U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced during his visit to India that New Delhi has pledged to purchase $500 billion worth of American goods over the next five years. The statement has sparked widespread discussion among global media, trade experts, and economic analysts, who are questioning what India has agreed to and whether it will benefit sufficiently from the deal. The commitment follows an interim trade agreement announced in February, when U.S. President Donald Trump reduced tariffs on Indian goods from 50 to 18 percent, and India expressed interest in increasing imports of U.S. energy, coal, and technology equipment.

Analysts have raised concerns about the timing of such a large import plan, given recent changes in global trade conditions. After the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated some of Trump’s earlier tariff measures, Washington imposed a uniform 10 percent tariff on trade partners. Experts question why India is proceeding with such a massive purchase without securing further concessions and why it is limiting supplier options in sectors like aviation. The deal is viewed as politically sensitive and economically risky for India amid currency depreciation, high oil prices, and uncertain global trade.

Additionally, concerns persist in India about U.S. tariff and immigration policies, as well as Washington’s warming ties with China and Pakistan, which analysts say could complicate India’s strategic and economic positioning.

Concrete debris hidden under sand and seawater at Kuakata beach in Patuakhali has become a major safety concern for tourists. The hazardous remnants, including broken pillars, guide walls, and rusted rods, are mainly concentrated around the Zero Point area, where thousands of visitors bathe daily. Locals report that despite repeated accidents, the beach management committee and relevant authorities have not taken visible measures such as installing warning signs or clearing the debris.

The concrete structures originated from facilities destroyed by cyclones Sidr in 2007 and Aila in 2009, including an LGED bungalow, public toilets, and park installations. These remnants now lie submerged or scattered across the beach, posing hidden dangers during high tide. A fatal accident occurred about a year and a half ago when a tourist was struck by submerged concrete.

Local visitors and business owners have urged immediate safety measures, while Kuakata municipal administrator Md. Yasin Sadek stated that risky areas will be marked and warning signs installed to ensure tourist safety.

Leaders of the International Energy Agency (IEA), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and World Trade Organization met to discuss the economic and energy impacts of the ongoing war in Iran and the wider Middle East. Following the meeting, the institutions issued a joint statement warning that if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz does not return to normal, global oil reserves could be depleted before the northern hemisphere’s summer demand peaks. They cautioned that this would heighten risks to energy security, market stability, and the broader global economy.

The statement also noted that the organizations are exploring ways to strengthen collective support through multilateral and bilateral measures to mitigate the crisis and its economic consequences. In April, the IMF, World Bank, and IEA had announced the formation of a joint team to assist vulnerable economies in managing the crisis.

The institutions’ coordinated approach signals growing concern over the potential escalation of the energy crisis and its ripple effects on global markets and economic stability.

In Lakshmipur’s Chandraganj upazila, the authorities of Ramnagar Madinatul Ulum Dakhil Madrasa buried around 150 sacrificial animal hides after failing to sell them. The incident occurred following Eid-ul-Azha when the madrasa collected hides from local households but could not find wholesale buyers or fair prices. Due to the lack of preservation facilities and concerns over odor and decay, the madrasa decided to bury the hides to prevent environmental pollution.

Local residents expressed mixed reactions, noting that poor preservation systems and ineffective market management have caused recurring crises in the leather trade. The madrasa’s management committee said they had spent significant funds on labor and transport to collect the hides, but the absence of buyers led to major financial losses.

According to the madrasa’s general secretary, despite waiting two days for buyers, none appeared, forcing them to dispose of the hides for environmental reasons. The institution now faces substantial financial damage as a result of the unsold collection.

Japan has reintroduced a ban on mango imports from India after nearly two decades, following the discovery of flaws in pest control and sterilization procedures by Japanese quarantine officials. The decision, announced by the Yokohama Plant Protection Association, means that shipments with inspection certificates issued after March 25, 2026, will no longer be accepted. The move affects premium Indian mango varieties such as Alphonso, Kesar, Langra, and Banganapalli, dealing a major blow to exporters this season.

Japan maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against harmful agricultural pests, particularly fruit flies, which it considers a serious threat to domestic crops. The country had previously banned Indian mangoes for similar reasons but lifted the restriction in 2006 after India implemented stricter quality control measures. During a March inspection at a vapor heat treatment center in Rehmanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Japanese officials found technical issues in the heat treatment and sterilization process, though neither side disclosed details.

