Day: May 2, 2024

Kathmandu: Inspector General of the Nepal Police, Basanta Bahadur Kunwar, and Head of the National Relations Division of the Indonesian National Police, Krishna Murti, held a meeting. During the meeting held at the Police Headquarters today, they discussed the issues regarding mutual cooperation, sharing of information and coordination, said Spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General, Bhim Prasad Dhakal. Earlier, Senior Superintendent of Police, Dan Bahadur Karki, made presentation on the issues-Nepal Police's organisational introduction, history, structure, duties and responsibilities, participation of Nepal Police in UN Peace Keeping Mission and international cooperation and collaboration in presence of six-member team including IGP Murti. On the occasion, Murti shared about the duties and responsibilities of Indonesian National Police and added that there would be collaboration with Nepal Police in information sharing, cross-border crime, cyber-crime and UN mission. Similarly, Senior Superintendent of I ndonesian National Police, Leo Yandi Gunawan, made presentation about participation of Indonesian National Police in UN mission. Additional Inspector Generals, Deputy Inspector Generals and other senior police officials were present on the occasion. The delegation led by IGP Murti has arrived here on Tuesday for five-day Nepal visit. Source: National News Agency Nepal

The cases of banking fraud are on the rise in Nawalpur (Nawalparasi Bardghat Susta East). According to the District Police Office, Nawalpur, this year the complaints regarding the offence has increased more than double their number last year. This year, a noticeable number of complaints have been registered in the office. In the past ten and half months of the current fiscal, the office registered 50 complaints of banking fraud. Last fiscal year, this figure was 23. Most cases are related to cheque bounce and it suggests an increasing economic crisis, according to Superintendent of Police Narhari Regmi. Source: National News Agency Nepal

The farmers of Myagdi have earned more than Rs 210 million this year by selling oranges. Orange is the main agricultural produce exported from Myagdi. According to the agriculture Knowledge Centre, Myagdi, the sale of 3,600 metric tonnes of oranges produced in the district this year has a turnover of Rs 216 million. Information Officer of the Centre, Samjhana Acharya said oranges worth Rs 170 million were produced and sold last year. Oranges are sold at the rate of Rs 55 to Rs 60 per kg. Beni municipality has produced and sold oranges worth Rs 33.8 million. Similarly, Malika Rural Municipality sold oranges worth Rs 13.6 million while Annapurna Rural Municipality and Mangala Rural Municipality each exported oranges worth Rs 13 million. Likewise, Dhawalagiri Rural Municipality exported oranges worth Rs 3 million and 70 thousand and Raghuganga exported oranges worth Rs 2.5 million, said Information Officer Acharya. Oranges worth Rs 22 million have been sold from Bhakimli, Marek and Rakhu area of Beni Municip ality-3 alone. Oranges worth Rs 11 million were sold from Thamdanda, Baskuna and Surkemela at Singa of the Municipality's Ward No 4, said Sandip Khatri, the ward chairperson and an orange farmer. Sanjeev Bastola, the Chief of AKC Myagdi, said that out of the 810 hectares of land where oranges were grown in Myagdi, oranges on only 420 hectares gave good harvest. "The productivity of oranges is 8.6 metric tonnes per hectare," he said, adding, "The production of oranges has increased due to favorable weather, control of disease and insect outbreaks, subsidies to farmers in fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural tools and materials, and expansion of the area under cultivation." Source: National News Agency Nepal

The fifth convention of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Europe chapter, has elected a 39-member new executive committee with Kejin Rai as its president. The new committee having a three-year team comprises Raj Kumar Thapa, Prem Pomu, Dil Nishani Magar, Dron Rijal and Basu Satyal (vice chairs), Sher Bahadur Pariyar (general secretary), Bharat Pradhan, Kalash Kharel and Ashim Lopchan (deputy general secretaries), Mahindo Waiba, Ramesh Raj Bastola and Dinesh Gautam (secretaries) and Indira Chamling (treasurer). Bhola Lamichhane ( Spain), YB Gurung (Denmark), Kamal Parajuli (Spain), Kishore Subba ( Portugal), Sanju Kauchha (Finland), Deepak Bhandari (Portugal), Binod Adhikari (Croatia), Deepak Khatiwada ( Portugal), Jasman Darnal (Germany), Prakash Bagale (Malta0, Pustak Regmi (Portugal), Lakpa Tenzi Sherpa (Romania), Dhanraj BK (Malta), Janak Baral (Belgium), Nawaraj Dawadi (Portugal), Senchhelung Patangawa ( Germany), Balaram Rai (Portugal), Kamal Panthi (Hangary), Madhav Pokhrel (Italy), Ghanshya m Gautam (Spain), Subhash Chamling (Belgium), Tulasa Ghimire (Portugal), Sarmila Gurung Thakuri (Portugal), Amrita Rai (Romania) and Mani Tamu are the elected members on the Committee. They elections were anonymous. The convention was held on Wednesday through a Zoom. In his virtual address to the convention, FNJ Central Chair, Bipul Pokhrel, said, "Nepali journalists have yet to fight for the Press freedom." He urged all journalists to unite o fight for the rights of working journalists and for press freedom. He was of the opinion of further strengthening the FNJ serving as an umbrella organization of journalists. The event also issued a 10-point declaration. Source: National News Agency Nepal

