Day: April 11, 2024

Kathmandu: The Nepal Police has prepared a special security plan for keeping Thamel and Durbarmarg areas open round the clock. Chief of the District Police Range Kathmandu, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bhupendra Bahadur Khatri, said this while speaking in an interaction programme on minimization of drug abuse and cyber crimes, organized here today by Community Service Centre Tundaldevi and Police Circle Maharajgunj and Maligaun. "Police is carrying out a thorough study of the possible crime-prone areas for opening Thamel and Durbarmarg areas for 24 hours. Nepal Police would gear ahead towards making the two tourism business markets more vibrant by managing additional human resources of the Nepal Police and the Tourist Police," SSP Khatri said. Stating that the incidents of drug abuse and cyber crime have increased throughout the country including the federal capital Kathmandu in recent days, he asserted that the Kathmandu Police is vigorously working for controlling these. According to him, 3,700 complaints of misuse of social sites have been filed with the Kathmandu Police in the current fiscal year. Similarly, he said, more than 4,000 cases related to narcotics abuse have been registered throughout the country. Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Ward No 4 Chair, Dinesh Maharjan, said all the damaged roads in the Ward would be blacktopped within the next year. He urged one and all, especially the students and parents, to be aware against drug abuse and cyber crime. President of the Community Service Centre Tundaldevi, Ram Prasad Neupane informed that the Centre has been collaborating with the Community Police Service Centre for ending the anomalies, aberrations and ant-social activities in Chandol, Dhumbarahi, Baluwatar and Chundevi, Tundaldevi area. He added that the Community Service Centre has been conducting public awareness raising programmes for controlling incidents of drug abuse and cyber crime. Chief of the Police Circle Maharajgunj, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ambar Bahadur Thapa Chh etri said the police, in collaboration with the community, have been running various public awareness based programmes, citing that the youths were embroiled in drug abuse and cyber crime in the recent time. Government former secretary Shyam Prasad Mainali, former Additional Inspector General of Police (AIG) Amar Singh Shah, Principal of Newton Higher Secondary School Ram Bahadur Thapa, among other speakers, underscored on keeping the students safe from drug abuse and cyber crime. Source: National News Agency Nepal

The Islam community in Nepal observed the Eid-ul-Fitra, one of the major festivals of the Muslims, with enthusiasm today. The festival is observed following the conclusion of the one-month-long Roja (rigorous fasting), that ended on Wednesday. This morning, they visited the BP Chowk-based Idgah, a public place for offering prayers, en-masse, and recited Namaz, ritual prayers, wishing for lasting peace, prosperity, and goodwill in the nation and among the community, according to a Muslim religious leader, Maulana Abdul Jabbar Manjari. People from other communities including political parties, the business community, and representatives from various organizations joined the Eid greetings-exchange ceremony on the occasion. With cheerful faces, they embrace each other and extend Eid-best wishes warmly. Nepalgunj-based Muslim leader Mohammed Harun Halawai said he could see the Muslim people celebrating the festival with a much fanfare in Nepalgunj, enjoying and offering special delicacies. During the one-mont h-long Roja, they observed a rigourous fasting followed by the recitation of Namaz five times a day, tried to refrain from doing wrongdoing, speaking lies, seeing unwanted things, tolerated heat with the belief that their Allah ( god) will forgive them all of their mistakes, according to Manjari, Roza is considered a mandatory practice for people from the Muslim community. If any individual fails to observe the Roza due to physical condition or illness, such individual should offer food to another person from a poor community for a month. Hindus and Muslims greet 'Eid Mubarak' to each other Likewise, the Islam community of Mohattrai is engaged in observing Eid today. The settlements along the Mithila region in Mahottari where the people from the Islam and Hindu communities reside together exchanged Eid greetings, gesturing a mutual respect and bonding. In the district headquarters Jaleshwor, the people from the Hindu community visit the houses of Muslims to offer the Eid greetings. Binaya Bishwakarm, 30, of Jaleshwor-2, said they are visiting his Muslim friends at their homes to extend the Eid best wishes. "The atmosphere is joyous." Mayor Suresh Sah Sonar said Jaleshwor highly reflects the presence of social cohesion and goodwill here and such feature is exemplary. Hindus are ahead of the relatives of Islam reaching the latter's homes with Eid best wishes while Muslims reach the homes of Hindus during the Hindu festival with best wishes before the relatives of the latter do the same. This practice is founded on the Mithila culture and traditions. Such communal bonding is released in each parts of the district, according to the District Coordination Committee, Mahottari Chief Suman Kumar Lal Karna, such bonding sometimes make us emotional, he added. "This is due to also the influence of the Buddhist philosophy." Source: National News Agency Nepal

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has said priority would be given to eastern part of the country in government's policy, programmes and budget for coming fiscal year. Addressing the joint meeting of the CPN (Maoist Centre), province central committee members and province office-bearers today, Prime Minister Dahal underlined that a budget would be brought preparing the basis of country's economic prosperity and socialism. He clarified that the policy, programme and budget for coming fiscal year would be production and employment oriented, adding the government has taken significant initiatives in favour of the people. Stating that people's hope has raised from government's positive works, CPN (Maoist Centre) Chair Dahal laid emphasis on the need of taking positive works carried by the government in the context of good governance and social justice before the people. "All participated in Maoist movement should be united. Friends participating in Socialist Forum are also in mood of unity. Remain ing friends have reached to a conclusion that there is no alternative to unity. We all will stand together", he stressed. Laying emphasis on the need of protecting the achievements gained from Maoist movement, the Prime Minister urged all to be aware as efforts are being made to reverse achievements like federalism, inclusiveness and secularism. He explained that the Federal Civil Service Act is in the phase of passage as well as Federal Police Act has been prepared and Province Police Act is in the phase of implementation. Source: National News Agency Nepal

State Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Awami League Central Working Committee Member Mohammad Ali Arafat, MP, today offered Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at Gulshan Society Jame Mosque in the capital this morning. After offering prayers, he exchanged Eid greetings with the devotees at the mosque, said a press release. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Minister for Forests and Environment Nawal Kishor Sah Sudi has underscored on improving the national economy through the sustainable use of plants. Addressing a programme marking the 64th Anniversary of the Department of Plant Resources and the 25th Plant Day here today, he laid emphasis on boosting the economy by means of sustainable utilisation of plant resources. The theme of the Anniversary is - 'Indigenous Plants for Local Prosperity'. Minister Sudi described the plant resources as the backbone for the improvement of the national economy, stating that it is necessary to increase employment by boosting the economy through plant resources. "Activities related to plant research have been pursued in spite of the limited means and resources. Contributions should be made towards augmenting the national economy by means of the sustainable utilization of plant resources, prioritizing the research activities," the Minister for Forests and Environment suggested. Secretary at the Ministry, Dr Deepak Kumar Kharal stressed on reinforcing the economic income and generating the employment opportunities from the plant resources. He pointed out the need of improving the economy by means of promoting medicinal herbs. Department Director-General Dr Sanjiv Kumar Rai underscored on increasing investment in human resource development in the plant resources research and processing sectors. He stated that since its establishment the Department has dedicated itself to building an economically prosperous nation through identification of plant resources and their utilization, developing the technology for the same. Prof Dr Lokesh Ratna Shakya was honoured with the 'National Plant Resources Award' in recognition of his contribution to the conservation and promotion of plant resources through long involvement and association in the study, research and teaching plant resources science in Nepal. Dr Nirmala Pradhan who was the recipient of the 'National Plant Resources Award -2079 BS' gave a special talk on the theme of t his year's National Plant Resources Day. On the occasion, Ministry Secretary Kharal launched a book entitled 'Algal Flora of Nepal, Volume 2', co-authored by Prof Dr Shiva Kumar Rai and Sajita Dhakal, and published by the Department's National Herbarium and Plant Laboratory Godavari. Source: National News Agency Nepal

A total of five congregations (jamaat) were held today at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in the capital on the occasion of the holy Eid-ul-Fitr. The first Eid jamaat was held at 7am while the next four jamaats were held at 8am, 9am, 10am and 10.45am. Baitul Mukarram National Mosque's senior Pesh Imam Hafeez Mufti Md Mizanur Rahman conducted the first Eid jamaat while the Mosque's Khadem Muazzin Md Ishaq was the muqabbir. Devotees from different parts of the capital took part in the Eid congregations at the National Mosque. Additional police were deployed around the mosque to ensure security. Police personnel were present in the area and at every gate since morning. They searched many people who brought bags. Everyone was also allowed to enter through the archway gate. People of different classes and professions offered prayers in the congregation. In the munajat, the devotees prayed for the welfare of the country and the nation. At the end of the congregation, the worshipers exchanged Eid greeting s by hugging one another. On the other hand, Hafez Mufti Muhiuddin Kashem was the imam of second Eid jamaat and Hafez Md Ataur Rahman was the mukabbir. Azimpur Graveyard Mayor Hanif Jam-e-Mosque's Pesh Imam Hafez Maulana Imran Bin Nuruddin was the imam of third Eid jamaat and Baitul Mukarram National Mosque's Khadem Muhammad Abdul Hadi was the mukabbir. Islamic Foundation Mufasasir Dr Md Abu Saleh Patwari was the imam of fourth Eid jamaat and Baitul Mukarram National Mosque's Khadem Muhammad Jasim Uddin was the mukabbir. Mirpur Jameya Arabia Ashrafia and Atimkhana Muhatamim Syed Wahiduzzaman was the imam of fifth Eid jamaat and Baitul Mukarram National Mosque's Khadem Mohammad Ruhul Amin was the mukabbir. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

At least five people were killed and several others injured at Sadarghat Launch Terminal as the anchor rope of a launch severed and hit them this afternoon. River Police Superintendent of Police (crime and operation) Ashik Sayeed confirmed the matter to BSS. Fire Service and Civil Defence sources said two launches--MV Tasrif-4 and MV Pubali-1-- were tied to 11 number pontoon at Sadarghat. The accident occurred as the rope of MV Tasrif-4 tore down when another launch named Farhan tried to enter between the two launches. Critically injured were taken to Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital where on duty doctors declared the five people as dead, said Ashik Sayeed. Of the deceased, three are men, a woman and a child. Joynal Abedin, Joint Commissioner of Dhaka River Port (Sadarghat Traffic Zone) said several injured people were sent to Mitford Hospital after rescuing. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Three children were critically injured in a forest fire that occurred in Sun Community Forest in Tripurasundari Municipality-4 in the district on Thursday. Two brothers and a sister of a family were hurt in the fire occurred near the village. Those injured kids are fourth-grader Bibas Buda, 13-year-old Samanta Buda and 10-year-old Suraj Buda, according to Chief District Officer of Dolpa Tulsi Prasad Dahal. The children were injured with fire while collecting Guchchi mushrooms in the forest. Although they were rushed to the District Hospital for treatment, the hospital referred them to Kathmandu for further treatment, according to the District Hospital. Meanwhile, chief administrative officer Jagdish Chandra Nepali said Tripurasundari municipality was making efforts to manage helicopter to ferry the injured ones. However, adverse weather affected the flight of Nepali Army helicopter from Surkhet to Dolpa. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Kathmandu: Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav has wished all Muslim sisters and brothers at home and abroad for their happiness, good health, peace and prosperity on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. In a message of best wishes, he said such festivals would promote mutual unity and goodwill in Nepal's multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-cultural and multi-religious countries. Unity in diversity is our fundamental identity and specialty, Vice President Yadav said, expressing the belief that such festivals would promote fraternity and harmony in the community, society and contribute to the preservation and development of the original culture and tradition here. Noting that the Eid festival has imparted a message to all to live together, he said it would inspire the poor and those in need of cooperation to help and teach them to be truthful, diligent and conscientious by giving a message of hope and trust in life. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today extended greetings to the people on the occasion of the holy Eid-ul-Fitr. "On behalf of Bangladesh Awami League, I am extending Eid-ul-Fitr greetings to all, Eid Mubarak," he said in a video message. Quader said after the month-long fasting and moderation, the holy Eid-ul-Fitr comes with the message of immense joy. He said Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the biggest religious festivals of Bangladesh and the Muslim Ummah. The AL general secretary hoped the great essence of Eid-ul-Fitr will bring peace and happiness in the world community. "Let us share the joy of Eid-ul-Fitr among all irrespective of rich and poor of society, religions, castes and creeds with mutual cooperation and compassion," he said. Quader said there is crisis of water, electricity, gas and energy all over the world and Bangladesh is also not isolated from these. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged the nation to save these things, he mentioned. "Respon ding to the call, I am also urging the people to maintain austerity in this regard. Let us get inspired from the strength of moderation," the AL general secretary said. He hoped the movement for building a developed and prosperous Smart Bangladesh under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina will march forward defying all visible and invisible conspiracies. About the Eid journey, the road transport minister said there was massive stream of homebound people before the Eid this time too. Many people expressed apprehension over people's sufferings during Eid journey, he said, adding overcoming all concern, Eid journey has become comparatively smooth and comfortable with cooperation of all. He extended thanks and gratitude to all who worked hard to make the Eid journey comfortable. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today congratulated the newly elected Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris. In a letter wrote to the Irish Premier, she said, 'I, on behalf of the Government and the People of Bangladesh, extend our heartiest congratulations to you on your assumption of the office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland.' She said, 'Your election with an overwhelming majority is a testimony to the trust and confidence that you have earned as Ireland's youngest-ever Prime Minister with a charismatic political career.' Recalling Irish support during Bangladesh's Liberation War, she said, 'We in Bangladesh recall in deep gratitude the support of the Irish people and politicians, including that extended by former Irish Foreign Minister Seán MacBride to our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and the people of Bangladesh in 1971 during our glorious War of Liberation.' Since then, Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh and Ireland have had amicable relations deeply rooted in their s hared values of democracy, secularism, tolerance, and inclusion and their shared aspirations for vibrant trade, investment, security, and climate cooperation. "Yet, the most important pillar of our bilateral relations continues to be our very enterprising and dynamic Bangladeshi Diaspora in Ireland,' she said. Bangladesh Premier looks forward to working closely with Prime Minister Simon Harris to further strengthen long-standing political, economic, and strategic partnerships between the two countries. She wished Irish Prime Minister every success, good health, happiness as well as the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Ireland in the coming days. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha