Israel has declared a national emergency as wildfires spread rapidly across the country. Defense Minister Israel Katz has requested military assistance to control the blaze. Several major highways, including Route 1 between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, have been closed, and train services on this route have been suspended.

Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus has directed officials to expedite talks with potential foreign investors to enhance Chittagong Port’s capacity. He emphasized involving global-standard operators to make Bangladesh’s ports competitive internationally. Current handling capacity stands at 1.37 million units, with a target of reaching 7.86 million units within five years.

Three doctors testified on the fourth day of the trial in the rape and murder case of young Achhia. So far, 19 out of 37 witnesses have testified. Discrepancies in the incident’s reported time remain unresolved, but the prosecution hopes the verdict will be announced within 15 days.

The Election Commission (EC) has submitted 12 reform proposals to the Cabinet Division, including the integration of armed forces alongside law enforcement during elections. EC Commissioner Abul Fazl Md. Sanaullah said these proposals are immediately actionable and have been finalized after extensive review.

The Chamber Court of the Appellate Division has suspended the bail granted to Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson of the United Sanatani Awakening Alliance of Bangladesh, in a sedition case. Justice Md. Rezaul Haque issued the order Wednesday evening. Earlier in the day, a High Court bench comprising Justices Md. Ataur Rahman and Md. Ali granted him bail. Following that, the state filed an appeal to the Chamber Court seeking a stay on the bail order.

Fayez Ahmed Tayeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor, announced the launch of Citizen Services Bangladesh, a platform designed to bring all government services under one umbrella. Service outlets will be established in every village, ward, and city. From May 1, applications will open for entrepreneurs interested in managing these outlets. Services will include birth registration, NID correction, utility bill payments, and more—aimed at saving citizens time, money, and hassle.

Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin said the interim government is committed to reducing unnecessary expenditures to establish a more equitable society. Citing past instances of budget excess, he said the government now aims to balance income and spending with targeted planning. Additionally, BIDA is working to move government out of business and empower entrepreneurs instead.

The High Court granted bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson of the Bangladesh Combined Sanatan Jagaran Jot, in a treason case. Earlier, on February 4, the court issued a rule after hearing his bail petition, asking why he should not be granted bail. The case was filed on October 31 last year after a large gathering of the Sanatan community in Chattogram on October 25, where allegations of disrespecting the national flag were raised against Chinmoy Das and 18 others.

Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated that while he is against war, in a world surrounded by threats, not preparing for war is impossible. He highlighted the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions and stressed that in such a situation, preparation must be complete, with victory as the only option. He also praised the Air Force’s drills.

Workers of Seasons Dresses Ltd. blocked the Dhaka–Mymensingh highway in Tongi on Wednesday, demanding 20 days of unpaid wages from March. Around 1,500 workers joined the protest after management failed to provide a specific date for payment. Tensions escalated when their demands were ignored, leading workers to leave the factory chanting slogans and take to the highway. This protest follows a five-day movement earlier in the month over similar issues.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus stated that the 2024 flood was not a usual one. He mentioned the immense scale of the flood became clear only after it receded. He expressed concerns over financial aid distribution but felt relieved when the military took charge of the Ashrayan project. He also virtually handed over 300 houses to the affected individuals.

Security measures and surveillance protocols have been significantly strengthened compared to before. Strict monitoring is now being conducted on flights of all foreign airlines traveling through or departing from Indian airspace. Before granting clearance to any suspicious aircraft, its pilot must provide an Air Defense Clearance number. No aircraft will be allowed to take off without proper documentation and identification. All staff working within the airports are now required to carry valid identification at all times.

At least 14 people have died and many others suffered burn injuries in a devastating fire at a hotel in Kolkata’s bustling Burrabazar area. The blaze has since been brought under control. West Bengal Congress President Shubhankar Sarkar lashed out at the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, calling the tragedy “heartbreaking” and criticizing the lack of safety measures. “I don’t know what the corporation is doing. Many people are still trapped inside,” he said. Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj confirmed the recovery of 14 bodies and the rescue of several survivors. A special investigation team has been formed to probe the incident.

One person, Aziz Mia (60), was killed and at least 20 others injured in a violent clash between residents of two villages in Nabinagar, Brahmanbaria. The conflict erupted after a quarrel at Salimganj Bazaar between a youth from Badda village and a shopkeeper. The violence escalated as Badda residents set fire to a house in Barail and vandalized others. The resulting tension led to a full-scale clash between the two villages.

Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, SDG coordinator, emphasized that technical and vocational education must be a core strategy for Bangladesh after its graduation from LDC status. He urged the government to give serious attention to these sectors. “Students are protesting with various demands, but policymakers are not listening, and media coverage is inadequate,” he said. He called for an end to discriminatory policies against technical education and prioritized investment in human resource development.