security
PM Hasina off to Germany to attend Munich Security Conference
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.
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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.
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First official visit post-election: PM to attend Munich Security Conference, says Foreign Minister
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.
2 DU students attacked in Ramna Kali Mandir area
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.
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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.
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Quoting physicians, he said that Sourav's condition was critical.
Top 10 Police Dog Breeds in The World: The Ultimate K-9 Heroes
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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US eyeing enhanced cooperation with Bangladesh in security and trade
The United States has reiterated that they are keen to enhance relationship and cooperation with Bangladesh in key areas, including security and trade.
“Last year we celebrated an anniversary as it relates to our bilateral relationship with Bangladesh, and this year in 2023 we look forward to deepening that relationship, and there are a number of areas in which we intend to deepen that cooperation,” Principal Deputy Spokesperson at US State Department, Vedant Patel, said.
Also read: Italy to take skilled workers from Bangladesh, contain illegal migration
Responding to a question during a regular briefing at the US Department of State on June 7, he said that in addition to security cooperation, there is potential for enhanced cooperation on climate, trade and many other issues.
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“So of course, this is an issue that continues to be of importance to us. I have spoken about this a great deal to some of your colleagues. One of them, of course, is the opportunity for security cooperation with Bangladesh,” Patel said when asked about boosting US engagement in counterterrorism in Bangladesh.
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Security cooperation does not refer to any strategic alliance: Shahriar Alam
Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Wednesday (May 31, 2023) said security cooperation does not refer to any strategic alliance.
He, however, said they have probably slowed down some of the major purchase plans due to current economic situation, which will continue until further improvement of the economic situation.
"We do not want any war. But if the independence of Bangladesh is hurt, if the sovereignty is hurt, we will need tools to counter it," Shahriar said, adding that the government is focusing on further economic development.
He was speaking at an interactive session titled "Bangladesh at the Crossroads" held in a hotel in Dhaka.
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The Daily Ittefaq organised the event where its Publisher and Executive Director Tareen Hossain delivered welcome remarks.
The State Minister said any defence agreement with any country does not mean that Bangladesh will get involved in war against any country.
"We have to procure necessary equipment to defend our country. We have Forces Goal 2030," he said.
The country's economic well-being is now the biggest priority, Shahriar said.
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"We are under no security threats," he said, adding that of course there is always the risk of extremism and Bangladesh will prevent it.
Shahriar said Bangladesh has some strategic plans as part of Forces Goal 2030 and it will have to wait for some more time to be completed.
Member of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Nahim Razzaq, diplomats from foreign missions stationed in Dhaka and journalists were present.
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Digital Security Act to be amended: Law Minister
Law Minister Anisul Huq on Sunday made his most direct statement yet that some amendments will be made to the Digital Security Acts as part of steps to stop misuse of the law.
“The Digital Security Act has not been enacted to regulate freedom of expression or the media or it is not being used to do these. Several solutions have already been taken to prevent the misuse of the law. As part of these solutions, some amendments will be made to the Digital Security Act,” he said.
The minister made the remarks while speaking at a discussion meeting titled ‘Digital Security Law in Bangladesh and freedom of expression’ at Brac University of the city's Mohakhali area. UN Resident s Coordinating office in Bangladesh and Brac University organize the program.
The government had lengthy discussions with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Office on the DSA and received some inputs which are under review now, the minister added.
Read more: Misuse of DSA should end: Information Minister
"Women are often harassed online which needs to be addressed. The country, the government or any individual will not be allowed to be defamed through indiscriminate misuse of the digital space,” said Anisul Huq.
The minister also said “We need to protect our national interests and those who are targeted and vulnerable to digital attacks. That's why we need a DSA.”
So there is no question of repealing this law, the law minister said adding, “However, amendments to the law are being reviewed. It must be considered.”
Parliament Member Ahsan Adelur Rahman, BRAC University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Syed Mahfuzul Aziz, Senior Journalist Manjurul Ahsan Bulbul, Professor Dr Kaderi Gayen, among others, spoke on the occasion.
Lack of security for Japanese prime minister surprised many
The fishermen who tackled the man suspected of the second attack on a Japanese political leader in less than a year were surprised by the lack of security for Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
Fisherman Tsutomu Konishi was watching Kishida at a campaign event at this fishing port when an object flew overhead and landed near the prime minister, Konishi said. A security officer covered the object with a bulletproof briefcase, Konishi said. The fishermen swarmed the attacker.
“I never thought a crime like this would happen in my hometown, which is a rather small fishing area,” Konishi, 41, said Sunday as he sipped a can of coffee at the port of Saikazaki. “I’m still shocked and stunned."
The prime minister was unhurt but like many others in Japan, Konishi was mulling Sunday what the country should do to better protect public figures.
“At a time when Japan’s serving prime minister was visiting, perhaps we may have needed a metal detector,” Konishi said.
Masaki Nishide, a 55-year-old fisherman from Saikazaki, said most of the people at Saturday’s event were residents and supporters of the local candidate. He said the young man carrying the silver-gray backpack stood out.
Also Read: Japanese PM unhurt after blast during campaign event
“People here all dress like me, and nobody carries a backpack; it was only him,” Nishide said, wearing a sweatsuit and red rubber boots. “If I were in charge of security, I would have asked for a bag check.”
After the failed attack on the prime minister, one of the fishermen grabbed the suspect's neck from behind, another pushed his head down, and Konishi latched onto his leg. They were holding the man as police officers pulled him to the ground.
The chaotic scene was reminiscent of the assassination nine months ago of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, which prompted police to tighten their protective measures after an investigation found holes in Abe’s security. Abe, one of Japan’s most influential and divisive politicians, was killed with a homemade gun during a campaign speech.
Also Read: Explosion at Japan port during PM Kishida visit, no injuries
Suspect Tetsuya Yamagami has been charged with murder and several other crimes, including violating gun-control laws.
Authorities have said Yamagami told investigators he killed Abe because of the former prime minister’s apparent links to a religious group that Yamagami hated. In statements and in social media postings attributed to him, Yamagami said his mother's donations to the Unification Church bankrupted his family and ruined his life.
Violent crimes are rare in Japan, and with its strict gun control laws, the country has only a handful of gun-related crimes annually. Most of the cases are gang-related, though in recent years there has been growing concern about homemade guns and explosives. There also have been some high-profile cases of random knifing on subways and arson attacks.
Groups of several officers have guarded serving prime ministers. Fewer officers have been watching Cabinet ministers and former leaders.
Compared with the U.S. elections, audience at political campaigns in Japan are often allowed to be quite close to dignitaries. At the campaign event for Kishida the front-row audience was within touching distance.
Only one person, a police official, was hurt, his arm cut by fragments of the device, which didn't fully explode. Police arrested 24-year-old Ryuji Nakamura on suspicion of throwing an explosive in a metal tube at Kishida.
Police sent a special counter-explosives team to the suspect's home in Hyogo prefecture to search for evidence of bomb-making. There are nationwide local elections this month. and Japan is hosting a series of Group of Seven meetings leading up to the May 19-21 leaders' summit in Hiroshima. Diplomats arrived Sunday for the G-7 foreign ministers' meeting in Karuizawa.
Isao Itabashi, a public safety expert, said on NHK TV that the attack raised questions about how election campaigns are being handled. Guarding top politicians in campaigns is logistically hard, and balancing tight security with a free election is also difficult, he said.
Kiyotaka Hamada, 70, a senior member of the local fishing association, said he felt something hit his shoulder just as he heard the bang and was running from the scene. Police took his jacket to see if he'd been hit by a fragment of the explosive.
“I just want to ask the suspect why he had to come here to make trouble," he said.
For Hamada and other fishermen, there's worry also about the expected loss of income from the days they cannot work while the port facilities are closed for the investigation.
“We put so much effort throughout the village to welcome the prime minister here on his first ever visit,” Hamada said. “Now we cannot even go out to sea.”
Want security in the region but no defence pact: Momen on Indo-Pacific Strategy
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said the goals set out for the Indo-Pacific region are not much different from Bangladesh’s, but the only concern is about its defence aspect, if any.
“Only thing we are afraid of — if it is designed for a defence pact, because we are a peace-loving country. We don’t have any intention (to fight against anyone). We would like to see development in the whole region. We want security (in the region) but no defence pact,” he said.
Momen made the remarks while responding to a question during a conversation on economic diplomacy with a focus on growth and development.
The Onero Institute partnered with the Atlantic Council’s South Asia Center for the session held at the Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University this week.
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The dialogue was moderated by the senior director of the Atlantic Council’s South Asia Center, Irfan Nooruddin.
The foreign minister said Bangladesh does not have any disagreements on the issue and it also wants open, free, secure and freely navigable Indo-Pacific under the international laws.
He said Bangladesh wants economic development in the whole Indo-Pacific region and finds many things in common with the goals set up. “We don’t have much difference. We believe the next century is for Asia and the Indo-Pacific provides an opportunity and potential.”
Responding to a question on India-US-China, Momen said the US and China have their own tensions. “The US is our old friend while we have rock-solid relations with India. China became our development partner as they have money,” he said.
Read more: Digital Security Act not for restricting media freedom, Momen tells US
He said the western countries including the US “do not come up with money but they come up with advice except for some exceptions.”
“We are very prudent in accepting loans from China. We signed agreements on a big amount but we took a very small amount. It can’t influence our policies,” Momen said while responding to another question.
The foreign minister said Bangladesh is a “hub of connectivity” and maintains very good relations with all its neighbours.
“We have resolved all critical issues with India peacefully through dialogue and discussion,” he said.
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“Though Myanmar is a difficult case, we don’t have any quarrel with them. We have only one difficult problem (Rohingyas),” Momen added.
He highlighted issues related to emerging Bangladesh, its socioeconomic achievements, economic partnership and prospects with the USA, economic and public diplomacy, regional development and navigating relations with major powers.
Bangladesh, Australia discuss Indo-Pacific, IORA, security cooperation
Bangladesh and Australia have shown interest in deepening and widening their economic cooperation.
Also, both sides discussed the Indo-Pacific strategy, Indian Ocean Rim Association, security and defence cooperation, human rights, cyber security, energy cooperation, and people-to-people contact.
The 4th Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) between Bangladesh and Australia was held at the state guest house Padma in the capital on March 13.
The Bangladesh delegation was led by Secretary (West) of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Shabbir Ahmad Chowdhury and the Australian side was led by First Assistant Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Gary Cowan.
The concerned officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Education, Information and Communication Technology Division, Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Armed Forces Division also represented the Bangladesh side.
During the meeting, various bilateral, regional, international, economic, and issues related to the mutual interests of Bangladesh and Australia were discussed.
The Australian delegation expressed its interest in working more closely with Bangladesh in various regional and international forums while appreciating the country's economic and social development.
The Bangladesh side placed importance on dealing with climate change, sustainable solutions to the Rohingya crisis, and cooperation in human resource development.
The next FOC will be held in Australia in 2024.
The 3rd FOC between Bangladesh and Australia was held online in 2021.