Iran has reportedly placed its armed forces on high alert, preparing for potential conflict yet seeking to avoid escalation, according to a report in The New York Times, cited by Times of Israel. This move follows direct instructions from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has ordered Iran’s military to formulate a range of defensive and retaliatory plans in the event of an Israeli strike. The report quotes four senior Iranian officials, including two members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, who indicated that Iran would retaliate if any significant harm or casualties were inflicted in Israeli attacks. However, they specified that if Israel targets only limited military sites or weapon depots, Tehran’s response may differ. Besides, Iranian officials clarified that any direct assault on critical assets – including oil facilities, nuclear inst.

Lieutenant General Waker-Uz-Zaman has been appointed as the new Army Chief of Bangladesh, effective June 23, 2024. With this appointment, he will be promoted to the rank of General, as confirmed by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Tuesday (June 11, 2024). His tenure as Army Chief will last for three years. He will replace General S M Shafiuddin Ahmed, who took over the Command of Bangladesh Army as the 17th Chief of Army Staff on 24 June 2021 and will complete his tenure on June 23, 2024. An alumnus of Bangladesh Military Academy, he was commissioned in the Corps of Infantry on December 20, 1985. Having an illustrious career of more than three and a half decades, Lieutenant General Waker brings with him enormous experience of holding key command, staff and instructional appointments. In his distinguished military career, Lieutenant General Waker commanded an Infantry Battalion, the only Independent Infantry Brigade of Bangladesh Army and an Infantry Division. His key staff appointments include staff officer at an Infantry Brigade, School of Infantry and Tactics and Army Headquarters. He was a distinguished instructor at ‘School of Infantry and Tactics’, ‘Non-commissioned Officers’ Academy’ and Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operations Training’. Lieutenant General Waker served as the Military Secretary in Army Headquarters. Prior to joining as the CGS of Bangladesh Army, he performed as Principal Staff Officer of the Prime Minister at Armed Forces Division under Prime Minister’s Office. Lieutenant General Waker is an alumnus of the Defence Services Command and Staff College, Mirpur and Joint Services Command and Staff College, UK. He holds a Master’s degree in Defence Studies from National University of Bangladesh and Master of Arts in Defence Studies from King’s College, University of London. As the head of the Armed Forces Division, he was directly involved with the UN Peacekeeping Affairs of Bangladesh Armed Forces. He was also nominated as a Gender Champion and Gender Advocate of Bangladesh for UN Peacekeeping Affairs. By virtue of his appointment as Principal Staff Officer, he also headed the ‘Bangladesh National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention’ as Chairman. Under the Blue Helmet, Lieutenant General Waker completed two tours of duty as observer and staff in UNAVEM (Angola) and UNMIL (Liberia) respectively. As the CGS of the Bangladesh Army, he has been responsible for the military operations, military intelligence, UN peacekeeping affairs, budget, and many other affairs of the army. Lieutenant General Waker had the rare privilege of commanding the National Victory Day Parade for three consecutive times. He was awarded the coveted ‘Army Medal of Glory (SGP)’ and Extraordinary Service Medal (OSP) for his remarkable contributions in the modernization of the army. He frequents as a keynote speaker in different seminars and symposiums both at home and abroad. He enjoys games and sports. He is happily married to Sarahnaz Kamalika Zaman and blessed with two daughters: Samiha Raisa Zaman and Shayeera Ibnat Zaman.

