by the US, have alleged Tehran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons, a claim denied by Iran. Moreover, the UN has claimed that Iran is a non-nuclear-weapons state enriching uranium to 60 per cent. It is also unknown where more than 400 kg of highly enriched uranium that Iran possessed before the war has ended up.

Iran lawmaker Esmail Kowsari said Tehran will negotiate with the US only on nuclear issues, reject zero uranium enrichment, and expressed pessimism over talks amid ongoing sanctions and tensions.

‘Only willing to negotiate on nuclear matter, won’t accept zero enrichment’: Iran lawmaker ahead of nuke talks with US

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Tuesday (February 10) admitted that he and his family had lunch with Jeffrey Epstein on the private island of the convicted sex offender in 2012. However, he denied having any close connection with Epstein, saying he barely had any relationship with him and met him only three times over 14 years.&nbsp;“I did have lunch with him, as I was on a boat during a family vacation” in 2012, Lutnick said in testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee.&nbsp;“My wife was with me, as were my four children and their nannies,” he said. “Another couple was also there with their children. And we had lunch on the island, that is true — for about an hour.”&nbsp;Lutnick made the admission after his position in the Trump administration came under threat amid growing bipartisan calls for his resignation, following the release of a new cache of Epstein files that revealed his personal and business connections with the disgraced financier.&nbsp;“Over a 14-year period, I did not have any relationship with him. I barely had anything to do with that person,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-i-will-never-walk-away-starmer-stands-firm-as-epstein-fallout-rocks-uk-government-1770738602217">‘I will never walk away’: Starmer stands firm as Epstein fallout rocks UK government</a>&nbsp;The new revelations contradicted Lutnick’s earlier claims that he had cut off contact with Epstein after 2005, years before the financier was convicted on child sex trafficking charges.&nbsp;In his testimony on Tuesday morning before the Appropriations panel’s subcommittee on commerce, justice, science and related agencies, Lutnick said he met Epstein after moving into a house next door to him in New York.&nbsp;“I’m glad to be here to make it clear that I met Jeffrey Epstein when he moved, when I moved, to a house next door to him in New York,” the Cabinet secretary testified.

Howard Lutnick denied any relationship with the convicted sex offender, saying he met Epstein only three times over 14 years.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Tuesday (February 10) admitted that he and his family had lunch with Jeffrey Epstein on the private island of the convicted sex offender in 2012. However, he denied having any close connection with Epstein, saying he barely had any relationship with him and met him only three times over 14 years. “I did have lunch with him, as I was on a boat during a family vacation” in 2012, Lutnick said in testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee. “My wife was with me, as were my four children and their nannies,” he said. “Another couple was also there with their children. And we had lunch on the island, that is true — for about an hour.” Lutnick made the admission after his position in the Trump administration came under threat amid growing bipartisan calls for his resignation, following the release of a new cache of Epstein files that revealed his personal and business connections with the disgraced financier. “Over a 14-year period, I did not have any relationship with him. I barely had anything to do with that person,” he said. Also Read: ‘I will never walk away’: Starmer stands firm as Epstein fallout rocks UK government The new revelations contradicted Lutnick’s earlier claims that he had cut off contact with Epstein after 2005, years before the financier was convicted on child sex trafficking charges. In his testimony on Tuesday morning before the Appropriations panel’s subcommittee on commerce, justice, science and related agencies, Lutnick said he met Epstein after moving into a house next door to him in New York. “I’m glad to be here to make it clear that I met Jeffrey Epstein when he moved, when I moved, to a house next door to him in New York,” the Cabinet secretary testified.

Howard Lutnick denied any relationship with the convicted sex offender, saying he met Epstein only three times over 14 years.

Trump’s Commerce Secretary Lutnick admits visiting Epstein’s infamous island during family vacation

Top Iranian security official, Ali Larijani, talked on Tuesday ( Feb 10) about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Washington visit. In a social media post, the officials warned Americans to &nbsp;"think wisely" and "remain alert to the destructive role of the Zionists."&nbsp;"Netanyahu is now on his way to the United States. Americans must think wisely and not allow him, through posturing, to imply before his flight that 'I want to go and teach Americans the framework of the nuclear negotiations'," he wrote on X. "They must remain alert to the destructive role of the Zionists," the official added.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-did-you-torture-her-emails-of-jeffrey-epstein-and-martin-nowak-reveal-shocking-details-all-about-6-5-million-to-harvard-and-private-travels-1770656438037">‘Did you torture her?’: Emails of Jeffrey Epstein and Martin Nowak reveal shocking details. All about ‘$6.5 million to Harvard’ and private travels</a>&nbsp;Moreover, Iran’s judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei said that the Islamic Republic had shown “compassion” from its inception to the present, while warning that authorities would stand against “traitors.” Ejei said the judiciary would confront those acting “in tandem with Israel and other enemies of the Islamic revolution.”&nbsp;Meanwhile, Netanyahu, while heading for Washington, DC, said he planned to convey Israel’s position on US nuclear talks with Tehran during the meeting. The Israeli PM told reporters before taking his flight that he will “present to the president our approach around our principles on the negotiations.” He also added that these principles were not important only for Israel, but for every country “that wants peace and security.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epstein-had-interests-in-psychic-activities-paid-20-000-to-hong-kong-academic-for-finding-people-with-special-abilities-1770309794286">Epstein had interests in ‘psychic activities’, paid $20,000 to Hong Kong academic for finding people with ‘special abilities’</a>&nbsp;Netanyahu and Trump are expected to discuss a series f topice including Gaza. The Israeli leader said that his repeated meetings with the American president are evidence of the “unique closeness” between Israel and the US - and also of the personal ties between him and Trump.

Iranian security official Ali Larijani warned Americans to stay alert ahead of Israeli PM Netanyahu’s US visit, accusing Zionists of influencing nuclear talks and urging caution over Iran negotiations.

Top Iranian security official, Ali Larijani, talked on Tuesday ( Feb 10) about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Washington visit. In a social media post, the officials warned Americans to "think wisely" and "remain alert to the destructive role of the Zionists." "Netanyahu is now on his way to the United States. Americans must think wisely and not allow him, through posturing, to imply before his flight that 'I want to go and teach Americans the framework of the nuclear negotiations'," he wrote on X. "They must remain alert to the destructive role of the Zionists," the official added. Also read: ‘Did you torture her?’: Emails of Jeffrey Epstein and Martin Nowak reveal shocking details. All about ‘$6.5 million to Harvard’ and private travels Moreover, Iran’s judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei said that the Islamic Republic had shown “compassion” from its inception to the present, while warning that authorities would stand against “traitors.” Ejei said the judiciary would confront those acting “in tandem with Israel and other enemies of the Islamic revolution.” Meanwhile, Netanyahu, while heading for Washington, DC, said he planned to convey Israel’s position on US nuclear talks with Tehran during the meeting. The Israeli PM told reporters before taking his flight that he will “present to the president our approach around our principles on the negotiations.” He also added that these principles were not important only for Israel, but for every country “that wants peace and security.” Also read: Epstein had interests in ‘psychic activities’, paid $20,000 to Hong Kong academic for finding people with ‘special abilities’ Netanyahu and Trump are expected to discuss a series f topice including Gaza. The Israeli leader said that his repeated meetings with the American president are evidence of the “unique closeness” between Israel and the US - and also of the personal ties between him and Trump.

Iranian security official Ali Larijani warned Americans to stay alert ahead of Israeli PM Netanyahu’s US visit, accusing Zionists of influencing nuclear talks and urging caution over Iran negotiations.

