BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed deep condolences over the loss of lives in the recent earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand. In a statement, he conveyed sympathy to the families of the victims and wished a swift recovery for the injured. He also assured that the people of Bangladesh and the BNP stand in solidarity with Myanmar and Thailand during this difficult time. The earthquake, which struck on Friday, has claimed 144 lives and injured over 700 people.

A longstanding dispute over ducks grazing on farmland erupted into a violent clash in Nasirnagar, Brahmanbaria, leaving more than 50 people injured, including women and children. The confrontation occurred on Friday afternoon between two rival groups—the Bilati faction led by Arafat Ullah and the Chira faction led by Renu Mia. Previous altercations over the same issue have led to multiple lawsuits and village mediations, but tensions remain unresolved.

The U.S. Congress has introduced a bill proposing sanctions against Pakistan’s state institutions over human rights violations and alleged suppression of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The bill calls for sanctions on Pakistan’s military leadership within 180 days and has been sent to the Foreign Affairs and Judiciary Committees for further review.

With Eid approaching, there has been a surge in passengers at the Sadarghat Launch Terminal. Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain, the advisor to the Ministry of Shipping, urged law enforcement to maintain heightened vigilance to ensure safe travels for passengers. He reported that despite the absence of impacts from the Padma Bridge, the Chattogram route was operating as scheduled.

The Forest Department has issued a red alert in the eastern Sundarbans due to an increase in poaching activities ahead of Eid. In the past two weeks, nearly 8 quintals of deer meat have been seized. As a result, the forest department has canceled holiday leaves for its staff and is intensifying patrols to prevent further illegal hunting.

As Eid approaches, many city dwellers have left for their villages, causing a massive crowd at the highways. By Friday afternoon, 66% of factories in Gazipur had closed, and traffic congestion was seen at various points. Over 1,479 factories in Gazipur were closed, and workers have been given substantial bonuses and salaries for March. This year’s Eid saw more factory closures than previous years, and many are heading home to celebrate with their families.

During a meeting with China’s Minister of Water Resources, Li Guoying, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus sought China’s expertise in developing a 50-year master plan for Bangladesh’s river and water management. He highlighted Bangladesh’s unique delta landscape, stating, “Water is our lifeline, but it can also become our enemy. With a rapidly growing population, we must be cautious about its environmental impact.” Recognizing China’s mastery in water management, he urged President Xi Jinping to share China’s strategies with Bangladesh. In response, the Chinese minister assured collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

Following Friday prayers, the Al-Quds Committee Bangladesh organized a protest at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, condemning Israel’s brutal attacks on Gaza. Protesters chanted slogans such as “Intifada Zindabad” and “Down with Zionism, Free Palestine.” Speakers criticized the global silence while Muslims observe Ramadan, while Palestinian children and women face mass killings. They urged world leaders to take action against genocide and support an independent Palestinian state.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has issued 12 key directives to District Commissioners (DCs). The official letter highlights that all public services—including birth certificates, national IDs, passports, and land registration—must be provided without harassment or corruption. DCs are instructed to work without fear and focus on their responsibilities while avoiding unnecessary government praise. The directives also include issuing passports without police verification, ensuring price stability, and maintaining law and order. Officials are required to strictly adhere to legal guidelines. Cabinet officials stated that the government is closely monitoring field-level administration.

Mir Mahbubur Rahman Snigdh announced that the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation has provided financial assistance to 87.13% of gazetted martyr families. He stated that since the foundation’s launch on September 10 last year, it has disbursed a total of $37.25 million to 745 martyr families. Legal complications have delayed assistance for 100 families. The foundation’s CEO further reported that $59.41 million has been allocated to 5,596 injured individuals, covering 38.39% of total casualties. Additionally, the foundation is advancing multiple projects for the injured.

A powerful earthquake struck Southeast Asia on Friday, causing a construction site collapse in Bangkok and several buildings to crumble in Myanmar’s Mandalay, resulting in at least 20 deaths. Additionally, an old bridge over the Irrawaddy River collapsed, and many residential buildings were destroyed, trapping numerous people under the debris. Mandalay Airport and a monastery in Taunggyi suffered severe damage. Reports indicate a fire at Mandalay University, with concerns of casualties. In Bangkok, one body was recovered from the rubble of the collapsed building, while several workers were rescued alive. Authorities have declared a state of emergency in six regions of Myanmar and Bangkok. The earthquake, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, caused significant structural damage across Bangkok, including the collapse of a 30-story under-construction skyscraper in the city’s north.

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, with tremors felt in neighboring Bangladesh and Thailand. While Bangladesh reported no significant damage, a high-rise under construction collapsed in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, trapping 43 construction workers. The quake caused cracks in roads and debris to fall from buildings. Myanmar’s Fire Services Department stated, “We have begun investigations in Yangon to assess casualties and damage, but no official reports are available yet.”

At least 42 garment workers were injured when a transport bus overturned in Banani, Dhaka. Banani Police Station Officer-in-Charge Russell Sarwar confirmed the incident, stating that the bus was en route to Gazipur when it lost control and overturned early in the morning. Authorities are taking necessary legal measures regarding the accident.

Garment workers of Hong Kong Fashion Limited in Tongi staged a protest and road blockade on Friday morning, demanding their overdue salaries. The demonstration took place in the Pagara area, with workers also blocking the roads on Thursday night. According to the workers, about 500 employees work at the factory. While the management provided Eid bonuses to employees who had completed a year of service, more than 100 workers have yet to receive their January salaries, despite Eid holidays starting on Saturday.

A powerful earthquake was felt across Dhaka and several other parts of Bangladesh at 12:25 PM. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department reported that the quake measured 7.0 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter in Mandalay, Myanmar, approximately 597 kilometers from Dhaka. The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported a magnitude of 7.7, with the epicenter located 16 kilometers north-northwest of Sagaing, Myanmar, at a depth of 10 kilometers.