A devastating fire in Dighinala, Khagrachari, burned at least 20 shops to ashes. The blaze broke out at Boalkhali New Market around 1:30 AM on Tuesday night, quickly spreading from one shop to another. Hotels, grocery stores, cooling corners, and timber shops were among those destroyed. Four fire service units managed to bring the fire under control after two hours of effort. Initial estimates suggest damages exceeding Tk 100 million.

In a statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated the people of Bangladesh on Independence Day. He affirmed the U.S. government’s support for Bangladesh’s journey toward a bright and democratic future. He also emphasized continued U.S. partnership in economic development and regional security in the Indo-Pacific. The statement reiterated the U.S. commitment to working together for a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future.

BNP leader Mirza Abbas dismissed the notion of a ‘second independence’ while responding to the Chief Adviser’s speech. He reaffirmed that Bangladesh gained independence in 1971 and rejected any suggestion that another independence movement had taken place. His remarks came after BNP leaders paid tribute to the grave of Ziaur Rahman on Independence Day.

After paying homage at the grave of former President Ziaur Rahman, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam criticized the Chief Adviser’s Independence Day speech. He stated that saying elections will be held between December and June is too vague, as this six-month period does not provide a clear roadmap. He reiterated that BNP is not demanding elections for power but for the sake of the nation’s survival, sovereignty, and democracy. He urged the interim government to swiftly introduce minimal reforms and announce the election schedule.

After paying tribute at the National Martyrs’ Memorial, Adviser Rizwana Hasan stressed that reaching a consensus on necessary reforms is the only way to earn public trust. She noted that while traditional challenges persist, discussions on various reforms have begun. She emphasized the importance of ensuring a fair election process and addressing the brutal killings that took place in July and August, vowing to deliver justice to restore public confidence.

As part of a nationwide ICE operation, over 10,000 immigrants were arrested across the United States. By March 9, more than 46,000 detainees were held, nearly 50% of whom had no criminal record. In December 2024, New York City reached a $92.5 million settlement for unlawfully detaining immigrants. A class-action lawsuit claimed that the city violated the law by detaining immigrants beyond their release dates based on ICE requests. As a result, affected individuals could receive up to $10,000 in compensation.

David Roet, the Israeli Ambassador to Austria, suggested executing Palestinian children in Gaza for allegedly carrying weapons such as guns or grenades. He made this statement during a meeting with the Jewish community in Innsbruck, Austria, but failed to provide any evidence of such incidents. The ambassador dismissed international concerns over civilian casualties. According to UNICEF, since the beginning of the genocide in October 2023, Israeli forces have killed over 14,500 children in Gaza, with the death toll now rising to 15,613.

In his Independence Day message, Army Chief General Wakar-uz-Zaman paid tribute to the martyrs, recalling how the people united on March 26 to resist the Pakistani occupation forces. He highlighted that the nation achieved victory through a bloody nine-month-long struggle, giving birth to Bangladesh. He assured that the army remains ever-prepared to make the highest sacrifices to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty. He further stated that the army is undergoing modernization through strategic planning, the acquisition of advanced weaponry, and improved training to tackle 21st-century challenges.

During his tribute to the martyrs of 1971, NCP Convener Nahid Islam stated that no more blood should be shed in the future and that a democratic state system must be established. He emphasized that 1971 and 2024 are not separate; what was desired in 1971 was achieved in 2024. He accused those opposing this idea of having dishonest intentions. He warned that any attempt to impose the old constitution, rehabilitate fascism, or rush elections without proper reforms and justice would be resisted by the people and the NCP.

While paying tribute to the valiant soldiers of 1971 at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar on Wednesday, Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan stated that while 1971 gave birth to the nation, over the years, the true essence of independence had been eroded. He asserted that the 2024 uprising was necessary to safeguard the freedom achieved in 1971. Earlier, President Md. Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus had also paid their respects at the memorial at sunrise on the 55th Independence Day.

On the occasion of the Great Independence and National Day, President Md. Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus paid deep respects to the heroic martyrs by laying wreaths at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar. The President placed his wreath at 5:55 AM, followed by the Chief Adviser at 6:11 AM. The Chief Adviser also signed the visitors' book at the memorial premises. Following this, members of the Advisory Council, families of the Bir Sreshtho awardees, war-wounded freedom fighters, and valiant freedom fighters paid their respects. Later, foreign diplomats, various political and social organizations, and people from all walks of life laid wreaths at the memorial in honor of the martyrs.

The annual Mangal Shobhajatra on Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) will include a 20-foot sculpture of Abu Sayeed, a martyr of the July mass uprising. This year’s theme is “Unity in the New Year, End of Fascism.” The parade will feature representations from various ethnic communities, along with traditional masks of kings, queens, tigers, owls, birds, and flowers. Despite discussions about renaming the Mangal Shobhajatra, no final decision has been made yet.

Abdur Rob, the Hatia Upazila Krishak Dal convener, has been critically injured in an attack allegedly carried out by Awami League-affiliated assailants. He has been rushed to Dhaka for advanced medical care. BNP leaders blamed Awami League activists for the attack, which took place during an Iftar event. Local BNP Vice President Masudur Rahman Babor claimed that the attackers were followers of Sonadia Union Awami League leader Eraz Uddin, who was recently released from prison and allegedly held Abdur Rob responsible for his incarceration.

On Tuesday, Israeli shelling killed four people in Syria. Israel had earlier claimed that its troops were fired upon from Syrian territory, triggering a retaliatory strike. The Israeli military has made it clear that it will not tolerate the presence of Islamist militant groups in southern Syria and has deployed additional forces to the region. Despite EU warnings against escalating conflict, Israeli attacks continue. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas criticized the strikes, stating, “These actions risk further conflict. Syria is not attacking Israel at this moment, making such moves unnecessary.”

Israel is forcibly evacuating nearly 100,000 Palestinians from border areas in Gaza. The Israeli military has issued a final warning for residents of Jabalia, stating that failure to vacate the area will result in military strikes. Military spokesperson Avichay Adraee announced on X (formerly Twitter), “This is the final warning before an attack on Jabalia. Move to designated shelters in the south.” Previously, similar warnings were issued for Beit Lahia and Beit Hanoun.