‘Americans must think wisely, remain alert’: Iranian security official ahead of Netanyahu’s US visit

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday (February 10) sought to move on from speculation over his future and told a meeting of government ministers that they were “strong and united”. He vowed not to walk away from No. 10 just 19 months into a five-year term.&nbsp;“And I say to them, I will never walk away from the mandate I was given to change this country. I will never walk away from the people that I am charged with fighting for, and I will never walk away from the country I love,” Starmer said in a statement.&nbsp;On Monday, the Labour government led by Starmer came under intense pressure after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar demanded his resignation for appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador despite allegedly knowing that he had maintained links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.&nbsp;Earlier, two of Starmer’s top government officials resigned over the scandal. However, the Prime Minister weathered the storm and emerged intact after party MPs and cabinet colleagues rallied behind him during one of the most difficult days of his leadership.The remarks came after Starmer’s executive director of communications, Tim Allan, resigned on Monday, just five months into the role. His departure followed the resignation of Starmer’s Chief of Staff, Morgan McSweeney, a day earlier.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yunus-vows-peaceful-transfer-of-power-hails-upcoming-election-as-defining-moment-for-bangladesh-1770732143141">Yunus vows peaceful transfer of power, hails upcoming election as defining moment for Bangladesh</a>&nbsp;“I have decided to stand down to allow a new No. 10 team to be built. I wish the Prime Minister and his team every success,” Allan said in a statement.&nbsp;The exits of both Allan and McSweeney are linked to a deepening crisis over the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the United States, after his name resurfaced in the Epstein files with fresh allegations.&nbsp;McSweeney, widely regarded as the architect of Starmer’s 2024 landslide election victory, took “full responsibility” in his resignation letter for recommending Mandelson’s appointment as UK ambassador to the US.&nbsp;Starmer sacked Mandelson in September last year after documents published by the US Congress revealed the extent of the Labour veteran’s relationship with Epstein following the financier’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor.

The Labour government led by Starmer came under intense pressure  a day earlier, after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar demanded his resignation for appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday (February 10) sought to move on from speculation over his future and told a meeting of government ministers that they were “strong and united”. He vowed not to walk away from No. 10 just 19 months into a five-year term. “And I say to them, I will never walk away from the mandate I was given to change this country. I will never walk away from the people that I am charged with fighting for, and I will never walk away from the country I love,” Starmer said in a statement. On Monday, the Labour government led by Starmer came under intense pressure after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar demanded his resignation for appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador despite allegedly knowing that he had maintained links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Earlier, two of Starmer’s top government officials resigned over the scandal. However, the Prime Minister weathered the storm and emerged intact after party MPs and cabinet colleagues rallied behind him during one of the most difficult days of his leadership. The remarks came after Starmer’s executive director of communications, Tim Allan, resigned on Monday, just five months into the role. His departure followed the resignation of Starmer’s Chief of Staff, Morgan McSweeney, a day earlier. Also Read: Yunus vows peaceful transfer of power, hails upcoming election as defining moment for Bangladesh “I have decided to stand down to allow a new No. 10 team to be built. I wish the Prime Minister and his team every success,” Allan said in a statement. The exits of both Allan and McSweeney are linked to a deepening crisis over the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the United States, after his name resurfaced in the Epstein files with fresh allegations. McSweeney, widely regarded as the architect of Starmer’s 2024 landslide election victory, took “full responsibility” in his resignation letter for recommending Mandelson’s appointment as UK ambassador to the US. Starmer sacked Mandelson in September last year after documents published by the US Congress revealed the extent of the Labour veteran’s relationship with Epstein following the financier’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor.

The Labour government led by Starmer came under intense pressure &nbsp;a day earlier, after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar demanded his resignation for appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador

‘I will never walk away’: Starmer stands firm as Epstein fallout rocks UK government

Bangladesh is heading toward a pivotal national election amid mounting concerns over the safety and political future of its religious minorities. Reports of sporadic attacks, political volatility, and the resurgence of Islamist forces have intensified fears within communities that already consider themselves vulnerable. Minority advocacy groups say recent incidents have revived long-standing anxieties. Hundreds of communal attacks were recorded in 2025, including dozens of killings, while thousands of incidents were reported in 2024 following the political upheaval that removed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.&nbsp;&nbsp;Community leaders say minorities are now “deeply insecure” ahead of the vote. The government, however, has disputed claims of widespread communal violence, maintaining that only a small portion of incidents were religiously motivated and that many were ordinary criminal acts. Officials have urged observers to distinguish between communal tensions and broader law-and-order challenges. The conflicting narratives underscore the tense environment in which Bangladesh is preparing for elections that could reshape its political trajectory.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yunus-vows-peaceful-transfer-of-power-hails-upcoming-election-as-defining-moment-for-bangladesh-1770732143141">Yunus vows peaceful transfer of power, hails upcoming election as defining moment for Bangladesh</a><h2>Rising insecurity and violence ahead of polls</h2>Minority organisations warn that fear and insecurity could discourage voters from participating in the democratic process. Leaders have flagged concerns over safety, livelihoods, property, and dignity, arguing that these issues remain unresolved despite minorities’ willingness to vote. In the opening weeks of the election year alone, several incidents of communal violence, including multiple killings, were documented, reinforcing perceptions of vulnerability. The election atmosphere, according to community representatives, is marked by ongoing mob violence and persistent anxiety.&nbsp;Some families have reportedly been forced to leave their homes, while minority business owners are struggling to operate normally amid security concerns. Watchdog findings from the past year also described a troubling pattern of attacks targeting Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and Ahmadis, including cases of arson, sexual assault, and murder.Analysts warn that without stronger law enforcement, minority candidates may find it difficult to campaign freely, and voters could hesitate to cast their ballots. A separate assessment flagged a surge in violence in the months leading up to the election, raising alarms about communal harmony.<h2>Islamist resurgence and political uncertainty</h2>Adding to the unease is the political comeback of Jamaat-e-Islami, a once-banned Islamist party expected to perform strongly after nearly 17 years outside the electoral arena. Opinion surveys suggest the party could emerge as a key power broker in a future government. Jamaat has expressed openness to joining a unity government and has emphasised stability and anti-corruption as priorities, even as it advocates governance rooted in Islamic principles.&nbsp;The broader political landscape has remained fragile since Hasina’s ouster in a mass uprising in 2024, a development that altered Bangladesh’s internal power dynamics and strained regional ties. Some minority representatives argue that the use of religion in political campaigns, combined with inadequate security, risks undermining confidence in the electoral process. At the same time, the interim government has rejected reports of escalating attacks as “false propaganda,” suggesting such claims are intended to disrupt communal harmony during a sensitive political period.<h2>A defining moment for Bangladesh’s pluralism</h2>The upcoming election is increasingly viewed as a test of Bangladesh’s ability to protect its multicultural fabric while navigating political change. Minority leaders insist that creating a secure and confidence-building environment is essential not only for voter participation but also for preserving democratic legitimacy.&nbsp;With fears mounting and political forces realigning, the question remains whether Bangladesh can reassure its minorities, or whether uncertainty will continue to shadow the country’s democratic journey. For millions of minority citizens, the stakes go beyond electoral outcomes. The months ahead may determine whether they feel like protected participants in the nation’s future or vulnerable observers of a rapidly shifting political order.

