Day: April 21, 2024

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has said that the government has made serious diplomatic efforts for the safe repatriation of students in the captivity of Palestinian rebels to Nepal. Addressing the Fourth Convocation Ceremony of the Far-West University here today, PM Dahal, who is also the Chancellor of the University, expressed sorrow over the Nepali students who lost their lives in the attacks by Palestinian insurgents in Israel on October 7, 2023. "I am deeply saddened by the incident in which our students who had gone to Israel as part of the 'Earning while Learning' programme of the Far-West University's Institute of Agriculture lost their lives in the attacks by the Palestinian rebels," he said, and extended tribute to those students killed in the incident as well as expressing condolences to their family members. The Prime Minister stated that the government has been fulfilling with alacrity the responsibility it has to undertake to bring back to Nepal the students who were injured a nd affected by the incident, and to repatriate the bodies of those killed in the attack. "Even now a student is in the captivity of the rebels. Necessary diplomatic initiatives are going on for returning him to Nepal," the PM said. Bipin's release will also be agenda during Qatari Amir's visit to Nepal, says PM Speaking in the same programme, Prime Minister Dahal said the topic of taking initiatives for securing the release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali student who is under the captivity of Hamas militants, is included in the agenda during the State visit to Nepal. He said that the role that the Qatari Amir can play in Joshi's release is also included in the agenda of his visit. "The government is vigorously playing its role in bringing the affected students home from Israel. Only today morning in an interview to a Kuwaiti television channel, I spoke on Qatar's role in securing Joshi's release and also requested to take the initiative to that end," PM Dahal said on the occasion. PM Dahal also on the occasion handed medals to the University students who won various medals. Minister for Education, Science and Technology and the University Pro-Chancellor, Sumana Shrestha and Professor of the Kumaun University of Uttarakhand State, India, Prof Diwan Singh Rawat also put their views. Three hundred and seventy-six students were graduated in the convocation ceremony, according to the Far-West University. Source: National News Agency RSS

Health and Family Welfare Minister Professor Dr Samanta Lal Sen today directed authorities concerned of the public hospitals to remain ready for extending healthcare services to people as the country is under the grip of severe heatwave. "Elderly people and children are the most vulnerable due to the ongoing heatwave . . . I am urging the people, particularly old-age and children to stay indoors to avoid heatstroke and other heatwave related complications," he told a press conference virtually at his ministry, an official release said today. State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr Rokeya Sultana and Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Prof Abul Bashar Mohammad Khurshid Alam, among others, were present on the occasion. The health minister said extreme heatwave has put the country into catastrophic position and authorities of public hospitals already have been asked to keep ready for extending treatment services to the people. "Considering health risk of schooling going children, I talked to the education minister to shut educational institutions. Under the directive of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, schools and colleges will remain closed till April 27," he added. The public hospitals including Shishu hospital have been directed to keep special measures for children, Samanta said, adding dedicated beds have been kept at the Dhaka North City Corporation Hospitals for elderly people and children. Latest News Most View Awami League joint meeting to be held tomorrow Khaleda Zia's appearance in 11 cases on July 29 Very severe heat wave sweeping over country's different parts Relocation of war expenditure could ensure better world environment: PM PM opens NAP Expo-2024 Bellingham snatches Madrid dramatic Clasico win over Barcelona Atalanta continue Champions League bid with Monza win Ruud defeats Tsitsipas to win 'biggest title' in Barcelona Qatar Amir arrives this evening Chapman leads New Zealand to shock win over Pakistan in third T20 Markets bounce as MidEas t fears ease, US inflation in view 11 missing in Guangdong rainstorm Turkey's Erdogan in rare Iraq visit to discuss water, oil, security 6 held for taking, selling drugs in Chapainawabganj Serb majority in N.Kosovo shuns vote on ethnic Albanian mayors Portugal poised to celebrate 50 years of democracy N.Macedonia chooses president in election warm-up US hints at sanctioning Israeli unit over alleged abuses Biden denounces campus anti-Semitism amid tensions over student protests 11 missing, tens of thousands evacuated as storms strike south China All Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, has urged the international community to confidently invest in the area of communications and information technology in Nepal. The Minister made this call during a meeting with representatives from IT industries from 17 nations in the Asia Pacific held today on the eve of the Nepal Investment Summit scheduled for April 28-29. On the occasion, she said the government aims to promote foreign, domestic, and non-resident investors simultaneously through the Summit. According to the Minister, the process is underway to undertake legal and structural reforms for the same, according to the Spokesperson for the government. The government is committed to creating a secure and trustworthy investment atmosphere. "The Government of Nepal gives priority to the use of IT in its service delivery with the new innovations in IT and this has led to the use of e-systems in the public administration," she said. The essence of IT sector is signif icant to bring quality change in citizens' lives by ensuring their wider and highest access to mass communications, telecommunications, and IT, she said, sharing about the government's vision to build an IT-friendly nation. As she said, the Ministry is preparing to undertake some revisions to enhance the effectiveness of the implementation of the concept for the 'digital Nepal framework'. The safe use of IT and building a 'digital ecosystem' are the priorities of the government and some preparatory works including the drafting of the IT and Cyber Security Bill, Social Sites Management, and Operation Bill have been intensified to implement such priorities, according to the Minister. As she said, the understanding of the government is that proper management and utilization of skilled human resources with the use of IT will help achieve good governance and prosperity amid the global economic slowdown. Last year alone, Nepal exported software worth Rs 67 billion and the government in the budget for the fiscal year 2081-82 BS ( 2024-25) will accord due priority to the promotion of IT sector. She underlined the need to promote IT -based industries in Nepal-like landlocked countries to create jobs, promote exports, strengthen the economy and achieve development. The government is considering the implementation of the concept of IT park and information hub to operate the IT industry through a single venue. Source: National News Agency RSS

