A senior official of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), Abul Hasnat Chowdhury Chandan, reportedly held a secret meeting with leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organizations in Rangpur’s Badarganj on May 27, 2026. The meeting took place inside a room adjacent to Chowdhury Pharmacy near the central Shaheed Minar. Participants allegedly discussed preparations for the Awami League’s possible return to power after August 15 and criticized the current BNP government.

According to a local Awami League leader who attended, Chandan, the younger brother of former MP Duke Chowdhury, met several party figures to discuss political developments and cases against Awami League activists. Witnesses claimed that Chandan frequently visits his hometown using an official vehicle and meets local leaders privately. When contacted, Chandan did not respond to phone calls or messages.

Badarganj BNP’s general secretary Azizul Haque said the banned Awami League has no authority to hold meetings and urged administrative action. The local police chief stated that no banned political group has the right to meet and that authorities would act if such gatherings are confirmed.

Authorities in West Bengal have decided to remove a 70-foot statue of Argentine football star Lionel Messi in Kolkata due to safety risks. Engineers from the state’s Public Works Department inspected the fiberglass and iron structure after local residents raised complaints and declared it unsafe. The statue, installed last December to mark Messi’s ‘GOAT’ tour, was found to be structurally unstable and swaying in the wind.

State legislator Sharadwut Mukherjee confirmed that the statue was unsafe and noted the difficulty of removing it because of its location near a busy road and subway. To prevent accidents, officials have tied the statue with heavy nylon ropes and set up barricades to restrict traffic and public access. Local authorities are now searching for an alternative site for relocation.

According to reports, a 45-member team had worked continuously for 27 days to construct the massive statue, which Messi inaugurated virtually via remote control. The unveiling event at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium was also marked by some incidents of unrest.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Porwar expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of six newborns at Ad-Din Medical College Hospital in Moghbazar, Dhaka. In a statement issued to the media on Wednesday, he described the incident, which occurred early on May 27, as heartbreaking and tragic, noting that the infants were only one to two days old.

Porwar said the loss was irreparable for the parents and families and that the entire nation was shocked by the news. He cited the hospital authority’s initial assumption that the tragedy might have resulted from an air-conditioning gas leak or another technical fault. He emphasized that such incidents should never occur in a medical facility.

He urged the formation of a prompt and impartial investigation committee to determine the true cause of the deaths. Porwar also called for exemplary punishment if any negligence or irresponsibility by hospital authorities is proven. He extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the deceased infants.

Continuous heavy rainfall in Brahmanbaria’s Nabinagar upazila caused the Shyamgram-Salimganj regional road to collapse on Wednesday morning, completely halting communication. The incident has left residents of three unions and parts of neighboring Bancharampur upazila—around one lakh people—facing severe disruption just before Eid. Local officials and residents reported that the road broke apart under water pressure after rainwater failed to drain properly.

Shyamgram Union Parishad Chairman Shamsuzzaman Khan Masum said the collapse occurred due to flawed construction planning. A bridge that once allowed water flow and boat movement through a canal was replaced by a three-foot cement pipe, which blocked drainage. Locals said the road was under a Tk 15 crore reconstruction project scheduled for completion in August 2025, but Tk 9 crore had already been withdrawn by the contractor. The collapse has also cut access to nearby schools, markets, and routes to Dhaka.

District officials confirmed that the upazila administration has been instructed to take immediate action, and repair work has already begun. Residents have urged swift restoration of the road to resume normal travel.

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.