Recent attacks and political uncertainty ahead of Bangladesh’s elections have intensified fears among Hindus and other minorities about safety, rights, and representation

Bangladesh is heading toward a pivotal national election amid mounting concerns over the safety and political future of its religious minorities. Reports of sporadic attacks, political volatility, and the resurgence of Islamist forces have intensified fears within communities that already consider themselves vulnerable. Minority advocacy groups say recent incidents have revived long-standing anxieties. Hundreds of communal attacks were recorded in 2025, including dozens of killings, while thousands of incidents were reported in 2024 following the political upheaval that removed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Community leaders say minorities are now “deeply insecure” ahead of the vote. The government, however, has disputed claims of widespread communal violence, maintaining that only a small portion of incidents were religiously motivated and that many were ordinary criminal acts. Officials have urged observers to distinguish between communal tensions and broader law-and-order challenges. The conflicting narratives underscore the tense environment in which Bangladesh is preparing for elections that could reshape its political trajectory. Also Read: Yunus vows peaceful transfer of power, hails upcoming election as defining moment for Bangladesh Rising insecurity and violence ahead of polls Minority organisations warn that fear and insecurity could discourage voters from participating in the democratic process. Leaders have flagged concerns over safety, livelihoods, property, and dignity, arguing that these issues remain unresolved despite minorities’ willingness to vote. In the opening weeks of the election year alone, several incidents of communal violence, including multiple killings, were documented, reinforcing perceptions of vulnerability. The election atmosphere, according to community representatives, is marked by ongoing mob violence and persistent anxiety. Some families have reportedly been forced to leave their homes, while minority business owners are struggling to operate normally amid security concerns. Watchdog findings from the past year also described a troubling pattern of attacks targeting Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and Ahmadis, including cases of arson, sexual assault, and murder. Analysts warn that without stronger law enforcement, minority candidates may find it difficult to campaign freely, and voters could hesitate to cast their ballots. A separate assessment flagged a surge in violence in the months leading up to the election, raising alarms about communal harmony. Islamist resurgence and political uncertainty Adding to the unease is the political comeback of Jamaat-e-Islami, a once-banned Islamist party expected to perform strongly after nearly 17 years outside the electoral arena. Opinion surveys suggest the party could emerge as a key power broker in a future government. Jamaat has expressed openness to joining a unity government and has emphasised stability and anti-corruption as priorities, even as it advocates governance rooted in Islamic principles. The broader political landscape has remained fragile since Hasina’s ouster in a mass uprising in 2024, a development that altered Bangladesh’s internal power dynamics and strained regional ties. Some minority representatives argue that the use of religion in political campaigns, combined with inadequate security, risks undermining confidence in the electoral process. At the same time, the interim government has rejected reports of escalating attacks as “false propaganda,” suggesting such claims are intended to disrupt communal harmony during a sensitive political period. A defining moment for Bangladesh’s pluralism The upcoming election is increasingly viewed as a test of Bangladesh’s ability to protect its multicultural fabric while navigating political change. Minority leaders insist that creating a secure and confidence-building environment is essential not only for voter participation but also for preserving democratic legitimacy. With fears mounting and political forces realigning, the question remains whether Bangladesh can reassure its minorities, or whether uncertainty will continue to shadow the country’s democratic journey. For millions of minority citizens, the stakes go beyond electoral outcomes. The months ahead may determine whether they feel like protected participants in the nation’s future or vulnerable observers of a rapidly shifting political order.

Recent attacks and political uncertainty ahead of Bangladesh’s elections have intensified fears among Hindus and other minorities about safety, rights, and representation

Bangladesh Elections 2026: What's in store for Hindus if Islamists rise?

The latest tranche of Epstein Files released by the DOJ had references to allegations of US President Joe Biden being shot in 2019 by a “firing squad”. The sender claims that Biden was subsequently replaced by a “body double or clone”, a claim which had been circulated by Right wing online spaces and later shared by the US President Donald Trump in his Truth Social platform. The sender and receiver of the email had been redacted by the FBI, but the content appears to have been originated from a former Estimote associate, who is accusing the recipient of being part of an Epstein-like cabal involved in child abuse and trafficking.

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Several right wing online spaces have circulated such claims referencing to change in Joe Biden's physical stature and jawline before and after 2020. Trump shared one of his followers post on mid 2025 which claimed, &nbsp;“There is no #JoeBiden - executed in 2020. #Biden clones doubles &amp; robotic engineered soulless mindless entities are what you see. Democrats don't know the difference.”&nbsp;Mainstream media platforms on several occasions have branded those claims as political and communication strategy as part of his wider project of deligitimising Joe Biden's presidency. However, critics argue that why Joe Biden didn't release the Epstein Files, Biden administration was sitting on the trope of legal, intelligence, and judicial documents. Democrats as they portray themselves as “tougher” on elites, could have had enormous political mileage, even if there were bipartisan connection within the network of sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.&nbsp;&nbsp;The mail was part of an agressive rant which included claims of paedophilia, elite protection networks and secret military tribunals. The sender appears to have been unfairly fired from his position. References to Epstein arises as the sender accuses his fellow of orchestration of his removal. The sender further claims of secret “quantum” surveillance systems, military-led justice and a supposed global reckoning against elites and the establishment of a new world order. The communication eventhough comes across as an unhinged psychotic rant, it points to the existence of an occult illuminati network independent of Epstein.

Emails released in the Epstein files echo a Joe Biden body double claim amplified by Donald Trump in 2025, alongside allegations of elite abuse and conspiracy narratives.

The latest tranche of Epstein Files released by the DOJ had references to allegations of US President Joe Biden being shot in 2019 by a “firing squad”. The sender claims that Biden was subsequently replaced by a “body double or clone”, a claim which had been circulated by Right wing online spaces and later shared by the US President Donald Trump in his Truth Social platform. The sender and receiver of the email had been redacted by the FBI, but the content appears to have been originated from a former Estimote associate, who is accusing the recipient of being part of an Epstein-like cabal involved in child abuse and trafficking.

Emails released in the Epstein files echo a Joe Biden body double claim amplified by Donald Trump in 2025, alongside allegations of elite abuse and conspiracy narratives.

Epstein files revive Joe Biden body double claim previously shared by Trump

Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday (Feb 10) urged citizens to actively participate in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary elections and the referendum on the July National Charter. He described the twin polls as a defining moment that could fundamentally reshape the country’s political future and democratic framework.&nbsp;In a televised address to the nation, two days ahead of the general elections, Yunus said Bangladesh stands at a crucial “historic and future-defining” juncture after years of political turmoil and an uprising that led to the current situation.&nbsp;The 13th general elections are scheduled for February 12, nearly 18 months after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a violent uprising in August 2024, which ended her 15-year tenure.&nbsp;The Chief Adviser hailed the elections as one of the largest participatory contests in Bangladesh’s history, with 51 political parties and more than 2,000 candidates. He emphasised that the broad-based participation reflects a renewed political awakening and a strong public desire for change.<h2>Promises peaceful transfer of power</h2>The Nobel laureate urged political parties and candidates to place national interest above personal and partisan benefits. He rejected claims that the interim government intends to cling to power, calling them propaganda, and assured that the administration’s mandate would end once democratically elected representatives assume office.&nbsp;Yunus said the interim government is prepared to hand over power swiftly and “with pride” after the election process concludes.&nbsp;Emphasising the importance of the referendum on the July National Charter, he described it as a landmark democratic exercise that empowers citizens to directly decide whether to endorse a reform framework developed through consultations with more than 30 political parties.&nbsp;However, critics have accused the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of pursuing a political vendetta against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Her party, the Awami League, has been banned from carrying out political activities and from participating in the February 12 elections.&nbsp;Hasina was ousted following a series of violent nationwide protests involving arson, clashes with security forces, multiple deaths, and widespread unrest. The turmoil paralysed Bangladesh’s political and administrative system and led to the installation of a Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.

Critics have accused the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of pursuing a political vendetta against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Her party, the Awami League, has been banned from carrying out political activities and from participating in the February 12 elections.

Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday (Feb 10) urged citizens to actively participate in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary elections and the referendum on the July National Charter. He described the twin polls as a defining moment that could fundamentally reshape the country’s political future and democratic framework. In a televised address to the nation, two days ahead of the general elections, Yunus said Bangladesh stands at a crucial “historic and future-defining” juncture after years of political turmoil and an uprising that led to the current situation. The 13th general elections are scheduled for February 12, nearly 18 months after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a violent uprising in August 2024, which ended her 15-year tenure. The Chief Adviser hailed the elections as one of the largest participatory contests in Bangladesh’s history, with 51 political parties and more than 2,000 candidates. He emphasised that the broad-based participation reflects a renewed political awakening and a strong public desire for change. Promises peaceful transfer of power The Nobel laureate urged political parties and candidates to place national interest above personal and partisan benefits. He rejected claims that the interim government intends to cling to power, calling them propaganda, and assured that the administration’s mandate would end once democratically elected representatives assume office. Yunus said the interim government is prepared to hand over power swiftly and “with pride” after the election process concludes. Emphasising the importance of the referendum on the July National Charter, he described it as a landmark democratic exercise that empowers citizens to directly decide whether to endorse a reform framework developed through consultations with more than 30 political parties. However, critics have accused the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of pursuing a political vendetta against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Her party, the Awami League, has been banned from carrying out political activities and from participating in the February 12 elections. Hasina was ousted following a series of violent nationwide protests involving arson, clashes with security forces, multiple deaths, and widespread unrest. The turmoil paralysed Bangladesh’s political and administrative system and led to the installation of a Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.

Critics have accused the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of pursuing a political vendetta against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Her party, the Awami League, has been banned from carrying out political activities and from participating in the February 12 elections.

Yunus vows peaceful transfer of power, hails upcoming election as defining moment for Bangladesh

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday (Feb 10) called Donald Trump “openly anti‑European" and asked Europe to brace for escalated tensions with the US. The French leader urged the European Union to take the "Greenland moment" as a wake-up call. In an interview with several European newspapers, Macron said that Europe should not think that tensions with America have ended. He said clashes with Washington, including over the EU’s regulation of digital technology, were likely in the months ahead.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/disgusting-behaviour-by-president-most-openly-racist-trump-shares-video-depicting-obamas-as-monkeys-sparks-outrage-1770392209346">‘Disgusting behaviour by President’: ‘Most openly racist’ Trump shares video depicting Obamas as monkeys, sparks outrage</a>&nbsp;“When there’s a clear act of aggression, I think what we should do isn’t bow down or try to reach a settlement," Macron told Le Monde, the Financial Times and others, adding: “We’ve tried that strategy for months. It’s not working."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-did-you-torture-her-emails-of-jeffrey-epstein-and-martin-nowak-reveal-shocking-details-all-about-6-5-million-to-harvard-and-private-travels-1770656438037">‘Did you torture her?’: Emails of Jeffrey Epstein and Martin Nowak reveal shocking details. All about ‘$6.5 million to Harvard’ and private travels</a>&nbsp;Marcon also said that if Europe implements the Digital Services Act to regulate tech companies, European countries could be hit by more tariffs by the US. He said the Trump administration was seeking the EU’s “dismemberment" and that further conflicts were inevitable. “Europe needs protection, not protectionism," Macron said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-wants-new-improved-nuclear-treaty-with-russia-says-us-to-introduce-battleships-100x-better-than-those-during-ww-2-1770322884405">Trump wants ‘new, improved’ nuclear treaty with Russia; says US to introduce battleships '100X better than those during WW 2'</a>&nbsp;“We have the Chinese tsunami on the trade front, and we have minute-by-minute instability on the American side. These two crises amount to a profound shock — a rupture for Europeans," he added.

French President Emmanuel Macron warned that Donald Trump’s administration is openly anti-European, urging the EU to learn from the Greenland episode and prepare for escalating tensions over trade, tech regulation, and tariffs.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday (Feb 10) called Donald Trump “openly anti‑European" and asked Europe to brace for escalated tensions with the US. The French leader urged the European Union to take the "Greenland moment" as a wake-up call. In an interview with several European newspapers, Macron said that Europe should not think that tensions with America have ended. He said clashes with Washington, including over the EU’s regulation of digital technology, were likely in the months ahead. Also read: ‘Disgusting behaviour by President’: ‘Most openly racist’ Trump shares video depicting Obamas as monkeys, sparks outrage “When there’s a clear act of aggression, I think what we should do isn’t bow down or try to reach a settlement," Macron told Le Monde, the Financial Times and others, adding: “We’ve tried that strategy for months. It’s not working." Also read: ‘Did you torture her?’: Emails of Jeffrey Epstein and Martin Nowak reveal shocking details. All about ‘$6.5 million to Harvard’ and private travels Marcon also said that if Europe implements the Digital Services Act to regulate tech companies, European countries could be hit by more tariffs by the US. He said the Trump administration was seeking the EU’s “dismemberment" and that further conflicts were inevitable. “Europe needs protection, not protectionism," Macron said. Also read: Trump wants ‘new, improved’ nuclear treaty with Russia; says US to introduce battleships '100X better than those during WW 2' “We have the Chinese tsunami on the trade front, and we have minute-by-minute instability on the American side. These two crises amount to a profound shock — a rupture for Europeans," he added.

French President Emmanuel Macron warned that Donald Trump’s administration is openly anti-European, urging the EU to learn from the Greenland episode and prepare for escalating tensions over trade, tech regulation, and tariffs.

Trump admin is openly anti-European; EU should learn from Greenland moment: Emmanuel Macron

The United States under President Donald Trump is likely to expand its nuclear build-up by deploying more warheads on existing intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and by conducting new underground nuclear tests after the New START treaty, which officially bound nuclear limits between the US and Russia, expired.&nbsp;In the absence of any treaty, Trump has signalled a move towards unconstrained nuclear competition, reportedly directing the Pentagon to prepare for potential underground testing, The New York Times reported.&nbsp;These decisions would reverse nearly 49 years of stricter nuclear restraint by the United States, which had kept its number of warheads steady or reduced the number of weapons deployed on submarines. If Washington goes ahead with Trump’s plan, it would mark the first US nuclear detonation in more than 30 years, since 1992.&nbsp;The New START treaty limited deployed nuclear warheads to about 1,530 each for the US and Russia. While Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to voluntarily extend the current deployment caps for one year, Trump rejected the proposal, saying the 2010 deal was “badly negotiated” and grossly violated by Moscow.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Washington called for widening the scope of the treaty to include China and accused Beijing of conducting a secret nuclear test in 2020. “I can reveal that the US government is aware that China has conducted nuclear explosive tests, including preparing for tests with designated yields in the hundreds of tonnes,” US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Thomas DiNanno told a disarmament conference in Geneva.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-army-chief-mm-naravane-breaks-silence-on-row-over-unpublished-memoir-here-s-what-he-said-1770727557689">Former Army chief MM Naravane breaks silence on row over 'unpublished' memoir. Here's what he said</a>&nbsp;However, on February 6, the Kremlin said the United States and Russia agree on the need to resume nuclear talks following the expiry of the treaty limiting their nuclear arsenals.Moscow also confirmed that both countries are resuming high-level military contacts after an agreement reached at two-day talks in Abu Dhabi, aimed at addressing the Ukraine war.&nbsp;These developments follow the Bulletin’s January 27 announcement, when the Doomsday Clock moved to just 85 seconds to midnight, highlighting the growing risk of nuclear catastrophe.&nbsp;Amid these developments, the Doomsday Clock, a symbolic measure of how close humanity is to destroying itself through technologies of its own making, particularly nuclear weapons, moved four seconds closer to midnight this year. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, which created the clock at the start of the Cold War, said this marked the closest point to global catastrophe in its history.