State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat today said the government, civil society and mass media can be partners to fight together against the agenda based motivated journalism and disinformation campaign. 'Sometimes, media is abused and disinformation campaign is carried out in the country to stop our development using environment and climate change issues as shield . . . and let's accept the truth,' he told a panel discussion at the MIDAS centre in the city's Dhanmondi area, on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day. UNESCO, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and ARTICLE 19 jointly organized the discussion titled 'the Press Freedom and Freedom of Expression in the context of the Current Global Environmental Crisis'. Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexandra Berg von Linde, UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh and Head of Office Susan Vize, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman and Editor in Chief of Maasranga Television and Chairman of Broadcast Journalist Center (BJC) Rejwanul Haq took part in the panel dissuasion. The state minister said the government always promotes reporting on climate or any other issues as long as it is based on facts and evidences even if the government is criticized in the report. 'We would like to welcome any kind of criticism as long as the criticisms are based on facts. But this is not the case always. We do have an understanding that press freedom is all about right reporting,' Arafat added. As disinformation exists in society and everywhere else simultaneously, he said, the press freedom is very useful only when it is used in the right way. But when the press freedom is abused through disinformation campaign, it negatively affects the democratic progress of society and the people at large. 'Therefore, we need to be very careful about it and I also believe that it is very important to combat disinformation and also make sure that we can keep the space of freedom of expression and freedom of media absolutely protected,' the state minis ter added. 'So, it is also a very tricky situation where we need to be very careful to strategize our combat against disinformation. I believe in the freedom of media in the greater interest of the people,' Arafat said. But when this freedom is used or abused to implement the agenda of a vested quarter and effort is made to portray that as right to freedom, he said, it should not be considered the freedom of media. Noting that that freedom of media is also equally abused, he urged all to remain careful about it. 'I want to make sure one thing that the freedom of expression, freedom of media and press freedom are in the very core of the spirit of our 1971 Liberation War and those are protected in our constitution which is the highest law of our land. 'And we fought for this; we sacrificed and created a country while we wanted to ensure democracy, freedom of press and freedom of expression. We subscribe to these values,' Arafat said. Highlighting the government's media friendly initiatives, the state mini ster said the media in the country has grown exponentially in numbers as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina created a congenial environment for the expansion of media in the last 15 years. Mentioning that the government has no intension to regulate or control the media, he said if the government had any intension to control, regulate or influence the media, it would not have allowed increasing the number of media. Speaking about the climate change, he said, the government has been in the forefront when it comes to negotiation with the rest of the world. He said Bangladesh is one of the biggest victims of this climate change but primarily it is not responsible for it. 'So, you cannot make everyone of our country, while going something wrong, responsible for this,' he said. Highlighting the country's Delta Plan 2100 to ensure sustainable development protecting the environment, Arafat said as the government has taken this as its central commitment, there is no reason to allow those who are doing otherwise. 'So, we definitely want to welcome reporting and journalism in favor of protection of the environment,' he added. Noting that the government not only believes in development but also in sustainable development, he said Bangladesh has been on the forefront in terms of achievement of the SDGs because of the government's genuine interest in and commitment to the protection of environment. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: The government has awarded various organisations and individuals for their significant contribution to the development and expansion of information technology sector. At a programme organised here today on the occasion of the seventh National Communications and Information Technology Day, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' presented awards under IT-related different categories. On the occasion, PM Dahal presented 'National Communications and Information Outstanding Award-2080' to Dr Shailendra Giri (Pyuthan). Similarly, Lena Keshari Kansakar (Kathmandu) received Outstanding Award towards women category. Likewise, 'National Communications and Information Technology Innovation Award-2080' and 'National Communications and Information Technology Startup Award-2080' has gone to One Plus Financial Services and Monal Tech Pvt Ltd (Chabahil) respectively. The award carries a purse of Rs 100,000 each. 