Businessman and Bangladesh Premier League Sylhet team adviser Fahim Al Chowdhury has purchased the cow ‘Kalo Manik’ for Tk 2 million at the Diabari cattle market in Uttara on May 24, 2026. The cow, which gained attention last year when it was gifted to late former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, will be sacrificed in her name during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. Fahim announced the decision immediately after buying the cow, expressing emotional satisfaction over acquiring an animal associated with Khaleda Zia’s memory.

According to Fahim, Khaleda Zia had previously accepted the cow as a gift but later returned it to the original owner, advising him to sell it for financial stability. The seller, Sohag Mridha, said he brought the cow to the market to raise funds for his daughter’s medical treatment. Fahim paid the full asking price and also pledged to cover the child’s medical expenses. The cow reportedly weighs around 1,800 kilograms.

Market leaseholder Sheikh Farid Hossain confirmed that the transaction took place without bargaining, emphasizing the emotional significance attached to the animal’s history.

The Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) Executive Committee has launched its first-ever Debating Club to strengthen journalists’ reasoning, analytical abilities, and intellectual engagement. The inauguration ceremony took place on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the Shafiqul Kabir Auditorium of DRU, with State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj, MP, attending as chief guest. He emphasized the importance of allowing open criticism of the government to correct mistakes and pledged sponsorship and support for DRU’s initiatives.

Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron, attending as special guest, praised DRU’s unity and humanitarian role, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said the Debating Club would foster logical thinking and responsible journalism, helping society move toward positive change. DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel highlighted the organization’s history of supporting democracy and professional development.

Speakers expressed hope that the new platform would enrich members’ analytical capacity and contemporary awareness, with cooperation from the government and related stakeholders ensuring its success.

In Churulia, West Bengal, the birthplace of poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, several of his historical landmarks are disappearing due to neglect and industrial expansion. The century-old Nabakrishna High School, where the poet once stayed, is now set to be demolished for the expansion of Eastern Coalfields Limited’s colliery operations. The school houses personal items used by Nazrul, including his cup, plate, chair, and harmonium. Earlier, the original Nazrul Academy, built on the site of his ancestral home, was also demolished, with a new structure being built by the state tourism department.

Churulia holds deep connections to Nazrul’s life, including the burial site of his wife Promila Devi near the shrine of Pir Haji Palowan Sahib, where the poet once served. Many of the poet’s childhood landmarks, such as his madrasa and the old mosque, have already been replaced by modern buildings. The current demolition plans have placed not only Nabakrishna High School but also other local schools under threat as part of the mining lease area.

The developments mark a continuing erosion of Nazrul’s tangible heritage in his birthplace, raising concerns about the preservation of his cultural legacy.

Islamic scholar, writer, and researcher Tahmidul Mawla stated that marrying four women at the same time is neither Sunnah nor a virtuous act. He made the remarks in a recent video, emphasizing that the practice is only permissible under certain conditions rather than being encouraged or rewarded.

Mawla explained that Islamic law requires equality among all wives for those who have more than one. He cited that if a husband spends seven days with one wife, he must spend the same amount of time with each of the others. He referred to an example from the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) life, noting that even during illness, the Prophet maintained fairness by staying in the house of the wife whose turn it was.

The scholar’s comments aimed to clarify misconceptions about the religious status of having multiple wives, stressing that fairness and justice are central conditions in Islamic teachings.

Muslims in France and several other European countries will celebrate Eid al-Adha on May 27, 2026, in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s announcement. Large numbers of Muslims, including Bangladeshi expatriates living in French cities, are preparing for the festival. Preparations for animal sacrifices are underway both in France and abroad, with Bangladeshi businesses in Paris already taking orders for sacrificial animals.

According to a France-based Muslim organization, the festival will mark the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, 1447 Hijri, while the Day of Arafat will be observed on May 26. The organization has urged Muslims to attend Eid prayers and emphasized the importance of performing sacrifices responsibly, following both religious and health guidelines.

Eid congregations will be held in mosques across French cities with administrative approval, and special arrangements are being made for worshippers, according to local authorities.

