The core rituals of this year’s Hajj take place today, Tuesday, the 9th of Zulhijjah, at the historic Arafat plain in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims from around the world are spending the day in prayer and reflection, marking the central phase of the pilgrimage known as the Day of Arafah. The Hajj sermon will be delivered by Sheikh Ali bin Abdur Rahman Al-Huzaifi from Masjid al-Nabawi and broadcast in 50 languages, including Bangla. After sunset, pilgrims will proceed to Muzdalifah for prayers and overnight stay under the open sky before continuing the remaining rites in Mina.

According to the Saudi authorities, over 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have arrived despite regional conflicts, surpassing last year’s international attendance. Bangladesh has sent about 78,500 pilgrims, with 28 reported deaths before the main rituals. The Bangladeshi delegation, led by the religious affairs minister, is monitoring services on-site.

Saudi health officials have urged pilgrims to use umbrellas, stay hydrated, and avoid direct sunlight amid extreme heat. Cooling systems, mist sprays, and water distribution have been arranged in Mina and Arafat to reduce heat-related risks.

A new study reported by the BBC reveals that Earth's days are gradually becoming longer as climate change causes polar ice and glaciers to melt, redistributing mass toward the equator and slowing the planet’s rotation. The change is extremely small—measured in fractions of milliseconds—but scientists describe the underlying force as immense and unmatched in millions of years. Researchers from the University of Vienna and ETH Zurich analyzed geological records to determine whether such rapid changes had occurred before.

The team examined fossilized shells of benthic foraminifera from the ocean floor, which preserve ancient sea-level data, and used a custom machine learning algorithm to refine records dating back 3.6 million years. They found that the current rate of lengthening, about 1.33 milliseconds per century, is unique in the geological record. The study attributes this to roughly 1,000 gigatons of mass shifting from polar regions to the oceans.

Scientists warn that if greenhouse gas emissions remain high, climate change could become the dominant factor affecting Earth's day length by the end of this century.

Former US diplomat and Pentagon official Adam Clements stated that the recent US strike in Iran’s port city of Bandar Abbas will not cause the existing peace agreement to collapse. Speaking to Al Jazeera, he said the United States is likely gathering intelligence and assessing Iran’s maritime assets near the Strait of Hormuz.

Clements referred to reports that US forces targeted Iranian vessels allegedly involved in missile launch preparations and sea mine deployment. He suggested that the US acted based on such intelligence. Addressing US Central Command’s accusation that Iran was laying mines in the sea, he warned that such actions by Iranian forces could provoke a deadly response.

Clements added that Iran should not be surprised by the US decision to take this kind of military action, implying that the move was consistent with prior warnings and intelligence assessments.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to intensify attacks against Hezbollah, declaring that Israel will completely eliminate the group. His statement came despite an agreement between Lebanese and Israeli officials to extend the existing ceasefire, signaling a possible escalation in tensions.

According to Al Jazeera correspondent Obaida Hito reporting from southern Lebanon, the current ceasefire appears to exist only on paper, suggesting that hostilities have not meaningfully subsided. The situation highlights the fragile nature of the truce and the ongoing volatility along the Israel-Lebanon border.

The announcement underscores the uncertainty surrounding the ceasefire’s durability and raises concerns about renewed conflict in the region if military operations continue.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has described Israel’s treatment of civilians aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla as “horrific” and “unacceptable.” He made the remarks during a phone conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, according to a statement shared on social media platform X. The discussion focused on the recent incident involving the flotilla carrying humanitarian supplies toward Gaza.

In his statement, Carney emphasized the need to reduce tensions in the Middle East and called for the resumption of sincere dialogue among all parties. He underscored that progress toward peace and stability in the region must remain a clear and shared objective. The comments reflect Canada’s concern over the humanitarian and diplomatic implications of Israel’s actions toward the flotilla.

The exchange between the two leaders highlights ongoing international scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in the region and renewed calls for de-escalation and dialogue to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced a month-long field campaign to begin after Eid-ul-Azha, aimed at countering negative propaganda against the government over the implementation of the July National Charter and state reform issues. The initiative seeks to revive grassroots political activity and strengthen organizational engagement across all levels. BNP’s affiliated bodies, including the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal, will actively participate in the campaign through rallies, leaflet distribution, yard meetings, and direct public outreach.

According to BNP leaders, the campaign will highlight the government’s progress in implementing its election manifesto and clarify its stance on the July Charter and referendum issues. Party Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman earlier instructed district and metropolitan leaders to coordinate with local MPs and activists to design area-specific programs. Letters signed by senior leaders have also been sent to strengthen coordination among organizational units.

BNP leaders said the campaign aims to dispel misinformation spread by opposition alliances and reaffirm the party’s commitment to fully implement the July Charter. The program is expected to reinvigorate BNP’s grassroots network and mark the beginning of broader organizational restructuring.

Customers of Islami Bank Bangladesh have warned that they will not accept former Bangladesh Bank deputy governor Khurshid Alam as the bank’s chairman. They declared that if Khurshid Alam is appointed, the current Bangladesh Bank governor must resign. The warning came during a human chain protest held on Monday afternoon in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka, organized by the Islami Bank Conscious Customers Forum.

Speakers at the event, including forum leaders, shareholders, and business figures, alleged that appointing Khurshid Alam would serve the interests of political and business groups they accused of conspiring against Islami Bank. They claimed that customers would defend their deposits and hold the central bank governor responsible for any untoward incidents. The protest also demanded that Islami Bank’s current managing director, Omar Faruq, remain in his position to ensure the bank’s progress.

Participants urged the government to prevent what they described as attempts to hand over the bank to corrupt individuals and reaffirmed that the institution’s ownership must remain with its genuine shareholders and depositors.

The United States military carried out an airstrike in southern Iran, according to reports from a major US broadcaster cited by Al Jazeera. US Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesperson Tim Hawkins told Fox News that the strike was entirely defensive, aimed at protecting American troops from what he described as a direct threat from Iranian forces. The operation reportedly targeted two main objectives: missile launch facilities inside Iran and Iranian naval vessels attempting to lay mines in the Persian Gulf or nearby waters.

Iranian local media confirmed the occurrence of the strike, reporting loud explosions in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas. The semi-official Mehr News Agency stated that the situation in the area was now under full control. Hawkins added that the US military was maintaining maximum restraint during an ongoing ceasefire period while continuing to safeguard its forces.

Analysts cited in the report suggested that the sudden US strike amid an existing ceasefire could heighten regional tensions in the Middle East.

U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated his demand that Iran immediately hand over its stock of enriched uranium to the United States or destroy it at an acceptable location. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump referred to the material as 'nuclear dust' and said it should be eliminated either by transfer to the U.S. for complete destruction or through a coordinated process with Iran.

According to Trump’s statement, the destruction process could follow one of two paths: immediate transfer of the enriched uranium to the United States for destruction, or a joint and coordinated destruction effort within Iran or another acceptable site. He emphasized that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) or a similar international body must be present as a witness to verify the process and its authenticity.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, did not include any response from Iranian officials or details on whether such a proposal has been formally communicated through diplomatic channels.

A massive traffic jam stretching about 23 kilometers has formed on the Dhaka-Tangail highway, causing severe suffering for homebound passengers ahead of Eid. Since Monday night, May 25, vehicles have been moving slowly through the Savar and Kaliakoir sections. Traffic congestion was reported from Jirani to Chandra, covering around 8 kilometers, and from Mouchak to Gorai, covering another 15 kilometers.

Eyewitnesses said the gridlock resulted from excessive vehicle pressure, breakdowns at several points, and the simultaneous movement of a large number of vehicles for Eid travel. The situation worsened due to the heavy presence of buses, trucks, and private cars. Passengers described long waits, with some forced to walk after being stuck for hours. Families with children and elderly members expressed particular distress.

Kona Bari Naojor Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saugatul Alam stated that the slowdown was due to heavy traffic but assured that police officers were working continuously to manage the situation.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s attempts to pressure Iran into accepting Washington’s terms for a peace deal through threats and limited military actions have yielded little change, according to reports. Despite a ceasefire declared in April, the framework of the proposed agreement shows no major shift in Iran’s nuclear program or its core policy positions. A key element of the upcoming deal could involve reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and gas transport, which Iran has effectively blocked since late February.

Analysts note that while U.S. officials initially expected the reopening to lower global gas prices and weaken Iran’s bargaining power, Iranian forces have maintained control of the strait and resisted U.S. pressure. The U.S. Navy began a blockade near Iranian ports on April 13, redirecting several ships through alternate routes. Trump’s “Project Freedom” initiative to free stranded vessels achieved limited success before being suspended.

Experts suggest Iran’s leadership has grown more confident after the conflict, believing it has withstood external pressure while remaining firm in negotiations.

Police in Chattogram have arrested 11 people, including members of a banned student group, for alleged involvement in violence following the rape of a three-and-a-half-year-old child in the Baklia Chairman Ghat area. The arrests were made Monday night during coordinated raids across the city. Authorities said the suspects were involved in setting a police vehicle on fire, attacking a deputy police commissioner, and attempting to incite unrest.

Investigators revealed that the detainees had also planned to kill the rape suspect, Monir Hossain, either during court proceedings or while in custody, to embarrass the government and destabilize law and order. Police said they thwarted the plan through rapid deployment and arrests. The violence on May 21 had spread from Baklia to the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar highway, prompting police to use rubber bullets, sound grenades, and tear gas to restore order.

Police confirmed that separate cases are being prepared, possibly under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Security has been tightened in the affected areas, and further suspects are being identified through video footage and witness accounts.

A massive fire broke out at the Kalshi slum in Dhaka’s Pallabi area on Monday evening, burning for nearly two hours before being brought under control by the Fire Service. The blaze started around 7:23 p.m. and was contained by 9:35 p.m. after 15 Fire Service units were deployed to the scene. Officials reported that water shortages and strong winds made firefighting efforts difficult.

According to the Fire Service’s media cell, more than 100 houses were likely destroyed in the fire. No casualties have been reported so far, and the cause of the blaze remains unknown. Authorities are currently assessing the extent of the damage and investigating the source of the fire.

The Fire Service stated that work is ongoing to determine the exact cause and total losses from the incident.

A source familiar with the matter said that the United States and Iran have reached an understanding regarding Tehran’s frozen financial assets through Qatar’s mediation. The discussions took place in Doha between a high-level Iranian delegation and relevant officials, where significant progress was reportedly made on key issues related to the seized funds.

According to the same source, the agreement represents a highly important development for Iran. The report suggests that there is a strong possibility of an official announcement of a formal deal between the United States and Iran as early as tomorrow. The information was originally reported by Al Jazeera and cited by the outlet.

If confirmed, the understanding could mark a notable step in addressing long-standing financial disputes between the two countries, though no further details about the terms or scope of the agreement were disclosed in the report.

Seven months after a ceasefire was brokered to halt Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, the agreement has effectively become a cover for continued attacks. According to Gaza’s health ministry, Israeli forces have killed at least 880 Palestinians since the truce, bringing the total death toll to 72,797. Analysts and human rights officials say Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is deliberately stalling the peace process ahead of Israel’s expected September elections to maintain support from his right-wing coalition.

Mai El-Sheikh of the UN Human Rights Office in Palestine accused Israel of using the ceasefire as a pretext for ongoing war crimes and warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis caused by restrictions on food and medicine. The Gaza Rights Center documented at least 12 forced evacuations in May before Israeli forces destroyed residential blocks in central Gaza camps. Rights groups say these demolitions and phone warnings are part of a broader policy of forced displacement.

The international mechanism enforcing the ceasefire, led by the US-based Board of Peace, has faltered due to internal divisions. Observers warn that without a reconstruction plan, Gaza’s devastation will persist indefinitely.