Iran and Israel said on Monday they had halted military strikes against each other after their most serious exchange of fire since an April ceasefire, although both sides warned they would respond forcefully to any renewed attacks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was holding fire at the moment but stressed that the confrontation with Iran and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement in Lebanon was not finished. Irans military said it had suspended operations after delivering what it described as a painful response to Israel. It warned that any further Israeli attacks,...

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to visit China from June 23 to 26. The visit has already sparked wide discussion in diplomatic circles.Both sides have expectations surrounding the trip. However, the prime ministers visit could pave the way for increased Chinese investment in Bangladesh. At the same time, it may also help break the deadlock surrounding the Teesta project. Beijing extended an invitation to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman soon after the BNP government assumed office. The significance of this visit, however, is not limited to bilateral relations alone. It will also...

Bangladesh has proposed increasing the number of its workers employed in Russia from nearly 10,000 at present to 1 lakh within the next year, as the two countries seek to expand manpower cooperation significantly. The proposal was made by Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman during his three-day official visit to Russia, according to a foreign ministry press release issued on Tuesday. The Russian authorities agreed to work expeditiously on the proposal, and both sides are expected to complete the necessary formalities in the near future, the release said. The proposed tenfold increase...

Bangladesh were sent in to bat after losing the toss to Australia in the opening match of their bilateral one-day international series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Tuesday (June 9). The series marks the first bilateral ODI contest between the two sides in 15 years and their first ODI series on Bangladeshi soil since the 2011 Cricket World Cup. The long-awaited series has generated significant interest among cricket fans, with both teams looking to make a strong start. Mosaddek Hossain was included in Bangladeshs playing XI for the first ODI, while...

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has advised river ports in 16 regions to hoist Local Cautionary Signal No. 1 as thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected to affect parts of the country. In a forecast issued on Tuesday, meteorologist AKM Nazmul Haque said temporary rain or thundershowers accompanied by squally winds could sweep across several regions. The affected areas include Rangpur, Rajshahi, Pabna, Bogura, Tangail, Mymensingh, Kushtia, Jashore, Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Cumilla, Chattogram, Coxs Bazar and Sylhet. Winds from the west or north-west may...