Nurul Islam, Co-Chairman of the Bangladesh Secretariat Employees Unity Forum, has demanded a 50% dearness allowance. He warned that protests would continue at the Secretariat if the ‘Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025’ is not repealed. “We’ve prepared for rallies across all eight divisions,” he stated. “The government’s so-called dialogues have betrayed our trust. Bureaucrats complicit in authoritarianism must be held accountable.” Currently, the government plans to provide a 15% allowance for grades 1–9 and 20% for grades 10–20 employees.

Professor Mamun Mahmud, Convener of Narayanganj BNP, urged party members to remain vigilant against infiltration by opportunists. “Many associates of the ruling party are now trying to join BNP after August 5, some offering as much as one lakh taka,” he said. “I warn our leaders and activists—don’t sell your decades-long political career for the lure of money,” he added, stressing that fascist elements must not be allowed into the party.

In a rare display of political civility, BNP’s Salahuddin Ahmed, NCP’s Nahid Islam, and Jamaat-e-Islami’s Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher held hands and shared a symbolic message of solidarity. The gesture took place during a break in the National Consensus Commission’s ongoing discussions on reforms related to the women’s reserved seats, bicameral parliamentary system, and the process for appointing the Chief Justice. Following the moment, Salahuddin warmly embraced Nahid Islam in a show of goodwill.

Nahid Islam, Convener of the Nationalist Consensus Party (NCP), expressed full support for the formation of a National Constitutional Council (NCC). He stated that over the years, key constitutional bodies such as the Election Commission, Public Service Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), and the Human Rights Commission have been politicized. “Partisan control has undermined their credibility, particularly damaging the electoral process,” said Nahid. “We want these institutions to function independently, free from government interference, and reflect the aspirations of the people.”

Hilsa prices in Chandpur fell by Tk 700 per kg after news spread of a letter sent by the district commissioner to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, urging regulation. The DC highlighted price manipulation by dishonest traders, making hilsa unaffordable. He stressed the need for national price control since hilsa is caught in multiple districts. Traders reacted defensively, citing high costs and limited supply. With increased fish arrival, prices dipped to Tk 2,200–2,300 per kg from Tk 2,700–2,800.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has described Israel’s strikes on Iran as a “dirty act,” but one that serves global interests by deterring Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. “The Iranian regime has brought death and destruction worldwide through attacks and by supporting groups like Hezbollah and Hamas,” Merz stated. He expressed deep respect for Israel’s bold actions, adding, “The alternative would have been months or years of enduring terror, possibly with Iran becoming a nuclear power.”

Mahmud, a garment worker injured during the August 5th uprising, has undergone successful surgery. The procedure was performed by the medical team of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF) under the supervision of Executive Director Dr. Farhad Halim Donar and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Shah Mohammad Amanullah. Former JCD central health affairs secretary Dr. M.R. Hasan was also present during the operation.

Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, a senior Jamaat-e-Islami leader, has criticized the Chief Advisor for compromising neutrality by issuing a joint statement with BNP leader Tarique Rahman during a meeting in London. “Such a meeting between a state head and a political leader abroad is unprecedented,” said Taher. He revealed that Jamaat did not participate in Tuesday’s meeting for this reason, though they joined Wednesday’s session at the commission’s request. Taher also expressed support for a constitutional council but insisted it should not involve the president or chief justice. He further questioned the government's capacity over the DSCC lock controversy.

Today's session of the National Consensus Commission’s dialogue descended into chaos as leaders from the CPB, Gano Forum, and LDP stormed out in protest, accusing organizers of not allowing them to speak. The situation was later defused with the intervention of commission members, leading the parties to rejoin the dialogue. CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince alleged bias, noting that Jamaat-e-Islami was allowed three speakers while others were denied a chance to speak.

A gas pipeline leak caused a powerful explosion at a two-story house in Ashulia on Wednesday morning, leaving six people injured. The incident occurred at the home of Jewel Ahmed in the Badhir Par area. The injured include Jahanara (40), Jewel (24), Shanto (21), Hawa Akter (23), Zahurul Islam (26), and Nasir (38). While Nasir left after receiving initial treatment, the others are hospitalized, with two reported in critical condition.

Pakistan has expressed serious concerns over the escalating Iran-Israel conflict. Experts point to the country’s complex relationship with Tehran, rising security concerns in Balochistan, and fears of Israeli air force influence reaching the Pakistani border. Despite a missile exchange with Iran earlier in January 2024, both nations have since moved to mend ties. Pakistan has strongly condemned Israel’s attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities and assassinations of its generals and scientists, calling for international intervention.

As Israeli airstrikes on Iran continue, China has started evacuating its citizens from the country. The Chinese News Service reported that the first batch of Chinese nationals has departed Iran, traveling by land to Turkmenistan from Tehran on Tuesday. India had previously begun a similar evacuation operation for its citizens.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s attempts to break the BNP have failed time and again due to the uncompromising leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia. Rizvi made the remarks after placing wreaths at the grave of late President Ziaur Rahman along with newly elected leaders of Narsingdi District BNP. He emphasized that the interim government must quickly fulfill its promises regarding the upcoming election. Rizvi also demanded accountability for law enforcement officers accused of filing false cases and torturing opposition activists. “If anyone believes the interim government is becoming biased, the issue should be addressed through dialogue,” he said. He concluded by urging the government to form a national task force to combat dengue and COVID-19, given the current health threats.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir claimed that a faction boycotted Tuesday’s meeting of the National Unity Commission, expressing dissatisfaction over a recent meeting in London between Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Speaking at a press conference, Fakhrul stated, "Instead of choosing confrontation, both leaders have worked towards peaceful elections—true marks of statesmanship." Hinting at Jamaat-e-Islami, he added, "They know that if a popular party wins through elections, their relevance will diminish. That’s why they’re upset." He further warned, "Those who imitate the ruling Awami League by suppressing rights, extorting, and abusing power will inevitably turn into what they oppose. This must stop."

In the past several hours, the Israeli military has carried out over 50 airstrikes on various locations across Iran. Among the key targets, Israel claims to have struck a facility used for centrifuge production — a critical component in uranium enrichment. According to Tel Aviv, the air raids also targeted factories producing raw materials and components for surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles.