Senior Republican leaders have sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed memorandum of understanding with Iran aimed at halting hostilities. Trump announced on Sunday that the agreement, nearly finalized, would include reopening the Strait of Hormuz but did not clarify Iran’s nuclear commitments. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei confirmed talks on a 14-point framework that could take effect for 30 to 60 days, covering maritime access, lifting naval blockades, and suspending conflicts in Lebanon and other fronts. Iranian officials emphasized that nuclear issues are excluded from the current discussions.

Republican senators Lindsey Graham, Tom Cotton, Roger Wicker, and Ted Cruz voiced strong opposition, warning that the deal could empower Tehran, undermine Israel’s security, and reverse U.S. military gains. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo compared the initiative to Barack Obama’s 2015 nuclear accord, calling it inconsistent with the “America First” policy, while former National Security Adviser John Bolton dismissed the talks as a waste of time.

Trump maintained optimism about reaching an agreement but warned Iran of severe consequences if negotiations fail. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed some progress in the discussions.

NCP’s southern regional chief coordinator and Member of Parliament Hasnat Abdullah alleged that the current BNP government is following the path of the Awami League by using the police as a partisan force. Speaking at a press conference organized by the NCP at Payra Chattar in Jhenaidah on Monday evening, he claimed that the government is interfering in the judiciary and controlling court verdicts and bail decisions from Dhaka. The event followed an attack on NCP’s central chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari, which led to counter cases between the NCP and the district Chhatra Dal.

Hasnat criticized the government for turning the police and judiciary into tools for political agendas, saying that such actions mirror the Awami League’s past behavior. He expressed disappointment that after the July mass uprising, the police were expected to serve the people but are now acting as government loyalists. NCP leaders, including Tariq Reza and Rifat Rashid, also spoke at the event.

Following the press conference, NCP activists held a protest march through key streets of Jhenaidah, demanding justice and denouncing political repression.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief organizer of the Nagorik Party (NCP), called for building a movement for 'Insafer Bangla' and urged people to unite for justice and reform. In a post on Monday night, he outlined his vision of 'Azad Bangla', emphasizing freedom for rivers, seas, nature, and people. He said rivers should belong to the people, ensuring water flow for farmers and protecting national sovereignty over natural resources.

Patwari’s message also highlighted the need for an independent economic, political, and cultural framework, along with free education, religious, and social institutions. He called for a health system that protects workers from neglect and for employment opportunities within the country to prevent labor exploitation abroad. He stressed secure borders, fair elections, and the defense of national sovereignty.

The statement concluded with a call for students, workers, and youth to unite in protecting the motherland and upholding the pride of the national flag, symbolizing freedom and justice.

The Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) have strongly condemned the dismissal of journalists, officers, and employees from the daily Janakantha without paying their salaries, allowances, or Eid bonuses ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. In a joint statement issued on Monday, leaders of both unions described the move as illegal and inhumane, asserting that at least fifty staff members were terminated without prior notice, some after decades of service.

The unions said the decision violated labor laws and wage board regulations, calling it an attack on the dignity of media workers. They demanded immediate payment of all dues, cancellation of termination notices, and reinstatement of the affected employees. The statement also noted that during a peaceful protest by dismissed workers outside the Janakantha building, security personnel obstructed them, leaving several injured and hospitalized.

BFUJ and DUJ warned that if the management fails to act responsibly and resolve the issue through dialogue, they will announce broader protest programs to secure journalists’ rights.

Ahead of Eid al-Adha, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal has imposed strict regulations on the sale and slaughter of cows. In response, several Islamic clerics and imams have urged Muslims not to use cows for sacrifice. However, Hindu groups across the state have staged protests demanding that Muslims be allowed to perform cow sacrifices.

A government directive issued on May 13 by the state’s Home Department stated that no cow, bull, calf, or buffalo may be slaughtered without official permission. It requires joint certification from a municipal chairman or panchayat head and a government veterinarian, allowing slaughter only for animals over 14 years old or unfit for work. Violations carry jail and fines. Clerics such as Maulana Shafique Qasmi of Kolkata’s Nakhoda Mosque and Pirzada Ziauddin Siddiqui of Furfura Sharif supported avoiding cow sacrifice out of respect for Hindu sentiments.

Reports indicate that Hindu farmers in South 24 Parganas, who rely on selling cattle before Eid to repay loans, are urging that Muslims be allowed to buy cows so they can recover their investments.

Health Minister Sardar Mohammad Sakhawat Hossain said that 'fascist allies' are still targeting them, during a visit to the Civil Surgeon’s Office in Comilla on Monday morning. He alleged that a group associated with fascism, including some outsourced workers appointed by the Awami League, were creating trouble and even assaulting doctors.

When asked whether the government would seek an independent investigation from the World Health Organization regarding measles infections and deaths, the minister said that punishment alone would not solve the problem. He emphasized that the government’s top priority is to protect children infected with measles and ensure that no mother loses her child to the disease.

In response to a question about alleged irregularities worth five crore taka in medicine procurement at Comilla Medical College last year, the minister said that the ministry has already started work and will first focus on improving existing public health resources. Earlier, he visited Comilla Sadar General Hospital, inspected food quality, and listened to patients’ complaints.

Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin announced that under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership, Bangladesh has restored people’s ownership of state assets and strengthened democratic institutions within the government’s first 100 days. Speaking at a press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office on May 25, he said the administration has prioritized election pledges since taking office on February 17, emphasizing public engagement and ending VIP culture.

The government has seized assets worth 4,264 crore taka from S. Alam Group and signed agreements with three countries to repatriate laundered money. It reinstated the phrase “except Israel” in passports and set a goal to make Bangladesh a trillion-dollar economy by 2034. Initiatives include women-focused “Family Cards,” debt waivers for small farmers, and an “LPG Card” subsidy. Employment exchanges and ID cards for freelancers have been launched, and canal excavation programs revived.

For the first time, artificial intelligence is being introduced in traffic management, alongside plans for 250 electric buses and the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The government also passed the “July Warriors Indemnity Act” and achieved a record 94 bills in the first parliamentary session.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that while significant progress has been made on a potential memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States, it does not mean the two countries are close to signing an agreement. He clarified that once the MoU is finalized, discussions on nuclear issues and other key matters will take place within the next 60 days.

Baghaei emphasized that the negotiation process remains ongoing, with both sides continuing exchanges on various technical and political issues. His comments indicate that while dialogue is active, major hurdles still exist before any formal agreement can be reached.

The statement, reported by Al Jazeera, underscores that the diplomatic process between Tehran and Washington is still in progress, with the timeline for nuclear discussions dependent on the completion of the MoU.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Baghaei stated that Tehran currently has no plans for an official visit to Pakistan or for Pakistani mediators to travel to Tehran. He emphasized that Iran does not pay attention to any threats. Baghaei noted that recent developments were influenced by mediation efforts from Pakistan and other countries.

He warned that Israel might attempt to obstruct ongoing negotiations, saying Zionist forces are making maximum efforts to prevent an agreement. Baghaei added that countries advocating war and conflict, including Zionist powers, could influence U.S. officials. He also mentioned that once a memorandum of understanding is finalized, discussions on nuclear issues will follow.

According to Baghaei, while many aspects of a potential memorandum with the United States have been agreed upon, this does not mean that both sides are close to signing a deal. If finalized, talks on nuclear and other matters would take place within 60 days.

Bangladesh’s Road Transport, Shipping and Railways Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam announced that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed the introduction of separate train coaches for women during Eid travel. The minister said the directive came through a phone call from the Prime Minister on Sunday night. He made the statement on Monday afternoon at an event in Dhaka’s Farmgate area, where special metro rail cards offering a 25 percent discount for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and those with special needs were launched.

According to the minister, from today women will be able to travel separately in two coaches on the Chattogram and Sylhet routes. After Eid, the government plans to allocate separate coaches for women on every intercity train. He also mentioned that more than 15 million people are expected to leave Dhaka over two days during Eid-ul-Azha and discouraged waiting for vehicles after purchasing tickets due to limited availability of fit vehicles. The minister added that unfit vehicles will gradually be removed from operation.

The announcement reflects the government’s effort to improve safety and comfort for women travelers and ensure better transport management during the busy Eid season.

The Bangladesh Labour Party has protested the appointment of former Bangladesh Bank deputy governor Khorshed Alam as chairman of Islami Bank. In a statement issued on Monday, party chairman Dr. Mostafizur Rahman Iran alleged that the government is working deliberately to rehabilitate the S. Alam syndicate, which he described as linked to bank looting and money laundering. He claimed the appointment is part of a broader plan to restore influence to that group.

Dr. Iran further accused the home minister of supporting the S. Alam group and facilitating its business interests, including placing his son in the group’s office. He said the government has ignored public demands expressed during the August 5 uprising against corruption and authoritarianism, instead reviving the same networks accused of financial misconduct.

The Labour Party demanded the immediate cancellation of Khorshed Alam’s appointment, depoliticization of Islami Bank, prosecution of those involved in bank sector corruption, and an impartial investigation into the alleged illegal activities of the S. Alam syndicate.

NCP leader Tarek Reza has been granted bail in a case filed in Jhenaidah involving the Chhatra Dal. He was released from the district jail at 11 a.m. on Monday after the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court approved his bail application earlier that morning. His lawyers had submitted the petition before the court, which granted the request following a hearing.

In the same case, the court rejected the bail plea of Ayon Rahman Khan, a central leader of the Jubo Shokti organization. Both Tarek Reza and Ayon Rahman had been arrested on Sunday night and presented before the court by police. After hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defense, the judge initially ordered their detention before granting bail to Reza the next day.

The case remains ongoing, with one accused released on bail while the other continues to be held in custody pending further legal proceedings.

At Chittagong University, the banned student organization Chhatra League continues to operate despite a government prohibition upheld by the current administration. Following the fall of the Hasina government after the July uprising, the interim government banned the group, and the subsequent BNP-led government maintained the ban through legislation. University sources report that since then, the group has carried out around nine separate activities, including poster campaigns, national day observances, and demonstrations demanding the withdrawal of the ban and release of detained members.

The organization’s central executive committee recently announced plans to form a new university unit, inviting applications from interested members. Their continued presence has raised concern among students, particularly those involved in the July uprising, who fear for their safety. Leaders from other student groups, including Jatiya Chhatra Shakti, Chhatra Dal, and Chhatra Shibir, have accused the university administration of inaction and blamed internal political divisions for enabling the banned group’s resurgence.

University authorities acknowledged limited CCTV coverage and said a committee has been formed to expand surveillance across the campus to address security concerns.

Iran continues to harbor deep distrust toward the United States despite ongoing discussions between the two countries, according to a report by Tasnim News Agency citing unnamed sources. The talks, facilitated by Pakistani mediators, have yet to produce a final agreement, with several conditions of the proposed deal still under dispute.

The source emphasized that even if a preliminary understanding is reached, it does not signify any change in Iran’s perception of the United States or confidence in the current U.S. administration’s commitment to its promises. The source further noted that Washington’s past record in negotiations has reinforced Tehran’s skepticism.

According to the report, Iran intends to closely monitor U.S. actions throughout any post-agreement process and retains the capacity to respond if Washington fails to uphold its commitments.

Teachers of independent ibtedayi madrasas have announced a boycott of Eid celebrations and closure of their institutions until their demand for MPO inclusion is met. The teachers, who have been staging a continuous sit-in in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka for five days, also declared plans to march toward Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s residence on Eid day. Earlier, police stopped their attempt to march to the Secretariat, after which they decided to continue their protest indefinitely.

The movement is being led under the banner of the Independent Ibtedayi Madrasa Teachers’ Welfare Committee. According to the group’s member secretary Abdul Hannan Hossain, the interim government had earlier promised to bring these madrasas under the MPO system, but the commitment remains unfulfilled. Teachers say they will continue their sit-in and keep madrasas closed until the demand is realized.

There are 1,519 government-aided independent ibtedayi madrasas and 5,932 others without any state support. The interim government had announced in early 2025 that these institutions would be brought under MPO and later nationalized, but implementation has not occurred.