The Islamic Foundation has announced the schedule for five Eid-ul-Azha congregations at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka. The first congregation will begin at 7:00 a.m., led by Mufti Md. Mizanur Rahman. The second will be at 8:00 a.m. with Dr. Maulana Waliur Rahman Khan, followed by the third at 9:00 a.m. led by Mufti Md. Abdullah. The fourth will start at 10:00 a.m. with Maulana Mohammad Nur Uddin, and the fifth and final congregation will be held at 10:45 a.m. led by Jubair Ahmad Al-Azhari. Each congregation will have one designated Mukkabbir.

If any of the designated imams are unable to attend, Md. Shahidul Islam will serve as the alternate imam. The Islamic Foundation has requested all concerned to arrive at the mosque before the scheduled time to perform their respective duties. Eid-ul-Azha will be celebrated nationwide on May 28.

The announcement ensures orderly arrangements for worshippers at the national mosque during one of the most significant religious events of the year.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen drove a rickshaw on a street in Baridhara, Dhaka, on Wednesday, May 20, as part of a symbolic event marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. The event featured the inauguration of specially designed rickshaws in red, white, and blue colors, representing the American flag.

According to the US Embassy in Dhaka, Ambassador Christensen inaugurated 50 such rickshaws to celebrate the milestone anniversary. The initiative was intended to highlight both the celebration of US independence and the partnership between Bangladesh and the United States.

The symbolic ride and the launch of the themed rickshaws underscored the cultural connection and friendship between the two nations as part of the broader commemoration of the United States’ founding anniversary.

On Monday evening, the Tigerpass area of Chattogram transformed into a vibrant space of political and cultural expression as walls became canvases for the “July Graffiti” initiative. Organized by the city corporation, the event drew young people, artists, and residents who painted faces of protest, slogans, and memories on the walls. Similar graffiti programs were also held nearby under the banners of NCP and Ganaadhikar Parishad, all reflecting themes of remembrance, protest, and political identity.

Earlier in the day, police had stopped a group of students attempting to paint graffiti at Tigerpass, sparking brief tension. The students said their work was not political but an act of rewriting history, protesting the erasure of July Movement graffiti. The tension followed allegations that such graffiti had been removed, leading to confrontations between BNP and NCP activists on Sunday night.

Authorities imposed Section 144 from Lalkhan Bazar to Tigerpass and deployed extra police to maintain order. Despite restrictions, the evening saw a return of color and expression, blending administrative control, political presence, and spontaneous youth participation.

The National Moon Sighting Committee announced that the moon marking the start of the Islamic month of Zilhaj for the Hijri year 1447 has been sighted in Bangladesh. As a result, Eid-ul-Azha will be celebrated across the country on May 28. The announcement was made on the evening of May 18 following a meeting of the committee at the Islamic Foundation office in Baitul Mukarram, chaired by Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad.

According to the minister, the month of Zilhaj will begin on Tuesday, and the festival of sacrifice, Eid-ul-Azha, will take place on Thursday, May 28. The government has declared a seven-day holiday for the occasion, starting from May 25. In addition, garment factories have decided to announce holidays in phases to manage operations smoothly during the festive period.

The official confirmation of the moon sighting sets the national schedule for Eid-ul-Azha observances, including prayers, sacrifices, and travel plans across Bangladesh.

An article published on May 18, 2026, highlights the historical significance of Al-Qarawiyyin University, located in Fez, Morocco. Established in 859 CE by Fatima al-Fihri, the institution began as a mosque built with her inherited wealth but soon evolved into a center for both worship and learning. Over time, it became a major hub for knowledge production and intellectual development within the Muslim world.

The university expanded beyond religious studies to include Arabic language, philosophy, logic, mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. It played a key role in the exchange of knowledge and culture between the Muslim world and Europe during the Islamic Golden Age. Notable scholars such as Ibn Khaldun, Ibn Rushd, and Muhammad al-Idrisi were associated with it. Supported by successive rulers, the institution grew architecturally and housed one of the world’s oldest functioning libraries.

UNESCO and Guinness World Records have recognized Al-Qarawiyyin as the world’s oldest continuously operating university. In 1963, the Moroccan government restructured it into a modern public university, preserving its religious and educational traditions.

Two albino buffaloes named ‘Donald Trump’ and ‘Netanyahu’ have become a major attraction in Narayanganj ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. The animals, known for their unusual appearance and behavior, are being raised at two separate farms. The ‘Netanyahu’ buffalo, weighing over 750 kilograms, is kept at SS Cattle Farm in Bandar upazila and has gone viral on social media. It was sold to a Dhaka businessman for six lakh taka, surpassing the price of ‘Donald Trump’, another albino buffalo from Rabeya Agro Farm in Paikpara.

According to the farms, the names were inspired by the animals’ distinctive looks resembling the world leaders. The ‘Donald Trump’ buffalo, weighing around 700 kilograms with a pinkish hue, was sold at 550 taka per kilogram live weight. Visitors from different areas are flocking to see the animals after watching viral videos online.

Farm owners said the social media buzz has significantly increased public interest in unique sacrificial animals this year, alongside the usual demand for large cattle.

Culture Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury announced plans to modernize libraries and cultural institutions in Jessore, calling the district a cradle of culture. Speaking to journalists on Sunday after visiting the Jessore Shilpakala Academy, Institute Public Library, and Town Club, he said initiatives will be taken to make these institutions active and modern, with a focus on encouraging the younger generation toward books and local culture.

The minister noted that the Prime Minister recently visited the Jessore Institute Public Library, one of the subcontinent’s oldest libraries, and pledged its modernization. Following that directive, the ministry will prioritize infrastructure development, digitalization, and improved facilities to attract young readers. He also promised increased funding and logistical support for the Shilpakala Academy to enhance its activities.

Jessore’s Deputy Commissioner and Institute President Mohammad Asheq Hasan said official proposals for library renovation, expanded reading spaces, and cultural programs have been submitted to the ministry. He expressed hope that these initiatives will revitalize Jessore’s cultural practice and create a healthy cultural environment.

Several historic estates in Bogura, including the Nawab Palace, Rajabari, and part of the Sattani Bari, have reportedly been sold at nominal prices through questionable transactions. The latest sale occurred on April 14, when 57 decimals of land from the Sattani Zamindar Bari were sold for Tk 43 crore, though registered at Tk 35 crore. The deal was conducted secretly during a public holiday, allegedly to avoid scrutiny. A 224-member business syndicate, including politicians and officials, is said to have purchased the land for a multi-storey project.

Investigations reveal that these properties, once owned by prominent families and historical figures, have gradually passed into the hands of politically connected businessmen over the past decade. The Nawab Palace, built in 1884 and once part of a Waqf estate, was sold in 2016 despite being declared a protected heritage site by the Ministry of Culture. Legal experts and local historians argue that such properties are not legally saleable.

Observers and civic groups blame administrative negligence for the loss of Bogura’s cultural heritage, as historic landmarks continue to fall under private control through opaque transactions.

Tunisia and Turkey have officially announced the date for Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant Islamic festivals. Both countries stated that the celebration will take place on May 27, following the start of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah on May 18. According to Islamic tradition, Eid al-Adha is observed on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah.

Gulf News reported that Tunisia became the first country in the world to formally declare the date of Eid al-Adha this year. Turkey, meanwhile, determined the date based on astronomical calculations rather than moon sighting, continuing its long-standing practice of using scientific methods to set Islamic months and religious observances.

Separately, the International Astronomy Center in Abu Dhabi indicated that the new moon of Dhul-Hijjah might be visible on May 17 in parts of East Asia, South Africa, and South America, suggesting that most countries could also celebrate Eid al-Adha on May 27.

The roof casting of the new building of Haji Kalyan Sangstha was inaugurated in Pirgacha, Rangpur, on May 16, 2026. The foundation stone of the building was laid in 2019, but construction halted after the pillars were completed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Later, financial constraints kept the project suspended for several years until work resumed in 2025 under a renewed initiative.

Speakers at the event said the organization aims to serve humanity, teach proper religious practices, and promote social awareness of faith. They emphasized the importance of selfless service to society, noting that many people today act out of personal interest. The land for the building was donated by the late Abdul Karim Mia.

Local dignitaries, including former teachers, religious leaders, and community representatives, attended the ceremony, reflecting broad community support for the project.