Dogs, often referred to as "man's best friend," have long played a pivotal role in human society. They are incredibly smart, loyal, and strong, making them perfect for important jobs. Among these roles, serving alongside the police stands out! These breeds are more than just pets; they are real-life superheroes with a mission to protect and serve. This article discusses the 10 Smartest Police Dog Breeds around the globe. Each breed features unique stories, appearance, characteristics, and incredible abilities. Let’s get ready to meet some remarkable crime-fighting canines! 10 Finest Police Dog Breeds Worldwide German Shepherd This breed with a rich heritage, was developed by Max von Stephanitz in 1899. These dogs are known for their remarkable intelligence, adaptability, and impressive work ethic. The average height of male German Shepherd dogs are about 60 to 65 cm and weigh around 30 to 40 kg, while the female dogs are slightly smaller. During World War I, one heroic German Shepherd named Antis served in North Africa and England. In 1949, this dog breed played a vital role in an escape from communist Czechoslovakia. Bing, also known as Brian, served the 13th Parachute Battalion during World War II, displaying courage and loyalty. Irma, another remarkable German Shepherd, rescued people trapped under destroyed buildings during the London Blitz in 1945. Today, security agencies worldwide, including Guard Dog Patrols in Denmark, International VIP Bodyguard (IVIPB) LTD in the UK, and Sparta Security Group, rely on German Shepherds for their unmatched skills and dedication to duty. Read more: Top Super Luxury Cars for 2023 Belgian Malinois It, originally a herding dog from Belgium, has evolved to become a versatile and agile breed. With average height of 56 to 66 cm and weight of 20 to 30 kg, these dogs are known for their hard work and dedication. One outstanding Malinois, K9 Killer, was awarded the PDSA Gold Medal for assisting in capturing 115 poachers at Kruger National Park. Kuga, an Australian Army Malinois, received the Dickin Medal for capturing an insurgent despite being injured in the War in Afghanistan. Mali, a British Army Malinois, also earned the Dickin Medal for completing a mission while injured during the same conflict. IVIPB LTD, a British company, and Integrity K9 Services in the United States, are among the security agencies that incorporate these extraordinary Belgian Malinois into their ranks. Read more: Top 10 Most Valuable Metals in the World in 2023 Bloodhound This is a large scent hound with an origin that remains disputed, but its tracking abilities are legendary. The male bloodhound dogs weigh around 36 to 72 kg with height of 58 to 69 cm on average. Their female counterparts are slightly shorter. Their extraordinary sense of smell and tracking instincts have made them invaluable in police work and search-and-rescue missions. A famous Bloodhound, Tunga, in Karnataka, India, uncovered over 50 murders and 60 thefts during her service. Notably, the Bloodhound played a significant role in history as well. During World War I, they carried messages and pulled ambulance litters in the battlefields. IVIPB LTD continues to incorporate Bloodhounds into its operations. Read more: Top 10 Healthy Seeds to Eat Boxer This breed, hailing from Germany, has a distinctive square muzzle and powerful bite. Male Boxer dogs typically weigh around 30 to 32 kg with height of 56 to 64 cm, while female boxers weigh around 25 to 27 kg with height of 53 to 61 cm on average. Boxers' bright, energetic, and playful nature makes them ideal for various roles, including serving as police dogs. These intelligent animals have also worked as messenger dogs, pack carriers, and guard dogs during times of war. Punch and Judy, two Boxers, were awarded the Dickin Medal for their gallantry in a military conflict. IVIPB LTD recognizes their value and includes them in their list of Police Dog Breeds Used in Law Enforcement and Governments. Read more: Top 10 Most Expensive Water Bottle Brands in the World Dobermann Pinscher It, originally developed by Louis Dobermann, stands out for its intelligence and grace. The male Dobermann Pinscher dogs typically range from 68 to 72 cm in height, weighing 40 to 45 kg. On the other hand, the female Dobermanns have average heights and weights of 63 to 68 cm and 32 to 35 kg respectively. Dobermanns are known for their loyalty and make excellent guard dogs. Their unique characteristics made them popular during World War II, serving as guard dogs and even as messengers. One unforgettable Dobermann, Cappy, saved the lives of 250 U.S. Marines when he alerted them of DWJapanese soldiers. Another, named Kurt, was the first K-9 casualty in the war. Today, IVIPB LTD incorporates Dobermanns into its list of Police Dog Breeds Used in Law Enforcement and Governments. Read more: Top 10 Strongest Currencies in the World in 2023

Brig Gen (Retd) M. Sakhawat Hussain today (February 22, 2023) said that using a liberal interpretation of the non-lethal assistance clause may allow the United States to provide military support to the various ethnic armed organizations (EAO) in Myanmar which “may undermine” Bangladesh’s security as these groups have some ties to the same separatist factions operating in the country.   He made the remarks while addressing at a colloquium on Impacts of “BURMA Act” on Bangladesh-Myanmar bordering region. Minister of Health and Education, National Unity Government (NUG) of Myanmar Professor Zaw Wai Soe today expressed gratitude for the passing of the BURMA Act and for US support. He, however, reiterated that it does not rely on any one single superpower, rather believes in a multilateral response to be the ideal way to address the current conflict. Also Read: US to refrain from anything that might contribute to further violence in Myanmar: FS NUG officially recognizes the Rohingya as an ethnic group of Myanmar and is in favour of peaceful and full repatriation of Rohingya from Bangladesh to Myanmar. It has been two years since the military coup in Myanmar, and there is no peace in sight. Late last December, the United States passed the BURMA Act, a comprehensive law designed to simultaneously sanction Myanmar’s military junta while providing support to the country’s numerous democratic forces. In view of these changes, the Center for Peace Studies (CPS) of the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG) at North South University hosted the colloquium. Read More: Japan, UNFPA join hands to provide $3.7 million assistance to Rihingyas in Bhasan Char, host communities in Noakhali Moderated by Dr Sk. Tawfique M. Haque, Director of SIPG, the seminar was addressed by SIPG Senior Fellow and former Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Dr M. Sakhawat Hussain; Sufiur Rahman, Bangladesh’s ambassador to Switzerland and the permanent representative to the UN; former Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque; and Dr Raymond Kwun-Sun Lau, Assistant professor at the Department of Political Science and Sociology of NSU. Mohammad Sufiur Rahman highlighted the emergence of the Arakan Army as a key player in the conflict and emphasized how reaching a resolution on the Rohingya issue between Bangladesh and Myanmar cannot be achieved without taking the Arakan Army’s interests into account. Shahidul Haque discussed ASEAN’s role in the conflict and pointed to its repeated shortcomings in addressing the conflict in Myanmar, drawing particular attention to its negligence in understanding the plight of the numerous ethnic minorities in the country. Dr Raymond Kwun-Sun Lau, underscored the geopolitical and strategic importance of the Rakhine State to regional powers such as India and China, both for its vast reserves of hydrocarbons as well as its location as a key area for connectivity projects that links India to its northeast region and reinforces China’s Belt-and-Road Initiative (BRI) respectively. Read More: Reduction in WFP assistance could drive up crimes, radicalization in Rohingya camps: ARSPH The event was also attended by experts and practitioners of geopolitics, representatives from international agencies, government officials, researchers, journalists, faculty members and students of NSU.

Bangladesh has ranked 40th out of 145 countries in the annual Global Firepower 2023 Military Strength Ranking. Bangladesh, however, ranked 12th on the GFP review's list of ‘Powers on the Rise’, which highlights national military powers based on growth in strength trends through 2023. Based on the GFP formula, the list features current world military powers, with a rising trend. “PowerIndex” score has been used to rank countries. Also Read: Cooperation between Bangladesh, US militaries growing: Ambassador Muhith The ‘Powers on the Rise’ for 2023 annual defense review includes 53 nations. Bangladesh has a PowerIndex score of 0.5871 (a score of 0.0000 is considered 'perfect'). This entry was last reviewed on January 5, 2023.  Meanwhile, against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war, Ukraine has ranked 15th among the strongest militaries in the world out of 145 countries. Ukraine ranked 22nd in the 2022 ranking. Russia, on the other hand, remained second in the ranking. Read More: Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi lauds Bangladesh army for safeguarding independence, maintaining peace in conflict-torn regions of the world Currently, 145 countries are considered for the Global Firepower (GFP) annual defense review. Each country is evaluated based on a variety of factors related to a prolonged offensive or defensive military campaign. Categories are weighted and processed through in-house formulas to produce the PowerIndex rating used to compile the finalized GFP list. 

South Korea’s president on Tuesday called for stronger air defenses and high-tech stealth drones while the military apologized for failing to shoot down North Korean drones that crossed the border for the first time in five years. South Korea’s military scrambled warplanes and attack helicopters on Monday, but they failed to bring down any of the North Korean drones that flew back home or disappeared from South Korean radars. It raised serious questions about South Korea’s air defense network at a time when tensions remain high over North Korea’s torrid run of missile tests this year. On Tuesday, the military again launched fighter jets and attack helicopters after spotting suspicious flight paths at a front-line area. A local county office sent emergency text messages notifying residents of a new batch of North Korean drones. But the military later said it was a flock of birds. “We have a plan to create a military drone unit tasked with monitoring key military facilities in North Korea. But we’ll advance the establishment of the drone unit as soon as possible because of yesterday’s incident,” President Yoon Suk Yeol said during a regular Cabinet Council meeting. “We’ll also introduce state-of-the art stealth drones and bolster our surveillance capability.” He said that South Korea’s military needs more intensive readiness and exercises to cope with threats posed by North Korean drones. Lt. Gen. Kang Shin Chul, chief director of operation at the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in a televised statement the military feels sorry because of its failure to shoot down the North Korean drones and for causing big public concerns. Kang acknowledged South Korea lacks capacities to detect and strike small surveillance drones with a wingspan of less than 3 meters (9.8 feet) though it has assets to spot and bring down bigger combat drones. Kang said South Korea will establish drone units with various capacities and aggressively deploy military assets to shoot down enemy drones. It was the first time North Korean drones entered South Korean airspace since 2017. The drone flights came three days after South Korea said North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles, extending its record testing activities this year. North Korea has touted its drone program, and South Korean officials have previously said the North had about 300 drones. Advanced drones are among modern weapons systems that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed to procure, along with multi-warheads, underwater-launched nuclear missiles and a spy satellite. Read more: S. Korea’s leader calls for stealth drones to monitor North Since taking office in May, Yoon, a conservative, has expanded regular military drills with the United States and vowed to sternly deal with North Korean provocations. He’s offered massive support plans to North Korea if it abandons its nuclear weapons, but the North has rejected his overture. On Monday, South Korea sent its own surveillance assets, apparently unmanned drones, across the border as corresponding steps against the North Korean drone flights. South Korea’s public confirmation of reconnaissance activities inside North Korea is highly unusual and likely reflects a resolve by Yoon’s government to get tough on North Korean provocations. Yoon used the drone incident to hit at his liberal predecessor’s engagement policy with North Korea. He said Tuesday South Korea’s military had conducted little anti-drone training since 2017, when Moon Jae-in was inaugurated. “I think our people must have seen well how dangerous a policy relying on the North’s good faiths and (peace) agreements would be,” he said. Moon’s liberal opposition Democratic Party accused Yoon of shifting his government’s “security disaster” to someone else. Party spokesperson Park Sung-joon called on Yoon to thoroughly disclose what he did when the North Korean drones were flying in South Korean territory. Moon was credited with arranging now-dormant diplomacy on North Korea’s nuclear program, but also faced criticism that his appeasement policy allowed North Korea to buy time and boost its nuclear arsenal despite international sanctions. During his campaigning, Yoon described Moon’s government as “subservient” to North Korea and accused him of undermining South Korea’s seven-decade military alliance with the United States. Read more: Kim claims N. Korean successes, wants to overcome challenges Earlier Tuesday, North Korea’s state media announced the start of a key ruling Workers’ Party meeting the previous day to review past policies and discuss next year’s plans. During the meeting, Kim Jong Un called for stronger efforts to overcome hardships and challenges facing his country. But he still claimed North Korea has reported some successes “in the arduous course” and said his country’s national strength has “remarkably” increased in military, economic and other areas, according to the Korean Central News Agency. Some observers say Kim may need such propaganda-driven claims to draw greater public loyalty to bolster his weapons arsenal and address economic woes while facing U.S.-led sanctions and pressure campaigns to curb his nuclear ambitions. The North Korean Workers’ Party meeting is expected to last several days, and Kim will likely address issues such as his arms buildup, relations with the United States and the economy in later sessions.  