Sadarghat Naval police has detained two people with 1040 liters of smuggled diesel and a wooden boat from Karnaphuli River here last night. The detained were identified as Arafatul Islam and Faisal Ahmed both hailed from Patiya upazila of the district. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Sadarghat Naval Police Station Ekram Ullah told BSS that a boat loaded with the smuggled diesel was seized during a raid last night. Two people were arrested for their involvement in the oil smuggling. Legal action has been taken against them. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has said the production of scientific and technical human resources is vital for accelerating economic transformation in the country. In his address to the Fourth Convocation of the Far-West University on Sunday, the Prime Minister and the University Chancellor said such human resources are the demand of the time. Pressing an idea for utilising universities as a supporting tool for behavioral, social, and economic transformations, the Prime Minister urged the University to prioritise the production of human resources who can deliver with a sense of responsibility towards the nation and citizens. Youths are the future of the nation and they should have qualities such as integrity, discipline, and a high sense of responsibility while passing out from universities as graduates. Scientific, advanced, and creative human resources are warranted to further strengthen a democratic system and achieve a rapid economic transformation, according to him. He advised the Un iversity to ensure educational and managerial reforms so as to produce graduates capable of competing in the global education sphere, commending its role to increase citizens' access to education specifically in the far-west Nepal. Stating that the University that has already started teaching medical science under the Faculty of Medical Sciences towards the technical stream should now expand its services, he assured of the government's required support for the same. 'Govt will provide support in establishment of the National Medical Sciences University' PM Dahal believed that access to specialist medical services could be ensured in the Far-west region with the establishment of the National Medical Science University in Geta of Kailali. "The government has decided to set up the Sahid Dasharath Chand National Medical Science University in Geta of Kailali, realizing the lack of access to higher technical education in this region," he said, adding that works like the formulation of laws for the establishment of the University have been expedited. He expressed the confidence that the University to be established in Geta would prove to be a milestone in the development of this region. Academic standard of universities needs to be improved The Prime Minister underscored on the need of maintaining a high academic quality of the university. He insisted that the university should be the centre of attraction for study and research for all. "There is a need for the university teachers, employees and students all to strengthen mutual collaboration, cooperation and goodwill for the uplift of the universities' academic standards. The Government of Nepal is ever ready to provide the necessary support to improve the universities' standard," he reiterated. PM Dahal pointed out the need of the University developing itself into an excellent institute of learning and education with the university's leadership carrying out the physical and educational improvement of the university and also expanding student welfare activities through collaboration with other prestigious universities around the world. Source: National News Agency RSS

Five candidates for the post of chairmen and 10 candidates for the post of vice-chairmen today submitted their nomination papers in Debiganj upazila of the district in the last day of submission of the nomination. Four candidates from Awami League and another one from BNP have submitted nomination for the post of upazila chairmen. The contested chairmen candidates are-Md Hasnat Zaman Chowdary Jorge, general secretary of Debiganj upazila Awami League and former upazila chairman, Acting upazila chairman's son Mokdum Masum Masrafi Jukti, Raju Ahamed Mitu, Modon Mohon Ray, Rahimul Islam Bulbul (BNP). On the other hand, six candidates for the post of male vice-chairmen and four candidates for the post of female vice-chairmen have submitted their nomination papers. Upazila Election Officer Ahasan Habib said that five candidates for the post of chairmen and 10 candidates for the post vice-chairmen have submitted nomination papers through online system till 4pm today. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Minister for Agriculture and Land Management in the Lumbini province, Bhandarilal Ahir, has resigned from the post. His resignation follows the ruling from the Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) to get back from the government. Though he tendered his resignation on Saturday, it was made officially public today. In the resignation, the Minister cited the 'non-implementation' of the agreement reached with the party on April 4 by Chief Minister Jokh Bahadur Mahara as the reason behind the decision to quit the government. The Minister said he resigned in accordance with Article 169 (2) of the constitution. He was appointed as the Minister without Portfolio on April 7 in the government led by Mahara, the parliamentary party leader of the CPN (Maoist Centre). He was assigned the responsibilities of the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Management on April 18. During an agreement reached in the course of the formation of the Mahara-led government, it was agreed to give two ministries including Urban Development and Tou rism to the JSP. However, the party said its support to the government continues. The party holds three seats in the Province Assembly. Source: National News Agency RSS

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today said 11 bilateral instruments including six agreements and five Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) are likely to be signed during the Qatar Amir's visit here. "We expect that this high-level visit will elevate the friendly bilateral ties between Bangladesh and Qatar to new height", he said. Hasan was speaking at the curtain raiser press conference at his ministry here marking the state visit of Qatar Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Bangladesh from April 22 to 23. This is the first high-level state visit from the Middle-East countries after the formation of this government in January last led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The six agreements are - the agreement on avoidance of double taxation and fiscal evasion, cooperation in legal matters, sea carriage, mutual investment promotion and protection, exchange of sentenced personnel and formation of a joint business council. Five MoUs are - MoUs on manpower, port management, higher education and scientific re search, cooperation in youth and sports, and cooperation in diplomatic training. The foreign minister said the bilateral relations between the two countries have reached a strong position through the visit of the Prime Minister to Qatar twice in March and May last year and in continuation of this, the Qatar Amir will visit Bangladesh. During the Amir's visit, Hasan said there will be a discussion regarding the purchase of fuel from Qatar. "This visit will play an important role in the energy mix and energy security of Bangladesh," he added. He also said Bangladesh is seeking increased Qatari investment here and investors will be given land in Special Economic Zones (SEZ) of Bangladesh if they are interested. Dhaka will also call on Qatar for importing leather goods and pharmaceutical products along with Ready Made Garments (RMG) from Bangladesh, he continued. The foreign minister said Dhaka will also urge to recruit more Bangladeshi manpower in Qatar that currently hosts four lakh expatriate Bangladeshi s. He said the current situation in Middle East and crime against humanity in Gaza committing by Israel are also likely to be discussed. Bangladesh is intending to expand bilateral cooperation in the sectors of trade, investment, employment opportunities, energy, aviation, agriculture, food security, and climate change with Qatar, he added. Hasan said the existing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Qatar are very deep, friendly and multifaceted. The State of Qatar was one of the Muslim countries that recognized Bangladesh as a sovereign state in 1974, during the government of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Bangladesh has completed all necessary preparations to welcome the Qatar's Amir. This high-level visit from Qatar to Bangladesh is taking place, nearly 19 years after the last tour of the then Amir of the country Shaikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani in 2005. Ahead of the visit, many capital's streets are decorated with the portraits of Qatar Emir, along with Bangladesh's President and Prime Minister. The Amir is scheduled to arrive tomorrow afternoon by a special flight. President Mohammed Shahabuddin will receive the Amir amid gun salute and a wider ceremony at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA). On Tuesday morning, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will receive the Qatari Amir at her office. The two leaders will witness the signing ceremony of cooperation documents and join a joint press meet. After signing the visitors' book there, the Amir will head for Bangabhaban where the president will receive him. President Shahabuddin will host an official lunch in honour of the Amir of Qatar at Bangabhaban Darbar Hall. Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud will also have a courtesy meeting with the Amir. A road and a park in the capital will be named after the Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani. The Amir will inaugurate the park in the Kalshi area of Mirpur under Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and a road running from Mirpur ECB Chattar to Kalshi Flyover. The Amir will have a private meeting with the selected business community members at his place of residence. He is scheduled to depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by a special flight at 6 pm on Tuesday. The foreign minister will see him off at the HSIA. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: At the cordial invitation of President Ramchandra Paudel, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, is paying a State Visit to Nepal on 23 - 24 April 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a press release today. During the visit, the Amir of the State of Qatar will meet with President of Nepal at Shital Niwas. President Paudel will host a State Banquet in honour of the Amir of the State of Qatar. Similarly, Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on 24 April 2024. Following the talks, both leaders will witness the signing ceremony of bilateral Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding. His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar will depart for Qatar from Kathmandu on 24 April 2024. Source: National News Agency RSS

