Day: May 8, 2024

Kathmandu: Minister for Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, Bhagbati Chaudhary, today inspected the Bhrikutimandap market. Following the inspection, she directed the authority concerned to further systematize the market operated under the Social Welfare Council. She said the open market could be at risk any time, seeking the Council's efforts to make it systematic. According to the Minister, the government in the current fiscal allocated Rs 40 million for the management of the market. According to her, the process has begun to build semi-permanent structures in the market area. The exhibition hall at Bhrikutimandap is in a dilapidated condition, presenting a prompt initiation to rebuild and upgrade the structure, she said. Council member-secretary Manoj Bhatta pledged to work for the proper management of the market area. Source: National News Agency RSS

DHAKA, The government has further extended Hajj visa processing time till May 11. An official handout today said the application deadline for Hajj pilgrims to ensure visa processing was extended for five more days till May 11. The timeframe of application submission for Visas was fixed till April 29. But as the visa processing was not completed within this period, the time was extended till May 7 in the 1st phase, it reads. As many of the 259 private Hajj agencies could not complete the visa processing within this extended period, the time frame was extended in the 2nd phase, the release added. The Hajj Department of the Ministry of Religious Affairs issued a letter to all Hajj agencies in this regard, saying that if the visa process is not completed within this extended period, the concerned agency will have to take the responsibility. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: The Republic of Korea (RoK) has said it has pursued a policy of increasing its assistance to various sectors in Nepal. RoK's ambassador to Nepal, Park Tae-Young, shared information about this with the media during an interaction held to commemorate the golden jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Nepal and RoK (South Korea). On the occasion, the ambassador said South Korea's assistance to Nepal's various sectors will be increased in the days to come. South Korea's support to Nepal mainly features in health, education, agriculture, and good governance sectors. As the ambassador said, Korea's support to Nepal is a model one and over 100,000 Nepali have benefited from employment in South Korea since the Employment Permit System (EPS) agreement between the two countries in 2007. At present 43,963 Nepali citizens are employed in multiple sectors in South Korea under the EPS. The Ambassador said South Korea faces a low birth rate and labor is its demand. The process of hiring worke rs from Nepal will be intensified in the days to come. Nepali workers are presently engaged in Korea's production, agricultural, and in shipbuilding industry. It plans to hire Nepali workers for the wildlife and forest sectors in the upcoming year. South Korea hires 100,000 workers annually from 16 countries and among them, Nepal is in the topmost position. On the occasion, Korea International Cooperation Agency( KoICA) Nepal chief Mohan Kong said Nepal receives support from Korea in education, health, agriculture, good governance, and entrepreneurship sectors. Its assistance aims to achieve poverty alleviation and good governance. Nepal and the RoK had established diplomatic relations on May 15, 1974. Source: National News Agency RSS

SANGSAD BHABAN, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said in parliament that the conflicting situation in the Middle East may affect the economy of Bangladesh. "It can be presumed that the brunt of the conflicting situation in the Middle East may affect the social, political, and economic aspects of Bangladesh as well as the whole world. This conflict may have some effect on the country's economy," she said. The premier made this apprehension while responding to a question of Dr Samil Uddin Ahmed Shimul, elected from Chapainawabganj-1 constituency, during the Prime Minister's scheduled question answer session in parliament. Sheikh Hasina said that there is the possibility of rise of the inflation slightly due to the instability in the world market, inconsistency in market management and the increase in global fuel prices. In addition, the disruption of the commodity supply chain due to the conflicting situations may increase transportation costs related to exports primarily to Iran or neighbouring regions, she observed. She noted that "exporters may face tougher competition for this, as the cost of manufacturing and supplying products increases." The Leader of the House said that she has directed all concerned ministries or departments to keep eyes on the ongoing events in the Middle East and determine their own course of actions. "I've given instructions to take necessary preparations, especially considering that this conflict might be prolonged and accessing impact of that over the sectors," she added. The premier, however, said that there is uncertainty regarding the magnitude of this conflict and what will be its economic impact. "To deal with the situation, there may be a need to support the sector with an emphasis on export trade," she said. She mentioned that if the ongoing crisis in the Middle East gets more concentrated and prolonged, it might impact Bangladesh economically. "The government will take necessary measures in this regard," she said. Mentioning that Bangladesh is against all forms of conflict, Sheikh Hasina said: "We believe in the path shown by Father of the Nation and the principle - "friendship to all, malice towards none." In reply to Dr Samil Uddin Ahmed Shimul's supplementary question regarding TBC's expansion for commodity price control, the Prime Minister ruled out the possibility of appointing additional manpower in TCB, rather she said that it can be able to provide service people with this existing manpower. "And we are taking measures keeping in mind that common people do not suffer," she said. Mentioning that the government has taken appropriate steps to produce the required agri-products in the country, she said "We are also importing. No matter how much money it needs, we are spending, which is putting pressure on our reserves." Sheikh Hasina said that people's welfare is the most important thing for her government. She said that prices of essentials increased, but rural people, who can produce their own foods, are not facing that much hardship. "Prices have increased, which has effect. Especially, low-income group of people are suffering. However, there is not much hardship for the rural people, who can produce foods for themselves. There is no outcry for them. Still, our best efforts are on to keep commodity prices under control," she said. While replying to independent lawmaker Abul Kalam from Natore, the Prime Minister said that the government always tries to lessen the suffering of common people. The government has continued all kinds of activities to keep the prices of daily necessities within purchase capacity and it has been able to contain the abnormal rise in the prices of essential goods, she added. Sheikh Hasina said that the pressure of import inflation is felt in the country as the increase in the prices of some products of the world market such as fuel oil, edible oil, wheat, mustard, various food products, consumer goods and industrial raw materials. In addition, she said that the renewed conflict in the Middle East threatens to in tensify the crisis. "Even in this situation, we are making all-out efforts to control inflation and mitigate its impact on the country's people," she added. The Premier also said that the recent fall in the exchange rate of the Taka is having an adverse effect on domestic inflation. "In this case, the crawling peg based currency exchange policy will soon be adopted to bring stability to the foreign currency exchange rate." She hoped that this corridor-based system is expected to prevent abnormal fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and as a result, it will also help control inflation. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Damodar Bhandari has said that it was necessary to establish an international-level sales gallery at the centre to promote the goods produced by the small and cottage industries. Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Nepal 17th International Industrial Trade Fair and Cottage Industry Festival organized by the Federation of Nepal Cottage and Small Industries (FNCSI) and the Central Women Entrepreneurs Committee at local Bhrikutimandap today, he expressed the commitment of the Ministry to provide the support and assistance for the construction of infrastructure required for the sales gallery. Minister Bhandari said that small scale, cottage and women-run industries in the country have created a large number of employment opportunities, stating targeted programmes will be introduced in the upcoming budget to promote such industries. "Potential cottage and small industries will be exempted from all kinds of taxes for a certain period of time and a s pecial programme for capital, technology and access to such industries will be moved forward to enhance domestic production," he added. The Industry Minister shared that there will be no shortage of support from the State for the industrial exhibition organized by the FNCSI every year for promoting the market of industrial products produced by micro, small, cottage and women entrepreneurs at the national and international level. Noting that the campaign initiated by the Federation for the promotion of national and international market of indigenous goods, establishment of sales room, sale market of indigenous products, use of domestic goods in public bodies are positive, he emphasized that the government will support in its implementation. Minister Bhandari said, "In order to boost the production and consumption of domestic goods, initiatives will be taken for the speedy implementation of various industry promotion programmes including the Prime Minister's Domestic Product Production and Consumption Enhanc ement Programme and various funds." Mentioning that concessional loans for women, youth and agricultural entrepreneurs will be made more effective, he said a special package programme with tax exemptions will be brought in the upcoming budget to include women and indigenous nationalities in the economic and industrial sector. Minister Bhandari also stated that the government will give special priority to make the country's economy self-reliant by commercializing and industrializing agriculture. Source: National News Agency RSS

DHAKA, The first phase of 6th upazila parishad election was held in free, fair and peaceful manner today in 139 upazilas across the country. The voting was held at 10,399 centres of 139 upazilas out of the total 495 across the country. Voting started at 8 am and continued till 4 pm. The counting is going on, said the district correspondents of BSS. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: President Ramchandra Paudel has said it is needed to promote small and cottage entrepreneurship to take the country towards a phase of industrial development. Inaugurating the 17th International Industrial Trade Fair and Cottage Industry Festival, 2081 BS here today, the Head of the State wanted the government to be responsible for promoting the cottage and small industries. Small industries are the foundation of the nation's economy, according to the President who said," Cottage and small industries have contributed to poverty alleviation, job creation, and economic sustainability." He was of the opinion that the government and entrepreneurs should work hand in hand to promote such businesses by addressing issues of capital, availability of raw materials and skilled resources, competitive proficiency, marketing, and so on. In the event organised by the Federation of Nepali Cottage and Small Industries, the President said small industries can significantly contribute to the increment of product ion and productivity by using local skills, technologies, raw materials, and human resources. He believed such industries could be a tool to promote local labour and culture internationally by achieving the community's economic sustainability. As he said, cottage and small industries are marred by their hindered access to capital, the President said the State must ensure concessional loans for small and cottage entrepreneurship and come up with policies and programs targeting the promotion of such business. He also drew the government's attention to the need to introduce and implement special programmes targeting micro, cottage, and small industries operated by women. The provision of a concessional loan and a discount on tax for small enterprises led by women and youths, the establishment of sales outlets, the market guarantee for their products, and the priority to consume such products are essential, according to the President. Source: National News Agency RSS

Panchagarh, Two Bangladeshi youths were killed in the firing of the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) at Kayghat village under Tetulia upazila here this morning. The deceased were identified as Yasin Ali, 21, son of Kitab Ali of Brommotol village and Abdul Jalil, 22, son of Janu Mia of Magura village of the upazila. Panchagarh 18 BGB commandant Lieutenant Colonel Jubahed Hasan said two Bangladeshi youths have died in Indian territory in the firing of BSF personnel early morning. After the incident, a flag meeting was held between BGB and BSF high officials at Kayghat outpost, he said. 18 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Jubahed Hasan and 176 Border Security Force (BSF) Commandant S.S. Sirohi and others BGB and BSF high officials were present at the meeting. At the meeting, BGB strongly condemned the incident, while BSF officials claimed that the BSF personnel fired for self-defence. However, BSF expressed condolences for the incident. Local people said the BSF pers onnel took away the body from the spot. The BSF has yet to hand over the body to BGB. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' expressed his confidence that with the implementation of Sunkoshi-Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project (SMDMP), there will be quantitative contribution to national economy. Conducting a breakthrough of the SMDMP tunnel at Kanadhungri of Sunkoshi rural municipality-7 in Sindhuli district today, PM Dahal believed that irrigation system will be improved and the agricultural produces would increase after the project is completed. "This project will ensure irrigation facility to fertile land of five districts in Madhesh Province which will ensure qualitative contribution in national economy besides generating electricity," Dahal said, addressing the event after making the breakthrough. "The breakthrough of tunnel under the project has been made, the remaining works of the Project would be completed within stipulated time," the PM hoped. It may be noted that the breakthrough of the 13.3 kilometres long tunnel stretching from Kusumtar, Kamalamai municipali ty-2 to Kanadhungri of Sunkoshi rural municipality-7 was completed a year ahead of the target. Stating that the SMDMP was a transformative national project, PM Dahal opined that timely execution of such projects would significantly contribute in the goal of productivity increment and prosperity. In his address, the Head of the Government mentioned that the breakthrough of tunnel had infused new energy and encouragement in all of us and has added enthusiasm in construction of huge infrastructures. Stating that the agriculture sector is the main backbone of Nepal's economic development and a sector to contribute nearly one third to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the PM argued that it was imperative to increase agricultural production and productivity so as to become self-sufficient in food supply, ensure food security and advance economic status of the people. Sharing that 60 per cent of arable land of Nepal is within Terai Madhesh and Inner Madhesh region, PM Dahal said that the irrigation projects bein g run in Terai-Madhesh zone were based on river water flow system. Pressing for utilizing water originated from glaciers for agricultural production, the PM on the occasion pledged to leverage same source of water for generating electricity, drinking water supply and other purposes for overall development of the country. Arguing that the goals of good-governance, social justice and prosperity could be achieved through the successful construction of the mega infrastructures, he instructed the concerned parties for timely completion of mega projects. He also urged cooperation and support from all quarters for timely completion of transformative national projects. According to him, the successful implementation of the SMDMP had spoken volume for the technical efficiency achieved by the technicians working in hydro power projects and irrigation sector by optimizing new technology. He viewed that by optimizing water resources, we could increase agricultural produces and productivity thereby reducing the imbal ance of imports. The PM also expressed that upon the operation of the SMDMP, the demography around Sunkoshi and Tamakoshi river basin area would witness multifaceted development for them. He opined that fishery and tourism business would also boom in these areas with the operation of the project. The project is expected to provide irrigation facilities on 122 thousand hectares area in Bara, Rautahat, Sarlahi, Mahottari and Dhanusha districts. Source: National News Agency RSS

KHULNA, The Roads and Highways Department (RHD) completed 16 projects at a cost of around Taka 2881.13 crore to carry out the development of roads and highways in the division in the last five years. The 16 projects which cover 612.59 kilometers were completed at a cost of TK 2881.13 crore during the 2018 to 2023 fiscal year, the officials said. Among the mega projects, the construction of the Satkhira city bypass road including Bhomra land port connectivity, construction of Kushtia city bypass road and construction of the Manikkhali Bridge on the Paikgachha-Ashshuni highway were completed in the FY 2018-19. The development project of the Jashore-Benapole Highway maintaining proper standard and width and construction of a bridge over the Mathabhanga river in Chuadanga was completed in FY 2020-21. The Construction project of widening Ramnagar Junction to Abalpur Highway of Magura and Narail-Fultala highway were completed in the FY 2021-22. The Development projects of Darshana-Mujibnagar Highway and Palba ri to Rajghat highway were completed in the FY 2022-23. Besides, a total of 15 ongoing projects at an estimated cost of around Taka 5,725.70 crore are going on in full swing. Of the ongoing projects, eight are about to be completed. The major ongoing projects are construction of a Bridge over the river Bhairab, the widening of the Narail -Jashore road and the construction of the Bridge over the river Nabaganga on the Narail-Kalia highway. Talking to BSS, Sayed Aslam Ali, additional chief engineer of Khulna RHD zone said the improved infrastructure will establish an effective, efficient and demand-driven road network within the country's southern regions. He said that the projects will enhance economic development through the expansion and integration of markets and growth of international trade, said Khulna RHD officials. He also said people in the Southern region are now getting benefits in connectivity and business after completion of 15 development projects. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: A regional technical workshop of Addis Tax Initiatives (ATI) is underway in Nepal. The event is attended by 60 people, including tax administrators, experts, and representatives from the development partners from 16 nations who are ATI members. The event is organized by the Inland Revenue Department and is supported by the Council of Economic Policy and the German Institute for Development and Sustainability. The regional workshop held in the Philippines last year decided to host the event in Kathmandu this time. Speaking at the inaugural session, Revenue Secretary Dr Ram Prasad Ghimire expressed his hope that the event would be fruitful in exploring ways to deal with financial challenges faced by the ATI nations. He hoped the event would provide a roadmap for making the tax administration transparent, accountable, and effective, achieving inclusive and sustainable development goals through fiscal mobilization and promoting collaboration among the ATI nations. As he said, the workshop will play a role in building a collective approach regarding the upcoming revenue mobilization and tax exemption policies by reviewing the existing ones. According to the organization, the Addis Tax Initiative (ATI) is dedicated to advancing equitable and efficient domestic revenue mobilization (DRM), enhancing policy coherence, and strengthening the social contract through collaborative partnerships and knowledge exchange. Originating from the Third International Conference on Financing for Development held in Addis Ababa in July 2015, ATI has played a pivotal role in actualizing the Addis Ababa Action Agenda (AAAA) and remains firmly integrated into the Financing for Development discourse, it is said. On behalf of the ADDIS Board of Directors, Alistair Lobo, insisted on the need to implement a tax system capable of supporting the member nations in accomplishing sustainable development goals. He underlined the need to increase the transparency of tax expenditures, reduce the tax burden on payers, and ease the cost- benefit evaluation. "The workshop will contribute to developing a fair and transparent tax system, and regional mechanism and achieving the SDGs." UNDP Resident Representative for Nepal, Ayshanie Medagangoda-Labé, commended the efforts of ATI nations towards the advancement of SDGs, expecting that the workshop would be effective for the financial mobilization. As said by Department Director General, Shiba Lal Tiwari said the event would be productive for enhancing Nepal's tax administration and sharing the experiences of Nepal's tax administration with the member nations. Currently, 32 partner countries, 20 development partners, and 22 supporting organizations are members of the Addis Tax Initiative (ATI). Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mauritania, Mongolia, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Pakistan, Paraguay, Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Uga nda, Zambia are its partner countries. Its development partners include Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, South Korea, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. Source: National News Agency RSS

DHAKA, The Information Commission Bangladesh today disposed of five complaints out of six through hearing under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Information Commissioner Shahidul Alam Jhinuk and Information Commissioner Masuda Bhatti held the hearing in line with the RTI Act, a press release said. Earlier on May 6, 2024, the Information Commission Bangladesh also disposed of four complaints. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha