The protests began on Sunday as an expression of discontent over high prices and economic stagnation, but have since expanded to include political demands. "The president and high-ranking officials are working to resolve" the economic difficulties in the sanctions-battered country, Khamenei said in a speech marking a Shiite holiday. But Khamenei nonetheless warned that while "authorities must have dialogue with protesters, it is useless to have dialogue with rioters. At least 25 cities have seen protest gatherings of varying sizes, according to an AFP tally based on local media. However, local media do not necessarily report on every incident, and state media have downplayed coverage of protests, while videos flooding social media are often impossible to verify.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha January 03, 2026 23:51 UTC