Beating the heat: Zoo animals seek relief in waterbodies as heatwave grips Dhaka

Update- June 08, 2026, 10:03 PM

As a severe heatwave continues to sweep across the capital, besides people animals at the zoo are struggling to cope with the soaring temperatures.

With scorching sunshine and humid weather making conditions uncomfortable, many animals have been seen spending long hours in ponds, reservoirs and artificial water bodies to stay cool. Some were observed immersing themselves in water, while others splashed water over their bodies in an effort to escape the oppressive heat.

The intense temperatures have forced many animals to remain close to water sources for most of the day. Large mammals, in particular, appeared reluctant to leave shaded or wet areas as they sought protection from the sun.

Zoo authorities have also taken measures to help the animals cope with the weather. Fans have been installed in several enclosures, providing some relief from the stifling heat. Animals were seen resting near the fans and shaded spots to avoid direct exposure to the sun. The scenes reflect the broader impact of the ongoing heatwave, which has affected daily life across Dhaka and other parts of the country. While residents continue searching for ways to stay cool, the city’s captive wildlife is also adapting to the challenging conditions through natural and assisted cooling measures.

Iran, Israel pause attacks but warn of renewed retaliation if truce violated

Update- June 09, 2026, 11:35 AM

Iran and Israel have announced a halt to direct attacks against each other following a fresh exchange of fire, while both sides warned of strong retaliation if the fragile ceasefire is violated again.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that Israel was holding fire “at the moment” but stressed that the campaign against Iran and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement was “not finished.”

His remarks came hours after Iran’s armed forces announced that they had suspended military operations after delivering what they described as a “painful response” to Israel. Tehran also warned that any new Israeli attacks, including strikes in Lebanon, would trigger “more severe and crushing measures.”

The latest escalation began after Iran launched missiles at Israel on Sunday in retaliation for an Israeli strike on Beirut. Israel responded early Monday with air strikes targeting what it described as military facilities inside Iran.

US President Donald Trump denied suggestions that Netanyahu had ignored his requests by carrying out the strikes, saying the Israeli operation was already underway when he intervened.

The White House confirmed that Trump spoke with Netanyahu regarding the crisis. Trump said he urged restraint, citing ongoing efforts to secure a broader agreement with Iran aimed at preventing the development of nuclear weapons.

According to US media reports, Trump also warned Netanyahu that Israel could find itself isolated if it resumed a full-scale conflict with Iran.

Despite the ceasefire announcement, hostilities continued into Monday morning. Israeli authorities reported additional Iranian missile launches targeting Jerusalem and central and southern Israel.

The Israeli military said it subsequently carried out another wave of strikes, targeting a petrochemical complex in Mahshahr in southwestern Iran, alleging the facility was involved in producing materials used for ballistic missiles.

Iranian officials said at least 15 people were injured in the latest Israeli strikes, including 14 in Mahshahr and one in Tehran.

Meanwhile, violence continued in Lebanon. The Lebanese Health Ministry said an Israeli strike on the southern city of Tyre killed five people and injured eight others on Monday. Four members of the Red Cross were among those wounded.

Hezbollah said it launched rockets at Israeli military vehicles and troops in southern Lebanon earlier in the day.

Trump publicly urged both sides to stop military actions, warning that continued attacks could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts.

The conflict began on February 28 when Israel and the United States launched a joint military operation against Iran, resulting in the deaths of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior Iranian officials, according to reports cited in the conflict.

The war quickly expanded across the region, with Iran retaliating through missile and drone attacks against Israel and Gulf states hosting US military facilities. The conflict later spread to Lebanon after Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel in support of Iran.

A US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has so far failed to end hostilities, with Hezbollah demanding a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory.

According to figures cited by Iranian and international rights groups, more than 3,400 people have been killed in Iran since the conflict began. Lebanese authorities report over 3,600 deaths from Israeli attacks in Lebanon.

Israeli authorities say 20 civilians have been killed in Iranian missile strikes, while dozens of Israeli soldiers and civilians have died during fighting involving Hezbollah. Additional casualties have also been reported across several Gulf countries and among US military personnel stationed in the region.

Source: BBC

Government moves to make Bangladesh missions abroad more effective, migrant-friendly

Update- June 09, 2026, 10:32 AM

For millions of Bangladeshis living and working abroad, embassies and high commissions often serve as the first line of support during crises, workplace disputes, legal troubles or family emergencies.

Recognising the growing importance of consular services amid rising overseas migration, the government has launched a series of reforms aimed at making Bangladesh missions abroad more effective and responsive to the needs of expatriate Bangladeshis.

According to an official document of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a wide range of services and reforms aimed at improving consular support, legal assistance, welfare services and coordination among government agencies to better serve Bangladeshi migrants overseas.

The Foreign Ministry said it works in coordination with these ministries to ensure the protection of expatriate workers’ rights and welfare.

To improve policy coordination and service delivery further, the ministry has taken steps to establish a dedicated division on migration and expatriate Bangladeshis.

The initiative aims to enhance inter-ministerial cooperation and provide more integrated services tailored to the needs of overseas Bangladeshis.

The ministry said it would continue efforts to strengthen coordination among officials posted abroad from different ministries in line with diplomatic protocols, with the goal of improving the security, rights and welfare of Bangladeshi migrants and transforming missions into more modern, efficient and accountable institutions.

The document also identified irregular migration as a major source of insecurity and vulnerability for Bangladeshis abroad.

It said the Foreign Ministry is working with other government agencies and partner countries to curb irregular migration and reduce harassment and exploitation faced by migrants overseas.

As part of efforts to provide immediate assistance during emergencies, Bangladesh missions have introduced 24/7 emergency hotlines for expatriates.

Missions also regularly disseminate important notices, warnings and information through their websites and social media platforms while responding to queries from Bangladeshis living abroad.

The missions actively raise awareness among migrant workers about fraud, illegal brokers, false promises and the risks associated with irregular migration.

According to the document, Bangladesh embassies and high commissions work closely with the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, other relevant ministries and agencies, international organisations including the United Nations, and employers to strengthen legal assistance for migrant workers.

Missions also engage in discussions and mediation with employers and local authorities to resolve disputes involving Bangladeshi workers.

Where necessary, administrative and legal measures are pursued with the support of host-country authorities.

To improve access to services, embassies organise consular outreach programmes in industrial zones, Bangladeshi-populated areas and remote cities, often on holidays.

These initiatives allow expatriates to receive passport services, certificates and other consular assistance closer to their places of residence.

Officials said such outreach activities save migrant workers considerable time and money by reducing the need to travel long distances to embassy premises.

Ambassadors and embassy officials regularly visit workplaces where Bangladeshis are employed and hold direct discussions with workers.

They also visit hospitals and migrant reception centres to assess the health, welfare and consular needs of expatriates, said the document.

In addition, public hearings are arranged periodically at missions to hear complaints and address concerns raised by migrant workers.

The document notes that awareness-building mobile consular camps are also organised in areas with large Bangladeshi communities.

Representatives from host-country health ministries, traffic police, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and immigration authorities often participate in these events.

Financial assistance is provided to sick and distressed expatriates to help cover medical expenses.

The process for obtaining emergency financial support and repatriation tickets from the Wage Earners’ Welfare Fund has been simplified and expedited, enabling faster assistance to those in need.

For Bangladeshis detained due to irregular migration, embassy officials regularly visit detention centres and facilitate the issuance of travel permits to ensure their prompt repatriation.

Missions also provide assistance to workers seeking to change jobs and to those wishing to return home voluntarily.

The document further states that embassies coordinate with local lawyers and relevant authorities in host countries to secure the release of Bangladeshi nationals detained or imprisoned on various charges.

In cases where a Bangladeshi worker dies abroad, missions establish contact with the deceased’s family and arrange for the swift repatriation of the body. They also facilitate financial assistance, grants and other administrative support on behalf of the government.

To strengthen accountability, complaint boxes have been installed in embassy waiting rooms to allow service seekers to submit written grievances. Authorities say complaints received through these mechanisms are addressed on a priority basis.

The ministry noted that many of these services in countries with large numbers of Bangladeshi migrant workers are delivered through labour wings staffed by officials deputed from the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment.

Similarly, passport and visa-related services are handled through passport and visa wings staffed by officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Officials expressed hope that these measures would significantly enhance the safety, dignity and protection of Bangladeshi expatriates around the world.