Day: May 16, 2024

Two persons died when a passenger-ferrying jeep met with accident on interior road in Nisdi rural municipality-4, Matiyardanda of Palpa. The deceased have been identified as Rajeeb Sunari of Nisdi-4, Mitya Belakhar and Tejan Somai of Nisdi-4, Mityal, Ghyangsibas, informed Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of District Police Office, Palpa, Sugandha Shrestha. Seven-year-old Sunari and 16-year-old Somai died in course of treatment at Madhyabindu District Hospital, Kawasoti Municipality, Danda (Nawalparasi East) last night. The injured are undergoing treatment at Chitwan Medical College. According to police, the jeep (Lu 1 Ja 3324) en route to Khader of Nisdi rural municipality-3 in Palpa from Arunkhola, Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East) met with the accident on Wednesday evening. There were 15 people, including the driver, in the jeep. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today expressed profound shock and sorrow and highly condemned the incident of shooting at Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic with an intention of killing him, according to a press release of Press Wing of PM. In a letter addressed to President of the Slovak Republic, Zuzana Caputov, she said, "The people of Bangladesh and I are deeply shocked and alarmed to learn the heinous assassination attempt on the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, Robert Fico." "I pray and hope for his quick and complete recovery, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family members and the people of Slovakia," she also said. Sheikh Hasina continued: "Such a senseless act of violence is an assault on global democratic norms and values, and I condemn it in the strongest terms." "I assure you that at this time of distress, we stand by the side of Slovakia," she said. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: General Secretary of the main opposition party, Nepali Congress, Gagan Kumar Thapa, has said that the NC wants to solve the problem in the Parliament through a dialogue. At a press conference at the Federal Parliament Building Lhotse Hall on Thursday, he accused the ruling party of trying to invite a tussle while discussion and dialogue were being held on holding of the parliament meeting. "We want a solution through dialogue, but looking at the events and scenes in today's meeting it seems that the ruling party wants to provoke a confrontation. The government should take responsibility for this," he said. "Even though MPs of all the opposition parties stood up and protested, the speaker forcibly entered the regular agenda and tried to take the meeting ahead, which showed that he was following the instructions of the ruling party," Thapa said while calling upon Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" to respond to that regard. He said that his party will not allow the parliamentary session to proceed until a parliamentary committee is formed to conduct an impartial investigation of those involved in co-operatives' fraud. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Prime Minister's Education and Cultural Affairs Adviser Dr. Kamal Abdul Naser today said the present government under the dynamic leadership of Sheikh Hasina has implemented many programs to flourish cultural and literary activities. "A literary and cultural-friendly atmosphere has been created in the country during the regime of present government, led by the Premier," he told a discussion meeting here. The programme was held at Soilajaranjan cultural center at village Baham under Mohanganj upazila of the district. Soilajaranjan cultural center organized the meeting marking the 163rd birth anniversary of Bishwa Kobi Rabindranath Tagore. Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Civil Aviation and Tourism and also president of the trustee board of Soilajaranjan Cultural Centre Welfare Trust Sajjadul Hasan, MP, presided over the meeting. It was addressed, among others, by Vice-canceller of Sheikh Hasina University Professor Dr. Golam Kabir, valiant freedom fighter and Ekusey award recipient journ alist Ajoy Das Gupta, president of Jatiya Rabindra Sanggit Sammilon Parishad, Mymensingh unit, Professor Dr. Mohammad Monjurul Alam, Deputy Commissioner Shahed Parvez and Police Super Mohammad Foyaz Ahmed. The meeting was followed by a musical soiree. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration Bhanubhakta Joshi has urged the office-bearers of the constitutional bodies to play an effective role in further strengthening the harmony and tolerance among Nepalis. During an interaction on Thursday with the chairs and office-bearers of the constitutional bodies that align with the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, Joshi underscored the need to move ahead by addressing different challenges that come with the political instability in the country. "The constitutional commissions are sovereign bodies. The commissions should keep the aspirations of concerned communities in priority. Commissions' capacity is required to be made further effective," according to Minister Joshi. On the occasion, the chiefs and office-bearers of the commissions said that the state should implement the recommendations of social justice made by the commissions. Chairman of National Dalit Commission Devraj Bishwakarma bemoaned that the state h as not recognized the performance of the commission despite there have been several works done amid limited means and resources. Likewise, Acting Chair of National Inclusion Commission, Bishnu Maya Ojha, said that the commission lacks sufficient budget to empower the targeted community and work for their capacity building. Similarly, Chairman of Indigenous Nationalities Commission Ram Bahadur Thapamagar pointed out lack of coordination and cooperation among the state mechanisms and commissions and called for more investment from the government. Also speaking at the meeting, Acting Chair of Madhesi Commission Jibachha Sah, Chairman of Tharu Commission Bishnu Prasad Chaudhary and Chairman of Muslim Commission Samim Miya Ansari shared about the commissions' performance for the protection of rights and promotion of cultures of the concerned communities. Source: National News Agency Nepal

