Day: May 6, 2024

Kathmandu: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, has asserted that the government has left no stone unturned for the rescue and repatriation of Nepali citizens in the countries which are engaged in war. Speaking in a meeting of the Federalism Consolidation and National Concerns Committee today, he said talks are being held with the Russian government on topics as the number of Nepalis working in the Russian Army, information on their status, repatriation of the bodies of those killed in the war, compensation to be provided to the victims' families and returning the Nepalis in the Russian Army by rescinding the agreement to that connection. The DPM and Foreign Affairs Minister said the government has the information that the Nepalis are recruited in the Russian Army, several of them have been injured and are in distress, several Nepalis have been captured by Ukranian Army and many have been killed, reiterating that the government was making all diplomatic efforts for their rescue and return to Nepal. "By agreeing on compensation, the Russian government has now started the process for the same. We have already forwarded the necessary documents for that," he said, adding - "We have demanded that the Russian Army has an agreement with the Nepalis who have joined the Russian army, it should be canceled and they should be returned to Nepal. The agreement in principle to cancel the contract and send the Nepali recruits in the Russian Army back to Nepal is being prepared to proceed ahead in concrete manner." As he said, he is in continuous talks with the Russian Foreign Minister and is also trying to talk directly with the Russian Defence Ministry. "We have also demanded the return of those who are held as POW by Ukraine. For this, we are talking with the Ministry of Defence along with the Foreign Minister of Russia," he said. The DPM and Foreign Minister mentioned that every possible effort is being made for the return of Nepali citizens from war-torn places. "If necessary, we have even offered to go to Russia and hold talks," Foreign Minister Shrestha said. Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha informed that Bipin Joshi has been captured by Hamas, but he has not been officially informed about Joshi's condition. According to him, he is requesting the release of Joshi from the country that is mediating for peace between the war-torn countries. "In the war between Israel and Hamas, our opinion so far is that Bipin Joshi is under the control of Hamas. But information about Joshi's situation has not been received formally and through official channel, and we have not been able to get him released," he said. Responding to the questions raised during the meeting by the members of the committee about the Nepal-India border issue and EPG, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Shrestha informed that the Susta and Kalapani border disputes are still under formal discussion. He said that all dimensions of Nepal-India relations should be resolved through diplomatic discussions. Deput y Prime Minister Shrestha informed the committee that homework is being done to open 14 trade checkpoints between Nepal and China and discussions are underway to create an economic corridor. "Relationships with China have progressed in the economic diplomacy realm, the basis of relations with China has become stronger," he said. In the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha said that the government, public bodies, leadership and political parties have been requested to follow the diplomatic code of conduct. He also informed the meeting that it is necessary to enhance the institutional capacity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the meeting about Nepal's foreign policy, the works carried out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and subordinate agencies, economic diplomacy, and problems and future action plans, Minister Shrestha also said that they are going to create a separate department to emphasize on economic diplomacy. He said that provinces and municipalities cannot establish foreign relations by t hemselves, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is assigning its representative in the provincial government. The Ministry has established diplomatic relations with 182 countries so far. Currently, Nepal has 30 embassies in different countries, and permanent missions in New York in the United States, Vienna in Austria and Geneva in Switzerland, and seven Consulate Generals. Source: National News Agency RSS

