U.S. federal authorities have called on telecommunications companies to strengthen network defenses following a widespread hacking campaign by Chinese operatives that compromised the private communications of an unspecified number of Americans. The FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued guidance on Tuesday to help identify and block the hackers, aiming to prevent future cyberespionage. Officials, however, admitted they are still uncertain about the full extent of the breach or whether Chinese hackers retain access to U.S. networks. Highlighting the global impact of the operation, the U.S. collaborated with security agencies from New Zealand, Australia, and Canada—members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which also includes the UK. The hacking campaign, referred to as Salt Typhoon, was uncovered earlier this year. Hackers targeted telecommunications networks to access metadata such as call and text logs, including timestamps and recipients. In fewer cases, they intercepted audio files and text content. Victims included government and political officials, and the FBI has reached out to this group. However, the responsibility of notifying affected customers from the larger pool rests with telecom companies. Despite months of investigations, the true scale of the breach remains unknown. Some of the data targeted by the hackers involved U.S. law enforcement investigations and court orders, potentially linked to programs under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). However, officials believe the hackers aimed for broader access to Americans' information by embedding themselves deeply into the nation's telecom systems. The FBI's recommendations for telecom companies include technical measures like encryption, network centralization, and continuous monitoring. If adopted, these steps could help disrupt ongoing operations like Salt Typhoon and strengthen defenses against similar future attacks, according to Jeff Greene, CISA's executive assistant director for cybersecurity. TikTok defends handling of Romania election content in grilling by EU lawmakers “We’re not under any illusion that these actors won’t try to return,” Greene said. China has been linked to several high-profile cyberattacks in recent months. In September, the FBI disrupted a Chinese operation that infected over 200,000 consumer devices with malware, creating a botnet capable of launching large-scale cybercrimes. In October, hackers associated with China targeted phones belonging to political figures, including then-presidential candidate Donald Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, as well as individuals tied to Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. China has denied the allegations, with a spokesperson for its embassy in Washington dismissing them as “disinformation.” The statement emphasized China’s opposition to all forms of cyberattacks and accused the U.S. of engaging in its own cyber operations against other nations.      

Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has strongly condemned the attack and vandalism at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in India’s Agartala. The student organization expressed its deep concern over the incident, urging both the governments of Bangladesh and India to take immediate steps to prevent further escalation. Dhaka sharply reacts over “heinous attack” on its Agartala mission In a statement, Chhatra Shibir's central president, Monzurul Islam, said, “Relations between neighboring countries must be founded on mutual respect and trust. Diplomatic missions are safeguarded by international law.” “Attacks like these not only jeopardize diplomatic ties but also harm the overall relationship between the two nations. This incident threatens regional stability and could contribute to the spread of extremism and violence,” he further added. Security enhanced for Bangladesh missions in India He also urged the Indian government to promptly identify the attackers, ensure they are held accountable, and reinforce the security of the mission. “It is crucial to take concrete measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future,” he added.

Amid ongoing protests demanding the resignation of President Shahabuddin, security has been beefed up around the presidential palace, Bangabhaban, with newly installed barbed-wire fences. Protesters continued to gather sporadically near Bangabhaban for the third consecutive day on Thursday, calling for the President's immediate resignation. Along with the Army and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and the Armed Police Battalion (APBN) are also on high alert. Read: Tense situation prevailing around Bangabhaban following explosion of sound grenade To fend off any unwarranted situation, stringent security cordons have been ensured on the road in front of Bangabhaban. In addition to a four-layered barricade, a three-layered barbed-wire fence has been erected as the President's residence remains tense flowing two days of protests.

The Advisory Council meeting on Thursday gave final approval to the draft of 'Security of Family Members of the Father of the Nation (Repeal) Ordinance, 2024', subject to vetting by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Department. Interim Government Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus chaired the meeting at state guesthouse Jamuna. “Our government is an outcome of anti-discrimination movement. It (the security ordinance) was seen as discriminatory,” Adviser on Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Syeda Rizwana Hasan told reporters after the meeting. The Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs initiated the issue as they feel there is “no necessity” of such special security. As per the decision of the previous government, the 'Father of the Nation Security of Family Members Act, 2009' (Act No. 63 of 2009) was enacted and promulgated. Later, a gazette was issued to provide special security and facilities as per the Act. The law was enacted only to provide state privileges to members of a family which is a clear discrimination, said the Advisory Council. The current interim government is committed to eradicating all discrimination after the anti-discrimination student uprising, according to the press wing of the Chief Adviser. It is necessary to take immediate action and issue an ordinance to repeal this Act, the Council viewed. The family members of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman were getting foolproof state security everywhere in the country, including their residences and free utility services. Meanwhile, the Advisory Council in its meeting also gave final approval to the draft of 'Special Security Force (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024'. The 'Special Security Force Act, 2021' was formulated to provide security to the President, Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, family members of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. In view of the popular uprising of the students, an interim government was formed on August 8, 2024, consisting of the Chief Adviser and other advisers. In such a changing situation, it is necessary to ensure the security of the Chief Adviser under the 'Special Security Force Act, 2021'. It was also necessary to cancel some of the provisions of the said law with the addition of the security provision of the Chief Adviser to the Interim Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. 'Special Security Force Amendment Ordinance 2024' was unanimously approved in the advisory council meeting.    