A UN-appointed independent human rights expert has said the carnage in Myanmar would only worsen without strong, coordinated action by countries against atrocities committed by the junta in the country. Thomas Andrews, special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, said the adoption of the UN Security Council's first resolution on the Southeast Asian nation recently since the military unleashed a brutal crackdown nearly two years ago was not enough. Special rapporteurs are appointed by the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council to examine and report back on a specific human rights country situation. "Demanding that certain actions be taken without any use of the Security Council's Chapter VII authority, will not stop the illegal Myanmar junta from attacking and destroying the lives of the 54 million people being held hostage in the country," he said recently. The resolution expressed "deep concern" at the continuing state of emergency since the military seized power and the "grave impact" of the coup on Myanmar's people. It also urged "concrete and immediate actions" towards implementing a peace plan, which was agreed to by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and called to uphold "democratic institutions and processes." Andrews said: "The systematic gross human rights violations – amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity – being perpetrated daily on the people of Myanmar by an illegal military junta requires strong, coordinated action by UN member states." He said the resolution's demands – including an immediate end to all forms of violence, the release of political prisoners, unimpeded humanitarian access, and respect for the rights of women and children – are "critically important" but missing are "consequences for the failure to meet them and the imposition of sanctions and accountability for crimes the military has committed to date." The language of the resolution should have been stronger, Andrews added. Read more: UN Security Council adopts first-ever resolution on Myanmar; China, Russia and India abstain from voting "However, the resolution makes it clear that the action required to end the crisis would not come from the Security Council. It is, therefore, imperative that those nations with the political will to support the people of Myanmar take coordinated action immediately to end the carnage," the expert said. "The resolution should not become 'a dead-end…followed by more international inaction.' It should be a wake-up call for those nations who support a people under siege." Targeted action is needed, including coordinating sanctions, cutting off the revenue that finances the junta's military assaults, and an embargo on weapons and dual-use technology, Andrews said. Read more: Thailand hosts informal meeting on Myanmar political crisis  

Military bases that housed tens of thousands of Afghan refugees in the U.S. incurred almost $260 million in damages that in some cases rendered buildings unusable for troops until significant repairs to walls and plumbing are made, the Pentagon’s inspector general found. Over the last two weeks of August 2021, the U.S. Air Force managed the largest humanitarian evacuation in its history, airlifting 120,000 people from Afghanistan in just 17 days. The bulk of those passengers were Afghans fleeing Taliban rule, and U.S. aircraft delivered tens of thousands of those Afghans initially to bases in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, Italy, Bahrain and Germany. After processing, many of the refugees were flown to eight military bases in the U.S., where many were housed for months as they awaited visa processing and resettlement; the last Afghan refugee left military housing in February. The refugees were housed at Fort Bliss, Texas; Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey; Fort McCoy, Wisconsin.; Camp Atterbury, Indiana; Fort Pickett, Fort Lee, and Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia; and Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. The sheer volume of people in the temporary housing left those barracks and buildings with significant wear and tear, the inspector general found. Read more: Afghan survivors of US drone strike: Sorry ‘is not enough’ In one case, training for the Indiana National Guard was relocated from Camp Atterbury to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, due to damages caused during “Operation Allies Welcome.” The facilities need to be restored “to a condition that enables them to conduct trainings, prepare for future events, and return to normal base operations,” the IG found. For example, of the $260 million in approved restoration costs, the Defense Department approved about $16 million for Camp Atterbury “to replace mattresses and furniture and repair floors, doors, windows, plumbing, fire alarm systems, and landscaping.” But the inspector general questioned whether all the repair work requested by the eight bases was connected to the refugees’ stay. For example, Fort McCoy, which housed 12,706 refugees, was approved for $145.6 million to repair buildings and plumbing, an amount that was more than three times the combined restoration needs of Fort Bliss and Fort Pickett, which had housed similar numbers of refugees. Read more: US says drone kills IS bombers targeting Kabul airport

