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.

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.