Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has instructed authorities to provide full support and services to Iranian pilgrims amid escalating tensions following Israel's attack on Iran. According to the Saudi Gazette, this directive came upon the recommendation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has been tasked with ensuring that all needs of Iranian pilgrims are met and that comprehensive care continues until they can safely return home.

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s South Asia head Leslie Craig and Commodore Whale briefed Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in London about HMS Enterprise, a naval, oceanographic, and survey ship being procured for the Bangladesh Navy. Yunus requested assistance in equipping the platform further to enhance its capabilities in resource exploration, climate analysis, mangrove conservation, fisheries research, and biodiversity studies.

Security Adviser Jahangir Alam announced that while regular police units will carry rifles and small arms, heavy weapons will be restricted to specialized units like the Armed Police Battalion (APBN). He added that the government is working on comprehensive upgrades across police and law enforcement agencies. Despite minor incidents, he said, the Eid holidays were celebrated peacefully across the country this year.

Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles at Israel on Friday night and early Saturday in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes, killing at least three people and injuring about 80. While Iranian media claimed hundreds of missiles were fired, Israeli defense sources said the real number was under 100 and most were intercepted before impact.

In an interview with UK-based ITV, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus stated that any allegations should be addressed in court, not through political dialogue. He also confirmed rejecting a meeting request from British MP Tulip Siddiq. Siddiq has faced allegations of illegally acquiring land and a luxury flat in Dhaka from former autocrat Sheikh Hasina—claims she has denied as politically motivated.

Major General Amir Hatami has been appointed the new Commander-in-Chief of Iran’s army by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Hatami previously served as Iran’s Defense Minister from 2013 to 2021. In a statement, Khamenei expressed gratitude to outgoing commander Major General Seyyed Abdolrahim Mousavi for his dedication and service.

After Israel’s attack on Iran, global reactions poured in. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned of a strong and regret-inducing response. Former US President Donald Trump urged both sides to stop the bloodshed, stressing that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons and suggesting a return to diplomacy. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov condemned Israel’s actions as “unacceptable and provocative.” China also urged all parties to de-escalate and contribute to regional peace, while the EU emphasized diplomatic solutions.

In response to the meeting between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Tareq Rahman, Adviser Asif Mahmud wrote on Friday that the path to victory for pro-Bangladesh forces is now clear. He said this understanding must continue in line with the July Declaration, the July Charter, reforms, justice, and free elections. Mahmud warned, however, that “sabotage elements” remain a threat and tend to reappear with new conspiracies despite repeated failures.

Following a 10-day Eid-ul-Adha holiday, government offices, banks, and financial institutions will reopen on Sunday. Public servants have been on leave from June 5 to 14, with the government compensating for the break by opening offices on May 17 and 24, which were weekends. Crowds have already begun returning to cities, with transport hubs like Sadarghat, bus terminals, and train stations experiencing heavy footfall in recent days.

At a United Nations Security Council session, US official McCoy Pitt warned that any attack on American citizens, bases, or infrastructure—whether by governments, proxies, or independent actors—would have devastating consequences for Iran. Pitt emphasized the U.S.'s top priority is the protection of its personnel and facilities. He acknowledged the U.S. had prior knowledge of the recent attacks but was not militarily involved. Pitt affirmed that every sovereign nation has the right to self-defense, including Israel.

Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeed Iravani, has strongly condemned Israel’s recent strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Speaking at an emergency UN Security Council session, Iravani expressed gratitude to Algeria, Pakistan, China, and Russia for supporting the call for this urgent meeting. Describing Israel as a source of instability in the Middle East, he urged global efforts to rid the region of weapons of mass destruction. Iravani accused Israel’s aggression of being deliberate, systematic, and fully backed by the United States. “There is no doubt about America’s direct involvement in these terrorist attacks,” he added.

To curb overcharging of passengers during the post-Eid travel rush, the Bangladesh Army has set up a checkpost at Abdullahpur, the northern entryway into Dhaka. Acting on passenger complaints, the Army conducted inspections on long-distance buses heading to Dhaka, ensuring that any extra fares collected were refunded to passengers. Almost every long-distance bus was brought under inspection, with soldiers verifying compliance and addressing complaints on the spot. The initiative has been widely appreciated by passengers, many of whom expressed satisfaction with the prompt action against unfair practices.

NCP leader Tasnim Zara has expressed concern over the apparent slowdown of the ongoing reform movement in Bangladesh. “Over the past few weeks, it has often felt like the reform initiatives are losing momentum. Many are now wondering whether the dream of a ‘New Bangladesh’ that emerged after August 5 will actually materialize,” she wrote on social media. Despite this uncertainty, Zara shared an inspiring moment from this morning in Chattogram’s Pahartali area, where she spotted a slogan written on a wall: “We brought independence; we will bring reform too.” She concluded by emphasizing, “Bangladesh 2.0 is still possible—if we don’t forget that crucial moment in July.”

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that the prestigious award from King Charles and a 30-minute private meeting with the British monarch mark international recognition of the transformative changes in Bangladesh since last July’s uprising. He described the recent meeting between the interim government’s leader and the head of the largest political party as a “game over” moment for the conspirators. Alam also revealed that the UK’s National Crime Agency has seized 320 properties worth £170 million allegedly linked to a top associate of Sheikh Hasina. He added that the visit brings renewed hope for resolving the Rohingya crisis.

As people return to their workplaces after the Eid-ul-Adha holidays, vehicular traffic across the Jamuna Bridge has surged significantly. In the last 24 hours alone, a total of 38,539 vehicles crossed the bridge, generating Tk 27.96 crore (Tk 279.69 million) in toll revenue. Of this, 16,380 vehicles crossed the eastern lane heading towards northern districts, contributing Tk 12.92 crore in tolls. Meanwhile, 22,159 vehicles used the western lane heading towards Dhaka, with tolls amounting to Tk 15.04 crore. The Jamuna Bridge continues to play a vital role as the main gateway connecting northern Bangladesh to the capital.