Tourist turnout in Kuakata, Patuakhali, remained below expectations on the second day of Eid-ul-Azha, despite extensive preparations by local businesses. Hotel and motel owners had cleaned facilities, offered special discounts, and readied themselves for an anticipated influx of 300,000 to 400,000 visitors. However, field observations on Friday showed the beach areas, including Zero Point and Gangamati, were largely empty, with most visitors being local day-trippers returning home by evening.

Small traders in hotels, shell markets, and handicraft stalls reported sluggish sales due to the lack of tourists. Business owners attributed the downturn to the country’s overall economic situation and high inflation, which they said forced many families to cut travel budgets. Hotel managers reported low booking rates, with only 20–30 percent occupancy in top-tier hotels and 10–20 percent in mid-range ones.

Tourism leaders expressed hope that visitor numbers might rise later in the week, though they warned that continued low turnout could make it difficult to recover earlier losses. Police authorities confirmed enhanced security measures across the beach and nearby attractions.

After the Eid-ul-Azha holidays, Dhaka is still experiencing a festive calm as many residents have yet to return from their hometowns. On Friday, May 29, 2026, the capital saw little pressure of returning workers, while many others were still leaving for villages. The usual traffic congestion, car horns, and bustling crowds were notably absent, leaving the city unusually quiet.

Although a few shops in neighborhoods and shopping malls have reopened, most remain closed. Residents expressed relief at the ease of movement through the city’s empty streets. One resident from Mohammadpur noted that the lack of traffic and noise made travel peaceful and quick across the capital.

The relaxed atmosphere reflects the lingering holiday spirit, with Dhaka’s streets offering a rare sense of calm before normal activity resumes in the coming days.

U.S. President Donald Trump has sent a draft of an Iran peace agreement to allies, including Israel, according to a report published on May 29, 2026. The move comes as both sides seek to prevent recent ceasefire violations from escalating. The draft reportedly resembles versions circulated across the Middle East in recent days.

Under the proposed terms, the Strait of Hormuz would reopen for commercial shipping, U.S. sanctions on Iranian ports would be lifted, and Iran would gain access to about $12 billion in previously frozen assets. The plan aims to restore pre-war shipping levels within 30 days and initiate up to 60 days of negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, including uranium enrichment limits and oversight by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated that both sides are close to an agreement, though key issues such as Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and enrichment activities remain unresolved.

Chattogram City was declared free of sacrificial animal waste within six hours on Thursday, according to Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain. Speaking at the Dampara control room, he said the cleanup operation began at 9 a.m. and was closely supervised throughout the day. A total of 3,200 workers used 379 vehicles, including dump trucks, compactors, and payloaders, to collect waste from neighborhoods. Water and bleaching powder were applied immediately after waste removal to ensure cleanliness at sacrifice sites.

The mayor added that residents could report any remaining waste to the Dampara control room for prompt action. He also noted that special measures were taken for areas where animal sacrifices traditionally occur later in the afternoon. The operation was attended by acting chief executive officer and secretary Md. Ashraful Amin, chief cleanliness officer Commander Ikhtiar Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, and chief engineer Anisur Rahman.

The initiative reflects the city corporation’s effort to maintain hygiene and public satisfaction during the Eid-ul-Azha festival.

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.