Sheikh Ali bin Abdur Rahman Al-Hudhaifi, Imam of Masjid al-Nabawi, called on the global Muslim community to remain patient and united during challenging times. Delivering the Hajj sermon on Tuesday afternoon Bangladesh time, he emphasized the importance of maintaining mutual unity, solidarity, and brotherhood among Muslims. In his sermon, Sheikh Al-Hudhaifi highlighted the spiritual and social significance of Hajj, describing it as a unique reflection of mutual acquaintance, harmony, and cooperation among Muslims worldwide. He urged believers to fear Allah, uphold honesty, and avoid falsehood and gossip. He also reminded pilgrims that true preparation for the Hereafter lies in monotheism and sincere worship of Allah. After the sermon, special prayers were offered for the well-being of the Muslim Ummah and the acceptance of pilgrims’ worship. The Imam prayed for the safe return of all pilgrims to their home countries. Following the sermon, pilgrims performed the combined Zuhr and Asr prayers at Masjid Namira before proceeding to Mina for the next Hajj rituals.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told military commanders that regional countries now recognize the United States’ military presence in the Gulf has failed to guarantee long-term security. He described reliance on the US for security as an unrealistic and ineffective idea, according to a statement from the president’s office. The statement added that Pezeshkian called for modernization of Iran’s defense infrastructure and warned that adversaries have acquired new technologies and equipment, complicating the current security environment. He urged the armed forces to work more closely with universities, scientific centers, and knowledge-based institutions to achieve technological superiority and strengthen defense capabilities. Pezeshkian also thanked the military for maintaining professionalism and staying away from political and partisan influence, calling this commitment to national interests a valuable asset for the country.

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.

Large numbers of people from various professions, including industrial workers, began leaving Gazipur and Dhaka on May 26, 2026, to celebrate Eid with their families. On the second day of the government holiday, most garment factories closed, prompting a surge of travelers on major highways. The Dhaka–Mymensingh and Dhaka–Tangail routes saw several times more vehicles than usual, causing slow traffic and higher transport fares for passengers. Many travelers used buses, minibuses, and even trucks to reach their destinations, with some risking safety for lower fares. Transport operators reported that vehicle parking, random passenger boarding, and crowding along the highways contributed to the congestion. Traffic was particularly slow at Tongi, Gazipura, Board Bazar, Bhogra Bypass, and Chandna intersections. Police estimated that over two million workers would leave Gazipur for Eid. They reported that 45 percent of factories had already closed, with another 45 percent expected to close by Tuesday afternoon, likely increasing traffic pressure. Law enforcement agencies deployed additional personnel at key points to manage the situation.

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.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir faced international condemnation this week after footage showed him gloating over blindfolded and bound activists detained from a flotilla in international waters. The activists, largely foreign nationals, had attempted to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Reports that at least 15 detainees were sexually assaulted during detention intensified the backlash. France banned Ben-Gvir from entering the country, while more than a dozen governments, including Italy, Canada, Spain, Ireland, Germany, and South Korea, summoned Israeli ambassadors or issued formal condemnations. Even the US ambassador criticized Ben-Gvir, calling his actions a betrayal of national dignity. President Isaac Herzog publicly condemned settler violence and prisoner abuse, prompting Ben-Gvir to call for Herzog’s removal. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich advanced plans to demolish the Bedouin village of Khan al-Ahmar and expand West Bank settlements, framing the move as retaliation for the International Criminal Court’s warrant request against him. The Knesset Education Committee also pushed a bill extending Israeli civilian authority over archaeological sites in the West Bank and Gaza, drawing legal and military warnings that it could breach international agreements. The developments unfolded amid ongoing demolitions, raids, and settler attacks across the occupied territories, as well as worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that the government will maintain a zero-tolerance policy against irregularities, terrorism, drugs, and extortion to ensure public safety and uphold the rule of law. Speaking to reporters after inspecting the National Operation Monitoring Center at the Police Headquarters in Dhaka on Tuesday, he said law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to restore peace and order after years of mismanagement. The minister observed monitoring activities and gave directives to police officials. He stated that the central monitoring cell has been strengthened for Eid-ul-Azha, operating seven days before and after the festival. All highways, cattle markets, and major bridges are under round-the-clock surveillance, with body-worn cameras used where CCTV is unavailable. Ahmed noted a decline in road accidents compared to previous years and urged citizens to travel responsibly. He also confirmed strict action against illegal cattle markets and measures to prevent counterfeit currency circulation. Regarding recent terrorist attacks in Narayanganj and Chattogram’s Jungle Salimpur, the minister said joint operations dismantled militant networks and arrests were made. Plans are underway to establish a comprehensive security and administrative hub in the area.

Three members of the same family were killed when a speeding bus hit their motorcycle at the Batajor bus stand area of Gournadi upazila in Barishal on Tuesday afternoon. The victims were identified as Firoz Mahmud, his wife Monira Begum, and their daughter Jannat Akter, residents of Uzirpur municipality. The accident occurred around 12:30 p.m. when the family stopped their motorcycle due to traffic congestion, and a bus of Taj Ananda Paribahan rammed them from behind, leaving all three dead at the scene. Following the crash, angry locals vandalized the bus, while the driver and helper fled. The incident temporarily halted traffic on the Dhaka-Barishal highway, causing a long tailback. Fire service personnel arrived quickly and confirmed the deaths on-site. Police later seized the bus, and legal procedures are underway. The tragic deaths of the husband, wife, and child have cast a pall of grief over the local community, with relatives mourning the loss.

Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that the government will deliver an appropriate response to the recent terrorist attack on a Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) camp in Jungle Salimpur, Chattogram. Speaking at a briefing at the Police Headquarters on Tuesday, he said the area had long operated outside the rule of law, effectively becoming a state within a state. He confirmed that joint law enforcement operations had recovered a large cache of weapons and arrested several wanted suspects. The minister outlined plans to establish an integrated training center in the area for police, RAB, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Armed Police Battalion (APBn), along with relocating the Chattogram Central Jail there. He emphasized that no space would be allowed for terrorists and that strict control would be maintained. The attack occurred around 2 a.m. on Sunday night when assailants opened fire on the RAB camp and destroyed parts of its infrastructure with bulldozers. RAB later reported that members of the ‘Yasin group’ were involved in the assault. He added that border activities remain under observation and that BGB has been instructed to stay alert.

Two men, Mojibur Rahman, 48, and Ruhul Amin, 45, died after being attacked by a buffalo at a sacrificial animal market in Dewanganj upazila of Jamalpur. The incident occurred on Sunday at the Sanandabari market when a buffalo brought for sale suddenly became violent, running through the market and attacking people. Locals rescued the injured men and took them to hospital, but Ruhul Amin died on the way. Mojibur Rahman was referred to Jamalpur General Hospital, where he died on Monday night while under treatment. The families confirmed the deaths on Tuesday morning. Dewanganj Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Anwar Hossain said two people had died from the buffalo attack, but no formal complaint had been filed with the police so far. Authorities have not yet indicated whether any further investigation or safety measures will follow the incident.

A 19-year-old housewife named Rakiba Jannat Munni died after being struck by lightning in Tekpara area of Ujantia Union under Pekua upazila, Cox’s Bazar. The incident occurred around 9 a.m. on Tuesday. Munni, wife of Sadek Hossain of Tekpara village, was working in her kitchen with family members when the lightning struck, leaving her critically injured. She was taken to Pekua Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared her dead. According to local sources, the lightning strike happened suddenly while Munni was engaged in household work. Pekua Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mehedi Hasan confirmed that legal procedures related to the incident are ongoing. Authorities have not provided further details about the ongoing legal process or any additional casualties in the incident.

Iran’s armed forces have warned that they will deliver a harsher response to the latest United States attacks. Senior military spokesperson Abolfazl Shekarchi stated that any new aggression against Iran would be met with stronger retaliation. He cautioned that if another phase of conflict begins, Iranian strikes would extend beyond the region and become more intense and violent. The warning came after the United States launched new attacks inside Iran while discussions over a possible peace agreement were ongoing. According to the US military, the strikes targeted Iranian missile bases and naval vessels and were carried out in self-defense. The exchange underscores heightened tensions between the two countries despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. The situation suggests that any further escalation could spread beyond the immediate region, potentially complicating peace negotiations already underway.

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.

Two young men were detained by locals in Araihazar, Narayanganj, on suspicion of attempting to assault a mentally unstable woman. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. on Monday near the Central Hospital area. Locals stopped the suspects when they were seen taking the unidentified woman in an autorickshaw and handed them over to the police. The detainees were identified as Jewel, 20, son of Mamun from Baghanagar, and Mati, 30, son of Surman from Shibakanda in Madhabdi, Narsingdi. According to police and local sources, the men’s behavior raised suspicion of immoral intent, prompting residents to intervene and alert authorities. Police from Araihazar station later took the suspects into custody. Investigation Officer Ripon Kumar stated that an inquiry is underway and legal action will follow based on the findings.