In Lalmonirhat’s Patgram upazila, allegations have surfaced that rice allocated under the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) program for poor residents of Dahagram Union was diverted to a Jubo Dal playground. On May 24, during official distribution at the union council, locals reported seeing 8 to 10 sacks of rice being taken by van to the field, sparking public outrage. Residents claimed that around 50 sacks were misappropriated through collusion among union officials, depriving genuine beneficiaries. According to the report, 1,400 people were each supposed to receive 10 kilograms of rice. However, the union secretary and several members allegedly redirected portions to Jubo Dal affiliates. The union’s chairman has been absconding since August 5, and the acting administrator, the Patgram education officer, was absent during the distribution. A ward member admitted that Jubo Dal supporters submitted voter ID cards and were included in beneficiary lists. The union secretary defended the action, saying the recipients were also poor. Lalmonirhat’s deputy commissioner stated that an investigation has been ordered and that strict legal action will follow if the allegations are confirmed.

Bangladesh’s Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee has come under public scrutiny after reports surfaced that he purchased a cow worth Tk 3.2 million ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. The news triggered widespread debate on social media and prompted the National Citizen Party (NCP) to question the source of the expenditure. At a press conference on May 26, NCP’s chief organizer Nasiruddin Patwari asked how a minister with an annual salary of Tk 4.2 million could afford such a purchase while managing family expenses. Later that day, the minister’s son, Sarian Chowdhury, defended his father in a Facebook post, explaining that their family traditionally buys six to eight cows each year for both family sacrifice and donations to the Haji Basir Ullah Orphanage and Madrasa. He stated that this year they bought six cows and that the animals were intended for the poor. Sarian also questioned whether similar criticism would persist even after his father left office. The controversy emerged after the minister was seen purchasing the cow at a local market, sparking intense online reactions.

Jamaat-backed mayoral candidate for Dhaka North City Corporation, Mohammad Selim Uddin, announced the formation of a special team to ensure the quick removal of sacrificial animal waste during Eid. He made the announcement on Tuesday, May 26, while inaugurating a special service booth at the Tejgaon cattle market in the capital. Selim Uddin urged city residents to dispose of animal waste only in designated areas, emphasizing that maintaining cleanliness is a shared civic responsibility, not just the duty of government authorities. He highlighted that cleanliness is an integral part of faith, alongside the religious practice of sacrifice, and called on everyone to play an active role in keeping the city clean during the festival. During the event, special waste bags were distributed among visitors to raise awareness about proper waste disposal. Selim Uddin also mentioned that similar service booths have been set up at other cattle markets across Dhaka, including Aftabnagar and Gabtoli.

Law enforcement agencies in Chattogram’s Sitakunda have intensified a joint operation in Jungle Salimpur to arrest top criminal Md. Yasin. Police, RAB, and other forces have strengthened patrols after armed men attacked a RAB camp in Alinagar on May 24 night, firing repeatedly and destroying structures with bulldozers. Roads were cut off in several places to obstruct the operation, spreading fear among residents. Police Superintendent Masud Alam confirmed that multiple units are working together to locate Yasin. Authorities said the Yasin group, previously expelled from the area in a March 9 joint operation, carried out the latest assault. Although several suspects have been detained for questioning, Yasin and other top gang leaders remain at large. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed condemned the attack, vowing strict action and asserting that Jungle Salimpur is now under state control after years of lawlessness. Intelligence sources believe Yasin is still hiding in the area, maintaining his network through phone communication. Residents report hearing gunfire and seeing flashes of light at night, reflecting ongoing fear despite the heavy security presence.

A mild earthquake was felt across several parts of Bangladesh, including Dhaka, on Tuesday at 11:41 a.m., originating near Bhaluka in Mymensingh. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department reported a magnitude of 3.4 on the Richter scale, describing it as a low-intensity tremor. The director of the Earthquake Observation and Research Center said such minor quakes occur frequently worldwide and are not a cause for concern. However, leading seismologists disagreed, warning that frequent minor tremors may signal an impending major earthquake. A recent study by Jahangirnagar University researchers also indicated that Bangladesh faces a high risk of a severe quake. BUET professor Dr. Mehedi Ahmed Ansari cautioned that the country has not experienced a major quake in 100–150 years, urging the government to take immediate preventive measures, including structural assessments and retrofitting of buildings. Experts noted that Bangladesh lies at the junction of three tectonic plates, with significant underground pressure accumulating. They warned that Dhaka’s dense, poorly planned infrastructure could turn the city into a disaster zone if a major quake strikes.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizens Party (NCP), stated that people living along Bangladesh’s borders feel unsafe due to what he described as Indian aggression. Speaking at an emergency press conference on Tuesday, May 26, in Banglamotor, Dhaka, he said the NCP would ensure border protection if it came to power. Patwari also accused India of spreading drug-related terrorism aimed at harming Bangladesh’s youth. He criticized the exclusion of voters in India’s West Bengal on religious grounds, calling it a crime against humanity and a violation of human rights. Referring to the construction of barbed-wire fences along the border, he suggested that both countries should hold meetings to settle land issues before building fences. Patwari urged the government to take stronger initiatives to secure the borders and to strengthen the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). He further alleged that the government becomes nervous when reform is discussed and that the ruling Awami League continues to organize rallies and attacks despite being banned. He demanded the return of his confiscated camera, saying it contained family photos.

Iranian pilgrims have participated in this year’s Hajj in Mecca despite the ongoing war between Iran and the United States. Among them is Hassan Qaderi from Isfahan, who expressed happiness at being able to perform the pilgrimage. Qaderi and his family had taken shelter during Israeli and American bombings in central Iran before a ceasefire in April brought relative calm. He told AFP that in Mecca they now hear the call to prayer instead of explosions. Iranian pilgrims, including Qaderi’s family, are staying near the Grand Mosque under special security provided by Saudi forces. According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, only a little over 30,000 Iranians were able to travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj this year, far fewer than the expected 86,700 due to wartime conditions. Hajj has long been a sensitive issue between Riyadh’s Sunni monarchy and Tehran’s Shia government. Past tensions included deadly stampedes, accusations of political slogans, and a 2015 tragedy that killed 464 Iranians. Diplomatic ties were severed in 2016 after protests in Tehran and Mashhad but were restored in 2023 through Chinese mediation. The peaceful participation of Iranian pilgrims this year reflects a cautious normalization of Saudi-Iran relations despite regional conflict.

Garment workers from Chaiti Garments in Tipordi area of Sonargaon, Narayanganj, blocked the Dhaka-Chattogram highway on Tuesday afternoon demanding payment of due wages and Eid bonuses. The protest caused severe traffic congestion stretching about 17 kilometers from Tipordi to Meghna Toll Plaza. Police intervened to disperse the demonstrators, leading to clashes in which tear gas and rubber bullets were used to regain control of the situation. According to police officials, the workers began the blockade after the factory management reportedly expressed inability to pay full salaries. The workers insisted that their April arrears and May salaries be cleared before Eid. Officers from Kanchpur Highway Police and Sonargaon Police Station confirmed that several rounds of tear gas were fired but no live ammunition was used. The situation was later brought under control and the road reopened to traffic. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the garment sector over timely wage payments, particularly ahead of major religious holidays when financial pressures on workers increase.

A senior spokesperson for Iran’s armed forces has warned that the country will deliver a much harsher and more powerful retaliation if airstrikes by the United States and Israel resume. Speaking through the semi-official Fars news agency, Abolfazl Shekarchi stated that any new phase of war in the region would trigger an Iranian response extending beyond regional boundaries. According to Fars, a recent US and Israeli airstrike targeted an Iranian vessel south of Larak Island near the Strait of Hormuz, reportedly killing several Iranian citizens. The renewed attacks come as Pakistan has been leading mediation efforts to end the conflict that began after US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. The latest escalation has reignited regional tensions, raising concerns that the fragile mediation process could collapse if hostilities continue.

Garment workers from Chaiti Garments in Tipordi area of Sonargaon, Narayanganj, blocked the Dhaka-Chattogram highway on Tuesday afternoon demanding payment of wages and bonuses. The protest led to severe traffic congestion stretching about 17 kilometers from Tipordi to Meghna Toll Plaza. Police attempted to disperse the demonstrators, resulting in clashes where tear gas and rubber bullets were used to bring the situation under control. According to reports, the workers began their protest after the factory management expressed inability to pay full wages, including arrears for April and salaries for May before Eid. Police officials stated that the workers were later persuaded to leave the highway, and the situation was brought under control after several rounds of tear gas were fired. The incident disrupted traffic on one of the country’s busiest highways and highlighted ongoing tensions over wage payments in the garment sector ahead of major holidays.

A 12-year-old girl from a poor family in Shibpur, Narsingdi, was reportedly raped by two young men named Arif and Alamgir while returning home from a madrasa. The incident occurred several days before it was disclosed, as the victim was threatened with death if she spoke out. After revealing the assault to her family, a case was filed at Shibpur Police Station against the two accused. Following the report, allegations emerged that Alamgir’s elder brother, local BNP leader Milon, had repeatedly threatened the victim’s family. The accused and their families have since fled the area. Medical examination at Shibpur Upazila Health Complex confirmed evidence of rape. Police have yet to arrest the suspects but stated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend them. The incident has caused widespread outrage in the area, with residents demanding the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved.

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson and former interim government adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan alleged that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), not the interim government, signed a trade agreement with the United States. He claimed the deal was arranged through current Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman before the election and later blamed on the interim administration. Bhuiyan made these remarks at a press conference held at the NCP’s temporary central office in Rupayan Trade Center, Banglamotor, Dhaka. Referring to a previous interview, Bhuiyan noted that former interim foreign affairs adviser M Touhid Hossain had said he was unaware of any such deal, suggesting the agreement was executed without the interim government’s knowledge. Bhuiyan asserted that the deal was finalized three days before the February 9 election and that the NCP had not been informed or consulted. He urged a review or cancellation of any parts of the agreement harmful to Bangladesh’s interests. At the same event, NCP chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari alleged that police joined BNP-affiliated groups in attacking him in Jhenaidah, adding to tensions between the parties.

A potential ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran could create a strategic setback for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to Mirav Jonesjin, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Jonesjin said such a deal would prevent Israel from achieving its key objectives of regime change in Iran or the complete destruction of its nuclear capabilities. Jonesjin added that while Netanyahu might claim some reduction in Iran’s military capacity, those effects would not last long. She also noted that former US President Donald Trump had expected a different outcome from the conflict, but now faces political and global economic pressures resulting from it. According to Jonesjin, any agreement to end the war between the United States and Iran would effectively create what she described as a “near-nightmare scenario” for Netanyahu, underscoring the complex regional consequences of such a truce.

Police have filed a case against 242 individuals following an armed attack that destroyed a joint forces camp in Jungle Salimpur, Sitakunda upazila of Chattogram. The case names 42 people, including alleged local gang leader Md Yasin, as accused, while another 200 unidentified individuals are also implicated. The case was lodged on Monday by Inspector Sohel Rana of the Faujdarhat police outpost, confirmed by Sitakunda Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Mahinul Islam. According to police, the charges include armed assault on law enforcement, obstruction of government duty, damage to state property, and violations under the Explosives Act. The attack occurred around 2 a.m. on Sunday night, when armed assailants opened fire on the camp and later demolished its walls and structures using bulldozers. To delay reinforcements, attackers reportedly cut roads at four points before fleeing as joint forces launched a counter-operation. Earlier on March 9, authorities had conducted a major operation in Jungle Salimpur to arrest armed groups and seize weapons, establishing joint force camps afterward to maintain control of the area.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, stated that the previous Hasina government left Tk 56,000 crore in unpaid electricity bills. Speaking on Tuesday afternoon at a preparatory meeting in Kamarkhand, Sirajganj, he said the current administration has been in power for three months and is still reviewing financial accounts. According to him, the Hasina government left a per capita debt of Tk 150 crore for Bangladesh’s 200 million citizens. The minister made these remarks while addressing a meeting organized by the local BNP and its affiliated organizations to mark the 45th martyrdom anniversary of former President Ziaur Rahman. During his speech, he also discussed the upcoming local government elections, noting that the BNP would nominate candidates based on merit and capability rather than personal connections. He urged party members to prioritize collective interests over personal gains and to select candidates who can effectively serve the people. Several BNP leaders and activists from different affiliated bodies attended the event.