Saudi Arabia continues to offer scholarship opportunities for international students, including those from Bangladesh, to study at its renowned universities. The country’s higher education system combines Islamic studies with modern disciplines such as science, technology, and business. Foreign students typically begin with an Arabic language diploma before entering undergraduate programs. Education at public universities is tuition-free, and students receive necessary study materials at no cost.

Applicants must generally be between 17 and 23 years old, with some universities allowing up to 25. A minimum GPA of 4.00 in HSC or Alim exams is required, though certain institutions accept lower results. The application process demands verified and translated documents, including passports, certificates, and medical fitness reports, all authenticated by relevant authorities and the Saudi Embassy in Bangladesh. Female applicants must comply with specific guardian-related conditions.

Popular universities for Bangladeshi students include the Islamic University of Madinah, King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Umm al-Qura University in Makkah, and Taibah University in Madinah. Saudi Arabia’s blend of academic excellence, Islamic learning, and international exposure makes it an appealing destination for higher education.

Comilla University, located at the foothills of Lalmai in southeastern Bangladesh, is facing a severe housing shortage as about 76 percent of its 6,484 students lack dormitory access. Despite the university’s two-decade history, residential facilities have not expanded proportionately. Only 1,239 seats are officially available, accommodating roughly 19 percent of students, though overcrowding has pushed the number of residents to 1,554. Many students are forced to share beds and study spaces, while nearly 4,930 others live off-campus in rented housing.

Students report that overcrowded dorms hinder study conditions and personal comfort, with two students often sharing one bed, table, and locker. Female students, in particular, face safety and financial challenges when renting outside housing. University officials acknowledge the crisis and note that four new ten-story dormitories are under construction on a 200-acre new campus, expected to add 4,206 seats once completed. However, the project requires an additional 2.41 billion taka and has been delayed due to funding complications with the University Grants Commission.

Administrators expect the new campus to ease the accommodation crisis once operational, though interim overcrowding remains a pressing concern.

Nazmuz Sakib, a young man from Parbatipur in Dinajpur, has overcome severe physical disabilities to pursue higher education. Born without both hands up to the wrists and missing part of his right leg below the knee, Sakib refused to accept his condition as a limitation. Through determination and confidence, he has achieved academic success at every stage and is now in his third year at Parbatipur Government College.

Sakib’s educational journey began at Manmathpur Government Primary School, where he earned GPA-5 in the Primary Education Completion Examination. He later achieved GPA-4.40 in JSC, GPA-4.56 in SSC (Science), and GPA-4.83 in HSC from Manmathpur Ideal Degree College. Despite financial hardship, he continues to study with strong family support. His father, Azimuddin Sardar, expressed pride in Sakib’s perseverance, while his elder brothers have also pursued higher education and professional careers.

Sakib’s story has become a source of inspiration in his community, symbolizing resilience and the power of education to overcome adversity.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs has begun distributing copies of the Holy Quran and its translated versions to pilgrims returning home after completing Hajj 2026. The initiative, launched on behalf of King Salman, started at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport departure lounge to ensure international pilgrims can easily receive the gift before leaving the country. Seasonal field workers are also receiving copies under the same program.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, a total of 1.9 million copies printed by the King Fahd Complex for Printing the Holy Quran in Madinah will be distributed. The translations cover more than 80 languages, allowing Muslims worldwide to study and understand the Quran’s message in their native tongues. The ministry stated that the distribution will continue around the clock for several days across all air, land, and sea ports.

Minister Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Alsheikh said the initiative reflects Saudi leadership’s commitment to spreading the Quran’s message globally. The General Directorate of Passports has also begun managing the departure of the first groups of pilgrims, ensuring smooth travel amid increased post-Hajj passenger volumes.

The Dhaka Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board has issued an urgent directive regarding the installation and monitoring of CCTV cameras at centers for the 2026 HSC and equivalent examinations. According to a notice signed by Exam Controller Professor Jesmin Taslima Banu, centers must ensure continuous internet connectivity for CCTV DVR/NVR systems and submit details of individuals linked to the treasury by June 8 via email. Required information includes CCTV IDs, passwords, device serial numbers, and contact details of teachers, staff, and tag officers responsible for collecting question papers from the treasury or police stations.

The board also announced an extension of the form-fill period for the 2026 HSC examinations. Institutions may now complete student form submissions with late fees from June 15 to June 16, with the final payment deadline through “Sonali Seba” set for June 16. The notice emphasized the urgency of completing all related tasks within the specified timeframe.

These measures aim to ensure a transparent and orderly examination process across all centers under the Dhaka Education Board.

Two wagons of a freight train derailed near Tejgaon Railway Station in Dhaka on Sunday afternoon, disrupting rail operations for about three hours. The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m., and no casualties were reported. Train movement between Dhaka and the northern and western regions of the country was suspended, causing inconvenience to passengers.

According to railway sources, rescue teams managed to remove the derailed wagons by 6:30 p.m., after which the line was restored for normal operations. The Dhaka Railway Police confirmed that the two derailed wagons had been cleared from the tracks. During the disruption, trains from the northern region were able to enter Dhaka, but no trains departed from Dhaka toward the north.

The railway authorities indicated that an investigation committee may be formed to determine the cause of the derailment.

Dhaka-bound traffic increased sharply on the Dhaka-Bhanga Expressway on Saturday morning following the end of the Eid-ul-Azha holidays. In the Shibchar section of Madaripur, long-distance buses from southern districts were seen heading toward the capital, while local buses were overcrowded. At major stops such as Bhanga, Suryanagar, Pachchar, and Naodoba, passengers waited for long periods as most buses were already full.

Many travelers arrived from rural areas by easybikes, vans, Mahindra vehicles, CNG auto-rickshaws, and other three-wheelers to reach the highway’s passenger shelters. Passengers reported difficulty finding seats due to the heavy rush. Alongside buses, the number of microbuses, private cars, and motorcycles also increased on the expressway. Although the Dhaka-bound lane saw the heaviest pressure, traffic toward the southern region was also higher than usual.

Shibchar Highway Police Officer-in-Charge Mizanur Rahman said traffic pressure had risen significantly since morning and could increase further over the next two to three days. Highway police have been deployed at key points to control speed, maintain smooth traffic flow, and prevent untoward incidents, with additional patrol teams on duty.

The first return flight of Bangladeshi pilgrims from Saudi Arabia arrived in Dhaka on Saturday morning, marking the beginning of the 2026 Hajj return phase. According to the report, 419 pilgrims landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a Saudia Airlines flight around 10 a.m. They were welcomed with Zamzam water and flowers upon arrival. The flight departed from Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport at 12:10 a.m. local time.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs stated that the formal Hajj rituals concluded on Friday with the symbolic stoning at the three Jamarat. On the first day of return flights, a total of 5,434 pilgrims are expected to arrive in Bangladesh on 13 flights. The return operations will continue until July 1. This year, 79,164 Bangladeshi pilgrims, including management officials, traveled to Saudi Arabia for Hajj.

The ministry completed all logistical arrangements, including tent rentals, transportation contracts, housing, and visas, within the Saudi government’s timeframe. As a result, all registered pilgrims reached Saudi Arabia without any schedule disruptions. So far, 35 Bangladeshi pilgrims have died during this year’s Hajj.

A Bangladeshi currently in India for medical treatment shared his distress on social media after being unable to find beef or mutton during Eid-ul-Azha. While his family in Bangladesh celebrated the festival, he spent the day alone and unable to prepare a special meal for his young child. Despite visiting several markets from the previous afternoon until after Eid prayers, he could not buy even one or two kilograms of meat.

According to his account, he traveled nearly 40 kilometers but failed to find beef or even a kilogram of mutton. In his search, he also forgot to buy chicken. He expressed deep sadness that for the first time in his life, Eid and Qurbani passed without celebration or sacrifice.

The report notes that many expatriates living abroad for treatment or work experience similar loneliness during Eid, but his inability to bring joy to his child made this festival especially painful.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced a four to six-tier security plan across the capital for Eid-ul-Azha, with special focus on the National Eidgah. Around 1,500 officers will be deployed around nearly one thousand Eid congregations, while about 15,000 police personnel will be on duty citywide on Eid day. DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed said the plan was designed considering the large gatherings and temporary emptiness in parts of the city as many residents leave for holidays.

The National Eidgah and other key prayer venues, including Baitul Mukarram, will host high-profile attendees such as the President, Prime Minister, and foreign diplomats. The Eidgah will have five entry gates and be fully covered by CCTV and drone surveillance. Security measures include archways, metal detectors, watchtowers, barricades, and patrols. Specialized units like SWAT, bomb disposal, and counterterrorism teams will remain on standby, while separate arrangements have been made for female worshippers.

Traffic restrictions will apply from 6 a.m. until prayers conclude, and worshippers are urged to avoid carrying bags or sharp objects. Additional security has been arranged for homes, banks, malls, and ATMs during the holiday period, with cyber units monitoring social media for misinformation.

Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) has secured the 15th position among Bangladeshi institutions in the globally recognized Nature Index, achieving a share score of 0.20. The index, published by Nature Portfolio since 2014, evaluates research output and institutional contributions to high-quality scientific publications worldwide. The latest ranking covers research papers published between February 1 of the previous year and January 31 of the current year in 145 leading pure science and medical journals.

According to the Nature Index, contributions to multi-institutional research are divided fractionally, forming the basis of each institution’s share score. RUET’s inclusion reflects its growing research capacity and consistent academic performance. The university’s Director of Student Welfare, Professor Dr. Robiul Islam Sarkar, described the achievement as a matter of pride, highlighting it as recognition of the collective efforts of faculty and students.

Researchers believe that with enhanced funding, modern laboratories, and international collaboration, RUET could further strengthen its position in future global rankings. The recognition has created a celebratory atmosphere on campus and is expected to motivate greater engagement in research activities.

Sheikh Ali bin Abdur Rahman Al-Hudhaifi, Imam of Masjid al-Nabawi, called on the global Muslim community to remain patient and united during challenging times. Delivering the Hajj sermon on Tuesday afternoon Bangladesh time, he emphasized the importance of maintaining mutual unity, solidarity, and brotherhood among Muslims.

In his sermon, Sheikh Al-Hudhaifi highlighted the spiritual and social significance of Hajj, describing it as a unique reflection of mutual acquaintance, harmony, and cooperation among Muslims worldwide. He urged believers to fear Allah, uphold honesty, and avoid falsehood and gossip. He also reminded pilgrims that true preparation for the Hereafter lies in monotheism and sincere worship of Allah.

After the sermon, special prayers were offered for the well-being of the Muslim Ummah and the acceptance of pilgrims’ worship. The Imam prayed for the safe return of all pilgrims to their home countries. Following the sermon, pilgrims performed the combined Zuhr and Asr prayers at Masjid Namira before proceeding to Mina for the next Hajj rituals.

Large numbers of people from various professions, including industrial workers, began leaving Gazipur and Dhaka on May 26, 2026, to celebrate Eid with their families. On the second day of the government holiday, most garment factories closed, prompting a surge of travelers on major highways. The Dhaka–Mymensingh and Dhaka–Tangail routes saw several times more vehicles than usual, causing slow traffic and higher transport fares for passengers.

Many travelers used buses, minibuses, and even trucks to reach their destinations, with some risking safety for lower fares. Transport operators reported that vehicle parking, random passenger boarding, and crowding along the highways contributed to the congestion. Traffic was particularly slow at Tongi, Gazipura, Board Bazar, Bhogra Bypass, and Chandna intersections.

Police estimated that over two million workers would leave Gazipur for Eid. They reported that 45 percent of factories had already closed, with another 45 percent expected to close by Tuesday afternoon, likely increasing traffic pressure. Law enforcement agencies deployed additional personnel at key points to manage the situation.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General Additional IGP Md Ahsan Habib Palash said the force has not received any specific threat of sabotage ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. He made the statement on Tuesday after inspecting overall security arrangements at the National Eidgah ground in Dhaka, where he also reviewed the ongoing preparations.

The RAB chief stated that although there is no concrete threat, special security measures have been taken to handle any situation. The force has strengthened security across the capital and other parts of the country, setting up mobile checkpoints, conducting searches, and increasing patrols and intelligence surveillance. All RAB battalions are carrying out intensified patrols in their respective areas, coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to ensure safety during major Eid congregations.

RAB also reported enhanced monitoring to prevent black marketing, illegal stockpiling, price hikes, food adulteration, and counterfeit goods. Continuous online monitoring will remain active, and additional night patrols and checkpoints have been established to deter theft, robbery, and snatching during the holiday period.

A massive traffic jam stretching about 23 kilometers has formed on the Dhaka-Tangail highway, causing severe suffering for homebound passengers ahead of Eid. Since Monday night, May 25, vehicles have been moving slowly through the Savar and Kaliakoir sections. Traffic congestion was reported from Jirani to Chandra, covering around 8 kilometers, and from Mouchak to Gorai, covering another 15 kilometers.

Eyewitnesses said the gridlock resulted from excessive vehicle pressure, breakdowns at several points, and the simultaneous movement of a large number of vehicles for Eid travel. The situation worsened due to the heavy presence of buses, trucks, and private cars. Passengers described long waits, with some forced to walk after being stuck for hours. Families with children and elderly members expressed particular distress.

Kona Bari Naojor Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saugatul Alam stated that the slowdown was due to heavy traffic but assured that police officers were working continuously to manage the situation.