Trump has signalled a move towards unconstrained nuclear competition, reportedly directing the Pentagon to prepare for potential underground testing

The United States under President Donald Trump is likely to expand its nuclear build-up by deploying more warheads on existing intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and by conducting new underground nuclear tests after the New START treaty, which officially bound nuclear limits between the US and Russia, expired. In the absence of any treaty, Trump has signalled a move towards unconstrained nuclear competition, reportedly directing the Pentagon to prepare for potential underground testing, The New York Times reported. These decisions would reverse nearly 49 years of stricter nuclear restraint by the United States, which had kept its number of warheads steady or reduced the number of weapons deployed on submarines. If Washington goes ahead with Trump’s plan, it would mark the first US nuclear detonation in more than 30 years, since 1992. The New START treaty limited deployed nuclear warheads to about 1,530 each for the US and Russia. While Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to voluntarily extend the current deployment caps for one year, Trump rejected the proposal, saying the 2010 deal was “badly negotiated” and grossly violated by Moscow. Meanwhile, Washington called for widening the scope of the treaty to include China and accused Beijing of conducting a secret nuclear test in 2020. “I can reveal that the US government is aware that China has conducted nuclear explosive tests, including preparing for tests with designated yields in the hundreds of tonnes,” US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Thomas DiNanno told a disarmament conference in Geneva. Also Read: Former Army chief MM Naravane breaks silence on row over 'unpublished' memoir. Here's what he said However, on February 6, the Kremlin said the United States and Russia agree on the need to resume nuclear talks following the expiry of the treaty limiting their nuclear arsenals. Moscow also confirmed that both countries are resuming high-level military contacts after an agreement reached at two-day talks in Abu Dhabi, aimed at addressing the Ukraine war. These developments follow the Bulletin’s January 27 announcement, when the Doomsday Clock moved to just 85 seconds to midnight, highlighting the growing risk of nuclear catastrophe. Amid these developments, the Doomsday Clock, a symbolic measure of how close humanity is to destroying itself through technologies of its own making, particularly nuclear weapons, moved four seconds closer to midnight this year. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, which created the clock at the start of the Cold War, said this marked the closest point to global catastrophe in its history.

Trump has signalled a move towards unconstrained nuclear competition, reportedly directing the Pentagon to prepare for potential underground testing

Will Trump trigger nuclear arms race? US plans expanded deployments, tests

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to visit India next week for a three-day official trip, amid deepening ties between the two nations. At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr Macron will arrive in India on 17 February and stay until 19 February 2026.&nbsp;The visit comes as the countries mark progress under their long-standing strategic partnership, which was elevated with the adoption of the Horizon 2047 Roadmap during celebrations of its 25th anniversary in 2023. The roadmap charts a course for bilateral relations through to 2047, coinciding with the centenary of India's independence and diplomatic ties with France.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-wants-new-improved-nuclear-treaty-with-russia-says-us-to-introduce-battleships-100x-better-than-those-during-ww-2-1770322884405">Trump wants ‘new, improved’ nuclear treaty with Russia; says US to introduce battleships '100X better than those during WW 2'</a>&nbsp;A statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs said: "Both leaders will hold discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation across a wide spectrum of areas as enshrined in the Horizon 2047 Roadmap." The two leaders will also address "regional and global issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in the Indo-Pacific."&nbsp;In a highlight of the trip, Mr Macron and Mr Modi will travel to Mumbai to jointly inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation, a year-long celebration of collaborative efforts in technology and research throughout 2026. On 19 February, the French president will participate in the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, building on previous engagements in artificial intelligence between the two countries.&nbsp;The visit follows Prime Minister Modi's trip to France in February 2025 and reflects the mutual trust and depth of the India-France Strategic Partnership, as well as the shared commitment of the two countries to deepen it further.&nbsp;Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited France and held talks with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, describing ties as "driven by the comfort and depth of our Strategic Partnership."&nbsp;Mr Macron has also invited Mr Modi and the German Chancellor to attend the Africa-France summit, scheduled for 11-12 May 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya. The India-France relationship has grown into one of New Delhi's most important strategic partnerships, particularly in defence, where France has been a key supplier. This includes the delivery of 36 Rafale fighter jets to the Indian Air Force and ongoing cooperation on Scorpene submarines under the P-75 project.&nbsp;France ranks as one of India's top defence partners, supporting self-reliance goals through technology transfer and joint development. Cooperation extends to civil nuclear energy, space, and increasingly the Indo-Pacific, where both nations share interests in maritime security, a rules-based order, and countering regional challenges. The partnership also encompasses emerging areas such as clean energy, innovation, and artificial intelligence.

French President Emmanuel Macron will visit India from February 17–19, 2026, to boost strategic ties, launch the India-France Year of Innovation, and deepen cooperation in defence, AI, and the Indo-Pacific.

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to visit India next week for a three-day official trip, amid deepening ties between the two nations. At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr Macron will arrive in India on 17 February and stay until 19 February 2026. The visit comes as the countries mark progress under their long-standing strategic partnership, which was elevated with the adoption of the Horizon 2047 Roadmap during celebrations of its 25th anniversary in 2023. The roadmap charts a course for bilateral relations through to 2047, coinciding with the centenary of India's independence and diplomatic ties with France. Also read: Trump wants ‘new, improved’ nuclear treaty with Russia; says US to introduce battleships '100X better than those during WW 2' A statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs said: "Both leaders will hold discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation across a wide spectrum of areas as enshrined in the Horizon 2047 Roadmap." The two leaders will also address "regional and global issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in the Indo-Pacific." In a highlight of the trip, Mr Macron and Mr Modi will travel to Mumbai to jointly inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation, a year-long celebration of collaborative efforts in technology and research throughout 2026. On 19 February, the French president will participate in the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, building on previous engagements in artificial intelligence between the two countries. The visit follows Prime Minister Modi's trip to France in February 2025 and reflects the mutual trust and depth of the India-France Strategic Partnership, as well as the shared commitment of the two countries to deepen it further. Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited France and held talks with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, describing ties as "driven by the comfort and depth of our Strategic Partnership." Mr Macron has also invited Mr Modi and the German Chancellor to attend the Africa-France summit, scheduled for 11-12 May 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya. The India-France relationship has grown into one of New Delhi's most important strategic partnerships, particularly in defence, where France has been a key supplier. This includes the delivery of 36 Rafale fighter jets to the Indian Air Force and ongoing cooperation on Scorpene submarines under the P-75 project. France ranks as one of India's top defence partners, supporting self-reliance goals through technology transfer and joint development. Cooperation extends to civil nuclear energy, space, and increasingly the Indo-Pacific, where both nations share interests in maritime security, a rules-based order, and countering regional challenges. The partnership also encompasses emerging areas such as clean energy, innovation, and artificial intelligence.

French President Emmanuel Macron will visit India from February 17–19, 2026, to boost strategic ties, launch the India-France Year of Innovation, and deepen cooperation in defence, AI, and the Indo-Pacific.

French President Emmanuel Macron to visit India next week. Check details here

Bangladesh is holding its 13th general election on February 12. These are the first polls since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted following student-led protests in the country. More than 127 million people are eligible to vote in "the biggest democratic exercise of the year." Nearly 15 million Bangladeshi expatriates will also be able to vote by post for the first time. However, unrest and violence are expected on the day of the elections. The current caretaker government is led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Awami League and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have been the two main parties in the country. But this year, the former is banned since its members are on trial for the brutal crackdown on protests in 2024. The BNP and the Jamaat-e-Islami are the two main contenders this time. Here is what past elections in Bangladesh have been like.&nbsp;Bangladesh, formerly East Pakistan, was part of the general elections held in December 1970. There were calls for independence for the Bengali majority. Pro-independence leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Awami League won almost all 162 seats in East Pakistan. But the Pakistani military government did not let it form the government, after which Rahman declared they would separate from Pakistan by 1971. The Pakistani Army went after activists, which led to the beginning of the Bangladeshi Liberation War from March to December 1971. Large-scale violence occurred, and nearly three million people lost their lives. The country gained independence, and Rahman became its first prime minister.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-election-2026-date-parties-seats-key-constituencies-1770717283208">Bangladesh election 2026: Date, seats, key parties, alliances and constituencies</a><h2>First post-independence election in Bangladesh</h2>The first general election in Bangladesh after gaining independence from Pakistan was held in 1973. The Awami League (AL), led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won 293 of 300 seats. Mujib was accused of using wrongful means to win the elections, including rigging polls through ballot-stuffing and intimidating and arresting opposition leaders. Mujib used his position in power to ban all opposition parties in 1974.&nbsp;<h2>Rahman is assassinated in counter-coup</h2> In 1975, Rahman and a family member were assassinated following a bloody coup led by Colonel Sayed Farooq-ur-Rahman. The military took control of the country, with Finance Minister Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad declaring himself president. Ahmad abolished the one-party system and permitted the formation of opposition parties. But he could not remain in power for long, as in November 1975, a counter-coup led by General Khaled Mosharraf, a loyalist of the late Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, ended his tenure. Chief Justice Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem assumed the presidency with military backing, serving until April 1977, when he resigned citing health concerns. Army Chief Ziaur Rahman took the reins.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-secures-trade-deal-with-us-tariff-reduced-to-19-with-some-key-exemptions-1770687911243">Bangladesh secures trade deal with US, tariff reduced to 19%: What are the key points</a><h2>1979 elections</h2> Ziaur Rahman's newly formed Bangladesh National Party (BNP) won the first polls since 1979, winning 207 out of 300 parliamentary seats. &nbsp;The Awami League won only 39 and alleged that the elections were rigged. Ziaur was assassinated in an abortive military coup on May 30, 1981.&nbsp;<h2>1986 and 1988 elections</h2> BNP won 65 per cent of the vote in 1981, but Army chief Hussain Muhammad Ershad seized power in a bloodless coup in March 1982, imposing martial law.&nbsp;The next elections were held in May 1986, and his Jatiya Party won 183 seats. Opposition parties boycotted the elections. Elections were again held in 1988, and the Jatiya Party won 259 seats.&nbsp;<h2>1991 - Bangladesh gets its first female prime minister</h2> BNP and the Awami League came together to force Ershad to resign in 1991. Ziaur’s widow, Khaleda Zia, led the BNP, while Sheikh Hasina, the eldest of Rahman’s two surviving daughters, led the Awami League. Fresh elections were held on February 27, 1991. BNP won 140 seats, and Khaleda Zia became Bangladesh’s first female prime minister.&nbsp;<h2>1996 - Hasina becomes Prime Minister</h2> Relations between the ruling BNP and the Awami League became tense following a parliamentary by-election for the Magura-2 constituency. BNP was accused of rigging the elecions and Zia was pressured to resign. All opposition parties boycotted the February 15, 1996, election, handing BNP a near-unanimous victory. But BNP had to hand over power to a caretaker government after just 12 days. Another election was held on June 12, and Hasina became the prime minister.<h2>2001 - BNP returns to power</h2> In 2001, BNP regained power, and Khaleda Zia formed a government for a second time. Ahead of the January 2007 polls, the BNP, the opposition Awami League, and others butted heads over a caretaker government. BNP named a retired chief justice with ties to Zia, leading to riots. BNP-appointed president, Iajuddin Ahmed, finally became the leader. Later, more riots occurred when news broke that fake names had been included on the list of candidates.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-election-jamaat-e-islami-coalition-challenges-bnp-1770724292234/embed<h2>2008 - Hasina wins again</h2> The elections finally happened on December 29, 2008. The Awami League, led by Hasina, entered alliances to form the government. Hasina returned to power for the second time in 2009. But the party was not happy with the military for causing a delay in the elections. So Hasina amended the constitution remove the caretaker government requirement. Her government also cracked down against opposition leaders in 2014, and &nbsp;Zia was placed under house arrest. There was widespread violence, and the BNP and its supporters refused to participate in the elections, handing Hasina another victory.&nbsp;<h2>2018 - Awami League-Jatiya Party alliance</h2> The next elections on December 30, 2018 and the ruling Awami League-Jatiya Party coalition were accused of rigging. There were reports of violence against opposition BNP members. The Jamaat-e-Islami, the country’s largest Islamic party, was banned, and several of its leaders were executed. Khaleda Zia was convicted and handed a 17-year jail term in a corruption case, resulting in her being barred from the elections. The Awami League-Jatiya Party alliance won more than 90 per cent of seats.&nbsp;<h2>2024 - Hasina wins and is removed following violent protests</h2> The last election under Hasina’s administration was held on January 7, 2024. By this time, she was seen to have almost full control over the electoral commission. Opposition BNP boycotted the elections, and Jamaat was still banned, which gave Hasina another term in office. In July, &nbsp;mass protests led by students broke out over a job quota system. The demonstrations turned violen,t and nearly 1,400 people died. Hasina fled the country on August 5. On August 8, Muhammad Yunus became the interim leader of Bangladesh. &nbsp;

Bangladesh general elections 2026: Awami League and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) are facing off in the country's first general elections since Sheikh Hasina's ouster. Here is what the past elections have looked like in the country.

Bangladesh is holding its 13th general election on February 12. These are the first polls since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted following student-led protests in the country. More than 127 million people are eligible to vote in "the biggest democratic exercise of the year." Nearly 15 million Bangladeshi expatriates will also be able to vote by post for the first time. However, unrest and violence are expected on the day of the elections. The current caretaker government is led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Awami League and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have been the two main parties in the country. But this year, the former is banned since its members are on trial for the brutal crackdown on protests in 2024. The BNP and the Jamaat-e-Islami are the two main contenders this time. Here is what past elections in Bangladesh have been like. Bangladesh, formerly East Pakistan, was part of the general elections held in December 1970. There were calls for independence for the Bengali majority. Pro-independence leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Awami League won almost all 162 seats in East Pakistan. But the Pakistani military government did not let it form the government, after which Rahman declared they would separate from Pakistan by 1971. The Pakistani Army went after activists, which led to the beginning of the Bangladeshi Liberation War from March to December 1971. Large-scale violence occurred, and nearly three million people lost their lives. The country gained independence, and Rahman became its first prime minister. Also Read: Bangladesh election 2026: Date, seats, key parties, alliances and constituencies First post-independence election in Bangladesh The first general election in Bangladesh after gaining independence from Pakistan was held in 1973. The Awami League (AL), led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won 293 of 300 seats. Mujib was accused of using wrongful means to win the elections, including rigging polls through ballot-stuffing and intimidating and arresting opposition leaders. Mujib used his position in power to ban all opposition parties in 1974. Rahman is assassinated in counter-coup In 1975, Rahman and a family member were assassinated following a bloody coup led by Colonel Sayed Farooq-ur-Rahman. The military took control of the country, with Finance Minister Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad declaring himself president. Ahmad abolished the one-party system and permitted the formation of opposition parties. But he could not remain in power for long, as in November 1975, a counter-coup led by General Khaled Mosharraf, a loyalist of the late Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, ended his tenure. Chief Justice Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem assumed the presidency with military backing, serving until April 1977, when he resigned citing health concerns. Army Chief Ziaur Rahman took the reins. Also Read: Bangladesh secures trade deal with US, tariff reduced to 19%: What are the key points 1979 elections Ziaur Rahman's newly formed Bangladesh National Party (BNP) won the first polls since 1979, winning 207 out of 300 parliamentary seats. The Awami League won only 39 and alleged that the elections were rigged. Ziaur was assassinated in an abortive military coup on May 30, 1981. 1986 and 1988 elections BNP won 65 per cent of the vote in 1981, but Army chief Hussain Muhammad Ershad seized power in a bloodless coup in March 1982, imposing martial law. The next elections were held in May 1986, and his Jatiya Party won 183 seats. Opposition parties boycotted the elections. Elections were again held in 1988, and the Jatiya Party won 259 seats. 1991 - Bangladesh gets its first female prime minister BNP and the Awami League came together to force Ershad to resign in 1991. Ziaur’s widow, Khaleda Zia, led the BNP, while Sheikh Hasina, the eldest of Rahman’s two surviving daughters, led the Awami League. Fresh elections were held on February 27, 1991. BNP won 140 seats, and Khaleda Zia became Bangladesh’s first female prime minister. 1996 - Hasina becomes Prime Minister Relations between the ruling BNP and the Awami League became tense following a parliamentary by-election for the Magura-2 constituency. BNP was accused of rigging the elecions and Zia was pressured to resign. All opposition parties boycotted the February 15, 1996, election, handing BNP a near-unanimous victory. But BNP had to hand over power to a caretaker government after just 12 days. Another election was held on June 12, and Hasina became the prime minister. 2001 - BNP returns to power In 2001, BNP regained power, and Khaleda Zia formed a government for a second time. Ahead of the January 2007 polls, the BNP, the opposition Awami League, and others butted heads over a caretaker government. BNP named a retired chief justice with ties to Zia, leading to riots. BNP-appointed president, Iajuddin Ahmed, finally became the leader. Later, more riots occurred when news broke that fake names had been included on the list of candidates. https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-election-jamaat-e-islami-coalition-challenges-bnp-1770724292234/embed 2008 - Hasina wins again The elections finally happened on December 29, 2008. The Awami League, led by Hasina, entered alliances to form the government. Hasina returned to power for the second time in 2009. But the party was not happy with the military for causing a delay in the elections. So Hasina amended the constitution remove the caretaker government requirement. Her government also cracked down against opposition leaders in 2014, and Zia was placed under house arrest. There was widespread violence, and the BNP and its supporters refused to participate in the elections, handing Hasina another victory. 2018 - Awami League-Jatiya Party alliance The next elections on December 30, 2018 and the ruling Awami League-Jatiya Party coalition were accused of rigging. There were reports of violence against opposition BNP members. The Jamaat-e-Islami, the country’s largest Islamic party, was banned, and several of its leaders were executed. Khaleda Zia was convicted and handed a 17-year jail term in a corruption case, resulting in her being barred from the elections. The Awami League-Jatiya Party alliance won more than 90 per cent of seats. 2024 - Hasina wins and is removed following violent protests The last election under Hasina’s administration was held on January 7, 2024. By this time, she was seen to have almost full control over the electoral commission. Opposition BNP boycotted the elections, and Jamaat was still banned, which gave Hasina another term in office. In July, mass protests led by students broke out over a job quota system. The demonstrations turned violen,t and nearly 1,400 people died. Hasina fled the country on August 5. On August 8, Muhammad Yunus became the interim leader of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh general elections 2026: Awami League and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) are facing off in the country's first general elections since Sheikh Hasina's ouster. Here is what the past elections have looked like in the country.

Bangladesh general elections 2026: A look at the South Asian country's previous elections

Bangladesh is going to hold elections on February 12, 2026. More than one and a half years have passed since the violent protests that resulted in the ousting of the Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina. Since then, the country has been governed by the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. He is now facilitating the election in the capacity of the Chief Advisor and is also overseeing a referendum on the July Charter. July Charter finds its roots in the protests of 2024, and the Constitution Reform Commission, which is proposing anti corruption mechanism, electoral reforms, among other policies to remove the “autocratic structures” from Bangladesh's politics.<h2>When is the Bangladesh election?</h2>About 127 million registered voters are going to cast their votes for 1,981 candidates. The polling will begin from 7.30 am to 4.30 pm, on February 12, 2026. Counting of votes will commence from 4 pm on February 12, and the result is expected to be announced by the Election Commission in the early morning of February 13.<h2>How many seats are there in Bangladesh's parliament?</h2>There are 350 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad ( Parliament of Bangladesh), each of whom serve five year terms. Among them, 300 will be directly elected, and 50 others are reserved for women. They will be proportionally elected by the coalitions and parties, depending on their respective vote shares. The majority mark is 151; any party or coalition which gets 151 seats wins the election.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tasnim-jara-bangladesh-election-independent-oxford-graduate-1770144100452">Who is Tasnim Jara? Oxford-educated doctor takes on Bangladesh's politics as independent candidate</a><h2>Key parties and alliances in the Bangladesh election</h2>The two leading alliances are the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its coalition of 10 parties; &nbsp;Jamaat-e-Islami (JIB) and its coalition of 11 parties, including National Citizen Party (NCP), which emerged from the July protest. The BNP is led by Tarique Rahman, the son of the late former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and Shafiqur Rahman is leading the JIB and its alliance. Apart from the two major power blocs, Islami Andolan Bangladesh broke away from the JIB and the Jatiya Party, an ally of Hasina's Awami league is running independently after the ban. The Jatiya Party chief GM Quader is leading an alliance of 18 parties, the National Democratic Front (NDF). Then there is the Left coalition of Democratic United Front (DUF), comprising mainly the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) and the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (SPB) and is led by Kazi Sajjad Zahir Chandan. The BNP is competing in 288 seats, the JIB and 11-party alliance is competing in 298 seats, and the Islamic Andolan will be contesting 253 seats. According to a survey by the US-based International Republican Institute, BNP is tentatively leading the polls with 33 per cent respondent, closely followed by the Jammat.<h2>Key constituencies in the Bangladesh election&nbsp;</h2>BNP Chief Tarique Rahman has filed nomination from the Dhaka 17 constituency after returning from an exile of 17 years, and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has submitted papers from Thakurgaon-1. JIB chief Shafiqur Rahman filed nomination from Dhaka-15, and JIB Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar filed nomination from Khulna-5. JIB-backed Hindu candidate Krishna Nandy submitted his nomination from Khulna-1. The Jaitya Party chief &nbsp;GM Quader is contesting from Rangpur-3, while Secretary General Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary is contesting from Gaibandha-1 and Gaibandha-5. The DUF leadership, Kazi Sajjad Zahir Chandan, is contesting from Narsingdi-4. Historically, Gopalganj-3 &amp; Faridpur have been a stronghold of the Awami League. Parbatya Chattogram Jana Samhati Samiti, a regional party of Jumma people (Tibetian Budhhist) are contesting from the three constituencies of Chittagong Hill Tract. Dhaka 12 is the constituency with largest number of candidates 15, Ghazipur 2 is the largest constituency with 804,333 voters. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bangladesh votes on February 12, 2026, with 127 million voters choosing 300 MPs. Here’s everything about parties, alliances, key seats and the July Charter referendum.

Bangladesh is going to hold elections on February 12, 2026. More than one and a half years have passed since the violent protests that resulted in the ousting of the Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina. Since then, the country has been governed by the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. He is now facilitating the election in the capacity of the Chief Advisor and is also overseeing a referendum on the July Charter. July Charter finds its roots in the protests of 2024, and the Constitution Reform Commission, which is proposing anti corruption mechanism, electoral reforms, among other policies to remove the “autocratic structures” from Bangladesh's politics. When is the Bangladesh election? About 127 million registered voters are going to cast their votes for 1,981 candidates. The polling will begin from 7.30 am to 4.30 pm, on February 12, 2026. Counting of votes will commence from 4 pm on February 12, and the result is expected to be announced by the Election Commission in the early morning of February 13. How many seats are there in Bangladesh's parliament? There are 350 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad ( Parliament of Bangladesh), each of whom serve five year terms. Among them, 300 will be directly elected, and 50 others are reserved for women. They will be proportionally elected by the coalitions and parties, depending on their respective vote shares. The majority mark is 151; any party or coalition which gets 151 seats wins the election. Also Read: Who is Tasnim Jara? Oxford-educated doctor takes on Bangladesh's politics as independent candidate Key parties and alliances in the Bangladesh election The two leading alliances are the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its coalition of 10 parties; Jamaat-e-Islami (JIB) and its coalition of 11 parties, including National Citizen Party (NCP), which emerged from the July protest. The BNP is led by Tarique Rahman, the son of the late former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and Shafiqur Rahman is leading the JIB and its alliance. Apart from the two major power blocs, Islami Andolan Bangladesh broke away from the JIB and the Jatiya Party, an ally of Hasina's Awami league is running independently after the ban. The Jatiya Party chief GM Quader is leading an alliance of 18 parties, the National Democratic Front (NDF). Then there is the Left coalition of Democratic United Front (DUF), comprising mainly the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) and the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (SPB) and is led by Kazi Sajjad Zahir Chandan. The BNP is competing in 288 seats, the JIB and 11-party alliance is competing in 298 seats, and the Islamic Andolan will be contesting 253 seats. According to a survey by the US-based International Republican Institute, BNP is tentatively leading the polls with 33 per cent respondent, closely followed by the Jammat. Key constituencies in the Bangladesh election BNP Chief Tarique Rahman has filed nomination from the Dhaka 17 constituency after returning from an exile of 17 years, and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has submitted papers from Thakurgaon-1. JIB chief Shafiqur Rahman filed nomination from Dhaka-15, and JIB Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar filed nomination from Khulna-5. JIB-backed Hindu candidate Krishna Nandy submitted his nomination from Khulna-1. The Jaitya Party chief GM Quader is contesting from Rangpur-3, while Secretary General Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary is contesting from Gaibandha-1 and Gaibandha-5. The DUF leadership, Kazi Sajjad Zahir Chandan, is contesting from Narsingdi-4. Historically, Gopalganj-3 & Faridpur have been a stronghold of the Awami League. Parbatya Chattogram Jana Samhati Samiti, a regional party of Jumma people (Tibetian Budhhist) are contesting from the three constituencies of Chittagong Hill Tract. Dhaka 12 is the constituency with largest number of candidates 15, Ghazipur 2 is the largest constituency with 804,333 voters.

Bangladesh votes on February 12, 2026, with 127 million voters choosing 300 MPs. Here’s everything about parties, alliances, key seats and the July Charter referendum.

Bangladesh election 2026: Date, seats, key parties, alliances and constituencies

Violent clashes between police and protesters erupted in Sydney and Melbourne as thousands gathered to protest the four-day state visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Multiple people were injured, including New South Wales Greens MP Abigail, who claimed to have been punched by the police while attempting to leave the site.&nbsp;Herzog's visit came on invitation of the Australian government and was intended to express solidarity with the Jewish community after the December terror attack Sydeny's Bondi Beach that killed 15 people at a Hanukkah festival.&nbsp;Police detained 27 people in Sydney, including 10 accused of assaulting officers, after unrest broke out on Monday evening when police moved to clear thousands of protesters who gathered near Sydney's town hall.&nbsp;Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday said he was devastated to see violence in the rallies. "These are really scenes that I think shouldn't be taking place," he said.&nbsp;"People should be able to express their views peacefully, but the police were very clear about the routes that were required if people wanted to march," he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epstein-files-lavrov-deep-state-western-elites-1770711667756">Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Epstein files reveal "pure Satanism" of Western elites</a>&nbsp;Herzog was taking part in an event for victims of the December 14 killings alongside thousands of mourners, near the site of the protest. He also met with students at a Jewish school in the Sydney suburbs.&nbsp;The Israeli president is expected to meet with families of victims of the Bondi attack, the deadliest attack on the Jewish community since Hamas' assault on Israel on October 7, 2023. On December 14, a father and son inspired by ISIS launched Australia’s deadliest terror attack at a Hanukkah event in Bondi Beach. The attackers targeted a crowd of 1,000 people with failed explosives and gunfire, killing 15 victims, including children and a Holocaust survivor. One gunman was killed by police, while the other was captured. The tragedy resulted in a national crisis, leading to significantly stricter gun laws and the current high-security visit of the Israeli President.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday said he was devastated to see violence in the rallies. "These are really scenes that I think shouldn't be taking place," he said.



Violent clashes between police and protesters erupted in Sydney and Melbourne as thousands gathered to protest the four-day state visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Multiple people were injured, including New South Wales Greens MP Abigail, who claimed to have been punched by the police while attempting to leave the site. Herzog's visit came on invitation of the Australian government and was intended to express solidarity with the Jewish community after the December terror attack Sydeny's Bondi Beach that killed 15 people at a Hanukkah festival. Police detained 27 people in Sydney, including 10 accused of assaulting officers, after unrest broke out on Monday evening when police moved to clear thousands of protesters who gathered near Sydney's town hall. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday said he was devastated to see violence in the rallies. "These are really scenes that I think shouldn't be taking place," he said. "People should be able to express their views peacefully, but the police were very clear about the routes that were required if people wanted to march," he added. Also Read: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Epstein files reveal "pure Satanism" of Western elites Herzog was taking part in an event for victims of the December 14 killings alongside thousands of mourners, near the site of the protest. He also met with students at a Jewish school in the Sydney suburbs. The Israeli president is expected to meet with families of victims of the Bondi attack, the deadliest attack on the Jewish community since Hamas' assault on Israel on October 7, 2023. On December 14, a father and son inspired by ISIS launched Australia’s deadliest terror attack at a Hanukkah event in Bondi Beach. The attackers targeted a crowd of 1,000 people with failed explosives and gunfire, killing 15 victims, including children and a Holocaust survivor. One gunman was killed by police, while the other was captured. The tragedy resulted in a national crisis, leading to significantly stricter gun laws and the current high-security visit of the Israeli President.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday said he was devastated to see violence in the rallies. "These are really scenes that I think shouldn't be taking place," he said.

Australian lawmaker among several injured as protests over Israeli president’s visit erupt in violence

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Bangladesh elections 2026: A look at South Asian country's previous elections

Bangladesh election 2026: Date, seats, key parties, alliances and constituencies

Australian lawmaker injured as protests against Israeli president turn violent