Exporters fear the renewed ban could undermine international confidence in India’s agricultural quality standards and prompt concern among other importing nations, adding financial strain to farmers already hit by poor yields due to extreme weather and El Niño effects.

A large quantity of sacrificial animal hides has spoiled in Chattogram due to alleged manipulation by market syndicates. Seasonal traders, unable to sell their collected hides at fair prices, abandoned thousands of pieces on the streets late into the night. On Friday morning, Chattogram City Corporation sanitation workers began dumping the rotting hides from areas including Aturar Depot, Bahaddarhat, and Chawkbazar.

Seasonal traders said that despite government assurances of market monitoring, no effective steps were taken to prevent syndicate control. Many traders chose to discard their hides in protest rather than sell at extremely low prices. The Raw Hide Traders Association claimed they met their target of collecting 400,000 hides and said only those who held out for higher prices suffered losses. Truck drivers from Fatikchhari and Sitakunda reported being stranded overnight with unsold hides that eventually decayed.

City officials confirmed that large volumes of spoiled hides were dumped but did not provide exact figures. Traders alleged that middlemen’s manipulation caused the crisis, with some hides going unsold even at Tk 50 per piece.

In Shyamnagar upazila of Satkhira, large quantities of sacrificial animal hides were discarded along the banks of the Kholpetua River after failing to attract buyers. The incident occurred following Eid when local traders, madrasa authorities, and orphanages struggled to sell raw hides due to a market collapse and lack of buyers. Piles of hides were seen near the Neeldumur ferry ghat area, causing foul odors and raising environmental concerns.

Local sources said that despite collecting hides from various areas since Eid morning, most sellers found no buyers throughout the day. Many were forced to bury or dump the hides to prevent stench. Traders reported that compared to previous years, the market situation was worse, with low purchase offers and high transport and salt costs discouraging collection. Madrasa and orphanage officials said they rely on hide sales to fund student welfare and education, but this year’s losses have severely affected them.

Authorities acknowledged the issue, noting that institutions had been advised to preserve hides before sale. The upazila administration stated that the matter is being addressed seriously.

Rajshahi City Corporation completed waste removal ahead of schedule during Eid-ul-Azha under the leadership of administrator Md. Mahfuzur Rahman Riton. The administrator had earlier announced that the city would be cleaned within six to eight hours, and large-scale cleaning began from noon on Eid day. He personally supervised the operations, resulting in the city being cleared of waste earlier than expected and earning public praise.

According to city sources, 1,270 cleaners worked tirelessly across all wards to remove waste quickly. Secondary Transfer Stations at Bulanpur, RUET, and Rajshahi University were inspected in the afternoon. To prevent odor and health risks, sufficient bleaching powder and disinfectants were sprayed, and vehicles, equipment, and manpower were kept ready throughout the process. Residents expressed satisfaction with the timely cleanup and the distribution of eco-friendly bags and bleaching powder for meat preservation.

Administrator Riton credited the success to citizens’ cooperation and the dedication of cleaning staff, emphasizing the city’s ongoing commitment to quality civic services.

Leather sellers in Dhaka and other districts expressed deep frustration on Friday, May 29, 2026, as sacrificial animal hides were sold at nominal prices during Eid-ul-Azha. Many sellers alleged that buyers were offering far below the government-fixed rates. In several areas, goat and cow hides were seen piled up on roadsides, with sellers unable to find fair buyers despite busy market scenes.

Madrasa representatives, orphanages, and seasonal collectors said the market price did not match the official rate, while traders blamed tannery owners’ unpaid dues and cash shortages for the crisis. In Dhaka’s Posta area, large cowhides fetched as little as 500 taka, dropping to 100–200 taka if damaged. Seasonal traders in Chattogram and Satkhira reported similar conditions, with some abandoning hides on roads or burying them to avoid losses and odor.

In Sirajganj’s Tarash upazila, the market collapsed entirely, with few buyers appearing. Many sellers either left hides behind or donated them to local madrasas and boarding houses, reflecting a recurring crisis in the country’s leather trade.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Md. Abdus Salam announced that the city aims to remove 11,776 tons of waste on the second day of Eid. He made the statement while inspecting the temporary cattle market at Shahjahanpur Railway Colony on Friday. During the visit, he observed ongoing waste removal operations and instructed officials and workers to complete the task swiftly.

According to the administrator, uninterrupted waste removal activities are continuing across DSCC areas to clear animal and market waste generated during Eid. He said DSCC’s waste management teams, including cleaners and transport workers, are working round the clock to maintain a clean and healthy environment for residents. On the first day of Eid, a total of 14,814 tons of sacrificial waste were dumped at the Matuail landfill by midnight.

Salam warned that any leaseholders expanding temporary cattle markets beyond designated areas or occupying roads illegally will face strict legal action, including fines and blacklisting. DSCC has deployed additional manpower, vehicles, containers, and cleaning equipment, supported by a special monitoring team overseeing the entire operation.

Israel has incurred financial losses of 248 million dollars over the past two months due to the presence of US military aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport, according to a report by Israel’s public broadcaster Kan. The airport is being used by the United States for military operations, significantly limiting its civilian capacity.

Sharon Kedmi, Director General of the Israel Airports Authority, stated that the airport is currently operating at only one-third of its capacity because of the space and equipment occupied by US military refueling planes. He noted that nearly 70 percent of the airport’s operations have been restricted as a result of Washington’s ongoing military activities.

Kedmi warned that if the current situation continues, Israel’s financial losses could reach billions of dollars and more flight cancellations may follow in the coming days.

European Union leaders are increasingly alarmed by their economic dependence on China, with top diplomat Kaja Kallas comparing efforts to reduce reliance to a painful medical treatment. The bloc’s trade deficit with China has reached record levels, driven by a surge in electric vehicle imports. Brussels is debating how to respond to Beijing’s aggressive trade policies, as Chinese officials warn of retaliation against any protective measures.

Analysts and policymakers describe a growing sense of urgency within Europe’s industrial sectors, particularly in Germany, where manufacturers face mounting competition. France, Spain, and several other EU members have urged stronger action to defend strategic industries, while Beijing has denounced proposed EU policies such as the Industrial Accelerator Act as protectionist. China’s recent export restrictions on rare minerals and new regulatory powers over foreign-linked firms have further strained relations.

Upcoming G7 and EU summits are expected to address these tensions, with European officials seeking ways to rebalance trade without triggering a full-scale trade war. However, fears of Chinese retaliation and consumer dependence on low-cost imports complicate the path forward.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Abdus Salam stated that several sanitation workers have been issued show-cause notices for negligence in removing sacrificial waste in the capital. He made the remarks on Friday afternoon while inspecting waste removal activities at Shahjahanpur cattle market. Salam emphasized that negligence in duty will not be tolerated.

According to the administrator, waste collection began on Thursday afternoon and continued until 1 a.m. Due to a shortage of trucks at night, waste was temporarily kept on main roads and later removed in the morning. He added that leaseholders were supposed to clean the markets within 72 hours after operations ended but failed to do so. As a result, they will be fined and barred from future leases.

The DSCC continues intensified efforts to clear sacrificial waste across the city following Eid celebrations, aiming to restore cleanliness and normalcy in Dhaka’s streets.

Member of Parliament Aslam Chowdhury has announced plans to build a walkway around Laldighi in Sitakunda, Chattogram. He made the announcement while speaking to journalists after the Eid-ul-Azha congregation at the Sitakunda Central Eidgah ground. Chowdhury described Laldighi as not just a waterbody but a part of Sitakunda’s history, heritage, and culture, which has lost its beauty due to years of neglect, encroachment, and pollution.

He stated that the initiative aims to revive this heritage for the younger generation by creating a modern, clean, and citizen-friendly environment centered on Laldighi. The plan includes developing the area into a space that reflects both tradition and modern urban values.

According to the report, the announcement has drawn widespread positive reactions on social media. Many users believe that if implemented, the project will transform Laldighi into a modern, eco-friendly attraction while preserving its historical significance.

Tourist turnout in Kuakata, Patuakhali, remained below expectations on the second day of Eid-ul-Azha, despite extensive preparations by local businesses. Hotel and motel owners had cleaned facilities, offered special discounts, and readied themselves for an anticipated influx of 300,000 to 400,000 visitors. However, field observations on Friday showed the beach areas, including Zero Point and Gangamati, were largely empty, with most visitors being local day-trippers returning home by evening.

Small traders in hotels, shell markets, and handicraft stalls reported sluggish sales due to the lack of tourists. Business owners attributed the downturn to the country’s overall economic situation and high inflation, which they said forced many families to cut travel budgets. Hotel managers reported low booking rates, with only 20–30 percent occupancy in top-tier hotels and 10–20 percent in mid-range ones.

Tourism leaders expressed hope that visitor numbers might rise later in the week, though they warned that continued low turnout could make it difficult to recover earlier losses. Police authorities confirmed enhanced security measures across the beach and nearby attractions.