Amid the students’ ongoing agitation demanding quota reform, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mohammad Habibur Rahman on Monday (July 15, 2024) warned that any attempt to deteriorate the law and order will be resisted strictly. He issued the warning while talking to reporters over the security measures centring the upcoming Holy Ashura and Tajia procession at Hussaini Dalan Imambari in Old Dhaka. “We have to abide by the court order. Therefore, police will work keeping respect to the court order. If anyone tries to destabilize law and order situation, it will be dealt with an iron hand,” the DMP chief said. Case filed against quota protesters for “obstructing police” and “vandalism” in Dhaka’s Shahbagh Addressing the security measures over the Holy Ashura and Tajia procession, Habibur said that they have already taken all preparations to ensure security of those who will observe the event. Security will be monitored from the high rises adjacent to the Imambaras while law enforcers in plainclothes will be in place along with uniformed ones, he said. As there is a custom to bear a flag during the procession, they (event organizers) were cautioned not to keep it too high so that it doesn’t touch the electric wires, he added. Read more: Clash erupts between quota protestors, BCL activists at DU; Several injured

Voting for the first phase of the 6th Upazila Parishad Election is underway across 139 upazilas nationwide, with polls open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm without any interruptions. A positive voter turnout was observed on Wednesday, marking a spirited start to the electoral process. In Sylhet, voting is proceeding peacefully across four upazilas — Sylhet Sadar, Dakshin Surma, Bishwanath, and Golapganj — under strict security. Although election materials were delivered the night before the polls, ballots were distributed early in the morning, ensuring a smooth start to the day's voting. Mohammad Zillur Rahman, the district’s Senior Election Officer, highlighted the comprehensive monitoring in place, with four judicial magistrates and in each union one executive magistrate stationed to oversee the electoral process. Bagerhat's festive atmosphere was evident in the Kachua and Rampal upazilas, where especially female voters participated actively. The district has 30 polling centers in Kachua and 49 in Rampal, all bustling with voters.  

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left here for Germany on Thursday (February 15, 2024) morning on a three-day official visit to attend the Munich Security Conference. This is her first official tour abroad since being re-elected as the prime minister for the fourth consecutive term in last month's parliamentary polls. The Munich Security Conference is considered the world's leading forum for debating security issues. Read: Govt measures to tame inflation soon: PM tells Parliament  A flight of the Biman Bangladesh Airlines departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11 am carrying the prime minister and her entourage members. During her stay in Munich from February 16-18, Sheikh Hasina will also hold meetings with German chancellor, Ukraine's president, prime ministers of Denmark and the Netherlands on the sidelines of the security conference. Indian external affairs minister will also call on the Bangladesh prime minister.  Read more: Focus on rural dev along with infrastructure: PM Hasina tells ECNEC

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has decided to attend this year’s Munich Security Conference, the most high-profile annual dialogue on security issues, to be held in Germany next month. Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud confirmed PM Hasina’s participation in the global conference while talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. He said his ministry is working on the bilateral meetings to be held on the sidelines of the conference.  Read: UNDP administrator congratulates PM Hasina  The Prime Minister last attended the Security Conference in 2019. Though the Prime Minister has received invitations from various countries and international organisations, her first official visit post-election may begin with Germany, a diplomatic source told UNB. Apart from bilateral engagement with the German leaders, she will have meetings with global leaders on the sidelines. The Munich Security Conference (MSC) 2024 will take place from February 16 to 18, 2024, at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich. The MSC 2024 will once again offer a unique opportunity for high-level debates on the world’s most pressing security challenges, said the organisers. Additionally, the MSC, founded in the fall of 1963, will celebrate its 60th anniversary up to and during the next main conference. Read: Dhaka, London ties evolving from development-focused to modern partnership: Cameron  The Munich Security Report is published annually before the Security Conference. The report contains exclusive data and graphics on current security policy issues, compiled in cooperation with renowned partner institutions of the MSC. The Munich Security Report serves as a basis for discussion at the conference in Munich. 

Two students of Dhaka University (DU) were injured in an attack by miscreants in the Ramna Kali Mandir area of the city early today (October 22, 2023). The injured Sourav Sarkar, 25, and Sumit, 23, are students of the Craft and Sculpture departments, respectively, of the university and residents of Jagannath Hall. Senior students of the hall said the duo, accompanied by others, went out of the hall to visit Durga Puja mandaps at night. Prof  Maksud Kamal made 29th VC of Dhaka University An altercation occurred between the two and some miscreants near the Ramna Kali Mandir around 2 am. The reason behind the incident could not be known immediately. At one stage, the miscreants beat them up and stabbed Sourav in the stomach with a sharp object, they said. DU introduces 'The Dhaka University Trust Fund’ Returning to the hall, the duo went to their seniors, who first took them to the university’s medical centre. Later, Sourav was moved to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), said the hospital’s police outpost in-charge, Md Bachhu Mia. Dhaka University's IBA wins 'Battle of Minds' competition Quoting physicians, he said that Sourav's condition was critical.

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