The birth rate in the United Kingdom has fallen to its lowest level in half a century, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). In 2025, England and Wales recorded 585,396 live births, down from 594,677 the previous year, marking the lowest rate since 1976 and the fourth lowest in the past 100 years. Meanwhile, births to families with at least one foreign-born parent reached a record high, accounting for about 40 percent of all births.

The ONS report shows that in more than a dozen areas of England and Wales, over 75 percent of babies were born to families with at least one foreign-born parent. London’s Brent recorded the highest rate at about 84 percent, followed by the City of London and Harrow. Among foreign-born mothers, those of Indian origin represented the largest group, making up 4.7 percent of all births, while Indian fathers accounted for 4.9 percent.

Analysts cited rising living costs, high rents and mortgages, and childcare expenses as key reasons couples are delaying parenthood. The average age of mothers rose to 31.1 years and fathers to 34 years in 2025, continuing a long-term trend toward later parenthood.

On May 6, 2026, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in West Bengal for the first time, prompting Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to order strict enforcement of a 1950 law regulating cattle slaughter. The directive requires official certification and restricts slaughter to designated facilities for animals over 14 years old. As Eid al-Adha approaches, the Dhulagorh cattle market near Kolkata stands nearly deserted, with traders reporting heavy losses and fear of administrative action.

The crackdown has severely affected the state’s beef trade. Muslim butchers, restaurant owners, and street vendors have shut down operations, while beef prices have fallen sharply. Kolkata’s “The Burger Shop” suspended its popular beef burger after suppliers were forced to close. Longtime meat sellers report collapsing demand and early shop closures. Traders who borrowed heavily for the festival now face financial ruin.

BJP spokesperson Debjit Sarkar defended the move as lawful enforcement, while legal expert Jaysingh Nugggehalli said such bans are tied more to identity and livelihood politics than animal welfare. Activist Harsh Mander described the developments as part of a broader ideological project marginalizing Muslims in India.

Bangladesh is in talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for an emergency financial assistance package to address economic disruptions caused by the United States and Israel’s attacks on Iran. According to AFP, the request follows rising global oil prices linked to the conflict. In March, Dhaka officials said the country was seeking about 2 billion US dollars from global lenders to manage risks stemming from the Iran war.

IMF representative Ivo Krznar stated that discussions are underway regarding Bangladesh’s reform agenda and policy priorities. The requested support would come through the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI), a mechanism that provides quick, low-conditionality funding to member states facing crises such as wars, pandemics, or commodity price shocks. Bangladesh previously received 732 million dollars from the IMF during the COVID-19 pandemic, including 244 million under the RFI.

Bangladesh’s ongoing 5.5 billion dollar IMF loan program began in January 2023 and was expanded in June 2025. The country has so far received 3.64 billion dollars in five tranches, with the sixth installment of 1.3 billion still pending.

Garment workers from Chaiti Garments in Tipordi area of Sonargaon, Narayanganj, blocked the Dhaka-Chattogram highway on Tuesday afternoon demanding payment of due wages and Eid bonuses. The protest caused severe traffic congestion stretching about 17 kilometers from Tipordi to Meghna Toll Plaza. Police intervened to disperse the demonstrators, leading to clashes in which tear gas and rubber bullets were used to regain control of the situation.

According to police officials, the workers began the blockade after the factory management reportedly expressed inability to pay full salaries. The workers insisted that their April arrears and May salaries be cleared before Eid. Officers from Kanchpur Highway Police and Sonargaon Police Station confirmed that several rounds of tear gas were fired but no live ammunition was used. The situation was later brought under control and the road reopened to traffic.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the garment sector over timely wage payments, particularly ahead of major religious holidays when financial pressures on workers increase.

Garment workers from Chaiti Garments in Tipordi area of Sonargaon, Narayanganj, blocked the Dhaka-Chattogram highway on Tuesday afternoon demanding payment of wages and bonuses. The protest led to severe traffic congestion stretching about 17 kilometers from Tipordi to Meghna Toll Plaza. Police attempted to disperse the demonstrators, resulting in clashes where tear gas and rubber bullets were used to bring the situation under control.

According to reports, the workers began their protest after the factory management expressed inability to pay full wages, including arrears for April and salaries for May before Eid. Police officials stated that the workers were later persuaded to leave the highway, and the situation was brought under control after several rounds of tear gas were fired.

The incident disrupted traffic on one of the country’s busiest highways and highlighted ongoing tensions over wage payments in the garment sector ahead of major holidays.

On May 26, 2026, cattle markets across Dhaka saw brisk trading despite continuous rain and severe waterlogging ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. From morning showers to afternoon downpours, buyers and sellers continued flocking to major markets including Gabtoli, Shahjahanpur, Diabari, Aftabnagar, Meradia, and Rahmatganj. Many areas were submerged, with knee-deep mud and standing water making movement difficult, yet trading persisted late into the night.

The previous day’s 57 millimeters of rainfall had already caused major traffic disruptions and flooding in key city areas. Persistent rain over two days worsened conditions for both commuters and traders. Buyers reported higher cattle prices and discomfort due to muddy grounds, while sellers noted that feed costs had pushed prices up compared to last year. Authorities said measures were being taken to manage the situation, with the state minister for local government visiting Gabtoli market to ensure a safer environment.

Traders expect sales to peak on the eve of Eid, though concerns remain that continued rain or the arrival of Indian cattle could affect final prices and profits.

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.