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.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir emphasized unity between religious communities, saying, “We are like two flowers on the same stem—Muslims and Hindus.” He criticized the politics of division for eroding Bangladesh’s heritage of harmony, recalling his own experiences of sharing in Hindu religious festivities. He called for a united effort to build a new Bangladesh beyond religious or political identities.

Amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir issue, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to speak with both countries’ foreign ministers within 24 hours. Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a briefing, “We’re engaging both sides and urging all parties not to escalate the situation.” The U.S. also expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s cooperation in the recent arrest of an ISIS-linked suspect.

At the UN, Pakistani Counselor Jawad Azmal stated that Pakistan is not spreading baseless propaganda against India. He said that clear evidence shows 'regional enemies' supported the Balochistan Liberation Army's attack on the Zafar Express in March, which killed 30 passengers. Azmal also criticized India for blaming others instead of addressing its own issues.

The Appellate Division has overturned the convictions of BNP leader Amanullah Aman and his wife Sabera Aman, lifting legal barriers to their participation in elections. In 2007, Aman was sentenced to 13 years in prison and his wife to 3 years for concealing information and acquiring illegal wealth. The recent acquittal clears their names and paves the way for their return to politics.

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.

Cross-border gunfire between Indian and Pakistani troops continued for the sixth straight day. According to Indian military sources, Pakistani forces opened fire from across the international border in the Pargwal sector. The firing, which reportedly began Tuesday night and continued into early Wednesday, affected the Nowshera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor sectors in Jammu and Kashmir along the Line of Control (LoC).

Indian forces returned fire in response to what they described as “unprovoked” aggression. So far, Pakistan has not commented on the allegations.

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.

A report by Bangladesh Bank reveals that Islami Bank’s Gulshan branch approved a staggering Tk 950 crore loan in the name of a Nabil Group-affiliated trading company called “Market Master Analyzer” — a company that central bank inspectors confirmed does not exist. Although the loan was approved under a single name, only Tk 550 crore was deposited into Nabil Group’s account. The remaining Tk 400 crore was transferred to S. Alam Group.

In another case, a private bank approved a Tk 90 crore loan in the name of a company under the Uttara Group. However, the funds were rerouted through several accounts and ultimately ended up in one controlled by Beximco Group, which later withdrew the money. Meanwhile, Nasa Group secured Tk 200 crore from its own bank, Exim Bank, by using a shell company.

Saiful Hock of the Revolutionary Workers Party stated their support for reducing the terms of parliament and the president to four years. They proposed limiting the prime minister to two terms and leaving development tasks to local governments. The party also advocated for reducing the deposit amount in national elections and expressed concerns that local elections could destabilize the country.

Advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has clarified that neither he nor the ‘July’ movement had any direct or indirect involvement in the recent termination of three journalists. In a statement, Farooki responded to claims made during a recent press conference, where the journalists questioned whether a killer could be called a killer—remarks Farooki deemed hurtful to anyone sensitive to the events of July. He emphasized that each media outlet has its own editorial policies and that any employment decisions are internal matters. “Some are suggesting their jobs were lost because they questioned me. That’s laughable,” Farooki wrote, asserting, “This is not about me—it’s about July and the policies of their institutions.”