Fijian police on Thursday said they were calling in the military to help maintain security following a close election last week that is now being disputed. It was an alarming development in a Pacific nation where democracy remains fragile and there have been four military coups in the past 35 years. The two main contenders for prime minister this year were former coup leaders themselves. Police Commissioner Brig. Gen. Sitiveni Qiliho said in a statement that after police and military leaders met with Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama they collectively decided to call in army and navy personnel to assist. The commissioner said there had been threats made against minority groups who were “now living in fear following recent political developments.” Reporters in the capital, Suva, said there were no immediate signs of any military presence on city streets. The military move came after Bainimarama’s Fiji First party refused to concede the election, despite rival Sitiveni Rabuka’s party and two other parties announcing they had the numbers to form a majority coalition and would serve as the next government. Fiji First Gen. Sec. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum told media Wednesday that under the nation’s constitution, Bainimarama would remain prime minister until lawmakers returned to Parliament within two weeks to vote on the next leader. Read more: Vote counting finishes in Fiji election with no clear winner Sayed-Khaiyum questioned the validity of the internal voting which had led to one of the parties joining Rabuka’s coalition. And he lashed out at Rabuka, accusing him of sowing division in Fiji. “The entire rationale of this man has been to divide Fiji to gain political supremacy,” Sayed-Khaiyum said. “And we can see that simmering through again. In fact it’s not simmering, it’s boiling.” A day earlier, Rabuka and two other party leaders announced they were forming a coalition with a total of 29 seats against Fiji First’s 26 and would form the next government. “A government we hope that will bring the change that people had been calling out for over the last few years,” Rabuka said at a news conference. “It’s going to be an onerous task. It will not be easy, and it was never easy to try and dislodge an incumbent government. We have done that, collectively.” Rabuka’s announcement prompted New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta to send her congratulations on Twitter, saying New Zealand “looks forward to working together to continue strengthening our warm relationship.” But New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern took a more cautious approach, saying she was waiting until the dust settled. Bainimarama has been in power for 16 years. He led a 2006 military coup and later refashioned himself as a democratic leader by introducing a new constitution and winning elections in 2014 and 2018. Rabuka, meanwhile, led Fiji’s first military takeover in 1987 and later served seven years as an elected prime minister in the 1990s. Bainimarama and Rabuka were initially deadlocked after the election. Rabuka’s People’s Alliance Party won 21 seats and the affiliated National Federation Party won five seats, while Bainimarama’s Fiji First party secured 26 seats. That left the Social Democratic Liberal Party, which won three seats, holding the balance of power. The party decided Tuesday in a close 16-14 internal vote to go with Rabuka — a vote that Fiji First is now questioning.      

Russian President Vladimir Putin described the fighting in Ukraine as a “tragedy” but vowed to pursue his campaign there until its goals are reached, while his defense chief on Wednesday announced a plan to increase Russia’s military from 1 million personnel to 1.5 million. Speaking at a meeting Putin held with top military brass, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said the 1.5 million-member military should include 695,000 volunteer contract soldiers. He didn’t say when the increased strength would be achieved. Shoigu also declared plans to form new military units in western Russia to counterbalance plans by Finland and Sweden to join NATO. Putin ordered an unpopular mobilization of 300,000 reservists in September to beef up Russia’s forces in Ukraine. He has said that 150,000 of them were deployed to combat zones in the neighboring country, while the rest were undergoing training. Read more: Russian oil cap begins, trying to pressure Putin on Ukraine In Wednesday’s speech, the Russian leader again accused the West of provoking the conflict in Ukraine as part of centuries-long efforts to weaken and eventually break up Russia. Ukraine and its Western allies have rejected such rhetoric and described the Russian attack as an unprovoked act of aggression. “We always considered the Ukrainian people as brotherly, and I still think so,” Putin declared Wednesday. “What’s going on is certainly a tragedy, but it’s not a result of our policy.” “For centuries, our strategic adversaries have been setting the goal to disintegrate and weaken our country ... viewing it as too big and posing a potential threat,” Putin said When Putin sent his troops into Ukraine in February, he said the action was aimed at the “demilitarization” of Ukraine and preventing the country from joining NATO and becoming an anti-Russian bulwark. Read more: Putin in Belarus, eyeing next steps in Ukraine war He also has claimed the attack was aimed at “denazifying” Ukraine to free it from the purported influence of radical nationalist and neo-Nazi groups, allegations that Ukraine and its allies have dismissed. Putin vowed that what he termed a “special military operation” would continue until its tasks are completed. “I don’t have any doubt that all the goals set will be achieved,” he said.