Heavy rain has turned Dhaka’s cattle markets into muddy, waterlogged grounds, causing severe hardship for both buyers and sellers ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha sacrifice. On Tuesday, at the Diabari market in Uttara, traders and farmers were seen struggling as cattle stood in knee-deep water and mud. Many animals appeared exhausted or ill from prolonged exposure to rain, while traders expressed frustration over the lack of drainage and poor preparation by market authorities.

Traders from Kushtia, Jamalpur, Faridpur, and Natore voiced anger at the market’s mismanagement, saying the leaseholders failed to ensure proper water removal despite collecting high fees. Some reported financial losses due to sick cattle and reduced buyer turnout. Buyers, however, continued to visit the markets under umbrellas, noting that prices were lower than usual as sellers were forced to compromise. Despite the discomfort, some customers expressed satisfaction after securing cattle within their budgets.

Repeated attempts to contact the Diabari market leaseholder, SF Corporation owner Sheikh Farid Hossain, went unanswered, leaving questions about accountability for the poor conditions.

Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid stated that no major complaints of extortion, insecurity, or mismanagement have been received so far. He said the administration remains on high alert. To prevent counterfeit currency risks during Eid-ul-Azha, counterfeit detection systems have been installed at various cattle markets to ensure safe transactions for both buyers and sellers. The minister made these remarks on Tuesday after inspecting the Neura cattle market in Cumilla Sadar Dakshin upazila.

He highlighted that the Eid-ul-Azha season provides one of the largest income opportunities for marginal farmers and livestock breeders. Through rearing and selling sacrificial animals, millions of families benefit financially, and the sector is gradually evolving into an industry-based economic activity. The government is implementing various support and training programs to enhance farmers’ capacity and expand livestock production.

The minister added that coordinated monitoring is underway across markets involving the administration, law enforcement, and the livestock department. Veterinary teams are deployed to ensure animal health services, while cleanliness and safety measures are being maintained. Field-level supervision will continue until Eid to ensure smooth trading.

Bus fares on the Dhaka-Tangail highway have reportedly doubled at the Chandra Trimor area of Kaliakoir upazila in Gazipur, prompting many homebound passengers to travel in open trucks instead. Local sources said vehicles operate from the Chandra bus stand to 27 northern routes, but a fare hike allegedly driven by a local syndicate has forced passengers to seek cheaper alternatives.

A passenger bound for Birganj said his regular fare of Tk 700 had risen to Tk 1,600, leading him to choose truck transport. A supervisor from Badsha Paribahan claimed higher operational costs at the stand made fare increases unavoidable. However, Dewan Jasim Uddin, joint general secretary of the Gazipur District Road Transport Workers Union, denied the existence of any syndicate and said they were monitoring to prevent passengers from boarding trucks, though some still managed to do so.

Naojor Highway Police Station officer-in-charge Saugatul Alam stated that authorities were monitoring to ensure no one charged excessive fares and would take action if complaints were filed.

Iran has insisted that any potential agreement with the United States must include the release of $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets, according to a report by the semi-official Tasnim news agency citing a source close to Iran’s negotiating team in Qatar. The source said Tehran’s position is that half of the amount, or $12 billion, should be released at the time of signing a memorandum of understanding, with the remaining funds to be returned within 60 days.

Tasnim reported that Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, traveled to Qatar to reach an agreement on a mechanism for implementing this demand. The report did not specify the broader context of the negotiations or the current status of talks between Tehran and Washington.

The demand underscores Iran’s focus on recovering frozen assets as part of any future deal, though details of the negotiations and potential U.S. responses remain unclear.

Cattle markets across Feni district have become increasingly busy ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, with strong demand for medium-sized cows. Buyers and sellers are active from morning to night, and despite adequate supplies of cows and goats, buyers claim prices are higher than last year. Sellers, however, report better profits so far and hope for good returns by the end of the season. Even after rain on Monday, trading continued at major markets including SIO Office, Madhuai, and Matubhunya.

A trader named Md. Monir brought nine cows from Rangpur, selling four at better prices than last year. Buyers such as Mohammad Saidul Haque complained about high prices but continued purchasing for the festival. Some locals expressed dissatisfaction over markets occupying roads and playgrounds. According to the District Livestock Department, demand for sacrificial animals in six upazilas stands at 82,525, while 90,452 animals have been prepared, exceeding demand by 7,927.

Authorities have deployed 37 veterinary teams and law enforcement for market supervision. Border patrols have been strengthened to prevent illegal cattle entry and smuggling of hides.

Bangladesh Bank has announced that certain bank branches will remain open on May 26, 2026, despite the start of a seven-day Eid-ul-Azha holiday. The decision aims to facilitate financial transactions related to the ready-made garment industry and sacrificial cattle markets. Branches near cattle markets in major city corporations, including Dhaka, Ashulia, Tongi, Gazipur, Savar, Valuka, Narayanganj, and Chattogram, will operate with limited services from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with customer transactions allowed until 1 p.m.

The central bank’s Banking Regulation and Policy Department emphasized the need to ensure smooth financial services for cattle buyers and traders through nearby branches and temporary booths. The Bangladesh Automated Clearing House (BACH) and Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) systems will follow revised schedules, while BEFTN sessions will continue as usual. High-value and regular check clearing times have also been adjusted for the day.

Additionally, branches located in port and customs areas will continue operating 24 hours a day throughout the week, excluding Eid day, to support import and export activities. Bank staff on duty during the holidays will receive additional allowances as per regulations.

Sri Lanka has introduced a free tourist Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme for citizens of 40 countries, effective from May 25, 2026. According to the country’s Department of Immigration and Emigration, eligible travelers can apply online for a 30-day tourist visa without paying any fee. The list includes countries such as Australia, India, China, the United States, and the United Kingdom. However, all foreign visitors, including those from Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore, must still obtain an ETA before entering Sri Lanka.

The department clarified that travelers who paid ETA fees before May 25, 2026, will not receive refunds. Under the current rules, tourists can stay in Sri Lanka for up to 30 days, with Maldivian citizens allowed up to 90 days. The visa also permits double entry within its validity period, and extensions are available for a fee.

Sri Lanka’s government stated that the initiative aims to strengthen the tourism sector and attract more foreign visitors, signaling a renewed focus on economic recovery through tourism.

Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid stated that no illegally imported Indian cattle were seen in this year’s sacrificial animal markets. He made the remarks on Tuesday afternoon while inspecting the Neura cattle market in Comilla city. The minister said the government has taken all necessary measures to ensure safe trading for both farmers and buyers, and no irregularities have been reported so far.

He added that veterinary teams, anti-counterfeit money units, and law enforcement personnel have been deployed across markets to prevent extortion and ensure order. According to the minister, around 10 million animals are expected to be sacrificed nationwide this year, contributing significantly to the country’s economic circulation.

During the visit, the minister made public announcements encouraging people to seek help from veterinary booths if needed and interacted with traders and buyers. He also visited a camel named Sultan priced at 3.2 million taka at the market.

The Power Division has instructed all senior officials under its departments and agencies to closely monitor electricity supply conditions at their respective workplaces or locations during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. Officials have been directed to conduct on-site inspections of local power situations during the Eid holidays and provide necessary guidance. They must also submit inspection reports to the Power Division Secretary.

To minimize customer dissatisfaction during maintenance or unexpected outages, local power centers have been told to inform consumers through loudspeakers and social media. Imams and muezzins of local mosques will also help disseminate information. The names and contact details of these mosque representatives are to be sent to the Power Division and uploaded to the websites of distribution companies.

According to the directive, shops and shopping malls may remain open until 10 p.m. during Eid, but after the festival, they must close by 7 p.m. to conserve electricity. The Power Division expects that coordinated efforts will help maintain stable power supply across the country during the holiday period.

Just two days before Eid-ul-Azha, joy is missing in the haor regions of Sunamganj as widespread crop losses have left farmers struggling financially. Many who had planned to sacrifice cattle for the festival are unable to do so due to lack of money. Farmers in areas such as Shalla, Shantiganj, and Sadar upazilas described their despair after their paddy fields were submerged by heavy rains and flooding.

Local farmers, including Konok Chowdhury and Ali Nur, said they could not harvest or dry their paddy because of continuous rain. Union Parishad member Fayzur Rahman noted that the government had promised humanitarian aid for affected farmers before Eid, but the assistance had not arrived, deepening their frustration. The farmers said the haor region remains in distress, with no festive spirit this year.

Many farmers reported losing all their crops and having no cash in hand, leaving them unable to participate in Eid traditions. The emotional toll of the disaster has overshadowed the usual joy of the festival across Sunamganj’s haor areas.

During the second day of the Eid-ul-Azha holiday, a large number of homebound travelers crossed the Padma Bridge via the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway without facing traffic congestion or major delays. In the past 24 hours, 44,008 vehicles used the bridge, generating Tk 48 million in toll revenue, according to information released on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

To ensure safe and smooth travel for passengers heading to southern Bangladesh, six monitoring teams were deployed along the route. Four fixed checkpoints and two mobile teams were active around the clock to maintain order and safety. Toll collection continued uninterrupted at eight booths, while two additional lanes were designated specifically for motorcycles to facilitate faster crossings.

The efficient traffic management and continuous toll operations contributed to a congestion-free experience for travelers during one of the busiest holiday periods of the year.

India’s $1.2 trillion electronics industry faces new risks after China introduced export restrictions under State Council decrees 834 and 835. These measures, limiting shipments of key machinery and components, have alarmed Indian electronics and automobile manufacturers who fear delays in investment and production. Executives have begun discussions with Chinese suppliers to assess the impact, while the domestic industry has alerted India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

The challenge comes as India pushes to become a global manufacturing hub, with exports rising from $8.6 billion in 2015 to $470 billion in 2025. The government aims to reach $1.2 trillion by the end of 2026. However, China’s control over essential equipment and rare-earth materials exposes India’s dependence on Chinese supply chains. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the government is developing sector-specific investment plans to reduce reliance on certain regions and will launch 50 industrial parks under a new initiative.

Industry leaders view the situation as both a warning and an opportunity. Some urge stronger domestic supplier networks and balanced policies to build resilience, while others see a turning point for India to deepen local manufacturing and technology capabilities.

Customers of Islami Bank Bangladesh have warned that they will not accept former Bangladesh Bank deputy governor Khurshid Alam as the bank’s chairman. They declared that if Khurshid Alam is appointed, the current Bangladesh Bank governor must resign. The warning came during a human chain protest held on Monday afternoon in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka, organized by the Islami Bank Conscious Customers Forum.

Speakers at the event, including forum leaders, shareholders, and business figures, alleged that appointing Khurshid Alam would serve the interests of political and business groups they accused of conspiring against Islami Bank. They claimed that customers would defend their deposits and hold the central bank governor responsible for any untoward incidents. The protest also demanded that Islami Bank’s current managing director, Omar Faruq, remain in his position to ensure the bank’s progress.

Participants urged the government to prevent what they described as attempts to hand over the bank to corrupt individuals and reaffirmed that the institution’s ownership must remain with its genuine shareholders and depositors.

Oil prices fell sharply on Monday as uncertainty grew around a potential peace agreement between the United States and Iran. A senior US official said final approval for the deal to end ongoing hostilities could take several more days. Brent crude dropped more than five percent to about 95 dollars per barrel, though prices remain roughly 30 percent higher than before the conflict began.

US and Iranian officials issued conflicting statements about the progress of the talks. Both sides indicated that a deal could reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and gas shipments currently restricted by Iran. Analysts view the possible agreement as a political opportunity for President Donald Trump to distance himself from a long-unpopular war, though key issues such as Iran’s nuclear program may remain unresolved.

Regional tensions persist, with Israeli politicians warning the deal might fail to limit Iran’s nuclear capacity, and clashes continuing between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s leaders, acting as mediators, visited China for talks with President Xi Jinping, underscoring Beijing’s stake as Iran’s largest oil buyer.

Mohammad Nurul Amin, a veteran banker with over four decades of experience, has been appointed as the new chairman of the board of directors of Bangladesh Krishi Bank. The appointment was made on Sunday by the Financial Institutions Division of the Ministry of Finance of the Government of Bangladesh.

Amin has served in key leadership roles across several prominent banks and financial institutions in the country during his 42-year career. Before assuming his current position, he worked for about 13 years as managing director and chief executive officer of Meghna Bank and NCC Bank. He is widely recognized for his strategic leadership and contributions to the development of the banking sector.

He previously chaired major industry bodies including the Association of Bankers, Bangladesh (ABB), the Bangladesh Foreign Exchange Dealers Association (BAFEDA), and Primary Dealers Bangladesh Limited. His academic background includes degrees in economics from the University of Dhaka and diplomas from Oxford and Cambridge universities. His leadership is expected to strengthen governance and modernization efforts at Bangladesh Krishi Bank.