Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain Bokul has accused the previous Awami League and caretaker governments of failing to purchase vaccines from foreign donor agencies due to alleged corruption motives. He made the remarks on Tuesday afternoon at a relief distribution event for the underprivileged in Monohardi Upazila, Narsingdi. The minister claimed that the earlier administrations intended to buy vaccines through private channels but abandoned the plan when their desired arrangements were not met.

According to Bokul, the failure to procure vaccines led to a sudden outbreak of measles across the country, resulting in the deaths of many children. He stated that after the current government took office, it quickly arranged vaccine supplies and launched immunization drives, which have significantly reduced the spread of measles. He expressed hope that the situation would further improve within a week.

The minister also mentioned that initiatives have been taken to combat dengue and that a large budget has been allocated to strengthen the health system, with plans for extensive future work in the sector.

British journalist David Hearst has argued that Iran has emerged victorious in its recent conflict with the United States, fundamentally altering the balance of global power. He wrote that Iran’s resistance against subjugation has sent a strong message to the Arab world, showing that determined regional powers can resist U.S. and Israeli dominance. Hearst described how repeated failed negotiations between U.S. President Donald Trump and Iran exposed Washington’s declining influence, with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu playing a key role in undermining potential agreements.

The article outlines how Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz and its regional deterrence capabilities have strengthened its position. It also notes the emergence of a new Sunni alliance involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey, Qatar, and Oman, which contrasts with earlier U.S.-backed normalization efforts between Arab states and Israel. Hearst contends that the Islamic Republic’s survival has upended Israel’s regional ambitions and weakened U.S. strategic dominance.

According to Hearst, Iran’s endurance has emboldened resistance movements across the region and redefined Middle Eastern geopolitics, leaving both Trump and Netanyahu politically diminished.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP), announced the closure of his Motijheel office due to security concerns. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, he stated that operations at the temporary office located in the garage of Hotel Parabat in Motijheel have been suspended. All organizational and administrative activities will now be conducted from the 15th floor of Rupayan Tower.

Patwari urged residents of Dhaka-08 and supporters across Bangladesh to contact the new office for party-related matters. He emphasized that the party’s journey would continue with commitments to public trust, political decency, security, and the rights of ordinary citizens.

He also cautioned that anyone visiting the previous office location would be personally responsible for any potential security risks, attacks, or losses, urging everyone to prioritize safety above all else.

Heavy rain has turned Dhaka’s cattle markets into muddy, waterlogged grounds, causing severe hardship for both buyers and sellers ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha sacrifice. On Tuesday, at the Diabari market in Uttara, traders and farmers were seen struggling as cattle stood in knee-deep water and mud. Many animals appeared exhausted or ill from prolonged exposure to rain, while traders expressed frustration over the lack of drainage and poor preparation by market authorities.

Traders from Kushtia, Jamalpur, Faridpur, and Natore voiced anger at the market’s mismanagement, saying the leaseholders failed to ensure proper water removal despite collecting high fees. Some reported financial losses due to sick cattle and reduced buyer turnout. Buyers, however, continued to visit the markets under umbrellas, noting that prices were lower than usual as sellers were forced to compromise. Despite the discomfort, some customers expressed satisfaction after securing cattle within their budgets.

Repeated attempts to contact the Diabari market leaseholder, SF Corporation owner Sheikh Farid Hossain, went unanswered, leaving questions about accountability for the poor conditions.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has extended his greetings to the people of Bangladesh and Muslims around the world on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. In a verified Facebook post on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, he wished that the holy festival be illuminated by the spirit of sacrifice and that Allah accept the prayers and offerings of all believers, filling their lives with peace and prosperity.

In his message, the Prime Minister highlighted that Eid-ul-Azha returns each year to remind the global Muslim community of the supreme example of sacrifice, devotion, and faith demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (A). He described the festival as not only a celebration but also a timeless message of dedication and submission to the Creator.

He further prayed for peace, security, and stability for Bangladesh, the Muslim world, and all humanity, expressing hope that the blessings of Eid would inspire harmony and compassion across nations.

Iran has executed a man accused of espionage and intelligence cooperation with Israel, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency. The individual, identified as Gholamreza Khani Shekharab, was put to death after Iran’s Supreme Court upheld his death sentence. The report did not specify the location or method of execution.

Tasnim noted that Tehran has recently carried out several executions of individuals convicted of spying for Israel. Human rights organizations have criticized this pattern, arguing that Iran continues to rank among the world’s top countries in carrying out executions, reportedly second only to China.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, reflects ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, as well as international concern over Iran’s use of the death penalty in espionage and political cases.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was admitted to a hospital in Tel Aviv on Monday evening, according to Hebrew media reports. The Prime Minister’s Office stated that the 76-year-old leader was taken to the hospital primarily for dental treatment, as reported by the Times of Israel.

Netanyahu’s health has been a subject of public debate in Israel in recent months. He previously faced criticism for allegedly withholding details about his medical condition. Last month, he revealed through a social media post that he had undergone successful surgery at Hadassah Medical Center to remove a malignant prostate tumor. Alongside his announcement, a health report and related documents were released, though they lacked clarity and official hospital verification.

The report also recalled Netanyahu’s earlier medical procedures, including a pacemaker implantation in July 2023, hernia surgery in March 2024, and prostate surgery in December 2024.

Sheikh Ali bin Abdur Rahman Al-Hudhaifi, Imam of Masjid al-Nabawi, called on the global Muslim community to remain patient and united during challenging times. Delivering the Hajj sermon on Tuesday afternoon Bangladesh time, he emphasized the importance of maintaining mutual unity, solidarity, and brotherhood among Muslims.

In his sermon, Sheikh Al-Hudhaifi highlighted the spiritual and social significance of Hajj, describing it as a unique reflection of mutual acquaintance, harmony, and cooperation among Muslims worldwide. He urged believers to fear Allah, uphold honesty, and avoid falsehood and gossip. He also reminded pilgrims that true preparation for the Hereafter lies in monotheism and sincere worship of Allah.

After the sermon, special prayers were offered for the well-being of the Muslim Ummah and the acceptance of pilgrims’ worship. The Imam prayed for the safe return of all pilgrims to their home countries. Following the sermon, pilgrims performed the combined Zuhr and Asr prayers at Masjid Namira before proceeding to Mina for the next Hajj rituals.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told military commanders that regional countries now recognize the United States’ military presence in the Gulf has failed to guarantee long-term security. He described reliance on the US for security as an unrealistic and ineffective idea, according to a statement from the president’s office.

The statement added that Pezeshkian called for modernization of Iran’s defense infrastructure and warned that adversaries have acquired new technologies and equipment, complicating the current security environment. He urged the armed forces to work more closely with universities, scientific centers, and knowledge-based institutions to achieve technological superiority and strengthen defense capabilities.

Pezeshkian also thanked the military for maintaining professionalism and staying away from political and partisan influence, calling this commitment to national interests a valuable asset for the country.

Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid stated that no major complaints of extortion, insecurity, or mismanagement have been received so far. He said the administration remains on high alert. To prevent counterfeit currency risks during Eid-ul-Azha, counterfeit detection systems have been installed at various cattle markets to ensure safe transactions for both buyers and sellers. The minister made these remarks on Tuesday after inspecting the Neura cattle market in Cumilla Sadar Dakshin upazila.

He highlighted that the Eid-ul-Azha season provides one of the largest income opportunities for marginal farmers and livestock breeders. Through rearing and selling sacrificial animals, millions of families benefit financially, and the sector is gradually evolving into an industry-based economic activity. The government is implementing various support and training programs to enhance farmers’ capacity and expand livestock production.

The minister added that coordinated monitoring is underway across markets involving the administration, law enforcement, and the livestock department. Veterinary teams are deployed to ensure animal health services, while cleanliness and safety measures are being maintained. Field-level supervision will continue until Eid to ensure smooth trading.

Bus fares on the Dhaka-Tangail highway have reportedly doubled at the Chandra Trimor area of Kaliakoir upazila in Gazipur, prompting many homebound passengers to travel in open trucks instead. Local sources said vehicles operate from the Chandra bus stand to 27 northern routes, but a fare hike allegedly driven by a local syndicate has forced passengers to seek cheaper alternatives.

A passenger bound for Birganj said his regular fare of Tk 700 had risen to Tk 1,600, leading him to choose truck transport. A supervisor from Badsha Paribahan claimed higher operational costs at the stand made fare increases unavoidable. However, Dewan Jasim Uddin, joint general secretary of the Gazipur District Road Transport Workers Union, denied the existence of any syndicate and said they were monitoring to prevent passengers from boarding trucks, though some still managed to do so.

Naojor Highway Police Station officer-in-charge Saugatul Alam stated that authorities were monitoring to ensure no one charged excessive fares and would take action if complaints were filed.

Large numbers of people from various professions, including industrial workers, began leaving Gazipur and Dhaka on May 26, 2026, to celebrate Eid with their families. On the second day of the government holiday, most garment factories closed, prompting a surge of travelers on major highways. The Dhaka–Mymensingh and Dhaka–Tangail routes saw several times more vehicles than usual, causing slow traffic and higher transport fares for passengers.

Many travelers used buses, minibuses, and even trucks to reach their destinations, with some risking safety for lower fares. Transport operators reported that vehicle parking, random passenger boarding, and crowding along the highways contributed to the congestion. Traffic was particularly slow at Tongi, Gazipura, Board Bazar, Bhogra Bypass, and Chandna intersections.

Police estimated that over two million workers would leave Gazipur for Eid. They reported that 45 percent of factories had already closed, with another 45 percent expected to close by Tuesday afternoon, likely increasing traffic pressure. Law enforcement agencies deployed additional personnel at key points to manage the situation.

Iran has insisted that any potential agreement with the United States must include the release of $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets, according to a report by the semi-official Tasnim news agency citing a source close to Iran’s negotiating team in Qatar. The source said Tehran’s position is that half of the amount, or $12 billion, should be released at the time of signing a memorandum of understanding, with the remaining funds to be returned within 60 days.

Tasnim reported that Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, traveled to Qatar to reach an agreement on a mechanism for implementing this demand. The report did not specify the broader context of the negotiations or the current status of talks between Tehran and Washington.

The demand underscores Iran’s focus on recovering frozen assets as part of any future deal, though details of the negotiations and potential U.S. responses remain unclear.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir faced international condemnation this week after footage showed him gloating over blindfolded and bound activists detained from a flotilla in international waters. The activists, largely foreign nationals, had attempted to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Reports that at least 15 detainees were sexually assaulted during detention intensified the backlash. France banned Ben-Gvir from entering the country, while more than a dozen governments, including Italy, Canada, Spain, Ireland, Germany, and South Korea, summoned Israeli ambassadors or issued formal condemnations. Even the US ambassador criticized Ben-Gvir, calling his actions a betrayal of national dignity.

President Isaac Herzog publicly condemned settler violence and prisoner abuse, prompting Ben-Gvir to call for Herzog’s removal. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich advanced plans to demolish the Bedouin village of Khan al-Ahmar and expand West Bank settlements, framing the move as retaliation for the International Criminal Court’s warrant request against him. The Knesset Education Committee also pushed a bill extending Israeli civilian authority over archaeological sites in the West Bank and Gaza, drawing legal and military warnings that it could breach international agreements.

The developments unfolded amid ongoing demolitions, raids, and settler attacks across the occupied territories, as well as worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that the government will maintain a zero-tolerance policy against irregularities, terrorism, drugs, and extortion to ensure public safety and uphold the rule of law. Speaking to reporters after inspecting the National Operation Monitoring Center at the Police Headquarters in Dhaka on Tuesday, he said law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to restore peace and order after years of mismanagement. The minister observed monitoring activities and gave directives to police officials.

He stated that the central monitoring cell has been strengthened for Eid-ul-Azha, operating seven days before and after the festival. All highways, cattle markets, and major bridges are under round-the-clock surveillance, with body-worn cameras used where CCTV is unavailable. Ahmed noted a decline in road accidents compared to previous years and urged citizens to travel responsibly. He also confirmed strict action against illegal cattle markets and measures to prevent counterfeit currency circulation.

Regarding recent terrorist attacks in Narayanganj and Chattogram’s Jungle Salimpur, the minister said joint operations dismantled militant networks and arrests were made. Plans are underway to establish a comprehensive security and administrative hub in the area.