Strengthening vigilance of the forest workers, awareness of Mowal, Baowali, Fishermen and other users and responsible efforts of local villagers and tourists can save the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world. Different environment experts especially those who have been working with the environment, climate change and the Sundarbans said today while talking to the BSS following the recent devastating fire at Ambunia under Chandpai range of the Sundarbans East Forest recently. 'It is necessary to strengthen vigilance of both the forest workers and the users specially Mouali, Baoali, tourists, fishermen and villagers, adjacent to the Sundarbans,' said Professor Anwarul Kadir, Director of the Sundarban Academy, a non-government organization based in Khulna. 'Most of the time, men created fire broke out in the forest for their own interest. It's not possible to break out fire due to friction among the trees as the Sundarbans is the mangrove forest,' he said. He said separate forest management is necessary to protect the Sundarbans, adding that establishing of the Sundarbans Ministry can save the mangrove forest like the West Bengal of India. Mahfuzur Rahman Mukul, Khulna Divisional Coordinator of BELA, an NGO, told BSS today that men created fire incidents in the Sundarbans during last several years. Negligence of the Forest Department, not to take action against criminals who were involved in the fire incidents in the past probe report in the Sundarbans, he said. Meanwhile, the Chief Conservator of Forest Amir Hossain Chowdhury said here in a press briefing last night that although the fire was completely under control but the officials are still staying for observation. The area remains dry throughout the year except rainy season. In the rainy season, organic materials are generated by the leaves falling in the dry season. As a result, fire breaks out easily in this area of the Sundarbans, he said, adding that although the fire is under control, fire-fighting activities will continue there f or the next few days, he said. In reply to a question, there is no evidence of fire in the area where the fire broke out and even, a team of experts will be formed within a short time and they will submit their findings within 10 working days and we will work on the findings accordingly. He, however, said at least fire had been broke out 25 times during last 22 years in the mangrove forest Sundarbans. The Sundarbans is the world's largest uninterrupted tidal mangrove forest, covering 10,000 square kilometres. Approximately 6,017 square kilometres are located in Bangladesh with around 69 per cent being land and 31 per cent submerged. This unique forest is characterized by its diversity of wildlife and the upstream watershed, which is affected by saline ocean currents and muddy sediments. The Sundari tree is the main plant found in these mangroves, and many believe that the name of 'Sundarban' derives from it. The significance and role of the Sundarbans in this region are unparalleled, as the vast majority of this forest land covers the territory of Bangladesh. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Rekha Sharma has said that the press freedom is impossible without political rights and political tights will be impossible in the absence of press freedom. She further opined to forward both together. On the occasion of the 9th National Journalism Day, in the program held today at the President's Office Sheetal Niwas, Minister Sharma mentioned that Nepal's journalism sector is playing a role as an important part of change in the struggle for major political changes of yesterday, as political rights and the right to freedom of the press will go hand in hand. Minister said, "Now, by establishing the right to political and press freedom, politics and journalism are moving forward in one mission to change the situation of the people in accordance with the changed system. She said, "It is necessary to move forward with the same mission of politics and journalism to change the situation of the people in favour of the changed system by further est ablishing the political rights and press freedom." National Journalism Day is celebrated every year on Baisakh 24 to commemorate the day when Gorkhapatra, the first newspaper in Nepal, was published. This year, we are celebrating the National Journalism Day with the main slogan of 'Citizens' Access and Rights to Information, Accountable Journalism, Safe Journalists'. While reviewing Nepali journalism, Minister Sharma said that today is an important day to make the future path even easier and wider. On the same day today, 123 years ago on 24th Baisakh 1958 BS, the first newspaper Gorkhapatra was published in Nepal. Although it has been a long time since the news papers were published by the government level, media publishing/broadcasting started from the private sector after the revolution of 2007 BS. Minister Sharma said that Radio Nepal started broadcasting in the midst of the 2007 BS revolution, and with the advent of democracy, private sector newspapers also started to be published. "While journalism is trying to flourish along with democracy, it is clear that press and freedom of expression have been stifled due to the Panchayat system," he said, "We will remember the historical role played by the Nepali journalism sector to make the people aware of the horrors of the Panchayat autocracy." Minister further shared that the mass communications bill is ready to be tabled in Cabinet meeting. In the programme, the secretary at the Communications ministry, Ram Krishna Subedi, mentioned that today will give more energy to make the journalism sector further stronger, and assured that the government will provide all possible support in this campaign. President of Federation of Nepali Journalists Bipul Pokharel and Prateek Pradhan, who was awarded with the Senior Journalism Award, discussed the role and importance of the media for the benefit of the society as a whole and discussed the challenges faced in the communications sector with the development of information technology. On the occasion, President Ram Chand ra Paudel awarded Prateek Pradhan and Tribhuvan Paudel (posthumously) with Senior Journalist Award 2080 and National Journalism Award 2080 to Menaka Chaudhary, Suryamani Gautam, Bhawani Singh Air, Deepak Gyawali, Tripti Shahi and Prem Bahadur Karki Dholi (Rajan KD). Source: National News Agency RSS

Bangladesh Chhatra League, the student wing of ruling Awami League, today staged demonstrations on Dhaka University Campus expressing solidarity with the ongoing global students' movement and demanding to establish an independent Palestine state. Thousands of BCL leaders and activists from different universities, colleges and units along with Palestinian students studying in Bangladesh, brought out a procession from Madhur Canteen with the flags of Bangladesh and Palestine at around 12pm from university's Madhu's canteen area. Chanting various slogans in favor of war-torn Palestine and holding large Palestinian flags over their heads, the BCL leaders and activists marched towards different key points of the campus before ending their demonstration at the foot of anti-terrorist Raju Memorial Sculpture with a precession rally. Addressing the student gathering, BCL president Saddam Husain and General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Enan condemned the ongoing barbarity and genocide in Gaza and de manded an immediate ceasefire. BCL leaders also slammed the countries that have been supporting Israel and provided the country with arms to kill innocent Palestinians. Along with BCL central leaders, the rally was also addressed by the Palestinian students studying in Bangladesh. The students from Palestine extended their gratitude and thanked Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Chhatra League for their unequivocal support to Palestine. Among the leaders, BCL's DU unit President Mazharul Kabir Shoyon and its General Secretary Tanbir Hasan Shaikat addressed the occasion. According to media reports, over 34,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7, 2023. Students around the world have been raising their voices and holding programmes in different countries, including USA and Canada, against the military assault on Gaza. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' today discussed with the officials of the Department of Transport Management (DoTM) about the current situation of driving license and the solution to the problems seen in it. In the discussions held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers AT Singha Durbar this afternoon, the Prime Minister discussed with the Department's officials focusing on the current situation of driving license, the problems seen in the system of the Department, issues raised at the public level and the role to be played by the Department in this context. During the discussions, the Prime Minister stated that there was dissatisfaction and anger among the general public regarding the issues over the driving license and directed the Department's officials to address it immediately. Prime Minister Dahal said, "Serious questions have been raised in the public sphere about the driver's license. It shows serious criticism, dissatisfaction and anger of the people. Especiall y young people have complained about not getting service on time. The license was not distributed as it should have been. I have also heard about fake licenses being distributed. I have taken this problem seriously. Fix this problem immediately.' In the discussion, the PM also instructed the Department to make the digital system of license more systematic. He said, "Is this policy problem, is it a structural problem or is it a problem in our intentions? Considering its seriousness, it should be decided accordingly. Therefore, solve the queries and questions raised at the public level seriously. Update and upgrade the existing system and prepare to move forward to the new system.' The Prime Minister also instructed the DoTM to present concrete suggestions about what kind of policies and measures would be adopted to solve the problems of this sector as this is the time of policies and programs and budget. Chief Secretary Dr Baikuntha Aryal, DoTM Director General Uddhav Rijal and other officials were present in the discussion. Source: National News Agency RSS

Turkish navy ship "TCG Kinaliada" will carry out a port visit to Chattogram on May 7-9, 2024 in order to increase the 'visibility of the Turkish Naval Forces' and improve bilateral relations. "TCG Kinaliada" (F-514) has been on an expedition to the Far East, visiting 24 ports in 20 countries during her four-and-a-half-month journey, said a press note issued by the Turkish embassy in Dhaka today. The ship is scheduled to arrive in Chattogram Port on Tuesday at 10am. "We are pleased to welcome Turkish navy ship "TCG Kinaliada'' in Bangladesh on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Trkiye and Bangladesh", the embassy said. Commissioned in 2019, the "TCG Kinaliada" is the last ADA Class navy ship which built by the Istanbul Naval Shipyard in accordance with the MILGEM Program and integrated with Trkiye's first national surface to surface guided missile ATMACA, developed by ROKETSAN. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: The Newari and Tamang languages have been brought into use as the languages for official works within the Bagmati province. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal' Prachanda' declared the launching of the Bagmati Province Official Language Act, 2080 today. On the occasion, he announced that these two languages have been brought into use as the languages for official communication in Bagmati province. The government has declared the official languages as today is also the Language Day, 2024. The Bagmati Province Government has also given a public holiday within the province today to mark the occasion. The province government had had the Act certified on November 9, 2023. A member of the Bagmati Provincial Assembly, Bahadur Singh Lama said that although there are some difficulties for the implementation of Tamang and Newari languages, which have been brought into use as the official languages from today, as the languages for official purpose, everyone's support and cooperation is necessary. Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Hit Bahadur Tamang and Minister of Youth and Sports Biraj Bhakta Shrestha were present in the programme chaired by Chief Minister of the province Shalikram Jammakattel. President of Newa Deya Dabu, Pabitra Bajracharya thanked the Bagmati province government for implementing Newari and Tamang languages as official languages. He said that the Newari and Tamang were brought into use as the languages for official use due to the initiative of Prime Minister Dahal, the Bagmati Provincial Government, all members of the Provincial Assembly and the Chief Minister. Bajracharya mentioned that regulations, commissions, monitoring committees and other bodies have yet to be formed for the implementation of the Act. President of Nepal Tamang Ghedung, Mohan Gole, expressed his happiness that the long-standing demand has been addressed. Minister for Culture, Tourism and Cooperatives of the Bagmati State Government, Shailendra Man Bajracharya, said that this day on which the official languages have been brought into use is an achievement of the federal system brought after the sacrifice of martyrs. Prime Minister Dahal felicitated the poet Durgalal Shrestha by wrapping a shawl around his back as a mark of honour. On that occasion Janakavi Shrestha said that he will spend the rest of his life in linguistic movement. Source: National News Agency RSS

Around 70 percent of chairman candidates are businessmen in the first phase of the 6th Upazila Parishad elections while 93 of them have moveable or liquid assets worth over Taka one crore. Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) disclosed the information in a press conference at its Dhanmondi office today analyzing the affidavits of the candidates submitted in the Election Commission in 144 upazilas. In the first phase of the 6th upazila parishad elections, the number of candidates having moveable or liquid assets worth over Taka 1.0 crore is 17 among vice-chairman candidates and six among woman vice-chairman candidates. In the both cases, the number increased three times compared to previous polls. According to the TIB's analysis, 69.86 percent of the chairman candidates showed their occupation as business in the first phase. The second highest 11.19 percent showed their occupation as agricultural works. Lawyers (6.32pc) and teachers (4.15pc) are in the third and fourth positions. Similarly, about 6 9.59 percent of the candidates for the post of vice-chairman showed their occupation as business. According to TIB analysis, 52.22 percent of the woman vice chairman candidates have shown housewifery as their occupation. Second highest 24.37 percent showed their occupation as business. Social workers or organizers are at the next position, with 5.10 percent. Teachers (4.87pc) and farmers (3.48pc) are in the fourth and fifth positions. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Nepal has appealed to the international community to provide concessional assistance. Addressing the 57th annual meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) held in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, Finance Secretary Madhukumar Marasini asked for the provision of concessional assistance as large capital must be mobilized to address the economy and development aspirations that have weakened due to the Covid-19 pandemic. He urged all development partners, including the Asian Development Bank, to increase financial and technical support, saying that Nepal has moved forward with the concept of green, resilient and inclusive development (GRID). Secretary Marasini pointed out the need for collective efforts to make South Asia an area of emerging economic development and said that emphasis should be given fir the same. Pointing out the need for efforts, he said that emphasis should be placed on interdependence, innovation and digitization for the enhancement of interregional tr ade. He said that after the Covid-19 pandemic, the Nepali economy has been affected by global economic challenges and in recent days, due to the contraction in economic activities due to revenue deficit and increasing debt obligations, Nepal, like many others, is facing slow economic growth and economic stagnation. The cooperation with the private sector has become inevitable. Secretary Marasini shared that after the Covid-19 pandemic, the third investment conference was organized in Kathmandu to create an investment-friendly environment in Nepali economy. He mentioned that he believes that ADB can play an important role in creating an environment for investment in areas of comparative advantage such as tourism, hydropower and information technology. Recalling that the ADB has been continuously supporting Nepal, Secretary Marasini expressed his gratitude for being a reliable partner in the development journey. He said that in the last decade, Nepal has advanced social inclusion and economic development tog ether. Source: National News Agency RSS

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has taken 10 decisions to stop the illegal broadcasting of domestic and foreign TV channels and operation of unlicensed commercial activities on the broadcast media. The ministry took the decisions at a meeting with the Posts, Telecommunications and ICT Ministry at the Information and Broadcasting Ministry's conference room on April 2, said an official release today. State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat chaired the meeting. The decisions are: only service providers permitted under the Cable Television Network Management Act, 2006 can transmit domestic and foreign channels approved by the government to the subscribers. Foreign channels or any unauthorized channel cannot be downlinked, broadcast, transmitted or distributed without clean feed. Set-top boxes cannot be imported and marketed illegally. It is completely illegal to carry out campaigns inspiring the use of apps for streaming TV channels or selling such apps by installing i n set-top-boxes. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) should take legal action against this illegal act. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and ICT will take necessary steps in accordance with the existing laws and regulations against any illegal activity for Bangladesh's security and increasing government revenue collection, preventing money laundering and preserving the country's art, literature, culture and values. According to the Section 3(1) of the Cable Television Network Management Act, 2006, no distributor or service provider shall downlink, market, transmit or broadcast any channel in Bangladesh other than the channels approved by the government on the basis of designated application form. Furthermore, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued instructions regarding clean feed broadcasting of foreign TV channels programmes, so no person or organization could broadcast or transmit foreign TV channel progr ammes without clean feed. According to the Section 3(2) of the Cable Television Network Management Act, 2006, no distributor or service provider can market, transmit or broadcast any channel in Bangladesh through their own programmes like video, VCD, DVD or any other means except the government approved channels. No person or institution shall broadcast or transmit the feed of a domestic or foreign TV channel or any channel of its own violating the law. As per the Section 4(1) of the Cable Television Network Management Act, 2006, no person shall operate activities as a distributor or service provider without holding license. Therefore, no person or organization except license holding distributors or service providers can operate or broadcast TV channels or programmes. Authorized distributors should inform their foreign TV channel broadcasters about the decisions in written form. Legal action will be taken against persons or organizations involved in unlawful, illegal or unauthorized broadcasting. Source : Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: President Ramchandra Paudel has said that the more the press is impartial, independent and strong, the more the democratic system is consolidated. Addressing a programme organized by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology at the Shital Niwas to mark the Ninth National Journalism Day 2081 today, he said press freedom is an important aspect of the overall society's democratization campaign. The Head of State stated that this sector has a significant role towards promoting the national interest by means of the journalism principles and professionalism. "I have the confidence that you will work with commitment towards enhancing the public faith on press, rendering it more professional, responsible and able to bear the responsibility towards society through the promotion of investigation and newness in journalism," he added. The President recalled that the role played by the Nepali press fraternity was important in ending the autocratic rule and establishment of the federal democra tic republic. "Fair and independent journalism is possible only in a democratic government system, so now you will be more active in strengthening it and increasing people's trust in this system," he said. Noting that with the development of information technology and the Internet, the increasing use of social media and the false and misleading information that can flow through it can mislead the citizens and weaken the system, President Paudel expressed his belief that the Nepali Press will move forward in a more effective manner in the coming days to provide true and factual information to the people, facing up to these challenges. On the occasion, Prateek Pradhan and Tribhuvan Poudel (posthumously) were awarded with the Senior Journalist Honour 2080 while Menaka Chaudhary, Suryamani Gautam, Bhawani Singh Ayer, Deepak Gyawali, Tripti Shahi and Prem Bahadur Karki Dholi (Rajan KD) have been awarded with the National Journalism Award 2080. Source: National News Agency RSS

More than 1.65 lakh people from 35,500 poor and extreme-poor families in the metropolis has been self-reliant through various income-generating self-work activities. The distressed families, who struggled with poverty for a long time, achieved economically self-reliance and well-being by adopting the money-making activities through their own initiatives, planning and resource mobilization. The slum-population has been brought under the income-generating activities through formation of 103 Community Development Committees (CDC) under an anti-poverty scheme, said Nur Islam, Chief Engineer of Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC). Earlier, they formed 1,122 primary groups with their own initiatives and selected their modes of earning like small business, agriculture, poultry and dairy. Engineer Islam said the project has provided technical and financial support to the beneficiaries but the main work, like improving their livelihoods and living conditions, were done by themselves. Rehena Sharmin, 24, is a residen t of Meherchandi Purbapara slum of Rajshahi city. She is the fourth among her four brothers and two sisters. She couldn't take part in the SSC examinations due to poverty. In the preliminary stage, she received a loan of Taka 12,500 in two phases for poultry rearing. Now, she has become an owner of a poultry and dairy composite farm along with a homestead garden through her sincerity and hard work. Currently, she earns around Taka 15,000 to Taka 20,000 from her farm every month. Talking to BSS, Sharmin said the activity makes her aware about sustainable socio-economic and livelihood development side by side with the male. In addition to making her family members happy, she obtained an HSC degree from Bangladesh Open University. Sharmin conducted various lucrative programmes after being trained on savings and credit management and leadership. By dint of competent leadership of Sharmin, savings of Meherchandi Purbapara CDC stood at Taka 3.96 lakh at present. Besides, the CDC extended credit of Taka 14.60 l akh to its members for various income-generating activities including poultry, dairy, homestead gardening and horticulture. By virtue of the small-scale income- generating activities, Sharmin said the CDC has been playing a vital role in community- uplift. So, the CDC could be adjudged as a time-fitting and effective means of poverty alleviation committee, playing an important role in women empowerment and self-employment. Now, Sharmin has become an owner of three cattle and earns a profit of Taka 4,500 every month after selling milk and vegetables. Nasrin, a housewife, said, "We eat protein foods, fresh vegetables, drink safe water and use sanitary latrines to maintain a hygienic life. My children are going to school now." She added the females can do everything with skill and competence if there is will and mental strength. A resident of Paba Natunpara, Ferdousi, 35, didn't know how to eradicate poverty. Wife of a rickshaw puller, Ferdousi used to live in a thatched house. She revived herself from a v ulnerable position getting involved with income-generating activities. To ensure food security, she now cultivates vegetables, fruits in her homestead and started roof gardening. She has gained adequate mental strength as she now earns money from multiple income-generating activities including cattle fattening, poultry farming and vegetable gardening. Mother of three daughters, Ferdousi is now leading a happy family life in a tin- shed house with her husband, leaving behind a life full of hardship. Golapi Begum, another resident of Namo Bhadra slum, said they benefited enormously after cultivating both winter and summer vegetables by adopting modern methods almost round the year. "I cultivated bottle gourd, cucumber, and coriander this year, and I got expected production," she said, adding they are getting green, fresh and safe vegetables regularly protecting them from various diseases caused by malnutrition. Begum said, "We have been producing chemical-free vegetables, using organic fertilizer. We are also selling some vegetables in the local market after meeting the family's demand." Being inspired, many other fellow people have expressed their interest in producing chemical-free vegetables by using organic methods. In a choked voice, Begum said that her previous life wasn't pleasant and she struggled to enhance her family income. To get rid of poverty, she started growing vegetables on her homestead side by side rearing poultry and goats. Currently, she can fulfill the nutrition demand of her family members with chemical-free vegetables from her own garden and milk, and meat from domestic animals. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha