The United Kingdom’s Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) has claimed that nearly 500,000 Russian soldiers have been killed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. GCHQ Director Anne Keast-Butler revealed the figure during her first public speech at Bletchley Park, the historic World War II code-breaking center. In her address, she discussed the threats facing the UK and the measures needed to counter them. Keast-Butler warned that the UK is at a critical moment, accusing Russia of targeting the country’s infrastructure, democratic processes, supply chains, and public trust. She also blamed the Kremlin for multiple espionage plots on British soil and described Moscow’s actions as part of an undeclared “hybrid war” against the UK and NATO allies, which Russia has denied. Independent monitoring by BBC News Russian and Mediazona has confirmed over 223,000 Russian military deaths, though experts believe the real toll is higher. The GCHQ chief further cautioned that both Russia and China are heavily investing in space for civilian and military purposes and emphasized the urgency for the UK and its allies to maintain an edge in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

The United States has carried out another strike inside Iran, targeting a military installation in Bandar Abbas. A US military official told Reuters that four Iranian drones were shot down during the operation. The official, who requested anonymity, said the strike hit a ground control station where preparations were underway for drone launches. According to the same official, the actions were measured, purely defensive, and aimed at maintaining a ceasefire. The operation was reportedly conducted in response to potential security risks in the Strait of Hormuz area. The incident comes amid ongoing ceasefire discussions and regional instability, raising renewed concerns about escalating tensions. Earlier on Monday, the US had conducted what it described as a defensive strike against Iran, which Tehran denounced as a clear violation of the fragile truce between the two nations.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited the graves of his parents, former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, at the Zia Udyan in Dhaka on Thursday after performing Eid-ul-Azha prayers. He was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and party leaders and activists during the visit. After paying respects with his wife, the prime minister joined party members in offering tributes at the graves. Following the visit, Prime Minister’s adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi told reporters that Tarique Rahman extended Eid greetings to the entire nation. Rizvi added that the government, elected by the people, is striving to remain accountable to them, and that citizens were celebrating Eid peacefully and with sincerity this year. Later, the prime minister also visited the graves of his brother Arafat Rahman Koko at Banani Cemetery and his father-in-law Mahbub Ali Khan at the Banani Military Cemetery.

The United States will need at least three years to replenish stockpiles of three major weapons systems heavily used during the Iran war, according to a report cited by PBS News. The shortage could limit the US military’s combat readiness in any future conflict with China. The affected systems include Tomahawk cruise missiles, used for deep strikes, and Patriot and THAAD interceptors, which defend against incoming missiles and drones. The Center for Strategic and International Studies told the Associated Press that while the US has sufficient ammunition for any immediate Iran-related scenario, the depletion has created vulnerabilities in the Western Pacific region. The time required to rebuild these stockpiles has become a major concern for defense planners. The report also noted that China aims to achieve the military capability to seize Taiwan by 2027 if necessary. Chinese President Xi Jinping recently warned that mismanagement of Washington’s ties with the self-governing island could lead to confrontation or open conflict between the two powers.

A record 602 river barriers, including dams, culverts, and sluice gates, were removed across Europe last year to restore natural river flow and revive ecosystems. The initiative, reported by The Guardian citing Dam Removal Europe, reconnected about 2,324 miles of waterways and brought the European Union closer to its goal of restoring 15,500 miles of rivers by 2030. One symbolic project was Iceland’s Melsa River, where an unused dam that once powered a farm was demolished in December, allowing fish to migrate freely again. Sweden led the list with 173 barriers removed, followed by Finland with 143 and Spain with 109. Iceland and North Macedonia removed barriers for the first time, while the United Kingdom dismantled 35. Most of the removed structures were under two meters high, making the process cost-effective and practical. The effort aligns with the EU’s Nature Restoration Law, effective since 2024, which targets obsolete barriers. Environmental groups and engineers say the removals are reversing centuries of industrial alteration that caused severe ecological damage, including a 75% decline in freshwater migratory fish since 1970.

Despite billion-dollar pledges from several member states, no cash has been deposited into U.S. President Donald Trump’s Peace Board fund for Gaza reconstruction, according to an AFP report on Wednesday. The board was created by Trump to oversee Gaza’s rebuilding under his peace plan, following an October ceasefire between Israel and Hamas supported by the United States. However, the fund has yet to receive any contributions from donors. A source said the fund was intended for the reconstruction and development phase, which has not yet begun, explaining why no money has been collected. Despite the ceasefire, Israeli military operations in Gaza continue, with the enclave’s health ministry reporting at least 910 deaths since the truce. Israel still controls more than 60 percent of the devastated Gaza Strip. The Financial Times reported that the board received donations directly into a JPMorgan account, though major European countries such as France and Britain have refused to join. Trump had earlier announced a U.S. pledge of $10 billion, while Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE each promised at least $1 billion.

The main Eid-ul-Azha congregation of Bangladesh was held on Thursday morning at the National Eidgah in Dhaka. The prayer, led by Baitul Mukarram National Mosque’s Khatib Maulana Mufti Md Abdul Malek, began at 7:30 a.m. President Md Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarek Rahman attended the congregation along with the Speaker, Chief Justice, cabinet members, diplomats, and other dignitaries. After the prayer, special prayers were offered for the welfare, peace, and prosperity of the nation and the global Muslim community. The congregation also prayed for the oppressed Muslims in Palestine and Iran, for those affected by the recent measles outbreak in Bangladesh and worldwide, and for forgiveness of the deceased. In his sermon, Maulana Abdul Malek urged believers to sacrifice their inner vices for the nation’s progress. The National Eidgah accommodated around 35,000 worshippers across 121 rows, with separate arrangements for women and VIPs. Extensive preparations included over 43,000 bamboo poles, 15 tons of rope, 1,900 tarpaulins, and more than 1,100 fans to ensure comfort and safety for attendees.

Global oil prices increased again following reports of a new US airstrike on an Iranian military base. During Thursday morning trading, prices rose by nearly 2 percent. Brent crude futures climbed by 1.90 dollars, or 2.02 percent, reaching 96.19 dollars per barrel. Meanwhile, US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose by 1.73 dollars, or 1.95 percent, to 90.41 dollars per barrel. Analysts attributed the price surge to growing uncertainty in the Middle East, as hopes for a potential agreement between the United States and Iran diminished after the latest strike. The ongoing tension around the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional instability have added to market volatility and contributed to the upward pressure on oil prices. The situation underscores the sensitivity of global energy markets to geopolitical developments in the Middle East, with traders closely monitoring further actions that could affect supply routes and diplomatic relations.

The United States military has claimed to have shot down four Iranian drones near the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports citing unnamed US officials. The officials told Reuters and the Associated Press that the drones were considered a threat to US forces operating in the region. In addition, the US military reportedly carried out a strike on a ground control station in Iran’s Bandar Abbas city, where preparations were underway to launch another drone. A US official described the actions as measured and entirely defensive, emphasizing that the intent was to maintain a ceasefire. The Associated Press also reported that the US military viewed the drones as posing a direct threat to its personnel. The information was first reported by Al Jazeera, citing US sources. The incident underscores ongoing tensions in the Gulf region, particularly around the strategic Strait of Hormuz, though no further details on potential escalation or diplomatic responses were provided in the reports.

The first congregation of Eid-ul-Azha prayers was held at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque on Thursday morning. The prayer began at 7 a.m. and was led by Senior Pesh Imam Hafiz Maulana Mufti Md. Mizanur Rahman, with Muazzin Qari Ishaq serving as the mukabbir. Thousands of worshippers attended the first congregation at the national mosque. Before the prayer, Mufti Md. Mizanur Rahman delivered a sermon emphasizing that the most beloved act to Allah on this day is the sacrifice of animals, which must be done solely for divine satisfaction. He cautioned that sacrifices made for public praise would not be accepted. According to the Islamic Foundation, a total of five congregations will be held at the mosque this Eid. The second will begin at 8 a.m., the third at 9 a.m., the fourth at 10 a.m., and the fifth and final congregation around 10:45 a.m.

During a cabinet meeting chaired by President Donald Trump at the White House, discussions on Iran and a potential agreement dominated the agenda. This was Trump’s twelfth cabinet meeting since returning to the Oval Office. According to White House correspondent Manuel Rapalo, the president also addressed domestic issues such as immigration, inflation, and the broader economy, which remain politically sensitive ahead of the upcoming U.S. midterm elections. When asked about the current state of talks with Iran, Trump stated that he wanted to make a great deal, but would not proceed if it failed to meet that standard. Pressure continues to mount on him from Republicans, Democrats, and his own supporters to end the ongoing conflict with Iran. In this context, maintaining momentum in the negotiations has become a key objective for the White House. Trump made it clear that Washington will only agree to a deal that protects U.S. interests and satisfies national priorities, rejecting any compromise that falls short of those goals.

A senior official of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), Abul Hasnat Chowdhury Chandan, reportedly held a secret meeting with leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organizations in Rangpur’s Badarganj on May 27, 2026. The meeting took place inside a room adjacent to Chowdhury Pharmacy near the central Shaheed Minar. Participants allegedly discussed preparations for the Awami League’s possible return to power after August 15 and criticized the current BNP government. According to a local Awami League leader who attended, Chandan, the younger brother of former MP Duke Chowdhury, met several party figures to discuss political developments and cases against Awami League activists. Witnesses claimed that Chandan frequently visits his hometown using an official vehicle and meets local leaders privately. When contacted, Chandan did not respond to phone calls or messages. Badarganj BNP’s general secretary Azizul Haque said the banned Awami League has no authority to hold meetings and urged administrative action. The local police chief stated that no banned political group has the right to meet and that authorities would act if such gatherings are confirmed.

Authorities in West Bengal have decided to remove a 70-foot statue of Argentine football star Lionel Messi in Kolkata due to safety risks. Engineers from the state’s Public Works Department inspected the fiberglass and iron structure after local residents raised complaints and declared it unsafe. The statue, installed last December to mark Messi’s ‘GOAT’ tour, was found to be structurally unstable and swaying in the wind. State legislator Sharadwut Mukherjee confirmed that the statue was unsafe and noted the difficulty of removing it because of its location near a busy road and subway. To prevent accidents, officials have tied the statue with heavy nylon ropes and set up barricades to restrict traffic and public access. Local authorities are now searching for an alternative site for relocation. According to reports, a 45-member team had worked continuously for 27 days to construct the massive statue, which Messi inaugurated virtually via remote control. The unveiling event at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium was also marked by some incidents of unrest.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Porwar expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of six newborns at Ad-Din Medical College Hospital in Moghbazar, Dhaka. In a statement issued to the media on Wednesday, he described the incident, which occurred early on May 27, as heartbreaking and tragic, noting that the infants were only one to two days old. Porwar said the loss was irreparable for the parents and families and that the entire nation was shocked by the news. He cited the hospital authority’s initial assumption that the tragedy might have resulted from an air-conditioning gas leak or another technical fault. He emphasized that such incidents should never occur in a medical facility. He urged the formation of a prompt and impartial investigation committee to determine the true cause of the deaths. Porwar also called for exemplary punishment if any negligence or irresponsibility by hospital authorities is proven. He extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the deceased infants.

Continuous heavy rainfall in Brahmanbaria’s Nabinagar upazila caused the Shyamgram-Salimganj regional road to collapse on Wednesday morning, completely halting communication. The incident has left residents of three unions and parts of neighboring Bancharampur upazila—around one lakh people—facing severe disruption just before Eid. Local officials and residents reported that the road broke apart under water pressure after rainwater failed to drain properly. Shyamgram Union Parishad Chairman Shamsuzzaman Khan Masum said the collapse occurred due to flawed construction planning. A bridge that once allowed water flow and boat movement through a canal was replaced by a three-foot cement pipe, which blocked drainage. Locals said the road was under a Tk 15 crore reconstruction project scheduled for completion in August 2025, but Tk 9 crore had already been withdrawn by the contractor. The collapse has also cut access to nearby schools, markets, and routes to Dhaka. District officials confirmed that the upazila administration has been instructed to take immediate action, and repair work has already begun. Residents have urged swift restoration of the road to resume normal travel.