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.

The government of Uttar Pradesh has announced new directives regarding Eid al-Adha prayers and animal sacrifices. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that animal sacrifices will not be allowed in open or public spaces, and roads cannot be blocked for Eid prayers. He emphasized a policy of zero tolerance against the sacrifice of prohibited animals and instructed that prayers must be performed only at designated and traditional locations.

During a high-level law and order review meeting held via video conference, Adityanath directed district administrations to ensure that sacrifices take place only at pre-approved sites. He also ordered that no new customs or practices be introduced during the festival. Legal slaughterhouses must not exceed their approved capacity for holding animals, and authorities were told to maintain security, cleanliness, and electricity supply during the celebrations.

The directives aim to ensure orderly observance of Eid al-Adha across the state while maintaining public safety and adherence to existing regulations.

Two Awami League leaders who fled Bangladesh after the July Revolution and took refuge in India have been arrested by Kolkata Police and placed on seven-day remand. According to diplomatic sources, the arrests occurred on May 20 during a police operation on Marquis Street targeting alleged illegal Bangladeshi entrants. The detainees were identified as Ahad Bappi, general secretary of Banshal Thana Jubo League, and Rohanul Islam, organizational secretary of Savar Thana Chhatra League. A case was filed against them under illegal entry charges, and they were taken into police custody for interrogation.

The arrests have caused concern among other Awami League leaders currently residing in Kolkata. Despite efforts by influential party members to secure their release, the attempts reportedly failed. The incident follows the formation of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal, which has launched special operations to locate alleged Bangladeshi infiltrators.

Uncertainty remains over the fate of hundreds of Awami League leaders who sought refuge in West Bengal after the July Revolution, as the new state government has not clarified its stance on their status.

An Indian citizen, Nikhil Gupta, has confessed in a Manhattan federal court to conspiring to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US citizen and leader of the Khalistan separatist movement. Gupta admitted that he acted under the direction of an officer from India’s foreign intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), which operates under the Prime Minister’s Office. The confession has caused diplomatic concern and renewed pressure on India. The court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on May 29, with Gupta facing 19 to 23 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000.

The US Department of Justice alleged that the plot was not a rogue operation but a targeted assassination attempt involving an Indian government employee, Vikas Yadav, who allegedly recruited Gupta in 2023. India has not issued an official statement, though a high-level committee was formed to investigate the matter. Media reports suggested involvement of “rogue elements,” but the findings were not made public. The case has strained India’s relations with the US and other Western nations, reviving scrutiny of India’s intelligence operations abroad.

Following Gupta’s plea, the US Justice Department may now seek Yadav’s extradition under the bilateral treaty, though no formal request has yet been made.

The Prime Minister’s Press Wing has announced a press conference to mark the completion of 100 days of the BNP government led by Tarique Rahman. The event is scheduled to take place on Monday at 3 p.m. in the ‘Korobi’ Hall of the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon.

According to the announcement, the press conference will be attended by the Prime Minister’s Adviser and Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, Mahdi Amin, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman, and other members of the Press Wing. The event is being organized as part of the government’s communication activities to highlight its first 100 days in office.

The announcement did not specify the topics to be discussed or whether the Prime Minister herself will attend the briefing.

National Citizen Party (NCP) central joint secretary Tariq Reza was released on bail on Monday morning after being detained by police. He had been arrested on Sunday evening from in front of a community center on Kobi Sukanta Road in Jhenaidah town.

According to the report, Tariq Reza and National Youth Power organizer Ayon were both accused in the same case. However, Ayon did not receive bail. The bail hearing for both was conducted by NCP’s legal team, including Law Secretary Advocate Zahirul Islam Musa, Assistant Law Secretary Advocate Humayra Noor, and several other lawyers.

The article did not specify the nature of the case or the charges against the two political figures, leaving details of the legal proceedings unclear.

A commentary published on 25 May 2026 in the newspaper Amar Desh argues that the political changes following the so-called July revolution have allowed greater public accountability in Bangladesh. The writer claims that citizens can now openly criticize the government and demand justice, citing the prime minister’s visit to the family of a murdered child as an example of a new, more responsive leadership. The article contrasts this with previous regimes, which the author describes as repressive and unaccountable.

The piece discusses the rise of mob justice and mob violence, linking them to long-standing failures in the judicial system. It references incidents in Chattogram and at a school where public anger erupted due to perceived impunity for crimes such as rape and child abuse. The author distinguishes between spontaneous public outrage and politically motivated violence, suggesting that some groups exploit unrest to discredit the current administration.

The commentary concludes that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government, described as born of the July revolution, must identify instigators of violence and maintain stability despite internal and external challenges.

Iran has executed Abbas Akbari, an armed leader accused of involvement in an alleged coup attempt last January. According to Tasnim News Agency, the execution was carried out by hanging after the country's Supreme Court upheld the final verdict.

Reports said Akbari fired a pistol at security forces in the Nain area of Isfahan province during widespread unrest and protests in January. He was charged with 'moharebeh' (enmity against God), destruction of government property, and attacks on security personnel. The court found him guilty on all counts.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, did not provide further details about the broader context of the alleged coup attempt or the reactions to the execution.