The birth rate in the United Kingdom has fallen to its lowest level in half a century, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). In 2025, England and Wales recorded 585,396 live births, down from 594,677 the previous year, marking the lowest rate since 1976 and the fourth lowest in the past 100 years. Meanwhile, births to families with at least one foreign-born parent reached a record high, accounting for about 40 percent of all births.

The ONS report shows that in more than a dozen areas of England and Wales, over 75 percent of babies were born to families with at least one foreign-born parent. London’s Brent recorded the highest rate at about 84 percent, followed by the City of London and Harrow. Among foreign-born mothers, those of Indian origin represented the largest group, making up 4.7 percent of all births, while Indian fathers accounted for 4.9 percent.

Analysts cited rising living costs, high rents and mortgages, and childcare expenses as key reasons couples are delaying parenthood. The average age of mothers rose to 31.1 years and fathers to 34 years in 2025, continuing a long-term trend toward later parenthood.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has conveyed Eid-ul-Azha greetings to the people of Bangladesh and Muslims around the world. In a video message released on Wednesday, he described the festival as a time of sacrifice, piety, and self-purification, emphasizing its spiritual significance. He extended his best wishes to all citizens regardless of political affiliation, religion, or background.

The Prime Minister highlighted that the essence of Qurbani lies not only in the ritual slaughter of animals but also in overcoming greed, envy, and inner vices. He urged those who are financially able to share sacrificial meat with those who cannot afford to perform Qurbani. Rahman also called on citizens to preserve animal hides properly and assist sanitation workers in maintaining cleanliness during the festival.

He concluded his message with prayers for peace, security, and stability for Bangladesh, the Muslim world, and all humanity, reiterating his Eid-ul-Azha greetings to everyone.

A severe nor'wester storm accompanied by heavy rain caused extensive crop damage in Bhanga upazila of Faridpur on Wednesday morning. The storm, lasting from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., destroyed ripe paddy fields, flattened jute plants, and damaged several mud houses. Fallen trees and broken electric poles blocked roads, leading to significant public suffering until power lines were cleared and electricity restored.

According to local and agricultural office sources, the storm affected multiple unions, leaving waterlogged fields and damaging standing crops. Farmers expressed concern over potential losses, particularly in jute and boro paddy cultivation. In Algi union, a tree fell on the house of Miraj Sheikh, destroying it but sparing the family from serious harm. In Gharua union, a broken electric pole caused further disruption until officials restored normalcy.

Bhanga Upazila Agriculture Officer Molla Al Mamun reported that about 10 hectares of jute fields were cultivated this season, with some plants bent by the storm. He expressed optimism that the jute would recover once sunlight returns.

Authorities in Shahrasti upazila of Chandpur have canceled the leave of rural electricity field workers to restore power lines damaged by a sudden storm on Wednesday morning. The Deputy General Manager of the Shahrasti zonal office, Nizam Uddin Shams, confirmed that the General Manager of Chandpur Palli Bidyut directed all field workers on Eid leave to return to duty immediately. Messages have been sent to all concerned employees to ensure quick restoration work.

The storm caused extensive damage across the upazila, uprooting trees and snapping power lines at more than 50 locations. Several electric poles were also broken, according to the rural electricity authority. Power supply across the upazila has remained suspended since 9 a.m. following the storm.

Officials indicated that electricity supply is expected to be restored in several areas by night as repair operations continue under emergency arrangements.

Traders at the temporary Eid-ul-Azha cattle market in Uttara’s Diabari area have alleged large-scale extortion late Tuesday night. Around midnight, an announcement over loudspeakers instructed traders to pay Tk 1,000 for each cow, described alternately as a “shed cost” or “tip.” With an estimated 200,000 to 250,000 cattle at the market, the total amount could reach Tk 20–25 crore. The leaseholder, S F Corporation, is accused of forcing payments despite poor market conditions and inadequate facilities.

Farmers and traders from various districts reported financial losses due to mismanagement, including waterlogging, poor sanitation, and lack of security. Several traders said they were threatened or coerced into paying, even when their cattle were not under sheds. Attempts to contact S F Corporation owner Sheikh Farid Hossain were unsuccessful. Witnesses observed disputes between traders and volunteers over the payments.

City corporation officials stated that leaseholders are not permitted to collect money beyond official fees and that mobile courts would act if formal complaints are filed.

On May 6, 2026, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in West Bengal for the first time, prompting Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to order strict enforcement of a 1950 law regulating cattle slaughter. The directive requires official certification and restricts slaughter to designated facilities for animals over 14 years old. As Eid al-Adha approaches, the Dhulagorh cattle market near Kolkata stands nearly deserted, with traders reporting heavy losses and fear of administrative action.

The crackdown has severely affected the state’s beef trade. Muslim butchers, restaurant owners, and street vendors have shut down operations, while beef prices have fallen sharply. Kolkata’s “The Burger Shop” suspended its popular beef burger after suppliers were forced to close. Longtime meat sellers report collapsing demand and early shop closures. Traders who borrowed heavily for the festival now face financial ruin.

BJP spokesperson Debjit Sarkar defended the move as lawful enforcement, while legal expert Jaysingh Nugggehalli said such bans are tied more to identity and livelihood politics than animal welfare. Activist Harsh Mander described the developments as part of a broader ideological project marginalizing Muslims in India.

Border Guard Bangladesh (42 BGB) has declared maximum alert along the Dinajpur and Thakurgaon borders to prevent push-in and illegal entry. The force has increased round-the-clock surveillance, patrols, and intelligence activities to strengthen border security. Additional personnel have been deployed at every Border Observation Post to handle any unwanted situation.

According to BGB sources, the force has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against push-in, illegal infiltration, drug and arms smuggling, and other cross-border crimes. Ahead of the upcoming Eid holidays, BGB members are maintaining strict vigilance to stop illegal cattle smuggling from neighboring countries and to protect local farmers’ interests.

Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Al Moin Hasan, commander of the 42 BGB battalion, said that BGB remains uncompromising in preventing any untoward incidents. Awareness meetings and loudspeaker announcements are being conducted regularly to alert local residents about border security.

The West Bengal government, led by Shuvendu, has initiated steps to relocate the 136-year-old Gauripur Jame Mosque situated within the operational area of Kolkata International Airport. Following the new government’s assumption of power, administrative activity around the mosque intensified, with security cited as the main reason. On Tuesday, airport authorities and district officials inspected the site, and on Wednesday, a meeting was held at the North 24 Parganas District Magistrate’s office involving the administration, airport authorities, and mosque committee representatives.

Airport Director Vikram Singh stated that the mosque’s presence inside the airport has long created operational challenges, restricting flight operations. Discussions were held on how to address these issues. Meanwhile, the mosque committee said that any decision to demolish or relocate the mosque cannot be made solely by the local committee. They intend to seek guidance from religious organizations such as Darul Uloom Deoband, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind.

Further decisions regarding the mosque’s relocation are expected after consultations with these religious bodies.

Bangladesh achieved a historic 2-0 Test series victory over Pakistan at home, marking a major milestone in the World Test Championship. The series result significantly boosted several Bangladeshi players in the latest ICC Test rankings across both batting and bowling categories. Veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim scored 259 runs in four innings and rose ten places to 16th in the batting rankings. Wicketkeeper-batter Liton Das also advanced fourteen spots to reach 24th after scoring 239 runs in the series.

In bowling, left-arm spinner Taijul Islam climbed two places to 11th, achieving a new career-best rating. Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz moved up two spots to 25th, while young pacer Nahid Rana jumped ten places to 54th. Taijul also improved three positions in the all-rounder rankings, now standing at 29th. Despite Pakistan’s series defeat, pacer Khurram Shahzad gained some personal success, returning to the rankings at 49th after playing the second Test in Sylhet.

The ranking improvements reflect Bangladesh’s growing consistency in Test cricket following their strong home performance against Pakistan.

Rangpur City Corporation Administrator Advocate Mahfuz Un-Nabi Chowdhury Don has announced that waste from sacrificial animals will be cleared within eight hours on Eid day. Speaking to reporters after inspecting the Rangpur Collectorate Eidgah on Wednesday afternoon, he urged residents to slaughter animals only at designated sites. The city has arranged 66 slaughtering points across 33 wards and launched awareness campaigns to discourage slaughtering in open spaces or on roads.

The administrator said that water supply, service facilities, imams, muazzins, and butchers have been arranged at the designated sites. Bleaching powder will be used to prevent odors after slaughtering. He also requested residents not to dump animal waste into city drains such as Shyamasundari and KD canals, but instead to use dustbins for proper disposal. The waste removal operation will be inaugurated at 2 p.m. on Eid day in front of the city building.

A total of 1,069 sanitation workers divided into three zones will carry out the cleanup using trolleys, rickshaw vans, and trucks. Citizens can contact hotline number 01733390150 for waste management assistance.

Former Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Tajul Islam, stated in a Facebook post on Wednesday that July is the nation's red line and a full stop. His remarks were made public on May 27, 2026, through an online report by Amar Desh.

Earlier, Tajul Islam had warned that fascist forces were working to create conditions for their return by attempting to discredit all activities of Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s government. He urged revolutionaries to remain vocal. The report also noted that the banned Awami League was trying to reorganize by forming new committees and engaging in activities aimed at regaining political influence. The party was reportedly taking legal steps to undermine Dr. Yunus and his former interim government.

Political analysts cited in the report believe that the ongoing propaganda against Dr. Yunus may expand further and that issue-based programs could gradually evolve into a broader anti-government movement against the current BNP administration.

Members of the Jahagiriya Sufi order in Fatullah, Narayanganj, celebrated Eid-ul-Azha on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in alignment with the Middle Eastern calendar. The main Eid congregation took place at the premises of Hazrat Shah Sufi Momtazia Orphanage and Hafezkhana Madrasa in Lamapara at 9:30 a.m., led by Mufti Maulana Shahabuddin. Devotees from various parts of the country, including Tongi, Keraniganj, Old Dhaka, Demra, Savar, Siddhirganj, Rupganj, Bandar, Araihazar, and Sonargaon, joined the prayers.

Following the prayer, special supplications were offered for the welfare of the nation, peace and prosperity of the global Muslim community, and for lasting relief from the post-pandemic situation. The congregation also prayed for national harmony and the well-being of all people.

According to local sources, the event was held peacefully, creating a festive atmosphere in the area. Law and order remained normal throughout the celebration.

Security measures have been intensified at the historic Sholakia Eidgah in Kishoreganj ahead of the upcoming Eid congregation. Starting Wednesday, two platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed to ensure law and order in the area. Police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and other security forces will also be on duty. The deployment was confirmed by Lieutenant Colonel Touhidul Bari, director of the Netrokona Battalion (31 BGB).

According to the report, BGB members will work in coordination with the district administration and other law enforcement agencies to create a comprehensive security perimeter around the Eidgah and its surrounding areas. The two BGB platoons are operating under the leadership of Assistant Director Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury.

This year marks the 199th Eid congregation at Sholakia, where preparations have been made for the participation of hundreds of thousands of worshippers. The prayer will be led by Mufti Abul Khayer Mohammad Saifullah and is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter D. Haas Christensen visited a cattle market in Dhaka ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha festival. During the visit, he took photographs, interacted with sellers and visitors, and observed the festive preparations. The US Embassy in Dhaka later shared the photos on its verified Facebook page, showing the ambassador engaging with the local community.

In the Facebook post, Ambassador Christensen described the experience of witnessing the vibrant atmosphere of the cattle market as wonderful, noting that families were preparing for Eid-ul-Azha. He extended his wishes for a joyful and peaceful Eid to everyone. The published images showed him walking through the market with an umbrella, smiling beside cows, and giving a thumbs-up next to a black goat.

The visit highlighted the ambassador’s engagement with local traditions and cultural practices in Bangladesh during one of the country’s most significant religious festivals.

On May 27, 2026, severe traffic congestion and rain caused major disruption at the Aricha and Paturia ferry terminals in Manikganj, as thousands of passengers attempted to cross the river ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. Ferry operations on the Aricha-Kazirhat and Paturia-Daulatdia routes were temporarily halted for an hour due to strong winds and rain. One of the five ferries on the Aricha-Kazirhat route, the Ro-Ro ferry Shah Ali, remained under repair after a mechanical failure, further reducing capacity.

Despite official restrictions on goods trucks during the Eid period, stone and cement-laden trucks were seen using the route, worsening the congestion. Many passengers walked several kilometers in the rain to reach the terminals, while others waited hours to board ferries. The traffic situation extended for about two kilometers around both terminals, with vehicles parked haphazardly along the Dhaka-Aricha highway.

Officials from BIWTC reported that hundreds of vehicles were waiting to cross, and they expected the situation to improve by evening as additional ferries were deployed to handle the increased load caused by congestion on the Jamuna Bridge route.