Bangladesh’s Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee has come under public scrutiny after reports surfaced that he purchased a cow worth Tk 3.2 million ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. The news triggered widespread debate on social media and prompted the National Citizen Party (NCP) to question the source of the expenditure. At a press conference on May 26, NCP’s chief organizer Nasiruddin Patwari asked how a minister with an annual salary of Tk 4.2 million could afford such a purchase while managing family expenses.

Later that day, the minister’s son, Sarian Chowdhury, defended his father in a Facebook post, explaining that their family traditionally buys six to eight cows each year for both family sacrifice and donations to the Haji Basir Ullah Orphanage and Madrasa. He stated that this year they bought six cows and that the animals were intended for the poor. Sarian also questioned whether similar criticism would persist even after his father left office.

The controversy emerged after the minister was seen purchasing the cow at a local market, sparking intense online reactions.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizens Party (NCP), stated that people living along Bangladesh’s borders feel unsafe due to what he described as Indian aggression. Speaking at an emergency press conference on Tuesday, May 26, in Banglamotor, Dhaka, he said the NCP would ensure border protection if it came to power. Patwari also accused India of spreading drug-related terrorism aimed at harming Bangladesh’s youth.

He criticized the exclusion of voters in India’s West Bengal on religious grounds, calling it a crime against humanity and a violation of human rights. Referring to the construction of barbed-wire fences along the border, he suggested that both countries should hold meetings to settle land issues before building fences. Patwari urged the government to take stronger initiatives to secure the borders and to strengthen the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

He further alleged that the government becomes nervous when reform is discussed and that the ruling Awami League continues to organize rallies and attacks despite being banned. He demanded the return of his confiscated camera, saying it contained family photos.

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson and former interim government adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan alleged that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), not the interim government, signed a trade agreement with the United States. He claimed the deal was arranged through current Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman before the election and later blamed on the interim administration. Bhuiyan made these remarks at a press conference held at the NCP’s temporary central office in Rupayan Trade Center, Banglamotor, Dhaka.

Referring to a previous interview, Bhuiyan noted that former interim foreign affairs adviser M Touhid Hossain had said he was unaware of any such deal, suggesting the agreement was executed without the interim government’s knowledge. Bhuiyan asserted that the deal was finalized three days before the February 9 election and that the NCP had not been informed or consulted. He urged a review or cancellation of any parts of the agreement harmful to Bangladesh’s interests.

At the same event, NCP chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari alleged that police joined BNP-affiliated groups in attacking him in Jhenaidah, adding to tensions between the parties.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, stated that the previous Hasina government left Tk 56,000 crore in unpaid electricity bills. Speaking on Tuesday afternoon at a preparatory meeting in Kamarkhand, Sirajganj, he said the current administration has been in power for three months and is still reviewing financial accounts. According to him, the Hasina government left a per capita debt of Tk 150 crore for Bangladesh’s 200 million citizens.

The minister made these remarks while addressing a meeting organized by the local BNP and its affiliated organizations to mark the 45th martyrdom anniversary of former President Ziaur Rahman. During his speech, he also discussed the upcoming local government elections, noting that the BNP would nominate candidates based on merit and capability rather than personal connections.

He urged party members to prioritize collective interests over personal gains and to select candidates who can effectively serve the people. Several BNP leaders and activists from different affiliated bodies attended the event.

After Suvendu Adhikari assumed office as Chief Minister of West Bengal, government stipends for teachers at 601 unregistered madrasas were discontinued, according to a report by India Today. These institutions collectively serve about 84,000 students and employ nearly 6,000 teachers. During Mamata Banerjee’s tenure, the state had provided financial assistance to these madrasas, but that support has now been withdrawn.

Following the suspension of stipends, a delegation of teachers met with Minority Morcha president Kamal Hossain, who assured them that he would look into the matter. The report also noted that Adhikari’s administration introduced new regulations on animal slaughter, which have affected cattle sales during the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, causing concern among Hindu cattle farmers.

Additionally, the state government reduced the Eid al-Adha holiday from two days to one, citing adjustments based on moon sighting. The change marks a departure from the previous Trinamool Congress government’s policy, as the Bharatiya Janata Party now governs the state with a majority of 207 assembly seats.

A 20-member youth delegation from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is set to visit China from June 4 to 14, 2026, at the invitation of the Chinese government. The list, published by the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives and signed by Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, includes student leaders from various universities and organizations but excludes any elected representatives from the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU). The omission has drawn attention and debate on social media.

Several JAKSU leaders expressed disappointment over their exclusion, noting that Jagannath University performed strongly in recent student elections. They voiced hope that future delegations would include their representatives. Some leaders emphasized that the selection was based on the party’s internal planning rather than election results, while others criticized the decision as undermining their institution’s contributions.

BNP’s Jagannath University student leaders reiterated their commitment to the party’s ideals and expressed confidence that future opportunities would reflect fair representation across institutions.

Law Minister Md. Anisul Huq stated that the judiciary in Bangladesh operates independently and that NCP leaders received bail because judges act freely. He made the remarks on Tuesday morning after visiting the Shailkupa Upazila Health Complex in Jhenaidah. The minister also assured that the state would provide all necessary support to expedite the trial of the Ramisa rape and murder case, though he acknowledged delays due to shortages of judges and lawyers across the country.

Responding to NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah’s claim that the Law Ministry controls the courts, the minister said such comments amount to contempt of court. He emphasized that judges in Bangladesh are more independent than in many other countries. The minister described the statements by Hasnat Abdullah and Nasiruddin Patwari as politically motivated and aimed at creating confusion.

He further noted that recent incidents involving NCP activists in Jhenaidah were handled responsibly by the police and that the judiciary functioned independently in those matters.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP), announced the closure of his Motijheel office due to security concerns. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, he stated that operations at the temporary office located in the garage of Hotel Parabat in Motijheel have been suspended. All organizational and administrative activities will now be conducted from the 15th floor of Rupayan Tower.

Patwari urged residents of Dhaka-08 and supporters across Bangladesh to contact the new office for party-related matters. He emphasized that the party’s journey would continue with commitments to public trust, political decency, security, and the rights of ordinary citizens.

He also cautioned that anyone visiting the previous office location would be personally responsible for any potential security risks, attacks, or losses, urging everyone to prioritize safety above all else.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has extended his greetings to the people of Bangladesh and Muslims around the world on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. In a verified Facebook post on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, he wished that the holy festival be illuminated by the spirit of sacrifice and that Allah accept the prayers and offerings of all believers, filling their lives with peace and prosperity.

In his message, the Prime Minister highlighted that Eid-ul-Azha returns each year to remind the global Muslim community of the supreme example of sacrifice, devotion, and faith demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (A). He described the festival as not only a celebration but also a timeless message of dedication and submission to the Creator.

He further prayed for peace, security, and stability for Bangladesh, the Muslim world, and all humanity, expressing hope that the blessings of Eid would inspire harmony and compassion across nations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was admitted to a hospital in Tel Aviv on Monday evening, according to Hebrew media reports. The Prime Minister’s Office stated that the 76-year-old leader was taken to the hospital primarily for dental treatment, as reported by the Times of Israel.

Netanyahu’s health has been a subject of public debate in Israel in recent months. He previously faced criticism for allegedly withholding details about his medical condition. Last month, he revealed through a social media post that he had undergone successful surgery at Hadassah Medical Center to remove a malignant prostate tumor. Alongside his announcement, a health report and related documents were released, though they lacked clarity and official hospital verification.

The report also recalled Netanyahu’s earlier medical procedures, including a pacemaker implantation in July 2023, hernia surgery in March 2024, and prostate surgery in December 2024.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told military commanders that regional countries now recognize the United States’ military presence in the Gulf has failed to guarantee long-term security. He described reliance on the US for security as an unrealistic and ineffective idea, according to a statement from the president’s office.

The statement added that Pezeshkian called for modernization of Iran’s defense infrastructure and warned that adversaries have acquired new technologies and equipment, complicating the current security environment. He urged the armed forces to work more closely with universities, scientific centers, and knowledge-based institutions to achieve technological superiority and strengthen defense capabilities.

Pezeshkian also thanked the military for maintaining professionalism and staying away from political and partisan influence, calling this commitment to national interests a valuable asset for the country.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that the government will maintain a zero-tolerance policy against irregularities, terrorism, drugs, and extortion to ensure public safety and uphold the rule of law. Speaking to reporters after inspecting the National Operation Monitoring Center at the Police Headquarters in Dhaka on Tuesday, he said law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to restore peace and order after years of mismanagement. The minister observed monitoring activities and gave directives to police officials.

He stated that the central monitoring cell has been strengthened for Eid-ul-Azha, operating seven days before and after the festival. All highways, cattle markets, and major bridges are under round-the-clock surveillance, with body-worn cameras used where CCTV is unavailable. Ahmed noted a decline in road accidents compared to previous years and urged citizens to travel responsibly. He also confirmed strict action against illegal cattle markets and measures to prevent counterfeit currency circulation.

Regarding recent terrorist attacks in Narayanganj and Chattogram’s Jungle Salimpur, the minister said joint operations dismantled militant networks and arrests were made. Plans are underway to establish a comprehensive security and administrative hub in the area.

Pakistan has declined former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to join the Abraham Accords and normalize relations with Israel. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated in an interview with Samaa TV that Islamabad should not become part of any agreement that contradicts its fundamental principles. He emphasized that Pakistan’s position on the matter is clear and that normalization with Israel is unacceptable.

Trump had earlier urged more countries to join the Abraham Accords as part of a broader peace initiative involving Iran. In a post on Truth Social, he called on all nations to sign the accords immediately, describing it as an opportunity to form a unique global alliance. He listed several countries he had spoken with about ending the war with Iran, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain.

Trump suggested that Saudi Arabia and Qatar should be the first to sign, encouraging others to follow their lead.

U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Muslim-majority countries to normalize relations with Israel as part of a proposed peace agreement with Iran. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Monday, Trump said he had spoken with several national leaders on Saturday about efforts to end the war with Iran. He urged all countries to immediately sign the Abraham Accords, describing it as an honor for the United States if Iran reached a deal with him.

Trump listed Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain as the countries involved in his discussions, noting that the UAE and Bahrain are already members of the accords. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia and Qatar should take the lead by signing first, encouraging others to follow.

The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020 during Trump’s presidency, established diplomatic normalization between Israel and several Arab nations, including the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, played a key role in facilitating the agreements.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued a message on the occasion of Hajj and Eid al-Adha, describing Israel as a cancerous tumor in the Middle East and pledging its removal. The statement was reported by Iran’s Tasnim news agency, which quoted Khamenei as calling Israel a dangerous and deadly tumor in the region. He declared that Israel must be overthrown and that it will be done.

Khamenei said Iran’s retaliatory actions have left the Zionist regime helpless and described Iran’s strong response as a “hard slap” to the United States. He also emphasized that this year’s Hajj season carries special significance in calling for the boycott of the United States and Israel. According to him, the main slogans of the Islamic Ummah should be “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.”

The message underscores Iran’s continued hostility toward Israel and the United States, reflecting Tehran’s stance amid ongoing regional tensions.