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.

Israel began planning a potential military strike on Iran in December, following the collapse of the Syrian government and the weakening of Hezbollah’s presence in the region, according to a report by The New York Times. The report states that the changing geopolitical landscape effectively opened the skies for Israeli operations. In February, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented a detailed dossier on Iran's nuclear program to then-U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. Trump reportedly took a more moderate stance but agreed to provide undisclosed intelligence support for a possible strike. The report further reveals that Trump claimed credit for the operation and hinted at direct U.S. involvement—making a diplomatic resolution increasingly unlikely.

A Dhaka court has approved remand for former Law Minister Anisul Huq, former Housing and Public Works Minister Engineer Mosharraf Hossain, and Bangladesh Peoples Party (BPP) Chairman Babul Sardar Chakhari in connection with two separate cases. The remand orders were issued in cases filed with Shahbagh and Paltan Model Police Stations. Anisul Huq has been placed on a five-day remand, while Engineer Mosharraf and Babul Sardar were each granted three-day remands. According to sources, the Shahbagh case relates to a murder during a mass uprising in Chankharpul, while the Paltan case involves an attempted murder during BNP’s political movement on October 28, 2023.

SSF Modernization Underway: Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus

Former International Crimes Tribunal prosecutor Barrister Turin Afroz, 52, has been formally shown arrested in connection with a murder case. The case involves the death of 12-year-old Shahid Arafat Hussain, a fifth-grade student who participated in a protest in Uttara on August 5 last year, demanding a one-point agenda related to the national uprising. During the protest, he was allegedly shot by police and ruling party activists. He died at the Combined Military Hospital on December 22 after months of treatment.