, June 17 -- Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of the country and asked country's four seaports - Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra - to hoist local cautionary signal No. 3.

A low pressure area has formed over Southwestern part of Bangladesh and adjoining area, it said.

"Due to active monsoon, thunderclouds are taking places and steep pressure gradient lies over the North Bay. As a result, heavy to very heavy downpours accompanied by gusty or squally winds are expected to sweep over the northern Bay, adjacent coastal areas, and the maritime ports," it said.

All fishing boats and trawlers operating in the northern Bay have been advised to stay close to the coast and proce...