Hindu cattle farmers in West Bengal are facing financial hardship after the state government’s decision to restrict cow sacrifice ahead of Eid al-Adha. According to reports, Muslim buyers have stopped purchasing cows due to the new law, leaving Hindu farmers unable to sell their livestock. Many of these farmers had taken loans from NGOs to raise cattle, expecting to repay them through Eid sales.

In Bamunia village of South 24 Parganas, most cattle farmers are Hindu and have expressed frustration, urging that Muslims be allowed to perform cow sacrifices so they can sell their animals. Muslim farmers, meanwhile, said they would accept government takeover of their cattle if sacrifices remain banned. Local legislator Naushad Siddique stated that the ruling BJP government’s policy, intended to target Muslims, has instead harmed Hindus. Protests have also erupted in Bhangar, where Hindu men and women rejected the High Court’s decision supporting the ban.

BJP spokesperson Bimal Shankar Nanda commented that some groups are exploiting the situation for their own interests.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has alleged that a group is maintaining secret contact with the ousted autocratic regime of August 5, 2024. He made the remarks on Saturday while inaugurating the re-excavation program of the historic Dhara Canal in Trishal, Mymensingh. Rahman said similarities exist between the group and those who were ousted, accusing them of plotting in secrecy. He urged citizens to remain alert against such conspiracies.

Referring to past events under the interim government, Rahman said BNP lawyers and doctors had supported affected families, unlike those now leading movements and blockades. He criticized groups spreading confusion and ignoring farmers, education, and rural development. The Prime Minister highlighted the canal’s importance for local livelihoods, noting that its re-excavation would benefit 4,300 farmers and improve life for about 20,000 people. He also announced initiatives for rural students, religious leaders, and youth employment through technical education.

Rahman emphasized unity for national development, urging collective effort to build infrastructure and utilize the workforce for Bangladesh’s progress.

A human chain was held in Jurain, Dhaka, demanding the unconditional release of social worker, education enthusiast, and July fighter Marine Engineer Asaduzzaman Sabbir. Participants described the case filed against him as false and conspiratorial. The demonstration took place on Friday at Bikrampur Plaza near Jurain Railgate, with residents, professionals, youths, and students from Ward 54 joining the protest.

Speakers at the event alleged that Sabbir was deliberately harassed through a fabricated case despite his long-standing involvement in social, humanitarian, and educational activities. They described him as honest, compassionate, and outspoken, calling for immediate withdrawal of the case and assurance of justice. The protesters vowed to continue peaceful demonstrations until his release.

Dhaka-4 Member of Parliament Zainul Abedin, who identified Sabbir as his nephew, claimed that the case was part of a conspiracy to damage his political reputation. He stated that Sabbir, a marine engineer living abroad, was not present at the time of the alleged incident.

Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament Advocate Kaiser Kamal visited injured July movement fighter Masud Mia at Vejthani Hospital in Thailand on May 22, 2026. He inquired about Masud’s physical condition and discussed his treatment progress with the attending doctors. The visit took place at around 7 p.m. local time, where the Deputy Speaker also met Masud’s family members.

Masud Mia, a resident of Ramnagar village in Kochua Union under Saghata upazila of Gaibandha, was shot in the right thigh during the July 2024 movement in Safipur, Gazipur, leaving him permanently disabled. After limited improvement from long-term treatment in Bangladesh, the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs arranged for his transfer to Thailand on October 24, 2025, for advanced medical care. He has been receiving treatment there for about eight months.

During the visit, Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal assured continued medical support for Masud and wished him a speedy recovery.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has provided Eid-ul-Azha gifts to sanitation workers across all city corporations in Bangladesh. On Friday evening in Gulshan, Dhaka, he handed over cheques to the mayors and administrators of the city corporations at the BNP Chairperson’s political office. The event was attended by administrators and mayors from Dhaka North and South, Chattogram, Khulna, Gazipur, Narayanganj, Sylhet, Barishal, and other cities.

Earlier in the afternoon, the Prime Minister walked to the party office after performing Asr prayers at home, according to his additional press secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman. He stated that the Prime Minister attended the event to distribute Eid bonuses to city corporation administrators and mayors across the country.

The report also noted that during Eid-ul-Fitr earlier this year, the Prime Minister had given Tk 5,000 as Eid gifts to sanitation workers of city corporations.

Speaker of the National Parliament Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram, MP, said former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia worked with devotion to strengthen democracy in Bangladesh and was deeply committed to establishing the rights of the people. He described her as an enduring example of a successful stateswoman. The remarks came on Friday at the unveiling of a calendar titled 'Deshnetri', published by 'Chobir Golpo' in memory of the late leader, held at the LD Hall of the National Parliament Building.

The event was presided over by Additional Press Secretary to the Prime Minister and adviser editor of 'Chobir Golpo' Atikur Rahman Rumon. Dr. Ahmed Mostafa Noman delivered the welcome address, while MPs Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas and Habibur Rahman Habib spoke as main discussants. The calendar features twelve aspects of Khaleda Zia’s life through photographs by Prime Minister’s photographer Khaled Hossain Parag and writings by the 'Chobir Golpo' team.

Chief Whip Md. Nurul Islam Moni, MP, also highlighted Khaleda Zia’s role in introducing the caretaker government system to stabilize democracy and praised the Zia family’s contribution to Bangladesh’s political history.

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has traveled to Saudi Arabia to perform the holy Hajj. According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement issued on Friday evening, he left for Saudi Arabia accompanied by his wife. The visit is being made at the invitation of the Saudi government, under which he is participating as a royal guest.

During his stay, General Waker-Uz-Zaman will complete the formalities of Hajj in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. The ISPR further stated that he is scheduled to return to Bangladesh on June 1 after completing the pilgrimage.

The announcement highlights the significance of the visit as part of religious observance and official goodwill between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has said that youth represent strength, courage, and potential, and can lead society from destruction toward development. He made the remarks on Friday at the central conference of the party’s Youth and Sports Department 2026, held at Al-Falah Auditorium in Dhaka’s Moghbazar. Youth representatives from different regions of the country attended the daylong event.

Porwar emphasized that youthfulness is not limited by age but defined by courage, enthusiasm, and sacrifice. He called for moral and spiritual awakening among young people and urged them to build themselves through piety, self-purification, and ethical conduct. He also highlighted the historical role of youth in Islamic movements and encouraged them to seek closeness to God.

Presiding over the event, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Jubayer said the department’s activities are expanding nationwide and stressed engaging youth in humanitarian and social initiatives. He called for united resistance against drugs, terrorism, and robbery, saying that an organized and principled youth community can create capable national leadership.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP), stated that police stations should not serve as tools of partisan control but must become institutions of public trust and justice. He made this remark in a Facebook post on Friday night, emphasizing the need to abandon the culture of political servitude.

Earlier that day, Patwari was attacked in Jhenaidah after attending Friday prayers at the Old DC Court Jame Mosque. According to his Facebook post, members of the Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal allegedly launched the assault in the presence of police. The attackers reportedly threw eggs and bricks before striking with hockey sticks, injuring several people, including three with head wounds. Patwari said he was also punched and that the attackers snatched mobile phones, cameras, and wallets.

The incident highlights tensions surrounding political activities in Jhenaidah, with Patwari’s comments calling for institutional neutrality and public confidence in law enforcement.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP), was attacked in Jhenaidah on Friday, May 22. According to Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir, Patwari had gone there with the intention of organizing a mob. The statement was made in a verified Facebook post, where Nasir alleged that Patwari’s associates attempted to open fire after locals threw eggs at him.

The Chhatra Dal leader also shared photos claiming two armed men present with Patwari were affiliated with the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, identifying them by name and address. He urged local police and administration to arrest the two alleged gunmen immediately.

Eyewitnesses said Patwari had traveled to Jhenaidah to attend a program marking the joining of leaders from various parties to the NCP. After Friday prayers at the District Collectorate Mosque, he was attacked by a group of youths who threw eggs and assaulted him, injuring several local NCP activists. Following the incident, NCP leaders held a protest march in the city.

Sargis Alam, chief organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP) in northern Bangladesh, warned BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman that attempts to suppress political movements in violent ways would lead to worse consequences. Speaking at a joining ceremony of new members from various professions at the National Press Club in Dhaka on Friday, he said no political organization or law enforcement agency would be allowed to repress dissent in the future.

He criticized the government for failing to bring back the accused in Osman Hadi’s murder case from India and for delays in the Asiya murder verdict despite earlier promises. Alam also accused the BNP of betraying the public on issues such as the July uprising, referendum, and judicial independence. He alleged that the BNP, despite earlier demands for a separate judicial secretariat, was now politicizing the judiciary by repealing related laws.

Alam further stated that BNP would not be able to avoid responsibility if it failed to ensure justice in various murder cases and the execution of Sheikh Hasina’s death sentence, affirming that the NCP would continue its political struggle.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) held a protest rally in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka on Friday afternoon, demanding the arrest and punishment of those involved in an attack on the party’s chief coordinator, Nasiruddin Patwari, in Jhenaidah. The demonstration, led by NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, featured slogans calling for justice and immediate action against the attackers.

NCP convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam shared a video of the incident on Facebook, alleging that BNP-linked assailants carried out the attack in the presence of police. He condemned the assault and urged authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice. Asif Mahmud also criticized what he described as a return of politically motivated violence, warning that failure to arrest the attackers could force the party to take alternative measures.

Several NCP leaders, including MP Hasnat Abdullah and northern regional organizer Sarjis Alam, claimed on social media that BNP and student wing activists were responsible for the assault, which left several people injured and hospitalized.

Former Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Tajul Islam, stated that the revolution will fail if perpetrators are not identified by the state. He made the remarks on Thursday at a roundtable discussion titled 'Ensuring Justice, Compensation and Guarantees of Non-Recurrence,' organized by the human rights group Odhikar at the Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia Hall of the National Press Club in Dhaka, marking International Week of the Disappeared 2026.

Tajul Islam criticized the current law addressing enforced disappearances, calling it extremely flawed and inadequate to prevent such crimes. He argued that the law appears to have been drafted by those previously involved in such acts and said it fails to meet Bangladesh’s needs. He urged the government to amend the legislation to establish a proper legal framework that ensures justice for victims and prevents future disappearances.

He further emphasized that the nation has been repeatedly deceived and that citizens no longer wish to accept such betrayal, calling for genuine accountability and justice in cases of enforced disappearance and human rights violations.

U.S. President Donald Trump is willing to give diplomacy more time as talks with Iran continue, according to White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt. In an interview with CBS News, Leavitt said Trump is keeping all options open and has made clear what consequences Tehran could face if no agreement is reached.

Her comments followed a Wall Street Journal report stating that Trump told his aides in a Friday meeting he wanted to allow more time for diplomatic engagement. Despite ongoing tensions, the report said Trump remains interested in reaching a solution through dialogue, though he has not ruled out military action if negotiations fail.

According to the same report, Trump has not yet made a final decision but currently leans toward continuing diplomatic efforts while keeping military options available.

Speculation has intensified within Khulna WASA over who will be appointed as project director of the Tk 2,598 crore Khulna Water Supply Project-2. Despite not being on the official shortlist, executive engineer Md. Rezaul Islam reportedly attended an interview at the ministry last Wednesday. His sudden appearance and past controversies have sparked criticism, with concerns that his appointment could lead to irregularities affecting city residents.

According to office sources, the interview was held under the chairmanship of Local Government Division Secretary Shahidul Hasan. Official invitations were sent to three other engineers, but Rezaul Islam appeared without one. He had previously served briefly as acting project director in December 2025, a move that drew allegations of financial dealings and political favoritism. Later, he was removed following protests and written complaints from student and civic groups.

The final decision on the appointment has not yet been announced. The Local Government Division is expected to issue an official notification soon, while calls for transparency and oversight continue within Khulna WASA and the local engineering community.