United News of Bangladesh

Against the background of the Iran-Israel conflicts, Bangladesh has taken an initiative to shift Bangladeshis, including its Mission officials to a safer location soon from Tehran, considering the situation on the ground in the Iranian capital. "At this moment, there is no way to leave Iran (by air). We have given them (Bangladeshis) instructions to move to a safer place," acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique told reporters at a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Secretary (East) Dr Md Nazrul Islam and Director General (Public Diplomacy) Shah Asif Rahman were also present. Siddique said the relocation process has already started with the funds available with the Mission. The acting Foreign Secretary said they are worried about 400 Bangladeshis in Tehran as they are at serious risk. Siddique, however, said there is additional financial involvement in terms of evacuation and relocation and there are certain difficulties in terms of sending financial support to Iran's internal systems. That is why, the acting Foreign Secretary said the evacuation and relocation is going to be delayed to some extent. Bangladesh Ambassador to Iran has already moved to a relatively safe place leaving his residence taking the safety issues into consideration, Siddique said. Responding to a question, the acting Foreign Secretary said there are around 400 Bangladeshis in Tehran and 100 Bangladeshis communicated with the government of Bangladesh. Siddique said they government will bear the cost related to evacuation and housing in the safer places and they will explore whether they can be sent outside Iran through Pakistan or Turkey if anyone wants to leave by land route. There are 40 staff members in Bangladesh Mission in Tehran.   "We are exploring all avenues," said the acting Foreign Secretary, adding that they are seeking support from friendly countries, including from Iran. The mission is in touch with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in this regard. The chancery is not safe and there is sensitive infrastructure (first nuclear research centre of Tehran University) located within one kilometre of it. Attempts were made to destroy it in the past days.  One of the two communication (internet) hubs of Tehran is also very close to the chancery. Officers and staff of the Embassy fear becoming collateral damage of any attack on those infrastructures. The acting Foreign Secretary said there is no sign of the Iran-Israel conflict ending soon and the consequences of that would be very damaging for Bangladesh. The Middle East is very important for Bangladesh economically, he added. IRGC claims strike on Israeli intelligence site, no Israeli response yet Highlighting the possible aspects of the impacts, Siddique said those who are working there might lose their jobs. “As far as I can see or understand, there is no signal or possibility of the war ending easily at the moment. However, we appeal to the international community that it is important to stop this conflict as soon as possible and establish peace in the Middle East. Otherwise, the consequences of the war can be very dire,” he said. Meanwhile, Bangladeshi citizens living in Iran and their relatives in Bangladesh have been informed that the Bangladesh Embassy in Tehran and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka set up a hotline for emergency communication in the current situation. All Bangladeshi citizens living in Iran and their relatives in Bangladesh can directly contact the following mobile phone numbers (including WhatsApp) of the Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in case of emergency: Bangladesh Embassy, Tehran Hotline: 1. +989908577368 2. +989122065745 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka Hotline: +8801712012847 The number of Bangladeshis living in Iran is less than 2000 and many of them got married there. On June 14, Bangladesh urged the United Nations and the international community to act collectively in support of a stable Middle East, underscoring that diplomacy and mutual respect remain the only viable path to lasting peace. "Bangladesh calls upon all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and refrain from any actions that may further escalate tensions in an already volatile region," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bangladesh unequivocally expressed its strong condemnation and deep concern over the latest Israeli military attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran. This blatant act of hostility constitutes a clear violation of the United Nations Charter and fundamental principles of international law and the sovereignty of Iran, Bangladesh said. "It poses a serious threat to regional and global peace and security with far-reaching consequences."   Iran fired around 20 missiles this morning: Israeli official    

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that Iran will face consequences for its recent missile strikes targeting Israeli military facilities, escalating tensions between the two nations. In response, Tehran has warned that any retaliation by Israel or its allies will be met with "vast destruction," signalling a significant escalation in an already volatile region. Iran's Revolutionary Guards issued a stark warning on Wednesday, stating that any Israeli response would trigger "crushing attacks" from Tehran. The missile barrage, which targeted multiple Israeli military bases, prompted Netanyahu to promise swift retribution, even as Iran claimed the attack was a defensive measure and concluded unless provoked further. The Escalating Conflict: A Summary Missile Barrage: Iran launched a series of missile attacks on Tuesday, targeting three military bases near Tel Aviv and key air and radar installations. According to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), "90 per cent" of the missiles successfully hit their intended targets, though no injuries have been reported by Israeli authorities. Link to Hamas Leader's Assassination: Tehran attributed the missile strike to what it described as an "attack on the sovereignty" of Iran, referencing the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in July. The Iranian government framed its military actions as defensive, undertaken only "after a period of restraint." Warnings from Iran: Tehran has cautioned that any Israeli or allied retaliation would result in "vast destruction." The Iranian armed forces also warned other nations against intervening in the conflict, stating that their "interests in the region will also face a powerful attack." Iran fires at least 180 missiles into Israel as regionwide conflict grows Iran’s Stance: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a televised address, stated, "Iran is not a warmonger, but it firmly opposes any threats. This is merely a glimpse of our strength. Do not provoke Iran." He further added that Iran's missile strike was a "decisive response" to Israeli "aggression." Israel’s Response and International Reactions Following the Iranian missile strikes, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu delivered a firm warning, declaring, "Iran made a big mistake tonight and will pay for it. Whoever attacks us, we attack them." Israel’s security cabinet convened an emergency meeting on Tuesday night to discuss the escalating situation. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has since ordered evacuations in parts of Lebanon, including Beirut, as it continues to strike suspected Hezbollah targets and pushes ahead with its ground incursion. Meanwhile, the United States, which had previously warned of an imminent Iranian ballistic missile attack, described the assault as "defeated and ineffective." White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan also cautioned Tehran, warning of severe repercussions if the situation deteriorates further. Aftermath of the Attack Iran reportedly fired more than 180 ballistic missiles at Israel, targeting key airbases and the headquarters of the Israeli spy agency Mossad. Explosions were heard across Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and the Jordan River Valley. Although Israel's military published footage of a school in the central city of Gadera heavily damaged by an Iranian missile, no injuries have been reported within Israel itself. Israeli military warns several Lebanese communities near the border to evacuate The IDF confirmed that its missile defence systems carried out "a large number of interceptions" to prevent further damage. The US stated it assisted in intercepting some of the missiles to help defend Israel. However, a Palestinian was reported killed in the occupied West Bank during the attacks, according to local authorities. Context and Further Developments Tuesday's attack by Iran followed Israel’s recent airstrikes that targeted Hezbollah’s leadership in Lebanon, killing several high-ranking members, including the group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Hezbollah has long been considered a proxy of Iran in the region, and the death of its senior figures has further inflamed the conflict between Israel and Iran. The situation remains tense as both sides brace for further developments. Diplomatic efforts are underway, but with each side issuing threats of retribution, the likelihood of a broader conflict appears to be growing. The international community has urged restraint, but with both Tehran and Tel Aviv standing firm, the prospect of de-escalation seems increasingly remote.