Kathmandu: Children as Zones of Peace National Campaign (CZOP) has drawn attention of the three-tier governments to prioritize child rights in course of preparing government's policy, programme and budget for coming fiscal year 2024/25. Sending a memorandum to all ministries of federal government and province governments as well as to all local levels through its member organisations, the Campaign urged to include the programmes like 'Schools as Zones of Peace' in government's policy and programme, to implement child-friendly local governance, to end child labour, to establish child marriage free local level, to establish environment-friendly governance, to bring disabled and gender-friendly programmes. Campaign General-Secretary Tilottam Poudel shared that they have demanded formation of child court as well as arrangement of at least 'Child Budget Code'. Similarly, CZOP asked to revise Strategy to end of Child Marriage-2072 and Child-friendly Local Governance Strategy-2068 in accordance with federal syste m, establish child fund in local levels as well as to strengthen child protection system to enhance capacity of children making arrangement of child physiologist and social workers. The 18-point memo includes launching of a special programme for the education, health and protection of disabled children, orphan children, children with sexual and gender minorities as well as for the access of children and disabled people in public physical infrastructures. Source: National News Agency RSS
RSP parliamentary party meeting commences
Kathmandu: The meeting of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) parliamentary party has commenced. Party Whip Nisha Dangi told RSS that the meeting is deliberating on the Parliament's upcoming budget session and the party's parliamentary activities. Dangi said discussions are on in the meeting also on the contemporary political developments and the party's future strategy as well as on the by-election concluded in Ilam constituency-2 on April 27. Source: National News Agency RSS
Shelter needed for Jajarkot quake survivors: Karnali CM Kandel
Kathmandu: Chief Minister of Karnali Province, Yamlal Kandel, has underlined the need to urgently build houses for the Jajarkot earthquake survivors. In his address to a discussion organized by the 'Nepal Shelter Forum' here today, the Chief Minister said it is concerning that the disaster survivors are forced to stay in makeshift tents when the monsoon is approaching nearer. As he said, the affected are yet to get relief to build the shelter. On the occasion, he also shared that the federal, provincial, and local governments are in touch to commence works to build shelters for the quake-affected. Chief Minister Kadel also sought the attention of all to address increasing incidents of disasters throughout the country. "The country is marred by forest fires reported in various parts of the country. We equally face the constant risk of floods and landslides during rains. Earthquake survivors have not yet got the relief. Shall they resist the adversity during rains under torn tents?" he questioned. As he sa id, existing laws and rules are not favorable for the management of disasters. He added that some survivors have not yet got Rs 50,000 to build a shelter. According to him, the number of disaster-caused deaths is five per 100,000 in the Karnali Province. He underlined the need for an effective implementation of the disaster response action plan in the Province. Source: National News Agency RSS
Heat wave affects life in Banke
The rising temperature accompanying heat wave has adversely affected life in Banke, a Terai district of the Lumbini Province. From noon until 5:00 pm, the district experiences a significant surge in temperature due to the sweeping heat wave. Reports from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Nepalgunj Field Office indicate a rise in mercury, leading to various health issues among the district folks. Symptoms include fatigue, dehydration, headaches, leg muscle cramps, dizziness, fainting, muscle pain, and vomiting. The public is urged to take preventive measures to abate these adverse effects. Medical professionals warn that the heat wave can have serious implications on the brain, kidneys, and heart. They advise the public to minimize outdoor exposure during daytime hours, opting for lighter clothing, covering the head with a thin cloth, and scheduling outdoor activities during the cooler morning or evening hours. Moreover, staying hydrated by consuming plenty of water, coconut water, and fresh frui t juice is medically recommended as a preventive measure against the effects of heat wave. Individuals experiencing any health issues are advised to seek medical assistance promptly. To mitigate the effects of the heat wave, it has been advised to refrain from smoking and consuming beverages like tea, coffee, and soda-mixed water. The adverse climate conditions are particularly impacting daily wage earners, such as cart and rickshaw pullers, as the heat diminishes their business opportunities, it is said Both government and non-government offices in the district report a decrease in service recipients while the Nepalgunj market is seeing subdued activity during the day and increased crowding in the evening. Amidst the soaring mercury, there has been a rise in the consumption of cooling foods and beverages such as cucumber, watermelon, curd shake, ice cream, and cold drinks. Source: National News Agency RSS
HC rules over committee formation to control tree-cutting
DHAKA, The High Court (HC) today issued a rule, asking authorities concerned to explain in four weeks as to why it shall not pass order to form committee to control the cutting of trees across the country. A High Court division bench comprising Justice Md. Khasruzzaman and Justice K M Zahid Sarwar passed the order, asking officials concerned including the secretary of the Ministry of Environment, to respond. The court came up with the order after holding hearing on a writ petition filed by rights body Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB) in this regard. Senior jurist Advocate Manzill Murshid filed and moved the plea for HRPB. HRPB filed the writ, referring newspaper reports of thousands of trees being cut down across the country despite the recent rise in temperature. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
64,200 Bhola farmers to get incentives for Aush cultivation
BHOLA, A total of 64,200 small and marginal farmers in seven upazilas of the district will get seeds and fertilizers free of cost as agricultural incentive under the incentive and rehabilitation programme for cultivating Aush in the current Kharif-1 season. To increase the interest of farmers in Aush cultivation, the amount of incentive support has been increased significantly in the district, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) Md Hasan Warisul Kabir said. He said that each farmer will get five kg of Aush seeds, 10 kg of Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer and five kg of Muriate of potash (MOP) fertilizer free of cost for cultivating Ufshi Aush on one bigha of land. Of the total beneficiaries, 13,500 farmers in Sadar upazila, 9,000 in Daulatkhan upazila, 8,500 in Borhanuddin upazila, 4,500 in Tazumuddin upazila, 7,700 in Lalmohan upazila, 20,000 in Charfashion upazila and 1,000 farmers in Manpura upazila of the district. The distribution of seeds and fertilizer has alread y started in different upazilas of the district among the farmers. Rest the seeds and fertilizers distribution function will be completed within this week, the DD added. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
IM Fahad wins against Kazakhstan rival
DHAKA, International Master (IM) Mohammad Fahad Rahman of Bangladesh won against his WIM Nurman Alua of Kazakhstan in the third round games of Dubai Police Global Chess Challenge, Masters event which is now being held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. In the third round games of this competition held on Monday last evening, IM Mohammad Fahad Rahman played with white pieces against WIM Nurman Alua's Sicilian Defense system and IM Mohammad Fahad Rahman won at forty eight moves. He earned two points after third round games and is also sharing third position along with other 31 players. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
BGMEA President seeks BCCCI cooperation to narrow trade gap with China
DHAKA, SM Mannan (Kochi), President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), has underscored the importance of increased investment from China and bolstered exports to the Chinese market in narrowing the trade gap between the two countries. Highlighting the vast trade potential between Bangladesh and China, he stressed the need for bilateral collaboration to realize these opportunities. His remarks came during a courtesy call by a delegation from the Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCCI) at the BGMEA Complex in Dhaka yesterday, said a press release today. The BCCCI delegation included Advisor Md. Khorshed Alam, general secretary Al Mamun Mridha, vice president Md. Shahid Alam, and directors Meherun Nessa Islam and Syed Aminul Kabir. The meeting was also attended by BGMEA senior vice president Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, vice president Abdullah Hil Rakib, directors Md. Nurul Islam, Md Zakir Hossain and former vice president of BGMEA Mohsin Uddin Ahmed Nir u. Discussions during the meeting centered on various issues of Bangladesh's ready-made garment industry, including its current status, global market trends, challenges, and potential avenues for growth and development. They also discussed ways of identifying and capitalizing on opportunities for enhanced bilateral trade and investment between Bangladesh and China. The BGMEA leaders highlighted China's significance as a major exporter of man-made fibers, dyes, chemicals, textile machinery, and other raw materials, suggesting that Chinese investors could invest in Bangladesh's man-made textile sector to meet its growing demand. They expressed optimism that such collaboration would yield mutual benefits for both countries. BGMEA President SM Mannan (Kochi) sought the cooperation of the BCCCI in narrowing the trade gap with China, underscoring the importance of collective efforts in achieving this goal. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
Inflation to come down within target by end of FY: Waseqa
DHAKA, State Minister for Finance Waseqa Ayesha Khan has expressed her optimism that inflation will come down to the government-set target of 7.5 percent by the end of this fiscal year. "It can be achieved through a series of governmental measures, including contractionary monetary policies, import controls, and austerity measures in government expenditure," she said while presenting the "2023-24 Budget Implementation Progress Report for the second quarter of the financial year" during a parliament session on Sunday. In her speech, Waseqa mentioned that controlling inflation is among the government's top priorities. The government has been taking various measures since last year to keep inflation at a bearable level, she added. However, she said, due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the increase in commodity prices in the international market and the rise in the value of the US dollar, high inflationary pressures are seen across the world, including in Bangladesh. The state minister said, "Fo r the past few years there has been a kind of instability in the global economy due to the covid-19 and Russia-Ukraine war and other geopolitical reasons. In light of these challenges, the growth target for the current fiscal year has been revised downwards from 7.5% to 6.5%. Bangladesh is not free from the adverse effects that are currently going on in the world economy but the nation will be able to move forward by facing all tough situations." Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
DSE turnover surpasses Tk 11b-mark
DHAKA, The daily trade turnover on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) today scaled Taka 11 billion-mark. Turnover, a crucial indicator of the market, stood at Taka 11.08 billion on the premier bourse which was Taka 10.95 billion at the previous session of the week. DSEX, the prime index of the DSE, went down by 1.74 point or 0.03 per cent to settle at 5,725.28. Two other indices also ended lower with the DSE 30 Index, comprising blue chips, plunged 6.43 points to finish at 2,040.38 and the DSE Shariah Index (DSES) lost 6.48 points to close at 1,255.02. At DSE, out of the day's 394 securities, prices of 131 securities closed higher against 222 losing issues. The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) closed the day of the week with a downward trend with its major CASPI 34.50 points down at 16,396.41. At the CSE, 244 issues were traded. Of those, 111 closed higher and 113 closed lower. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
Bangladesh receives investment proposals worth Tk 33,806cr in Jan-Mar
DHAKA, The country received investment proposals worth Taka 33,806.29 crore from some 302 industrial units during January-March, 2024. These 302 industrial units were registered with the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) during this period, said a press release. According to the press release, Taka 17,636.9 crore came as local investment proposals while Taka 16,169.37 crore were foreign investment proposals. Out of the 302 industrial units, some 270 industrial units are local, some 18 units are foreign while 14 industrial units are in joint ventures. The investment proposals from local and foreign entrepreneurs are expected to create 4,735 job opportunities in the country. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
Govt working to ensure supply of essential commodities at affordable price: Titu
DHAKA, State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam Titu today said the government is working to ensure the supply of essential commodities at an affordable price. "No one can manipulate the market if the supply of essential commodities remain sufficient," he said. The state minister said this while speaking as the chief guest at an inaugural programme of selling essential products among 10 million (one crore) family cardholders across the country in the city's Baridhara area. Senior Secretary of Commerce Ministry Tapan Kanti Ghosh and senior officials of Trading Corporation Of Bangladesh (TCB) were present, among others, on the occasion. During the Ramadan, Titu said, there was a ban on onion export in India. "But we imported onions from India under special arrangements through the TCB. Our goal was to ensure that people could buy onions at an affordable price. As a result, the price of onions is still within reach for many people," he added. He said: "We need to ensure that only eligible peopl e get goods from the TCB. The list would be updated periodically. We also plan to increase the number of products which are sold through it." Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha