A new research report has found that global warming has fundamentally altered Mecca’s climate, exposing millions of Hajj pilgrims to extreme and dangerous heat not only in summer but also in other months. The study shows that carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels have caused temperatures to regularly reach around 40 degrees Celsius even in May, a level previously seen only during peak summer. Scientists warn that without a rapid shift away from fossil fuels, Hajj could face hazardous heat almost year-round by the end of this century.

Saudi Arabia, the world’s second-largest oil producer, has long been seen as a barrier to stronger global climate action. The report notes that in 2024, more than 1,300 pilgrims died due to severe heat and humidity during the June Hajj. The World Weather Attribution group described May pilgrimages as now being as dangerous as those in summer.

Saudi authorities have introduced measures such as shaded walkways, cooling centers, misting systems, and expanded medical services to reduce heat-related illnesses among pilgrims, but experts stress that deeper systemic changes are needed.

Eid al-Adha prayers in Kolkata were held at the Brigade Parade Ground instead of the traditional Red Road venue on Thursday, under heightened police security. The change followed new measures by West Bengal’s BJP government, which included strict enforcement of the 1950 Livestock Act and a ban on religious gatherings that block public roads. Police and CRPF personnel were deployed outside mosques across the state to maintain order, with large turnouts reported despite visible caution among worshippers.

The relocation of the main Eid congregation marked a departure from past years when former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attended Red Road prayers and delivered political messages. This year’s event was notably apolitical, with no ministers present. Organizers from the Calcutta Khilafat Committee said attendance was lower than usual, as some people were uncertain about the new arrangements or concerned about livestock restrictions.

Residents expressed mixed feelings—some welcomed the spacious new venue and smoother traffic, while others missed the tradition of Red Road prayers. The government’s new policies and visible security presence reflected a broader shift in the state’s approach to public religious events following the political transition.

BTV Chattogram Center organized a daylong special program to commemorate the 45th martyrdom anniversary of BNP founder and Bir Uttam Ziaur Rahman. According to a press release signed by the center’s General Manager Md. Imam Hossain on May 26, the schedule includes several special broadcasts highlighting Ziaur Rahman’s life and contributions.

The programs feature a documentary titled “Swadhinatar Ghoshok Zia,” a discussion session “Mrityunjayi Swadhinatar Ghoshok” with State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin and senior journalist Shah Newaz, as well as poetry recitations and a musical show “Komol Theke Shahid Zia.” A special magazine program “Amra Komol Kurri” and a graphics video featuring Ziaur Rahman’s notable quotes will also be aired.

Md. Imam Hossain stated that the state-run channel designed these diverse programs to present the multifaceted life and work of the late president to audiences of all ages, including the younger generation.

The US Treasury Secretary has warned that Oman could face sanctions if it assists Iran in implementing a toll system in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. In a post on social media platform X on Thursday, the Secretary stated that the US Treasury would target any party directly or indirectly involved in establishing such a system, emphasizing that Washington would not tolerate any attempt to impose tolls in the vital maritime route.

Later at a White House press conference, the Secretary said he had spoken with Oman’s ambassador earlier that morning. According to him, the ambassador assured that Oman has no plans to introduce any tolls in the Strait of Hormuz. The warning follows ongoing US concerns about potential disruptions to international shipping through the waterway.

The statement underscores Washington’s intent to deter regional actors from supporting measures that could affect global trade through the Strait, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.

The United States has announced new sanctions targeting Iran’s oil sales linked to its military forces. The U.S. Department of the Treasury made the announcement on Thursday, stating that the restrictions apply to oil sales conducted by Iran’s armed forces. A U.S. official said Tehran and Washington have reached a draft agreement to extend a ceasefire and begin nuclear discussions.

According to the Treasury, the sanctions are part of ongoing economic pressure initiated under the Trump administration to compel Iran to meet U.S. demands. Despite decades of sanctions imposed by both Republican and Democratic administrations, the measures have yielded limited results. The new restrictions specifically target Sepehr Energy Jahan, a branch of Iran’s armed forces that exports millions of barrels of crude oil to China.

In a press release, the Treasury claimed that Iran’s military uses oil revenues obtained through anonymous companies to fund its reconstruction efforts and to threaten neighboring countries.

On the second day of Eid-ul-Azha, large numbers of people continued leaving Dhaka for their hometowns. Since Friday morning, major bus terminals and counters have seen heavy crowds as many who could not travel earlier or secure tickets set out to join loved ones. Passengers were also seen boarding buses from various roadside points beyond designated terminals, while the capital appeared quieter and less congested amid the holiday atmosphere.

Some travelers said they spent the first day of Eid in Dhaka with family and were now heading to villages to meet relatives and enjoy the remaining holidays. Meanwhile, the city’s air quality showed signs of improvement as the day progressed. According to data from Switzerland-based monitoring organization IQAir, Dhaka’s air was initially rated unhealthy for sensitive groups early in the morning but improved later in the day.

The quieter streets and better air quality offered a brief respite for residents who remained in the capital during the holiday period.

Thirty-six Bangladeshi youths returned home on Thursday evening after serving 17 months in an Indian jail. They were handed over by Indian authorities through the Petrapole checkpoint under the repatriation law. The returnees are from various districts including Bogura, Khulna, Natore, Chattogram, Dhaka, and Cumilla. They were received by Bangladeshi police and the human rights organization Justice and Care for further legal assistance.

According to the returnees, they were taken to India by traffickers with false promises of garment jobs and were later arrested for illegal entry. Following court proceedings, they were imprisoned in Chennai Central Jail before being repatriated through legal channels. Some of them alleged that money had been taken from them at different times with false assurances of early release.

Justice and Care’s field officer Shariful Islam said the youths were victims of fraud and have now returned home on their own responsibility. Police at Benapole Port Station confirmed that necessary legal support was provided to all 36 returnees.

Afghanistan’s Taliban government has received a pledge from Russia to supply advanced air defense systems and other military assistance, according to a source cited by the BBC. The agreement was reportedly signed in Moscow, with Russian National Security Adviser Sergei Shoigu and Taliban Defense Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid present. The deal includes air defense equipment, ground military hardware, and training for Taliban forces, though it remains unclear whether offensive systems such as drones are part of the package.

The source indicated that discussions between Moscow and the Taliban had taken place earlier, and the agreement formalizes their defense cooperation. Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have maintained cordial relations with Russia, which kept its embassy open in Kabul and signed an economic deal in 2022 to supply oil, gas, and wheat. Mujahid emphasized the importance of expanding ties with Russia during his Moscow visit.

The agreement follows recent tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan that exposed Kabul’s air defense weaknesses. This marks the first formal military and technical cooperation deal signed by the Taliban defense minister with a regional power.

Residents of Raipur in Lakshmipur blocked the Raipur-Chandpur highway on Thursday demanding uninterrupted electricity supply. The protest took place in the Gachirhat area of Charpata Union, halting traffic for about an hour. Locals said several areas of the upazila have been facing severe load shedding for days, with electricity available only four to six hours a day. Many residents reported food spoilage due to prolonged power cuts, even during Eid-ul-Azha.

During the protest, local Member of Parliament Abul Khayer Bhuiyan was stuck on the highway and later spoke with the demonstrators. After he assured them of a quick resolution, the blockade was lifted. Later that night, an emergency meeting was held at the upazila executive officer’s office, where officials instructed relevant departments to take immediate steps to restore normal power supply.

Officials said the disruption followed a recent storm that damaged multiple power lines, poles, and transformers, leaving rural areas still without full electricity restoration.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has strongly condemned the ongoing war by the United States and Israel against Iran, calling for an immediate end to the conflict. In a post on social media platform X on May 29, 2026, Mamdani said the war must stop, highlighting its devastating impact on American civilians abroad and working families at home.

Mamdani noted that the war began three months ago without public consent, emphasizing that those paying the price had no voice in the decision. He stated that thousands of civilians have been killed and 13 U.S. soldiers will never return to their families. He also pointed out that rising fuel and grocery prices, along with budgetary strain, have resulted from a conflict initiated without a single congressional vote.

The remarks, reported by Al Jazeera, underscore growing criticism of the war’s human and economic toll, as concerns mount over its continuation without legislative approval.

Global crude oil prices fell slightly as optimism grew over a possible extension of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran. The decline was limited, with market movements slowing after comments from US Vice President JD Vance, who said that while both countries were close to an understanding, no final agreement had yet been reached.

On Friday, Brent crude for July delivery dropped by 35 cents, or 0.37 percent, to 93.36 dollars per barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell by 63 cents, or 0.71 percent, to 88.27 dollars per barrel. Brent crude for August delivery also decreased by 46 cents, or 0.50 percent, to 92.24 dollars per barrel.

The modest price decline reflects cautious market sentiment as traders await confirmation of any formal ceasefire deal between Washington and Tehran, which could influence future oil supply expectations.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry announced on Thursday that 3,324 people have been killed since Israeli attacks began on April 17. The Israeli military claimed that about 2,500 Hezbollah fighters have been eliminated since March, including 800 after the ceasefire was declared. An Israeli officer said around 400 explosive drones have targeted Israeli positions since the truce. The ceasefire, intended to take effect on April 17, has never been observed, with both sides accusing each other of violations.

Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc urged Lebanese authorities to withdraw from direct talks with Israel, alleging that Israel is using the discussions to impose security coordination favorable to its aggression. The group also claimed responsibility for about 20 attacks on Israeli forces in southern Lebanon on Thursday. The United Nations expressed concern and called on both sides to respect the ceasefire, while UNIFIL reported 670 rockets and shells fired on Wednesday, the highest since April 17.

The renewed violence comes as preparations continue for U.S.-mediated talks next week, marking the fourth round since the conflict began following Hezbollah’s rocket attacks after the killing of Iran’s supreme leader in a U.S.-Israeli strike.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Besent stated that any potential agreement between the United States and Iran depends entirely on President Donald Trump’s decision. Speaking at a White House press conference on Thursday, Besent emphasized that Trump would not agree to any deal that harms the American people. The two countries have reportedly reached a memorandum of understanding to extend their ceasefire by 60 days and begin talks aimed at a permanent end to the ongoing conflict.

Besent declined to provide further details about the memorandum but stressed that any final deal must meet several of Trump’s conditions. These include Iran handing over its highly enriched uranium, committing not to develop nuclear weapons, and allowing free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. He also suggested that the United States might lift sanctions on Iran as part of a final agreement.

Besent noted that progress would likely be slow, describing the process as multifaceted and dependent on Iran’s compliance with key conditions before substantive negotiations can proceed.

At least 22 people were killed in road accidents across 12 districts of Bangladesh on Eid day, according to local reports. The highest number of casualties occurred in Gopalganj, where six people, including three members of the same family, died after a bus overturned following a collision with a motorcycle. Fatal incidents were also reported in Natore, Chattogram, Dinajpur, Patuakhali, Faridpur, Tangail, Gaibandha, Narayanganj, Narail, and Madaripur.

In Gopalganj, witnesses blamed reckless driving and excessive speed for the crash, which prompted rescue operations by the fire service, police, and residents. Local authorities, including the district commissioner and police superintendent, visited the site and assured financial assistance to the victims’ families. Other districts reported multiple accidents involving buses, motorcycles, and autorickshaws, many occurring amid heavy traffic during the Eid holiday.

The incidents highlight ongoing road safety concerns during major holidays, as thousands travel across the country. Authorities have not yet released a consolidated national report on the total number of accidents or injuries.

Oman has assured the United States that it will not impose any toll in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besent said on Thursday that he had spoken with the Omani ambassador, who confirmed there were no plans to introduce tolls in the vital maritime passage. The assurance came during a White House briefing, where Besent emphasized the long-standing 200-year relationship between the two nations.

Besent noted that Oman did not wish to risk sanctions on its individuals or financial institutions. Earlier, he had warned that any Omani support for Iran’s toll initiative in the strait could trigger U.S. action. On Wednesday, President Donald Trump had also cautioned Oman against interfering in the key oil shipping route, stressing that the country must act like others or face severe consequences.

Besent later clarified that the president’s remarks were intended to highlight the U.S. commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.