Day: April 9, 2024

President Ramchandra Paudel has underscored that no matter who forge the alliance in politics, such coalitions and the main theme of the alliances should be the nation's development and promotion of good governance. Inaugurating the 12 yearly Kumbha Mela (a grand religious fair) that commenced here from today and accepting the Civic Felicitation organized in his honour, President Paudel urged one and all to internalize the philosophy of the federal democratic republic that the voiceless and underprivileged people should be able to exercise their freedom without any hindrance. "The constitution which was made by the people themselves has considered the unhindered enjoyment by the poor and voiceless people of freedom and all the rights enshrined in it as the essence of the philosophy of the federal, democratic republic," the Head of State said, adding, "Internalizing this philosophy, all should have the main slogan and a single alliance for sustainable development, good governance and nation's prosperity, no matter on which side of the politics they might be." He wished that may this holy day of the commencement of the Kumbha Mela inspire us all to give a meaningful form to the philosophy carried by the republic. The President viewed that the meaning of religion is to establish peace, tolerance and brotherhood in the world, and the Buddha, Jesus and Hazrat Mohammad also reiterated on the same. He said the creators of the Vedic hymns had mentioned thousands of years back about the solution to the chaos and the problem of climate change that the world is facing at present. "The theme of religion is the establishment of peace, tolerance and brotherhood in the world. The Buddha, Jesus Christ and Hazrat Mohammad have stated the same thing. This is also what the followers of the Arya Vedic Sanatana faith have been saying since thousands of years. The Arya Vedic Sanatana faithful have all along emphasized on peace, tolerance and brotherhood, considering the whole world as one family," President Paudel said, adding th at in this sense the forthcoming age can be considered as the age of restoration of the Vedic culture. If we can move ahead with the thinking and character embodying that philosophy, I think we can find the solution to the problems of present climate change crisis and the international strife as well, he further added. The President stated on the occasion that the feeling of equality and unity among all castes, ethnicities, religions, communities and linguistic groups inspired by the Oriental philosophy is also the main goal of the federal democratic republic. Stating that it gives him immense pleasure to participate in this sacred Kumbha Mela programme in Chataradham, a holy place situated on the lap of the Barahakshetra, the pious land where the ancient sages meditated and where the gods and goddesses roamed, the Head of State said Chataradham is not only an important religious place among the four main such religious sites of Nepal but also one of the four major pilgrimage sites of the world from the re ligious, historical, cultural and tourism point of view. He described the Kumbha Mela as the 'glory' of Nepal itself as it has been organized with the objective of promoting national unity, protecting nationality, independence and sovereignty. He believed that the religious event will contribute towards developing Chataradham as a major spiritual tourism destination. Meanwhile, the President also offered worship at the Shree Radha Sarweshwor Temple here. He also inaugurated the Acharya Keshavsharan Memorial Building constructed at the site. Similarly, Chief Minister of Koshi Province Kedar Karki and Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hit Bahaduur Tamang also wished for the success of the Maha Kumbh Mela, highlighting its significance. The founder of Kumbh Mela and the first Jagatguru of Nepal, Balsanta Mohan Sharan Devacharya spoke on the value of the Kumbh Mela event and urged one and all to visit the event and be benefited with spiritual vibes. The organisers believe that besides those f rom Nepal, some 3 million devotees from the world over will visit the Kumbha Mela which will run till May 10. Source: National News Agency Nepal

DHAKA, Mild heat wave is sweeping over the districts of Cox's Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati and Patuakhali and it may spread, said a met office release in its 24 hours forcast from 9am today. Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky over the country, the release added. Day and night temperature may rise by 1-3 degrees Celsius over the country. Trough of westerly low lies over West Bengal and adjoining area. Seasonal low lies over South Bay. Country's maximum temperature on Monday was recorded 37.5 degrees Celsius at Khepupara and the minimum temperature today was 19.1 degrees Celsius at Tetulia. The sun sets at 6:18 PM today and rises at 5:42 AM tomorrow in the capital. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Saathi launched the research report titled "Transitional Justice in Nepal: Stumbling Blocks and Way Forward" today in Kathmandu. The research recommends the prompt enactment of the TRC bill by parliament, either through consensus or regular voting. It urges top leaders of major political parties to issue public apologies for human rights violations during the armed conflict. The study aimed at delving into the prolonged transitional justice process in Nepal, its impact on conflict victims, their participation in the process, and potential pathways to bring this process to a meaningful conclusion. The research, conducted in collaboration with the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP), sought to investigate the current impasse in Nepal's transitional justice process amidst changing political, social, and economic landscapes. It aimed to assess the perceptions, realities, and expectations of conflict victims regarding Nepal's overall transitional justice process while analyzing the linkages between transitional justice mechanisms and National Action Plans on women, peace, and security. Viewing the Transitional Justice (TJ) process through a gender lens, the study examines the reflections, experiences, and life stories of conflict victims, with a particular emphasis on survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. Additionally, it has gathered expert opinions and perspectives to explore strategies and possibilities for concluding the transitional justice process. Stakeholders and conflict victims identified a lack of strong political commitment as a major hindrance to the transitional justice process. Insufficient mutual understanding and clarity about the course of action of TJ outlined in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and the need for legal frameworks to better align with constitutional principles, Supreme Court directives, and international standards were highlighted. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons (CIEDP) were noted to lack sufficient authority, human resources, and a clear course of action. The research emphasized the importance of ensuring proper identification of genuine conflict victims and distributing government-recognized identity cards. It also stressed the necessity of guaranteeing interim relief and effective remedies for women and girls affected by conflict. Furthermore, the report highlighted the need to extend the three-month statutory limitation for filing cases related to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). Additionally, it recommended devising a clear, comprehensive, and credible transitional justice work plan with specific timelines based on commission mandates. The unveiling took place in the presence of around 80 people including researchers, conflict victims, government officials, representative from different embassies, representatives of UN agencies, development partners, civil society members, media persons among other stakeholders involved in the transitional justice proc ess. Top Bahadur Magar, Chair of the National Human Rights Commission, was the chief guest at the report-launching programme, with Phanindra Gautam, Secretary of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, attending as the special guest. Devi Khadka, former minister and conflict victim, Dr. Danielle Meuwly, Ambassador, Switzerland to Nepal, Patricia Fernandez - Pacheco, Country Representative, UN Women, Nepal ManchalaJha, Former Member, Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), Bandana Rana , UN CEDAW Committee member, Bishnu Raj Uprety, Former Executive Chairperson, Policy Research Institute (PRI) jointly unveiled the research book alongside the chief and special guest. During the release event, Bandana Rana, Team Leader of the research, expressed hope that the findings of the study would prompt stakeholders to reflect on the obstacles and consider the recommendations. This, she believed, would aid in concluding the transitional justice process, creating a win-win situation for victims and state mechanisms and ultimately fostering sustainable peace in the country. Saathi is a non-governmental organization established in 1992 to address the different forms of violence and discrimination faced by Nepali women and girls. It was the first organization that was instrumental in drawing significant national attention towards domestic violence in Nepal as an area requiring urgent attention and intervention to break the silence that impacts the lives of many marginalized women and girls. It has persistently continued its crusade for creating a safe and violence-free society where women and children can live with respect and dignity. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Of the four Nepali Army personnel who were hurt while dousing the forest fire at Masta community forest at Thulobheri Municipality-4 in Dolpa district, three died, according to the District Police Office, Dolpa. The deceased ones are Hemanta Rawal, 28, of Tatopani Rural Municipality-4 in Jumla and working at Devidutta Battalion in Dunai, Dolpa, Keshav Bahadur Magar, 38, of Kavrepalanchowk district and Ashish Budha, 23, of Humla district, informed Chief District Officer (CDO) in Dolpa, Tulsi Prasad Dahal. Rawal breathed his last on Monday while undergoing treatment at District Hospital and Magar died at Burn Hospital at Kirtipur in Kathmandu, added CDO Dahal. Injured in the incident, Bijay Koirala, 30, is currently undergoing treatment in Kathmandu, it was shared. Deceased Rawal's dead body was airlifted to his home in Jumla on Tuesday, said the District Police Office Dolpa. The Nepali Army personnel had gone to douse the fire on Monday. While containing the fire, they were in a stream and got injured when the fire moved towards them due to gusty wind. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Kathmandu: Air pollution of Kathmandu Valley has increased following the forest fire occurred across the country for the past few days. Based on the Air Quality Index (AQI), Kathmandu has been ranked as the topmost polluted city globally this afternoon, recording an AQI of 200. Deputy Director General of the Department of Environment, Tara Dutta Bhatta, said there is effect of forest fire in the air of different cities including Kathmandu. "The air pollution of Kathmandu had also increased few weeks ago. It becomes more polluted today," he mentioned, adding the air pollution would increase until forest fire comes under control. Similarly, Disaster Management expert Dr Dharma Raj Upreti, said an AQI value of up to 50 is considered good while 51-100 moderate, 100-150 unhealthy and it is highly hazardous if measured 150-200. Likewise, AQI value from 201 to 300 is considered very unhealthy while 300-400 dangerous and 401-450 very dangerous. Air Quality Management Action Plan for Kathmandu Valley, 2076, read s that an AQI of more than 300 is considered as a disaster. It has been mentioned in the action plan not to burn garbage, to increase the use of brooms and vacuums to clean the roads to stop such type of disaster as well as to issue public notices to children, senior citizens and patients to take special precautions. In the National Environment Policy, 2076 BS, it is mentioned that national standards related to prevention of water, air, soil, sound, electricity, magnetic waves, radioactive radiation, hazardous chemical pollution will be prepared and implemented in order to reduce pollution. According to the strategy, air, water and sound quality will be mapped by establishing and operating quality measurement centers in areas at risk of pollution including major cities and industrial areas. Source: National News Agency Nepal

DHAKA, Foreign Minister and Awami League Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud today called for maintain both student politics and congenial atmosphere at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). He was addressing as the chief guest an Eid gift distribution ceremony on behalf of the prime minister on the premises of Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) at Dhaka University. Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) central committee organized the programme with its president Saddam Hussein in the chair. BCL general secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Enan conducted it. Noting that student politics and Chhatra League were involved with all achievements of Bangladesh, Dr Hasan said Chhatra League had played role in the country's struggle for independence, Liberation War and nation building activity in the post independence period. The student organization also played role to free the country's democracy when military dictators Zia and Ershad limited the democracy, he said. He said many eminent politicians of the country were created through student politics of BUET and they led the nation and still doing so. 'But I am astonished that student politics was stopped at BUET centering a tragic incident and a movement has also been waged to stop student politics. It is not democratic decision,' he said. The decision of stopping student politics at BUET was inconsiderable one so that the court withdrew the university's order of banning student politics on the campus and opened the door to student politics there, he said. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has demonstrated in Kathmandu today to press for the fulfillment of its 40-point demand submitted to the government. A clash took place between the demonstrators and security personnel at Bhadrakali road after the rally gathered from different places of the city tried to enter the prohibited area. Police said a situation arose in which the police had to use water cannon, lathi-charge and to fire some teargas shells to bring the demonstration under control. The RPP shared that party's some cadres were also injured in course of protest. Traffic of Kathmandu Valley has been disrupted due to the demonstration. No vehicular movement has been seen at the main road of Singha Durbar for around two hours. Source: National News Agency Nepal

BANDARBAN, A Bandarban court today sent 52 arrested people to jail in a case filed over the incident of bank robbery and arms looting at Ruma upazila in Bandarban. Senior Judicial Magistrate of Bandarban Chief Judicial Magistrate Court Md Nazmul Hossain passed the order. Police Inspector AK Fazlul Haque confirmed it. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, Vice president of Naogaon district unit of Awami League (AL) Nirmol Krisno Saha passed away on Monday while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Kolkata, India. He was 75. Saha left behind his wife, two sons, a daughter and a host of relatives and well-wishers to mourn his death. Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Naogaon district AL vice president Nirmol Krisno Saha. In a condolence message, the AL general secretary prayed for salvation of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Eight people including seven Nepalese died in a road accident at Betalghat of Nainital district in India on Monday night. According to Sub-Inspector at Betalghat Police Post, Anish Ansari, the deceased have been identified as Bishram Chaudhary, Dhiraj Chaudhary, Antaram Chaudhary, Binod Chaudhary, Tilak Chaudhary, Udayram Chaudhary and Gopal Basnet. Based on the documents found with them, the seven Nepalese were from Babai of the then Bheri zone, according to the police post. The accident took place when a rented vehicle fell some 150 meters off the road while loading goods in course of coming to Tanakpur. They had been working there to lay pipelines along roadside around the incident site. A local driver along with seven Nepalese lost their lives in the accident, he shared. All the bodies have been kept at Nainital Government Hospital. Similarly, Shanti Chaudhary, wife of Dhiraj Chaudhary, and Janak Chaudhary were injured in the incident. Sub-Inspector Ansari said police personnel as well as state disas ter response team were deputed in rescue on Monday night. Source: National News Agency Nepal

GOPALGANJ, A total of 91,920 poor and distressed families in five upazilas and four municipalities of the district were given 909.20 tonnes of rice under special Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) programme as Eid gift of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr festival. Officials of the district administration said that the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has allocated the rice for distributing among the poor and distressed families in five upazilas and four municipalities of the district. Distribution of VGF rice has started from April 4 and ended today. "The upazila administrations with assistance of local government representatives and union level committees were distributed the rice to listed VGF card holder families,'' said district relief and rehabilitation officer Md. Ashraful Haque said. Each of the selected beneficiary families was given 10 kgs of rice in all five upazilas in the district. The distribution process will be completed before the Eid-ul-Fitr. Under the programm e, 90.83 tonnes of rice were distributed among 17,095 families in Sadar upazila, while 131.75 tonnes among 13,175 families in Kashiani upazila, 182.48 tonnes among 18,248 families in Kotalipara upazila, 200.67 tonnes among 20,067 families in Muksudpur upazila and 53.91 tonnes of rice were distributed among 5,391 families in Tungipara upazila . Besides, 46.21 tonnes of rice were distributed among 4,621 families of Gopalganj municipality, while . 46.21 tonnes of rice among 4,621 families of Kotalipara municipality, 46.21 tonnes among 4,621 families in Tungipara municipality and 30.81 tonnes of rice were distributed among 3,081 families of Muksudpur municipality, Md. Ashraful Haque added. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: One hundred and two people have been killed in incidences of fire in about one year's period (from April 14, 2024 to April 3, 2024). More than 3,795 fire incidents were reported in various places of the country during this period, resulting in the casualties, stated the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). Four thousand seven hundred and twenty-five families have been affected due to the fire incidents in the same period, NDRRMA spokesperson Gomadevi Chemjong said. According to her, the fires damaged properties worth more than Rs 2.33 billion. Spokesperson Chemjong said although incidents of fire decreased as it rained in the meantime, the fire incidents have started spreading again warranting precaution. The highest casualties due to disasters this year are from fire incidents, excepting the casualties resulting from the Jajarkot earthquake. Forty-three people were killed due to lightning while 20 died due to snake bite, 12 due to avalanche, 43 due to attack by wild animals and five due to wildfires during the same period, according to the NDRRMA data. Four hundred and seventy-seven people have been killed in various disaster incidents since April 14 last year. Source: National News Agency Nepal