The deadline for the ongoing form fill-up process for the 2024 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) candidates has been extended to May 5 without any late fee charges. The Dhaka Education Board issued a notice regarding this on Sunday. The notice says that the ongoing form fill-up process for the 2024 HSC examinees has been extended to May 5 without any late fees. The last date for fee payment through Sonali Seba service has been rescheduled to May 6. The period for form fill-up with a late fee has been extended from May 7 to May 12. The final date for fee payment through Sonali Seba with a late fee has been rescheduled to May 13. This year's HSC and equivalent examinations will begin on June 30. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has assured of a shift from the conventional approach while bringing the policies and programmes, and the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Talking to the media at Dhangadhi Airport today, the Prime Minister highlighted the government's preparations for coming up with advanced, objective, and citizens-friendly programmes, policies, and the budget. The PM had transited at Dhangadhi Airport while en route to Kanchanpur. The government head took time to make it clear that the existing government does not reflect the power equation among the leftists. Instead, it should be considered as a political power equation, he said. According to him, the incumbent government coalition will complete its full term and there is no issue within it as rumoured outside. Stating that the government is preparing to welcome the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, who is arriving here for his two-day formal visit beginning on April 23. "This opportunity is historic," h e said. Similarly, preparations for the third Nepal Investment Summit scheduled to take place on April 28-29 are near the completion, according to him. "We receive widespread positive and encouraging responses regarding the Summit," he said, adding the government is preparing to introduce some Acts through the ordinances to build an investment-friendly atmosphere. On the occasion, the PM also shared with the media that Nepal will be hosting an international conference of mountain countries on climate change. Source: National News Agency RSS

Members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested an absconding convict in a drug case from Bholahat in Chapainawabganj district last night. The arrested was Md. Ariful Islam, 28, of Munshiganj village under Bholahat upazila of the district. Acting on detective information, an operation team of the RAB-5 conducted a raid at Borgachi Bazar under Bholahat upazila of the district around 10.30 pm and arrested him, RAB said. Later, the arrested person was handed over to the Bholahat Thana Police. Ariful was an accused of drugs case and sentenced to five years imprisonment by a Chapainawabganj court and he remained absconding since then, the sources added. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha