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.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly used a procurement network based in the United Arab Emirates to obtain advanced Chinese satellite communication equipment linked to its drone program. According to a Financial Times report published on Sunday, documents show that the IRGC’s Aerospace Force acquired military-grade Chinese satellite antennas and communication technology through a UAE-based company called Telisan by the end of 2025.

The report states that about 1.8 tons of satellite antenna equipment were shipped from Shanghai through Jebel Ali Port to Iran’s Bandar Abbas, later handed to the Iranian firm Ertebatat Faragostar Kish. Satellite imagery and GPS data indicated that the Iranian vessel involved transmitted misleading signals to conceal its location. Analysts cited in the report said the IRGC continues to use Middle Eastern commercial networks and free trade zones to obtain strategic military technology despite Western sanctions.

The Financial Times documents also claim that the equipment was used in Iran’s drone and missile operations, which caused significant damage to U.S. bases in the region. Neither UAE nor Iranian authorities commented on the report.

Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) has secured the 15th position among Bangladeshi institutions in the globally recognized Nature Index, achieving a share score of 0.20. The index, published by Nature Portfolio since 2014, evaluates research output and institutional contributions to high-quality scientific publications worldwide. The latest ranking covers research papers published between February 1 of the previous year and January 31 of the current year in 145 leading pure science and medical journals.

According to the Nature Index, contributions to multi-institutional research are divided fractionally, forming the basis of each institution’s share score. RUET’s inclusion reflects its growing research capacity and consistent academic performance. The university’s Director of Student Welfare, Professor Dr. Robiul Islam Sarkar, described the achievement as a matter of pride, highlighting it as recognition of the collective efforts of faculty and students.

Researchers believe that with enhanced funding, modern laboratories, and international collaboration, RUET could further strengthen its position in future global rankings. The recognition has created a celebratory atmosphere on campus and is expected to motivate greater engagement in research activities.

On May 26, 2026, cattle markets across Dhaka saw brisk trading despite continuous rain and severe waterlogging ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. From morning showers to afternoon downpours, buyers and sellers continued flocking to major markets including Gabtoli, Shahjahanpur, Diabari, Aftabnagar, Meradia, and Rahmatganj. Many areas were submerged, with knee-deep mud and standing water making movement difficult, yet trading persisted late into the night.

The previous day’s 57 millimeters of rainfall had already caused major traffic disruptions and flooding in key city areas. Persistent rain over two days worsened conditions for both commuters and traders. Buyers reported higher cattle prices and discomfort due to muddy grounds, while sellers noted that feed costs had pushed prices up compared to last year. Authorities said measures were being taken to manage the situation, with the state minister for local government visiting Gabtoli market to ensure a safer environment.

Traders expect sales to peak on the eve of Eid, though concerns remain that continued rain or the arrival of Indian cattle could affect final prices and profits.

Adverse weather conditions caused major flight disruptions at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. From early morning, several international and domestic flights were cancelled, diverted, or delayed for hours, leaving passengers facing significant inconvenience. The airport’s public relations officer, Engineer Mohammad Ibrahim Khalil, confirmed the disruptions in an official press release.

According to airport sources, Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-138 from Madinah was diverted to Dhaka instead of landing in Chattogram at 9:40 a.m. It later returned to Chattogram at 2:01 p.m. and departed again for Dhaka at 3:20 p.m. US-Bangla Airlines flight BS-342 from Dubai to Dhaka via Chattogram departed for Dhaka at 3:09 p.m. after a four-and-a-half-hour delay, while its BS-105 flight on the Dhaka–Chattogram–Dhaka route was cancelled. Flydubai’s FDB-564 flight from Chattogram to Dubai also departed nearly three hours late at 12:16 p.m.

Airport authorities stated that poor runway visibility and safety concerns prompted the schedule changes and cancellations, and they are monitoring the situation continuously.

After Suvendu Adhikari assumed office as Chief Minister of West Bengal, government stipends for teachers at 601 unregistered madrasas were discontinued, according to a report by India Today. These institutions collectively serve about 84,000 students and employ nearly 6,000 teachers. During Mamata Banerjee’s tenure, the state had provided financial assistance to these madrasas, but that support has now been withdrawn.

Following the suspension of stipends, a delegation of teachers met with Minority Morcha president Kamal Hossain, who assured them that he would look into the matter. The report also noted that Adhikari’s administration introduced new regulations on animal slaughter, which have affected cattle sales during the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, causing concern among Hindu cattle farmers.

Additionally, the state government reduced the Eid al-Adha holiday from two days to one, citing adjustments based on moon sighting. The change marks a departure from the previous Trinamool Congress government’s policy, as the Bharatiya Janata Party now governs the state with a majority of 207 assembly seats.

A 20-member youth delegation from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is set to visit China from June 4 to 14, 2026, at the invitation of the Chinese government. The list, published by the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives and signed by Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, includes student leaders from various universities and organizations but excludes any elected representatives from the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU). The omission has drawn attention and debate on social media.

Several JAKSU leaders expressed disappointment over their exclusion, noting that Jagannath University performed strongly in recent student elections. They voiced hope that future delegations would include their representatives. Some leaders emphasized that the selection was based on the party’s internal planning rather than election results, while others criticized the decision as undermining their institution’s contributions.

BNP’s Jagannath University student leaders reiterated their commitment to the party’s ideals and expressed confidence that future opportunities would reflect fair representation across institutions.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Air Force commander, Sayed Majid Mousavi, has warned that Iran is fully prepared to deliver a decisive response to what it calls a US violation of the ongoing ceasefire. In a post on social media platform X, Mousavi criticized current diplomatic efforts, saying that talks with the enemy bring only harm. He stated that Iran’s air force, which oversees the country’s strategic ballistic missile and drone programs, is on high alert and ready to act upon the supreme commander’s final order.

Earlier, Iran’s Foreign Ministry accused the United States of breaching the ceasefire by conducting aggressive activities in the Hormozgan region near Bandar Abbas. The statement comes amid continuing peace negotiations, which have been overshadowed by renewed tensions between Tehran and Washington.

The warning signals a potential escalation if the ceasefire violations persist, with Iran emphasizing its readiness for immediate retaliation should hostilities resume.

Saudi Arabia and several other countries are set to celebrate Eid al-Adha tomorrow, according to reports published on May 26, 2026. The celebration will take place across the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. Muslim-majority nations such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey, and Tunisia have also confirmed that they will observe the festival on the same day.

Preparations for Eid prayers, animal sacrifices, and public holidays have already been completed in these countries. In addition, many Muslim communities in Europe and North America are expected to celebrate Eid al-Adha tomorrow in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s announcement.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh and several South Asian countries are expected to observe the festival a day later. Across the Muslim world, the occasion is being marked with both religious solemnity and festive enthusiasm.

Law Minister Md. Anisul Huq stated that the judiciary in Bangladesh operates independently and that NCP leaders received bail because judges act freely. He made the remarks on Tuesday morning after visiting the Shailkupa Upazila Health Complex in Jhenaidah. The minister also assured that the state would provide all necessary support to expedite the trial of the Ramisa rape and murder case, though he acknowledged delays due to shortages of judges and lawyers across the country.

Responding to NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah’s claim that the Law Ministry controls the courts, the minister said such comments amount to contempt of court. He emphasized that judges in Bangladesh are more independent than in many other countries. The minister described the statements by Hasnat Abdullah and Nasiruddin Patwari as politically motivated and aimed at creating confusion.

He further noted that recent incidents involving NCP activists in Jhenaidah were handled responsibly by the police and that the judiciary functioned independently in those matters.

Lorenzo Kamal, a history professor at the University of Turin and Rome’s Luiss School of Government, told Al Jazeera that Washington must bring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu under control if it wants to implement a peace agreement between Iran and the United States. He made the remarks in an interview published on Tuesday.

Kamal said Israeli authorities have been trying to escalate tensions in Lebanon to weaken any potential deal between the Trump administration and Iranian officials. According to him, Netanyahu remains the central figure in this dynamic, seeking to present himself as an indispensable wartime leader at least until Israel’s next election. Kamal added that Netanyahu’s political position could weaken if tensions subside, allowing his rivals to challenge his leadership.

He further noted that the United States continues to allow Israel to act without restraint, and until Trump compels Netanyahu to enforce a ceasefire in Lebanon, the Iran-US peace agreement will remain extremely fragile.