Day: April 11, 2024

Kathmandu: The Federation of Community Forest Users, Nepal (FECOFUN) has demanded the government provide free treatment to those injured in incidences of forest fire and compensation to the families of the deceased. Issuing a press note today, the Federation expressed its serious concerns over a growing number of forest fires across the country resulting in the loss of lives and property. The reduction in winter rainfall, continuous temperature rise, lack of public awareness, human negligence and errors, and some other causes have led to the rise in wildfire, it said, lamenting over the absence of effective measures to control the situation. The Federation has urged the government to ensure compensation to those killed in the forest fire at Masta community forest at the Thulobheri municipality in Dolpa, in Kalikot, Bhojpur, Dhankuta and Lalitpur and free treatment to the injured. It is said three Nepali armies were killed in the course of the attempts to take the fire control in Thulobheri. It has also a cknowledged the efforts of the community forest users in containing the forest fire. The Federation stressed the need for implementing prohibitive measures against forest fires, making citizens widely aware of legal actions for the responsibility for causing the fire. Source: National News Agency Nepal

The holy Eid-ul-Fitr, the largest religious festival of the Muslims, was celebrated in the port city as elsewhere in the district with due religious solemnity. Earlier, the district administration, Chattogram City Corporation and Islamic Foundation took programmes to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr in the city and the district. A total of 266 Eid congregations, including three at the Jamiatul Falah Mosque, were held in the port city under the auspices of Chattogram Central Eid Jamaat Committee (CCEJC) and Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) respectively. A large number of devotees joined the Eid prayers and prayed for divine blessing for the peace, prosperity and stability of the country. Chattogram metropolitan and district police sources said Eid-ul-Fitr jamaats in the city and district were held peacefully. The authority had taken adequate security measures in the city and districts. Education Minister Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel, City Mayor Reazaul Karim Chowdhury, former Mayor and City Awami Leagu e General Secretary AJM Nashir Uddin, BNP Central Vice Chairman Mir Mohammad Nashir Uddin, former Mayor and Jatiya Party Leader Mahmudul Islam Chowdhury, Jatiya Party Presidium Member and city AL President Solaiman Alam Seth, City BNP leader Abu Sufian, Deputy Commissioner Chattogram, politicians and high officials administration joined the main congregation at Jamiatul Falah Mosque at 8 am. The biggest Eid-ul-Fitr congregation of the district was also held at Andarkillah Shahi Jamia Mosque in the city at 9 am. Besides, the Muslim devotees joined the Eid-ul-Fitr congregations at the mosques at all 14 upazilas of the district between 8 am and 9 am. The devotees offered special munajats seeking divine blessings for eternal peace of departed souls of their relatives, and continued peace and prosperity of the country, its people, Muslim Ummah and whole humanity. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Community approval should be sought before going for a clinical trial of any vaccines/drugs. Speaking today at a panel discussion on 'clinical trial based on facts and research' held on the sidelines of the 10th National Summit of Health and Population Scientists in Nepal organized by the Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC), the stakeholders concerned stressed this. Director General of the Department of Drug Administration, Narayan Prasad Dhakal, said the implementation of criteria for clinical trial has not been effective. As he said, the Department is working on the draft of a clinical trial for the use of Ayurvedic drugs. Pradip Gyanwali, Chief of the Research Department, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, stressed the need for research for a clinical trial. As he said, Nepal recorded the first clinical trial for the vaccine against COVID-19. Remembering the formulation of criteria for a clinical trial while he was the member secretary of the Council, he echoed the need for its ef fective enforcement. Naheed Haque, from Oxford University Clinical Research Unit Nepal, pressed for the need of community approval for a clinical trial and to prevent its possible misuse. NHRC Ethical Review Board's Dr Diptesh Aryal called for making criteria for a clinical trial public and senior research officer Dr Meghnath Dhimal said the clinical trials that followed permission from the NHRC were in line with the research code of conduct. Source: National News Agency Nepal

President Mohammed Shahabuddin today urged the affluent people of the society to stand by the poor as well as the oppressed people of Palestine. The Head of State, in a congratulatory speech delivered on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr at the Credentials Hall of Bangabhaban, called upon the countrymen to enjoy the joys of Eid together with all, irrespective of the rich and the poor. On the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the most important religious festivals of Muslims, he extended his sincere greetings to all Bangladeshis living in the country and abroad. Many people around the world are passing through indescribable sufferings due to war and domination, including Palestine territory, even during this holy Eid occasion, the President mentioned. Strongly condemning the brutality in Palestine, he said, 'It is our moral duty as a human being to stand by them. Do your best to ease their sufferings .' President Shahabuddin said everybody should remember that sorrow can be experienced alone but one has to rejoic e the joy with everyone. "Let Eid build a bond of friendship, harmony and unity amongst all. . . Let the teachings of Eid-ul-Fitr spread to all, build a prosperous Bangladesh in the days to come,' the President hoped. Terming Islam as a religion of peace and welfare, the Head of State said, human values, equality, mutual co-existence and cooperation - these noble messages and ideals of Islam should be spread among all. President Shahabuddin said neighbours, relatives and friends should not be deprived of the joy of Eid. He urged everyone to work unitedly to build a hunger-free, poverty-free, happy and prosperous 'Smart Bangladesh' and the Sonar Bangla, envisioned by the Father of the Nation. Earlier, the President and his wife Dr Rebeka Sultana exchanged Eid greetings with people from all walks of life at Bangabhaban on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. President's family members, Religious Minister Md. Faridul Haque Khan, MP, and secretaries concerned to Bangabhaban were also present there. Mohammed Shahab uddin exchanged Eid greetings with people from all walks of life, including the chief justice, ministers, senior politicians, diplomats, valiant freedom fighters, judges, intellectuals, journalists, poets, writers, teachers and civil and military officials. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Brigadier General Gaurav Kumar KC has been appointed as the spokesperson for the Nepali Army. The Army Headquarters has assigned the responsibility of Director of the Army Public Relations and Information and the Army Spokesperson to KC. He is currently the Chief of the NA Number 3 Brigade Office based in Pokhara. The current Army Spokesperson Krishna Prasad Bhandari has been transferred to the Army Archives at the Army Headquarters. He will formally handover the responsibility of Army Spokesperson to KC after some days. The Army Public Relations and Information Directorate was established on April 2, 2002. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Foreign Minister and Awami League Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud today prayed to the Almighty Allah to protect the country from all sorts of conspiracies and to eliminate ill politics forever from the country on the occasion of the holy Eid-ul-Fitr. The minister told reporters after offering Eid prayers at his village Sukhbilash in Rangunia upazila of the district. After the prayers, Hasan exchanged greetings with locals. Greeting the countrymen, the minister said vested groups have started conspiracies from home and abroad when the country is marching ahead under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Everyone should remain alert against the plotters, he added. He also prayed for continuation of the present trend of development and progress of the country amid all conspiracies. Hasan hoped that good sense would arise among the people on the day of holy Eid-ul-Fitr who do conflicting politics, kill people through arson attacks and vandalise public property. The minister also prayed for all the Muslims who are being repressed at different places in the world. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has projected that Nepal's economy is to grow by 3.6% (at market prices) in fiscal year 2024. Releasing the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) April 2024, a flagship publication of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) by organising a press conference here today, it shared that Nepal's economy would go up from an estimated growth of 1.9% in fiscal year 2023. ADB Country Director for Nepal, Arnaud Cauchois said, "A gradual relaxation of monetary policy coupled with improved consumer and investor confidence is expected to stimulate economic activity in 2024. Moreover, industry is projected to grow more rapidly than in fiscal year 2023 as capital spending by the government ramps up in the second half of the fiscal year, and as additional hydroelectricity power comes online by the end of fiscal year 2024." Service sector growth would also likely accelerate as credit controls ease, interest rates further decrease, and tourism revenues expand. Agriculture growth may increase m arginally from 2.7% in fiscal year 2023 to 2.8% as a record rice harvest is tempered by a shortfall in winter crops and other agricultural production, given the deficient rainfall this winter season, reads the press release issued by ADB. The report projects annual average inflation to fall to 6.5% in fiscal year 2024 from 7.7% in fiscal year 2023 on subdued oil prices and a decline in inflation in India, Nepal's main import source. "External risks remain relatively well contained. The current account deficit may fall again into deficit after registering a surplus in the first half of fiscal year 2024", clarified the ADB. As per the ADO, as the trade deficit contracted by 4.7% year-on-year in the first 6 months of fiscal year 2024, and as workers' remittances expanded by 22.6% year-on-year, the current account recorded a surplus of $1.2 billion. However, amid higher imports and stable remittance inflows in the remainder of the fiscal year, the 2024 current account deficit is forecast at 0.7% of gross dome stic product. Similarly, ADB Principal Economist for Nepal Jan Hansen shared, 'Downside risks to the economic outlook in fiscal year 2024 may arise from a downturn in the global economy affecting Nepal's tourism and remittance receipts." "Any intensified geopolitical turmoil could disrupt supply chains, pushing up global inflation and tightening global financial conditions. This may lead to a tightening of domestic monetary policy, undermining investment and consumption, and dragging down growth", reads the press release. He expressed commitment to provide possible support in favour of prosperous and inclusive Nepal. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members-49 from the region.  Source: National News Agency Nepal

Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has said her party Awami League comes to power to give something to the people while BNP assumes to take. "Awami League always stands beside the people and works for their welfare," she said. The Premier was exchanging greetings with people of all strata of life including party leaders and workers, different professionals, judges, foreign diplomats and civil and military officials at her official Ganabhaban residence here on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr this morning. She thanked the countrymen for voting her party to power time and again. Sheikh Hasina also appreciated the partymen for distributing Iftar among the people instead of holding Iftar parties during the month of Ramadan following her directive. She said that BNP held 1,000 iftar parties during the month of Ramadan and enjoy foods while Awami League distribute Iftar items among the people. "Awami League always give something to the people while while BNP takes. AL comes to power to give wh ile BNP to take," she said. The Primer wished the countrymen a happy and joyous Eid on behalf of herself, her sister Sheikh Rehana and her family members. "May the Eid will bring unbounded delight, joy and happiness to the people including those who come to Ganabhaban today," she said. Sheikh Hasina reiterated her commitment to arrange food, clothing, accommodation, education and treatment for the countrymen following the path of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Sheikh Rehana, younger daughter of Father of the Nation and sister of the Prime Minister, and AL General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader were present on the dias. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

The hostel building for Janata Bidhyapeeth, under the Nepal Sanskrit University, is in urgent need of renovation. The aging structure, along with outdated furnishings, has caused challenges for students living in the hostel. According to student Udhyam Pokhrel, the deteriorating condition of the building poses a constant risk to their safety. "The structures are old, and we fear they may collapse at any time. Besides, the building is not even resistant to minor environmental disturbances," he stated. Moreover, the presence of overgrown grass around the building has made the surroundings unpleasant, and signs of water seepage are evident on the walls. The hostel, constructed back in 2049 BS, has completed thirty years of service. Former student Bhimlal Marasini reminisced that during his time in the hostel, the structures were not as dilapidated as they appear now. Currently, eight students reside in the hostel. School Principal Yogaraj Sharma said the renovation process has commenced with support from the I ndian Embassy. A detailed project report has been sent to the Embassy, and there is assurance of budget allocation for the renovation in the upcoming fiscal year. However, the school provides newly constructed residential facilities for school teachers. This building, established just two years ago at Bijauri at a cost of approximately Rs 10 million, accommodates teachers who are not locals. Principal Sharma said that the new structure was specifically built to address the accommodation challenges faced by teachers from outside the village, who often struggle to find rooms in rent. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Samanta Lal Sen today made a surprise visit to the city hospitals to ensure health services during the Eid vacation. He visited the city's Mugda Medical College Hospital, Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. The health minister went round the emergency departments, Coronary Care Units (CCU), different wards and kitchens of the hospitals. During the visit, Sen talked to patients, visitors, doctors, nurses and other officials of the hospitals and asked the concerned health service providers to maintain health care systems properly during the Eid vacation. Health Services Division Secretary Md Jahangir Alam and Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Director General Khurshid Alam, among others, were present. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: The 'Nepal Police Mobile Application', operated by the Nepal Police for making citizen service and crime investigation effective by internalizing innovative development in technology sector, has gained momentum. With easy access to smart phones and other mobile devices, the use of mobile apps is also increasing. The 'Nepal Police Mobile App', which has been used to collect and disseminate information and messages, has enabled the general public to use the facility of providing information with location to the police whenever they became victims or as eyewitnesses to an incident. Nepal Police Spokesperson, Deputy Inspector General Bhim Prasad Dhakal said it has helped the police to reach the spot and perform effectively. He said the mobile app has helped in crime investigation by getting authentic information like 'audio', photo and 'video'. Using this app, the general public can transmit photos, videos, audio and text based on the 'Global Positioning System' (GPS). He shared, "The app has been launched on a trial basis with the objective of institutionalizing the work of Nepal Police as a technology-friendly service. At present, arrangements have been made to mobilize the police from the nearest police office immediately on the basis of complaints and information received through the police app in all 77 districts. The app is useful for speedy dissemination of criminal activities, other incidents and accidents and information in the community, to control the criminals immediately and to maintain law and order. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has said discussions were underway at the political level to end the deadlock of House of Representatives and it would be resolved soon. Talking briefly to media persons at Biratnagar today, Prime Minister Dahal shared that the recent impasse would be resolved through political discussion. He expressed the belief that problems could be resolved by studying the overall issue related to cooperative and the topic concerning Chairperson of the Rastriya Swatantra Party and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane separately. "Formation of parliamentary probe committee has been demanded keeping Deputy Prime Minister Lamichhane in centre, which cannot be addressed," the PM said. Stating that the opposition parties have been making the problems seen in cooperative sector as a political issue rather than solving it after the change in the political alliance, PM Dahal underlined, "Earlier, the Nepali Congress was with us in the government. The issue of cooperative was minor for th em that time. After exiting from the government, formation of a parliamentary probe committee has been demanded keeping Rabi Lamichhane in the centre. It is based on political prejudice." He clarified that the efforts made to break the existing political equation would not be successful. Source: National News Agency Nepal