'National Communications and Information Technology Award-2080' was conferred on Social Secu rity Fund (Kathmandu) towards public sector, Data Hub Pvt Ltd (Thapathali) towards private sector and Dynamic Technosoft Pvt Ltd (Birgunj) towards province. Similarly, Nepal Telecommunication Company has been honoured towards information technology sector for submitting the highest amount of revenue in fiscal year 2022/23 and Sprout Technology Services (Lalitpur) for bringing in more foreign currencies exporting IT related services in the same fiscal year. Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, honoured the students involved in IT related exhibition. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Jatiya Sangsad today unanimously adopted a condolence motion expressing profound shock and sorrow at the death of a incumbent lawmaker of Jenaidah-1 and ruling Awami League former five lawmakers and other noted personalities. Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury moved the obituary motion separately at the beginning of the second session with brief resumes of those who died after prorogation of first session of the 12th Jatiya Sangsad. The Speaker said the House expressed deep shock at the death of former state minister for fisheries and livestock M Abdul Hyee of Jenaidah-1 who elected lawmaker from the ruling Awami League for five consecutive time including the current 12th session of the parliament. Valiant Freedom Fighter M Abdul Hyee was born at Mohammadpur village of Sailkupa upazila of Jenaidah district on May 1 in 1952. Participated in the discussion at the Jaitya Sangsad, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina described him as a brave soul. The premier said Hyee was a good organizer as he had made the strong position for Bangladesh Awami League in an adverse area like Jhenaidah. The incumbent lawmaker Abul Hyee died while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Thailand on March 16 in 2024. The Speaker also expressed shock at the death of other five former lawmakers including Dr Mohammad Shamsul Huq Bhuiyan of Chandpur-4 of 10th Jatiya Sangsad, Abul Hashem Khan of Cumilla-5 of 11th Jatiya Sangsad, Pinu Khan of women reserved seat-23 of the 10th Jatiya Sangsad, Nazir Hossain of Sunamganj-1 of 5th , 6th and 8th Jatiya Sangsad and Mokhlesur Rahman of Gaibandha-3 of 6th Jatiya Sangsad. She also expressed deep shock over the deaths of Chief Prosecutor of the International Crime Tribunal Ghulam Arieff Tipoo who also was a valiant Freedom Fighter, language veteran, prestigious Ekushey Padak recipient, noted journalist, valiant Freedom Fighter and former Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Ihsanul Karim, Awami League Advisory Council member and Ekushey Padak recipient Dr Pranab Kumar Barua, valiant Freedom Fighter, na tional flag designer and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal leader Shib Narayan Das, Independent award recipient former lawmaker M Abdur Rahim's wife Nazma Rahim who was also mother of Supreme Court Appellate Division Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Jatiya Sangsad Whip Iqbalur Rahim, Abdus Sobhan Hawlader, father of Golam Sarwar Tuku MP of Barguna-1, noted Rabindara Sangeet artist Sadi Mohammad, noted artist and Chime band vocalist Khalid, noted Indian gazal artist Pankaj Uddas, leader of farmers' right movement of the Bengal Kumudini Hazong and noted dramatist Ahmed Reza Rubel. The parliament, as well, expressed deep shock on the causalities due to terrorist attack in Moscow, causalities after the Israeli air attack at the residential areas of Gaza strip and the deaths of others people in various incidents at home and abroad in the recent past. The parliament conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members and prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls. The lawmakers also observed a one-minute silence as a ma rk of profound respect to the departed souls. Later, a munajat was offered by independent lawmaker Muhammad Husamuddin Chowdhury of Sylhet-5 seeking eternal peace of the departed souls. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Kathmandu, the federal capital of Nepal, has been again ranked the world's most polluted city. According to the data of the Air Quality Index today, Kathmandu's overall AQI has reached 162 while Chiang Mai city of Thailand is in the second position and Medan of Indonesia has been identified as the world's third most polluted city. According to the people concerned, air pollution is soaring in Kathmandu due to rising incidents of forest fire amidst the increasing temperature. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, today, records 165 incidents of forest fire in 39 districts across the country. According to wild fire expert, Sundar Sharma, the increasing number of forest fires has contributed to air pollution in major cities of the country including the federal capital. If no rainfall in the next few days, it will be challenging to contain the forest fire and reduce air pollution, according to him. Meteorologist Govinda Jha said there are no chances of rainfall immediately despite a brief rain in some parts. Disaster management expert Dr Dharma Raj Upreti said AQI from 0-50 is considered good for public health as it is indicated by a green signal while 51-100 is moderate and marked by yellow, but it still warns us to be careful on time. It is unhealthy specifically for sensitive groups such as those who have respiratory and cardio issues if measured from 101-150 and is it highlighted by orange. Similarly AQI from 151-200 is indicated by red to suggest that it is unhealthy for all, 201-300 is highlighted by purple and it is very unhealthy. If it is measured 301-400, it is hazardous and 401-500 is highly hazardous and they are denoted by maroon. Air Quality Management Action Plan for the Kathmandu Valley, 2076 BS considers the situation measuring AQI above 300 as a disaster. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Kathmandu: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, has said the formulations of policies and laws and the development of physical infrastructure are in the progress to increase investment in information technology (IT) sector and make its use safe. In her address to a programme organised to mark the 7th National Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Day here today, the Minister said the National Cyber Security Policy, 2080 has been issued first time aiming to make the cyber space secured and systematic. "On the basis of the same policy, the National Cyber Security Center has been established. The formulation of the draft of the Information Technology and Cyber Security Bill is in the progress," the Minister said, adding a review of the Telecommunications Act is underway to adjust it as per the demand of time. According to the Minister, IT has now become a vital aspect in the campaign to build a prosperous Nepal along with the presence of good governance and social ju stice. The government Spokesperson appealed to one and all to cooperate with the government in efforts to find a path towards prosperity through IT innovations and its use. With more innovations in IT sectors and expansion of IT services, its use has significantly soared in Nepal, she said, adding the application of an online system in the public service sector has increased. As the government Spokesperson said, the government is focused on the expansion of telecommunications connectivity across the country, identifying it as a fundamental digital infrastructure when the government pursues a policy of promoting the digital payment system and accelerating its use with effectiveness. According to the Minister, most parts of the country have now access to telecommunications services and most ward centers have access to broadband internet facility. Lately, IT is seen as an emerging and innovative sector for an economic prosperity, she said. "As of today, we consider the promotion of agriculture, hydropower, a nd tourism areas instrumental for finding an economic prosperity, and now the IT has found its space in this list as a new and emerging sector." She pointed out the need of effective implementation of infrastructure sharing policy after reviewing it in order to end the dual investment at telecommunication infrastructure sector. It was mandatory to established IT hub to make IT industry and increasing IT related service export systematic, stressed Minister Sharma. The Communications Minister mentioned, "An environment for integrated mobilization of knowledge, skill and labour of capable human resources of IT sector and capital of investors within the country and abroad will be built if necessary infrastructures can be built in order to operating IT industry and startups from the same place to promote IT related service export." Underscoring the need of launching digital literacy and public awareness programmes across the country to make use of information technology safe, she explained, " Though the world community has move a long way in the IT sector, there is still digital divide in Nepal. On the one hand, an access of all people to informational technology has to be established while on the other hand an environment has to be created where all citizens can use it in an equal manner. The government is serious and committed for the same." Similarly, Chairperson of Education, Health and Information Committee of House of Representatives, Ambar Bahadur Thapa, said the information technology has made daily life easier and has been playing significant role in country's economic transformation. "The use of information technology should be made broad in nation's development, progress and prosperity. The government should pay attention to make IT as the basis of prosperity", he shared. Likewise, President of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Chandra Prasad Dhakal, explained that it was very important to keep IT sector as the sector of high potential for investment. There is possibility of bringing in foreign currencies by exporting services by increasing infrastructures and investment in IT sector, he mentioned, stating the government should keep it at high priority. Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Ram Krishna Subedi, underlined that the use of IT was mandatory in work performance, education, health and research, adding life without 'smart phone' could not been imagined. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said she wants free, fair and neutral upazila election so people can elect their representatives of their choices. "I want uninfluenced, free, fair and neutral upazila elections. The winners of the election are welcomed. They will be winners whom people want. Awami League has come to power as the people wanted," she said. The premier made the remarks while replying to a series of question at a media briefing about the outcome of her recent six-day official visit to Thailand at her official Ganabhaban residence here. She said her government has been working to make the electoral process more pro-people and transparent. So, her government enacted law for the first time to form election commission and made the commission financially independent after bringing out it from the purview of the Prime Minister's Office and gave separate allocation in the budget for the commission, she said. Sheikh Hasina said they did all things to make the election free and fair as the people c an exercise their voting rights as per their choices. She said her government has held the 12th parliamentary election on January 7, 2024 in the freest, fairest and most neutral manner in comparison of other elections in Bangladesh history after 1975 changeover. The premier said there was a move at home and abroad to foil the election, but they had failed in doing so as the people were in favour of the Awami League. "Our strength is the people and I have belief in them. Awami League will remain in power if people want as we have been elected by the people's mandate," she said. She also said the Awami League wasn't formed from the pocket of any military dictator who grabbed state power illegally, rather, the party was formed to realise the demand of the people. "It is proved that the Awami League works for the people's welfare. So, we have been able to overcome all the hurdles and became victorious with the help of the people," she said. The prime minister came down heavily on some political parties who have asked the people to boycott the voting. She called upon the journalist community to take pen against the vested quarters' ill-move to influence people not to exercise voting rights as voting rights are people's constitutional and civic rights. Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, PM's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman, Awami League Presidium Members, Begum Matia Chowdhury and Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim, State Minister for Commerce Ahasanul Islam Titu and State Minister for ICT Division Zunaid Ahmed Palak, were present on the dais. PM's Speech Writer M Nazrul Islam moderated the function. Sheikh Hasina said the people who are now crying for democracy and people's voting rights, they have forgotten that they had stolen the voting rights of the people. The premier said some political parties boycotted elections as they had no strength to take part in the elections. Without mentioning the name of any political party, Sheikh Hasina , also Awami League President, said the party have no leader whom they can depend on or place before the people as both of their top leaders are accused of various criminal cases. The people have no confidence in their leadership, she said, adding that so, they have boycotted the election. In replying to another question, Sheikh Hasina said the leftist parties turned into ninety degree angle and they also wanted to oust the Awami League from power. "Well, they want to oust me. But could they specify who will come next? It is my question. Who would come to power and who would work for the country? It is not clear whom they want to bring," she said. Since, it is not clear whom they want to bring in power next, the people do not response them, she added. Replying to another query, the premier said the 14-party alliance led by Awami League is still remaining and will be in future. She said she will sit with the 14-party alliance after holding meeting with Awami League advisory council. The prime minister s aid her party will celebrate its 75th year anniversary massively when it will invite some foreign political parties considering the current internal aspects to take part in the gala celebration. She also criticised those who are always busy with spreading propaganda against the advancement of the country at home and abroad. She went on saying that the propaganda has definitely influenced the foreigners and some local people as well. But, the general people never pay heed to them as they have faith in Awami League, for which, they have voted the party to power time and again, she said. "The massive development of the country occurred as the Awami League is in power. Bangladesh is now moving on the global stage with due dignity as Awami League is in power," the premier said. Some people don't see the development of the country as they have different formula of development, she said. "But, for me, the development of the country is to ensure food, treatment, accommodation and education for the rural people and ensure them a better and improved life," she said. The premier asked the countrymen to look at 15 years back to realise the transformation of Bangladesh. "Is there no change occurred in the country? Didn't you see any development in Bangladesh?" she questioned. Replying to another question about the persisting heatwave that across the country, Sheikh Hasina called upon all to be cautious and drink enough water and stay under sheds. The premier said the Awami League and its front and associate bodies have been distributing water, caps, umbrellas and salines among the people across the country. "We are ready to tackle any disaster," she said. The Prime Minister called upon the countrymen, particularly her partymen, to plant trees in huge numbers to protect Bangladesh from the wrath of the natural calamities. Replying to a query, she said it is very unfortunate that the developed countries that were largely liable for climate change, do not comply with their promises of giving 100 billion US dollar to the climate fund. The Prime Minister called upon the countries involved in arms race to use the money expensed in producing arms and wars for survival of the adverse impact of climate and for welfare of mankind. Describing her Thailand visit as a success and milestone for bilateral relations, trade and business, Sheikh Hasina said, "A new door of mutual cooperation has opened with my Thailand visit." The Prime Minister said he called upon her Thai counterpart to invest in Bangladesh's high-tech parks and special economic zones being set up across the country. She said she also called for Thai investment in the 80-mile long Cox's Bazar Beach as that country has expertise in tourism. "With my Thailand visit, a great scope has been created for bilateral business, trade and exchanging experiences (particularly in agriculture and tourism) which will help in accelerating country's socio-economic advancement," she said. During the visit, she said, she held talks with her Thai counterpart about the Rohingya iss ue and current situation in Myanmar as Thailand has influence on Myanmar. The premier said, "The Prime Minister of Thailand promised to me that he would extend whatever cooperation needed to repatriate the Rohingyas to Myanmar." The Prime Minister said she always attaches importance to enhancing cooperation and exchanging experiences and expertise especially among the regional countries for mutual socio-economic advancement. She said Bangladesh has been working to enhance relationship with the countries of south, southeast, East Europe, Middle East, Gulf and African countries to diversify cooperation on trade and business which required for socio-economic advancement. The Prime Minister criticised the US police action on the students and teachers agitating against the Israeli aggression on Gaza in Palestine. She said America should take care of their home instead of searching for human rights in other countries as gross violation of human rights has been taking place in that country. The Prime Minister said she always raised her voice against the genocide in Gaza by Israel. The Prime Minister returned home on April 29, wrapping up her six-day official her visit to Thailand, at the invitation of her Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Chief Election Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya today submitted to President Ramchandra Paudel the 'Report on the By-election to the Member of House of Representatives and the Province Assembly, 2081 BS', along with the election results. Chief Election Commissioner Thapaliya presented to the President the By-election, 2081 BS Report in accordance with the Clause 62 of the House of Representatives Member Election Act, 2074 BS, states a communiqué issued by spokesperson at the Office of the President, Shailaja Regmi Bhattarai. Source: National News Agency Nepal

A new initiative titled "Nagorikata: Civic Engagement Fund" was launched today aiming to empower all Bangladeshis, particularly women, girls, and marginalized people by amplifying their voices and ensuring their rights to equality, privacy, freedom of expression, and access to information. The Civic Engagement Fund is collaboration between the United States, Canada, Switzerland, civil society, and the Bangladesh government to promote gender equality and robust institutions in line with the Sustainable Development Goals 5 and 16. Chief Coordinator of SDG Affairs of the Prime Minister's Office Md. Akhter Hossain, Director General of NGO Affairs Bureau Md. Saidur Rahman, US Ambassador Peter Haas, Canadian High Commissioner Dr. Lily Nichols and Swiss High Commissioner Reto Ringgli joined the special inauguration event at a hotel in the city. The Civic Engagement Fund will increase outreach and mobilise diverse groups of citizens, expand cooperation and partnerships among civil society organizations, provide gr ant opportunities, and strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations. The initiative will also increase dialogue between civil society, government and citizens for more responsive and inclusive policies. "Our support for the Nagorikota Civic Engagement Fund aligns with our commitment to empowering civil society for positive change and sustainable development. We remain dedicated to strengthening democratic institutions, enhancing accountability, and upholding the rule of law," said U.S. Ambassador Haas. "Gender equality is at the core of Canada's international assistance programming. Promoting gender equality is the most effective way to address the root causes of poverty. The Nagorikata Civic Engagement Fund supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, which promotes gender equality, by empowering women and girls, strengthening their voice, and promoting their human rights. The fund will foster strong partnerships with civil society, strengthen their knowledge and capacity, and ensure that wome n's organizations, youth and others marginalized groups have a strong voice and achieve transformative change. Canada is a proud supporter of the Nagorikata Civic Engagement Fund, a catalyst for a more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous Bangladesh," said Canadian High Commissioner Dr. Lily Nichols. "Switzerland staunchly supports stronger civic voices and citizen engagement at home and abroad and we stress that this is a universal principle that transcends borders. The creation of the Civic Engagement Fund is also a manifestation of Switzerland's long-standing partnership with Bangladesh as a committed, credible and innovative development partner," said Swiss High Commissioner RetoRinggli. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha