The Dhanua Kamalpur land port in Bakshiganj, Jamalpur, will remain closed for seven consecutive days during the Eid-ul-Azha holidays. Starting Monday, all import and export activities through the port will be suspended, according to port authorities. Operations are scheduled to resume on June 1.

The port handles the import of 34 types of goods, including stone from India, and exports various Bangladeshi products such as plastic. It plays a significant role in the economic development of northern Jamalpur, providing daily employment for 6,000 to 8,000 workers when operational.

The temporary closure is part of the national holiday schedule for Eid, after which normal trade and labor activities are expected to resume without disruption.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, currently visiting China, stated that peace talks aimed at ending the conflict between the United States and Iran are moving in the right direction. He described the world as being at a critical moment and expressed gratitude to China for its support in promoting peace.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a deal to end the war with Iran could be reached as soon as today, while reaffirming Israel’s right to self-defense. Speaking in New Delhi, Rubio noted that progress might have been expected overnight or today but cautioned against drawing conclusions prematurely.

US President Donald Trump separately announced on his social media platform that the United States would maintain its naval blockade on Iran until any agreement is finalized, certified, and signed. The developments highlight ongoing diplomatic efforts involving multiple nations to de-escalate tensions in the region.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced a $5 billion financing package for Bangladesh over the next five years to help the country manage rising economic pressures caused by global conflicts and domestic financial challenges. ADB President Masato Kanda made the announcement in Dhaka on Monday during meetings with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and senior officials. The funds will be used under the 'Integrated Growth Network Development Initiative' to improve connectivity, boost investment, and ensure balanced regional development.

According to ADB, Bangladesh’s import-dependent economy has come under strain due to higher energy, LNG, fertilizer, and transport costs linked to the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, alongside persistent inflation and liquidity shortages in the banking sector. The new package will provide about $1 billion annually as part of ADB’s sovereign financing program. During the visit, loan agreements worth $1.4 billion were also signed for energy, transport, climate resilience, and social development projects.

ADB further announced an additional $250 million to address financing gaps and plans to raise its annual sovereign financing for Bangladesh by 20 percent to $2.4 billion, supporting investment-led growth, economic diversification, and governance reforms.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that while significant progress has been made on a potential memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States, it does not mean the two countries are close to signing an agreement. He clarified that once the MoU is finalized, discussions on nuclear issues and other key matters will take place within the next 60 days.

Baghaei emphasized that the negotiation process remains ongoing, with both sides continuing exchanges on various technical and political issues. His comments indicate that while dialogue is active, major hurdles still exist before any formal agreement can be reached.

The statement, reported by Al Jazeera, underscores that the diplomatic process between Tehran and Washington is still in progress, with the timeline for nuclear discussions dependent on the completion of the MoU.

Bangladesh Railway has introduced special train coaches exclusively for women passengers ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. The service was inaugurated on Monday at Kamalapur Railway Station when the Joyentika Express departed with the new coach. The event was attended by Director General Md. Afzal Hossain, Additional Director General (Operations) Md. Nazmul Hasan, and other senior railway officials, who exchanged greetings with passengers and conveyed Eid wishes.

Women passengers expressed satisfaction with the dedicated coaches and thanked the government for this initiative. The Railway Ministry Secretary Md. Fahimul Islam is scheduled to welcome women passengers arriving in Dhaka on the Sonar Bangla Express from Chattogram later today.

According to the announcement, the special coaches will operate on the Dhaka–Sylhet–Dhaka Joyentika Express and the Dhaka–Chattogram–Dhaka non-stop Sonar Bangla Express routes. The service will continue for three days before Eid, from Monday, May 25, to Wednesday, May 27.

A bus traveling toward Paturia caught fire after colliding with a liquefied gas tanker in the Bhartbaur area of Manikganj Sadar upazila on Monday afternoon. The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m., but no injuries or fatalities were reported. The bus was completely burned in the fire.

Police stated that gas leaked from the tanker following the collision, spreading across the area before the bus ignited. The fire caused panic among locals, and traffic on the Dhaka–Aricha highway was halted for about half an hour. Once the situation was brought under control, normal traffic resumed.

According to the officer-in-charge of Sadar Police Station, police and fire service personnel quickly arrived at the scene and managed to extinguish the fire. Authorities confirmed that all passengers were unharmed and that highway movement has since returned to normal.

More than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have arrived in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for this year’s Hajj despite ongoing war in the Middle East, regional tensions, and severe desert heat. According to Saudi authorities, the number of international pilgrims has already surpassed last year’s total, even as air travel disruptions and higher costs followed the Iran-Israel conflict that began in late February. Hajj rituals officially begin Monday, and the total number of pilgrims is expected to rise further.

Extreme temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius have made conditions difficult, with forecasts warning of highs up to 47 degrees. Many pilgrims are struggling to perform prayers outdoors during the day. Saudi authorities have deployed extensive cooling measures at the Grand Mosque, including advanced air-conditioning, mist sprayers, and chilled flooring, while distributing free cold water. Over 50,000 health workers and 3,000 ambulances are on standby, and 144 heatstroke cases have already been treated.

Pilgrims began gathering in Mina on Monday before proceeding to Arafat on Tuesday for the main Hajj rituals, maintaining a spirit of devotion despite the heat and regional instability.

Police in Rampal upazila of Bagerhat district arrested eight individuals during a special operation targeting drug offenders and those with outstanding warrants. The arrests were made under the direction of Officer-in-Charge Sheikh Rajib Al Rashid, and the detainees were sent to court on Monday. Among those arrested were one drug case suspect, one convicted individual, and six others with active warrants. Police also recovered seven yaba tablets during the operation.

According to Rampal police, cases have been filed under the Narcotics Control Act and related legal provisions. The operation was based on confidential information to capture long-term fugitives. Officer-in-Charge Sheikh Rajib Al Rashid stated that the police are maintaining a zero-tolerance policy against drugs, extortion, and crime, and that such operations will continue to ensure public safety.

Local residents welcomed the police action, saying regular drives are necessary to curb drug abuse and criminal activity. The operation was part of a broader anti-crime initiative recently intensified by Bagerhat district police.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Baghaei stated that Tehran currently has no plans for an official visit to Pakistan or for Pakistani mediators to travel to Tehran. He emphasized that Iran does not pay attention to any threats. Baghaei noted that recent developments were influenced by mediation efforts from Pakistan and other countries.

He warned that Israel might attempt to obstruct ongoing negotiations, saying Zionist forces are making maximum efforts to prevent an agreement. Baghaei added that countries advocating war and conflict, including Zionist powers, could influence U.S. officials. He also mentioned that once a memorandum of understanding is finalized, discussions on nuclear issues will follow.

According to Baghaei, while many aspects of a potential memorandum with the United States have been agreed upon, this does not mean that both sides are close to signing a deal. If finalized, talks on nuclear and other matters would take place within 60 days.

Bangladesh’s Road Transport, Shipping and Railways Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam announced that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed the introduction of separate train coaches for women during Eid travel. The minister said the directive came through a phone call from the Prime Minister on Sunday night. He made the statement on Monday afternoon at an event in Dhaka’s Farmgate area, where special metro rail cards offering a 25 percent discount for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and those with special needs were launched.

According to the minister, from today women will be able to travel separately in two coaches on the Chattogram and Sylhet routes. After Eid, the government plans to allocate separate coaches for women on every intercity train. He also mentioned that more than 15 million people are expected to leave Dhaka over two days during Eid-ul-Azha and discouraged waiting for vehicles after purchasing tickets due to limited availability of fit vehicles. The minister added that unfit vehicles will gradually be removed from operation.

The announcement reflects the government’s effort to improve safety and comfort for women travelers and ensure better transport management during the busy Eid season.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam has urged everyone to work together to build a peaceful and harmonious society inspired by the ideals of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. He made the remarks on Monday while presiding over a commemorative meeting marking the poet’s 127th birth anniversary.

The Vice-Chancellor said Nazrul’s life and literature teach resistance against injustice and inspire the creation of a non-communal society. He described Nazrul as a poet of equality, rebellion, love, and peace, emphasizing the need to keep his philosophy alive through research and practice. He expressed hope that Nazrul’s multidimensional spirit would continue to inspire social transformation.

The event was attended by the university’s pro-vice chancellors, treasurer, and faculty members. Professor Dr. Mohammad Azam, Director General of Bangla Academy, delivered a keynote lecture titled “Nazrul: Poet of Rebellion and Life.” Teachers and students from the Department of Music performed Nazrul songs, while participants paid tribute at the poet’s grave earlier in the day.

A woman named Amina Bewa, aged 42, died on Monday morning in Joybhoga Dighapara village of Gabtali upazila, Bogura, when a tree branch fell on her during a storm. She had gone out to collect mangoes amid a Baishakhi storm when a large branch from a mango tree broke and struck her, killing her on the spot. Local residents recovered her body and took it home after the incident.

According to the officer-in-charge of Gabtali Model Police Station, Rakib Hasan, the woman’s death occurred when the branch broke during the storm. The same storm also caused significant damage to educational institutions and trees in the area, including the tin roofs and fences of Gabtali Women’s College.

The incident highlights the destructive impact of seasonal storms in rural Bangladesh, which often cause casualties and property damage during the mango season.

Police in Dumki, Patuakhali have arrested a named suspect in a robbery case involving an Islami Bank agent banking officer. The arrest took place on Sunday evening near the Thana Bridge area. The case was filed after a robbery incident on May 11, when four assailants stopped a motorcycle carrying the bank’s field officer and the agent banking outlet in-charge, assaulted them, and took 18,300 taka before fleeing.

According to police sources, the robbery occurred while the bank officials were conducting field activities in the Rajakhali Farmgate area. The attackers also damaged the motorcycle during the incident. The case was officially registered at Dumki Police Station on May 20.

Officer-in-Charge Md. Selim Uddin confirmed that the arrested suspect, Rabiul Islam Rony, also known as “Kasai Rony,” was one of the named accused in the case. Police operations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects, and the arrested individual will be presented before the court.

The Bangladesh Labour Party has protested the appointment of former Bangladesh Bank deputy governor Khorshed Alam as chairman of Islami Bank. In a statement issued on Monday, party chairman Dr. Mostafizur Rahman Iran alleged that the government is working deliberately to rehabilitate the S. Alam syndicate, which he described as linked to bank looting and money laundering. He claimed the appointment is part of a broader plan to restore influence to that group.

Dr. Iran further accused the home minister of supporting the S. Alam group and facilitating its business interests, including placing his son in the group’s office. He said the government has ignored public demands expressed during the August 5 uprising against corruption and authoritarianism, instead reviving the same networks accused of financial misconduct.

The Labour Party demanded the immediate cancellation of Khorshed Alam’s appointment, depoliticization of Islami Bank, prosecution of those involved in bank sector corruption, and an impartial investigation into the alleged illegal activities of the S. Alam syndicate.

A recent report highlights that the United States tops global meat consumption, with 97 percent of Americans eating meat regularly, followed by Lithuania and Brazil at 96 percent. In contrast, Bangladesh ranks near the bottom, with the second-lowest per capita meat consumption worldwide. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Bangladeshis consume only 0.9 kilograms of beef and 1.36 kilograms of poultry per person annually, most of it during religious festivals.

The report notes that global meat production has increased fivefold since the 1960s, driven by population and income growth. Wealthier nations tend to consume more meat, while poorer countries treat it as a luxury. In Africa, countries such as Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Tanzania also record low consumption levels. Meanwhile, middle-income countries like China and Brazil have seen sharp increases in meat demand alongside economic growth.

Despite growing awareness campaigns promoting reduced meat intake, data from the United States and Europe show that overall consumption remains steady or slightly rising, though consumers are shifting from red meat to poultry for health and environmental reasons.