On May 30, 1981, amid heavy storms in Chattogram, President Ziaur Rahman was staying overnight at the Circuit House to resolve internal disputes within the local BNP. Before dawn, intense gunfire erupted, and journalists nearby, including Helal Uddin Chowdhury, witnessed the area being surrounded by army personnel. Reports later confirmed that President Zia and several loyal officers were killed by rebel soldiers during the attack.

Major General Moinul Hossain Chowdhury’s book describes how junior officers launched a sudden assault around 4 a.m., firing rockets and storming the building. Zia was shot multiple times by Lt. Col. Matiur Rahman. His body was removed before sunrise and buried in Rangunia under military supervision. Journalists reported restricted access to the burial site, and the city remained under army control for two days.

The incident left Chattogram in shock and fear. BNP activists stayed out of sight, and no organized protests occurred. Subsequent reports said some officers involved were killed while fleeing, while Major General Abul Manzoor was captured and later killed in custody, deepening the atmosphere of mistrust within the army.

In Rangpur, the 45th martyrdom anniversary of former president and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman was observed with a prayer gathering and discussion meeting on Saturday. The events took place at the Rangpur District Shilpakala Academy and the party office at Grand Hotel intersection in the city. Participants reflected on Ziaur Rahman’s political philosophy, his contributions to rural economic and infrastructural development, and his role in shaping modern Bangladesh. Special prayers were offered for the salvation of his soul.

The discussion and prayer meeting were presided over by senior lawyer Abdur Rashid Chowdhury, with Begum Rokeya University Vice-Chancellor Shawkat Ali attending as chief guest. City administrator and BNP metropolitan member secretary Mahfuz Un Nabi Don, university proctor and acting registrar Dr. Ferdous Rahman, freedom fighter Nur Mohammad, and physician Dr. Javed Akhtar were present among others. Another discussion was held at the party office where district BNP convener Saiful Islam delivered remarks, joined by leaders of affiliated organizations.

The observance reflected continued remembrance of Ziaur Rahman’s legacy in Rangpur’s political and civic circles.

A human chain was organized in Jhenaidah demanding the release of two student leaders arrested in a case filed by Chhatra Dal. The protest took place on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the city’s Payra Chattar, organized by the Jhenaidah district branch of the Nationalist Citizens’ Party (NCP). The case was filed following an attack on NCP leader Nasiruddin Patwari. The detainees are Ayon Rahman Khan, a leader of Chhatrashakti, and Mehedi Hasan Ashik, a member of the district committee of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.

NCP’s central joint member secretary Tarek Reza and other party activists attended the event, carrying placards demanding the release of the two arrested activists. Speakers at the human chain alleged that their leaders were attacked, yet the attackers filed a case against them. They claimed police were arresting NCP activists unfairly and sending them to court. The speakers warned that if Ayon and Ashik were not released soon, a stronger movement would be launched against what they described as a return of authoritarian rule.

The protest reflects growing political tension in Jhenaidah over the arrests and the handling of the case.

BNP Whip and Natore-2 Member of Parliament Advocate M Ruhul Kudduz Talukder Dulu stated that the ideals of the party’s founder, martyred President Ziaur Rahman, remain powerful even after his death. He said this on Saturday afternoon while addressing a discussion and prayer meeting organized by the Natore District BNP to mark the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Ziaur Rahman.

Dulu remarked that those who killed Ziaur Rahman 45 years ago thought they could erase the BNP, but history shows the party has become one of Bangladesh’s largest political organizations. He added that the BNP has been elected to state power by people across the country and continues to work for national development under the leadership of Tarique Zia, son of Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia.

The event, held at the Natore District Council auditorium, was presided over by Abdul Aziz MP and conducted by Asaduzzaman Asad. State Minister for Social Welfare and Natore-1 MP Barrister Farzana Sharmin Putul spoke as the chief discussant, along with several other district BNP leaders.

Government offices, banks, insurance companies, and the stock market in Bangladesh will reopen on Monday, June 1, after a seven-day holiday for Eid-ul-Azha. The holiday began on May 25 and included the main Eid day on May 28. The extended leave was granted through an executive order to ensure smooth travel during the festival. Employees had worked on May 23, a Saturday, to adjust for the extended break.

The Ministry of Public Administration had initially set six days of leave, later extended by one more day following a Cabinet decision on May 7. A formal notification on May 24 confirmed the seven-day holiday and two working days before Eid. The decision allowed government and private sector employees to enjoy a continuous break.

Essential service providers, including electricity, water, gas, fire service, ports, sanitation, telecommunications, media, postal services, and healthcare workers, remained outside the holiday schedule to maintain uninterrupted public services.

On the third day of Eid-ul-Azha, waste removal from temporary cattle markets in Dhaka remained sluggish, particularly in areas under Dhaka North City Corporation such as Gabtoli and Uttara Diabari. Despite the end of animal sales two days earlier, piles of straw, fodder, and animal waste continued to emit foul odors, making it difficult for pedestrians to pass. Cleaners were seen working, but officials admitted that full cleanup could take several more days.

Field visits revealed that while parts of Uttara’s metro route had been cleared, surrounding roads were still covered in waste. In Gabtoli, main roads were mostly cleaned, but stains and odors persisted due to insufficient washing. Workers said dismantling bamboo structures was delaying progress, with some estimating up to a week for full clearance. DNCC official Md. Ziaur Rahman said cleanup of inner areas depended on leaseholders removing their materials first.

Meanwhile, new trees were being planted in damaged green zones near metro stations, though residents urged authorities to spray disinfectants to prevent disease spread from remaining waste.

Workers have started returning to Dhaka after the Eid holidays, with passenger movement visible at major terminals since Saturday morning. The seven-day holiday will end on Monday when offices and courts reopen, though some private offices will resume on Sunday. Crowds were seen at the city’s entry points and at Gabtoli, Sayedabad, and Mohakhali bus terminals.

Buses arriving from nearby districts such as Mymensingh, Sherpur, Jamalpur, Kishoreganj, and Gazipur reported normal passenger loads. Train services to Dhaka were also operating smoothly. There were no reports of long waits or excessive fares, and transport operators said passengers were returning gradually due to the extended holiday period.

Travelers described their return to Dhaka as more comfortable this year because of relatively empty roads. However, passenger numbers are expected to rise significantly by Sunday afternoon as more people head back to the capital.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has called for collective efforts to build a non-discriminatory, democratic, and prosperous Bangladesh inspired by the ideals of the student uprising and the philosophy of late President Ziaur Rahman. He made the remarks on Saturday at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka after paying tribute at the mausoleum of Ziaur Rahman on his death anniversary.

The minister described the day as one of deep sorrow and remembrance for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the people of the country. He said Ziaur Rahman played a unique role in safeguarding Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty, and progress, and that his legacy continues through the political ideals of BNP based on Bangladeshi nationalism and multi-party democracy. Ahmed reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining a democratic system in the country.

He also paid tribute to Begum Khaleda Zia, referring to her as the “Mother of Democracy,” and acknowledged her sacrifices for the nation’s democratic cause. The minister concluded by praying for the souls of both leaders and for the welfare of the country.

The Sadapathor area in Companiganj upazila of Sylhet has become crowded with tourists during the Eid-ul-Azha holidays. On Saturday, the third day of Eid, visitors continued to arrive in large numbers. According to Bhulaganj police outpost in-charge Nur Mia, around 15,000 tourists visited the site on Friday, and the number appeared to double the following day.

Visitors from different parts of the country expressed both admiration and concern. A tourist from Barishal said his family enjoyed the natural beauty and refreshing waters but noted a shortage of changing booths and safety equipment such as life jackets and tubes. Another visitor from Dhaka described the scenic combination of Sadapathor’s white stones and nearby Indian hills as captivating.

Sadapathor Hotel and Resort CEO Mohammad Ramim Ahmad reported full bookings for three consecutive days after Eid, while police officials said law enforcement was maintaining regular monitoring to ensure safety. No untoward incidents were reported over the past two days.

Dhaka-bound traffic increased sharply on the Dhaka-Bhanga Expressway on Saturday morning following the end of the Eid-ul-Azha holidays. In the Shibchar section of Madaripur, long-distance buses from southern districts were seen heading toward the capital, while local buses were overcrowded. At major stops such as Bhanga, Suryanagar, Pachchar, and Naodoba, passengers waited for long periods as most buses were already full.

Many travelers arrived from rural areas by easybikes, vans, Mahindra vehicles, CNG auto-rickshaws, and other three-wheelers to reach the highway’s passenger shelters. Passengers reported difficulty finding seats due to the heavy rush. Alongside buses, the number of microbuses, private cars, and motorcycles also increased on the expressway. Although the Dhaka-bound lane saw the heaviest pressure, traffic toward the southern region was also higher than usual.

Shibchar Highway Police Officer-in-Charge Mizanur Rahman said traffic pressure had risen significantly since morning and could increase further over the next two to three days. Highway police have been deployed at key points to control speed, maintain smooth traffic flow, and prevent untoward incidents, with additional patrol teams on duty.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman distributed clothing among the poor on the occasion of the 45th death anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. The event took place on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. in the premises of Capital High School on Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka. The initiative marked the beginning of a nationwide program to distribute clothing and provide free medical services to underprivileged people.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque, Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan Milton, and former councilor Anwaruzzaman were present at the event. According to the announcement, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to attend similar programs throughout the day at 16 locations across Dhaka North and South.

The program is part of broader commemorative activities held nationwide to honor the legacy of Ziaur Rahman through social welfare initiatives.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for collective efforts to advance the country, emphasizing that the political philosophy of late President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman continues to guide Bangladesh’s progress. He made the remarks on Saturday in Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar after paying tribute at Ziaur Rahman’s grave on the occasion of his 45th martyrdom anniversary.

Fakhrul said that for many years people could not freely observe the day due to what he described as a period of “fascism,” but now there is comparatively more freedom to commemorate the leader. He stated that Ziaur Rahman had laid the foundation for a modern and well-governed state, and that his development-oriented vision remains relevant for the nation’s advancement.

He added that ongoing reform initiatives in the country align with Ziaur Rahman’s state philosophy, and that the BNP aims to continue following his ideals under the leadership of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Party leaders and activists also paid their respects and observed various programs marking the anniversary.

Health Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain Bokul announced that the full investigation report on the deaths of six newborns at Ad-Din Medical College Hospital in Moghbazar, Dhaka, will be submitted on June 3. He made the statement on Saturday, May 30, during a briefing with journalists at the Directorate General of Health Services in Mohakhali.

The minister explained that the report was initially scheduled to be submitted earlier but has been delayed by three days. The investigation committee was granted additional time because it had not yet collected statements from the mothers who lost their children. Once their testimonies are included, the committee will finalize and submit the complete report.

The incident at Ad-Din Medical College Hospital has drawn official attention, and the ministry’s decision to extend the deadline aims to ensure that all relevant voices are heard before the report is finalized.

More than 150 tourists who were stranded on Char Abdullah in the Meghna River at Ramgati, Lakshmipur, were rescued after five hours. The incident occurred on Friday evening when several engine boats carrying tourists went to the island for sightseeing. Soon after their arrival, a storm with heavy rain began, making the river turbulent and preventing their return. They were rescued around 12:30 a.m. and brought back to Alexander.

According to local administration sources, the rescue operation was carried out by the police and river police after receiving reports of the stranded tourists. Ramgati Upazila Nirbahi Officer Nilufa Yasmin Nipa confirmed the rescue on Saturday morning, stating that all tourists had safely returned home. Ramgati Police Station Officer-in-Charge Liton Dewan said the tourists were brought back once the tide rose at night.

The local administration expressed concern during the incident but confirmed that all individuals were rescued without harm and safely returned to their homes.

The first return flight of Bangladeshi pilgrims from Saudi Arabia arrived in Dhaka on Saturday morning, marking the beginning of the 2026 Hajj return phase. According to the report, 419 pilgrims landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a Saudia Airlines flight around 10 a.m. They were welcomed with Zamzam water and flowers upon arrival. The flight departed from Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport at 12:10 a.m. local time.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs stated that the formal Hajj rituals concluded on Friday with the symbolic stoning at the three Jamarat. On the first day of return flights, a total of 5,434 pilgrims are expected to arrive in Bangladesh on 13 flights. The return operations will continue until July 1. This year, 79,164 Bangladeshi pilgrims, including management officials, traveled to Saudi Arabia for Hajj.

The ministry completed all logistical arrangements, including tent rentals, transportation contracts, housing, and visas, within the Saudi government’s timeframe. As a result, all registered pilgrims reached Saudi Arabia without any schedule disruptions. So far, 35 Bangladeshi pilgrims have died during this year’s Hajj.