Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that nepotism, political influence, or favoritism will not be tolerated in the recruitment of university teachers. He made the remarks on Friday after inaugurating the temporary office of Thakurgaon University. The minister emphasized that only candidates with the highest qualifications and competence will be appointed as teachers based solely on merit.

He described Thakurgaon University as a reflection of the long-cherished dream and expectation of the local people. The institution, he said, should be developed into one of the country’s top world-class universities by maintaining uncompromised educational standards. He also expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and the government for fulfilling the long-standing demand of Thakurgaon residents for a medical college and a university.

The minister noted that the appointment of a vice-chancellor has already been completed, marking an important step toward advancing the university’s operations. The event was attended by the State Minister for Water Resources, local lawmakers, the vice-chancellor, and senior officials.

Eid al-Adha prayers in Kolkata were held at the Brigade Parade Ground instead of the traditional Red Road venue on Thursday, under heightened police security. The change followed new measures by West Bengal’s BJP government, which included strict enforcement of the 1950 Livestock Act and a ban on religious gatherings that block public roads. Police and CRPF personnel were deployed outside mosques across the state to maintain order, with large turnouts reported despite visible caution among worshippers.

The relocation of the main Eid congregation marked a departure from past years when former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attended Red Road prayers and delivered political messages. This year’s event was notably apolitical, with no ministers present. Organizers from the Calcutta Khilafat Committee said attendance was lower than usual, as some people were uncertain about the new arrangements or concerned about livestock restrictions.

Residents expressed mixed feelings—some welcomed the spacious new venue and smoother traffic, while others missed the tradition of Red Road prayers. The government’s new policies and visible security presence reflected a broader shift in the state’s approach to public religious events following the political transition.

The US Treasury Secretary has warned that Oman could face sanctions if it assists Iran in implementing a toll system in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. In a post on social media platform X on Thursday, the Secretary stated that the US Treasury would target any party directly or indirectly involved in establishing such a system, emphasizing that Washington would not tolerate any attempt to impose tolls in the vital maritime route.

Later at a White House press conference, the Secretary said he had spoken with Oman’s ambassador earlier that morning. According to him, the ambassador assured that Oman has no plans to introduce any tolls in the Strait of Hormuz. The warning follows ongoing US concerns about potential disruptions to international shipping through the waterway.

The statement underscores Washington’s intent to deter regional actors from supporting measures that could affect global trade through the Strait, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.

The United States has announced new sanctions targeting Iran’s oil sales linked to its military forces. The U.S. Department of the Treasury made the announcement on Thursday, stating that the restrictions apply to oil sales conducted by Iran’s armed forces. A U.S. official said Tehran and Washington have reached a draft agreement to extend a ceasefire and begin nuclear discussions.

According to the Treasury, the sanctions are part of ongoing economic pressure initiated under the Trump administration to compel Iran to meet U.S. demands. Despite decades of sanctions imposed by both Republican and Democratic administrations, the measures have yielded limited results. The new restrictions specifically target Sepehr Energy Jahan, a branch of Iran’s armed forces that exports millions of barrels of crude oil to China.

In a press release, the Treasury claimed that Iran’s military uses oil revenues obtained through anonymous companies to fund its reconstruction efforts and to threaten neighboring countries.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has strongly condemned the ongoing war by the United States and Israel against Iran, calling for an immediate end to the conflict. In a post on social media platform X on May 29, 2026, Mamdani said the war must stop, highlighting its devastating impact on American civilians abroad and working families at home.

Mamdani noted that the war began three months ago without public consent, emphasizing that those paying the price had no voice in the decision. He stated that thousands of civilians have been killed and 13 U.S. soldiers will never return to their families. He also pointed out that rising fuel and grocery prices, along with budgetary strain, have resulted from a conflict initiated without a single congressional vote.

The remarks, reported by Al Jazeera, underscore growing criticism of the war’s human and economic toll, as concerns mount over its continuation without legislative approval.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Besent stated that any potential agreement between the United States and Iran depends entirely on President Donald Trump’s decision. Speaking at a White House press conference on Thursday, Besent emphasized that Trump would not agree to any deal that harms the American people. The two countries have reportedly reached a memorandum of understanding to extend their ceasefire by 60 days and begin talks aimed at a permanent end to the ongoing conflict.

Besent declined to provide further details about the memorandum but stressed that any final deal must meet several of Trump’s conditions. These include Iran handing over its highly enriched uranium, committing not to develop nuclear weapons, and allowing free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. He also suggested that the United States might lift sanctions on Iran as part of a final agreement.

Besent noted that progress would likely be slow, describing the process as multifaceted and dependent on Iran’s compliance with key conditions before substantive negotiations can proceed.

U.S. President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, during which they discussed regional developments and the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The discussion was confirmed in a statement issued by the Emir’s office, which highlighted the focus on the Iran war and broader Middle Eastern issues.

According to the statement, Sheikh Tamim emphasized the importance of prioritizing diplomacy and dialogue among all parties to prevent further escalation in the region. The statement also noted that Trump praised Qatar’s support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran, as well as Doha’s role in easing regional tensions and resolving disagreements.

The conversation reflects continuing diplomatic engagement between the United States and Qatar amid heightened regional instability, with both sides signaling interest in de-escalation and mediation efforts.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has accused Israel of fueling instability in the Middle East, according to remarks published by Iran’s state news agency ISNA. He stated that Iran does not seek to develop nuclear weapons and hinted at ongoing diplomatic discussions with the United States, emphasizing that Iran will not engage in diplomacy that diminishes its dignity. Pezeshkian added that standing against the world’s most powerful forces requires accepting adversity and that war cannot be expected to return processes to normal.

Meanwhile, the United States and Iran have reportedly reached a preliminary memorandum of understanding to extend their ceasefire by another 60 days and begin talks aimed at a permanent end to the ongoing conflict. U.S. sources told Al Jazeera that the framework awaits final approval from President Donald Trump. If confirmed, it would mark a significant step forward after weeks of stalled diplomacy, though details of the agreement remain unclear.

US Treasury Secretary Besent stated that sanctions on Iran will remain until the Strait of Hormuz is reopened and Tehran agrees to transfer its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. He emphasized that no discussions will proceed until normal maritime traffic resumes and Iran commits to handing over the enriched material.

Meanwhile, the United States and Iran have reached a preliminary memorandum of understanding to extend their ceasefire by another 60 days and begin talks aimed at a permanent end to ongoing hostilities. According to US sources cited by Al Jazeera, the framework awaits final approval from President Donald Trump.

If approved, the agreement would mark a significant breakthrough after weeks of stalled diplomacy, though details of the deal remain unclear.

Eid al-Adha in West Bengal was observed under markedly different circumstances this year following the formation of the new BJP government. The administration introduced major changes to animal slaughter and festival observance rules, leading to subdued celebrations. The traditional Eid congregation at Kolkata’s Red Road was canceled, with prayers held instead at Brigade Maidan under tight security, amid unease within the Muslim community.

The government strictly enforced the 1950 animal slaughter law, banning cattle killing without prior approval and prohibiting public or open-air slaughter. The Supreme Court supported the stance, declaring cow sacrifice not an essential religious practice. As a result, cattle markets were nearly empty and sales sharply declined. In a symbolic shift, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari did not issue Eid greetings and spent the day performing cow service at ISKCON Mayapur, sharing videos on social media.

Social media posts reflected widespread disappointment and emotional distress among Muslims, with some describing the situation as “majoritarian fascism” and expressing hope for the return of traditional Eid practices in the future.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed optimism that the government can build the 'desired Bangladesh' with cooperation from all citizens. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon at a luncheon with officers and soldiers at Dhaka Cantonment, organized by the 'Mritunjayi 25' East Bengal Regiment on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. The prime minister emphasized that every citizen has a duty to fulfill their responsibilities sincerely to achieve national goals.

During his speech, Rahman recalled his childhood memories in Dhaka Cantonment, describing familiar places and experiences from the 1970s. He shared personal reflections about growing up in the area and expressed gratitude to soldiers who continue to serve the nation, even during holidays. He also praised army personnel for rescuing journalists during a recent fire incident at two newspaper offices.

Rahman concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring education, healthcare, and safety for all citizens, stressing that collective effort is essential to realize the vision of a prosperous and secure Bangladesh.

Indian Muslims are facing growing anxiety ahead of Eid al-Adha after police issued warnings against cow sacrifice. In Mumbai, an incident occurred where Muslims carrying a goat for sacrifice were attacked with chants of a religious slogan, and pigs were brought in to humiliate them. A video shared on social media showed a West Bengal police officer cautioning that anyone secretly sacrificing cows would face consequences, and even goat sacrifices should not be done publicly.

The video was released by police a day before Eid and later shared by the West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Eid day. These actions have created pressure and fear among Muslims across the state. However, BJP representatives claimed that Muslims were celebrating peacefully and that no restrictions were imposed on those observing their faith lawfully.

This year, Kolkata’s traditional Eid scene changed significantly. The historic Eid prayer at Red Road was not permitted by the BJP-led state government, and the congregation took place instead at Brigade Ground with a much smaller turnout. Reports described a subdued atmosphere and minimal animal sacrifices across West Bengal.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said that everyone must fulfill their responsibilities from their respective positions to build the desired Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon during a luncheon organized by ‘Mrityunjayi 25’ at Zia Colony in Dhaka Cantonment on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. The Prime Minister expressed his emotional connection to the cantonment, recalling many personal memories associated with the place.

He praised the Bangladesh Army for its professionalism, sense of duty, and tradition of standing beside the people during national crises and disasters. Rahman said the army’s contribution to national needs is deeply valued by the people and that it remains a symbol of trust for the state in safeguarding independence, sovereignty, and public security.

After the luncheon, the Prime Minister exchanged Eid greetings with army members, inquired about the living conditions of soldiers at the army mess, planted a neem sapling, and signed the visitors’ book. He also performed the Zuhr prayer at the army mess mosque and again exchanged Eid greetings with officers and soldiers.

Shantanu Sen, a senior leader of the Trinamool Congress and former Rajya Sabha member, has resigned from his position as the party’s national spokesperson. According to reports, he sent his resignation letter to party chief Mamata Banerjee on May 28, 2026, explaining his reasons for stepping down.

In his letter, Sen stated that despite facing difficult circumstances and internal differences, he had long represented the party’s stance in the media and defended it on several controversial issues, earning public appreciation. However, he now believes that a section of the state’s population is rejecting the party due to allegations of corruption and unethical activities. Referring to incidents such as the RG Kar case and job recruitment scandals, he said it was no longer possible for him to continue as the party’s spokesperson.

Sen requested that his resignation be accepted as a mark of respect for the people’s verdict, signaling his withdrawal from the party’s national communication role.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the current government is working with a commitment to national unity and nation-building. He made the remarks on Thursday in Dhaka while briefing journalists after exchanging Eid greetings with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Gulshan residence. The minister emphasized that people from all walks of life, regardless of political affiliation, must unite to build a prosperous Bangladesh under the slogan 'Bangladesh First'.

He added that since August 5, 2024, the people of Bangladesh have been enjoying a free, independent, and peaceful environment, celebrating several festive Eids in succession. The minister called for collective prayers for the country’s continued prosperity, peace, and welfare. He also mentioned that on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman visited the graves of former presidents and family members to pay their respects.

The briefing was attended by State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam, the Home Minister’s son and BCB Adhoc Committee member Syed Ibrahim Ahmed, and other senior leaders.