A total of eight students of Chattogram University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) are going to Egder University in Norway for higher education. Among them, three students for two years and rest five students for five months will travel to Norway in August next with full scholarships under CUET's 'Care' project. This was disclosed at a view-exchanging meeting this afternoon between CUET Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Rafiqul Alam and Egder University in Norway, at the syndicate conference room of the university's administrative building. CUET Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Jamal Uddin Ahmed, Registrar (Additional Duty) Prof Dr Sheikh Mohammad Humayun Kabir, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering Kazi Afzalur Rahman and head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, among others, attended the function. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: The Gandaki Province chapter of Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) has decided to conduct tourism promotion programmes in various cities of China for a week. NATTA's Gandaki Province Chair Hari Ram Adhikari informed at a press meet that a programme 'Pokhara-Nepal tourism promotion and sales mission in China' would be organized in various cities. A 16-member team left for China on Thursday for the same. Guangzhou city of China will host an international travel fair for three days. The 16-member team will also attend the Guangzhou international travel fair. A documentary showing tourism activities in Pokhara will be screened in Beijing amidst a programme coordinated jointly by Nepal Tourism Board and Nepali Embassy in China. Even the promotional materials will be distributed on the occasion. Discussion will be held with businesspersons and their associations in a bid to create atmosphere conducive for conducting direct flights from Pokhara to Chinese cities. The delegation will inspect the economic and tourism developments in China. It is believed that the promotional programme would be helpful to bringing more number of Chinese tourists in Nepal. The NATTA informed that number of tourists from China has doubled this year as compared to the last year. In April this year, a total of 9,750 Chinese tourists visited Nepal. Moreover, the visit is further expected to foster collaboration between tourism entrepreneurs of both countries. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Awami League Joint General Secretary and Dhaka Medical College Managing Committee President Agriculturist AFM Bahauddin Nasim, MP, today said Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina has set an rare instance of sincerity, efforts, honest and love towards the people. "We should follow her life and works for making wellbeing of the people," he said while presiding over a meeting of the Dhaka Medical College Managing Committee here. Dhaka Medical College Hospital Director and Managing Committee Member Secretary Brigadier General Md. Asaduzzaman, committee members- DMC Principal Shafiqul Alam Chowdhury, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Managing Director and Chief Editor Abul Kalam Azad, representatives of Directorate General of Health Services and Department of Social Services and managing committee members attended the meeting. Nasim said the government is working to ensure healthcare for all as none has to die due to lack of treatment. Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had dreamt of buildi ng a discrimination and poverty free Bangladesh where people's fundamental rights including healthcare would be ensured, he said. "We want to build a Sonar Bangladesh as envisaged by Bangabandhu. His able daughter Prime Minister is making her all-out strides for making the wellbeing of the people," he said. Nasim said Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) is the place of trust to the people across the country for getting treatment. Physicians, nurses, officers and employees of the hospital try their level best to serve the people, he said. The AL leader urged all concerned including physicians and nurses to enhance the quality of service further. After the meeting, replying to a question of journalists, Nasim said any broker syndicate will not be allowed in the Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Ambulance syndicate on the hospital will also be broken by setting up one-stop service center to serve the patients, he said. Ambulances will carry patients at specified fare on the basis of demand of the patients , Nasim said. He said special emphasis will be laid to quickly implement the development project to upgrade the DMCH to 5000-beded hospital. Nasim said the managing committee is working on different issues including recruitment on vacant posts, creation of new positions, eviction of hawkers at the main entrance of the hospital and allocation of time-befitting budget and ensuring transport facilities for health workers. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Confederation of Nepalese Industries and European Union (EU) officials discussed bilateral trade and economic cooperation enhancement between Nepal and EU here on Thursday. The discussion was held today between the officials of the CNI and Deputy Director General of the European Commission, Myriam Ferran, and the Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Nepal, Veronique Lorenzo, where matters relating to strengthening of bilateral trade relations between the two sides and increasing the export capacity of Nepali products to the European market were discussed. According to the CNI, the discussion focused on graduation of Nepal from least developed to a developing country by 2026, the potential of Nepal's manufacturing and information technology sector, and related commercial benefits and economic development. On the occasion, CNI President Rajesh Kumar Agarwal shed light on various aspects of the economic and commercial relations between Nepal and the European Union and shared about the areas of cooperation that the EU can provide for the economic development of Nepal in the future. He sought necessary support to re-operate direct air flights from Nepal to the European countries. EU Ambassador to Nepal, Veronique, said that the European Union is committed to support Nepal in its journey of economic growth and development. Source: National News Agency Nepal

The Information Commission Bangladesh today fined Md Imrul Haque, Mayor of Tanore Municipality, Rajshahi Taka 3,000 for not providing necessary information as per the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) Dr Abdul Malek and Commissioners Shahidul Alam Jhinuk and Masuda Bhatti gave this order after hearing of the concerned parties, a press release said. In the hearing, it was proved that the mayor has created obstacles by not providing the information requested by the applicant under the RTI Act. The Information Commission Bangladesh also disposed of six complaints today. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: The Supreme Court has scrapped the writ petition filed against appointment of Dirgha Sodari as Chief Minister of Sudurpaschim Province. A full bench of Justices Prakash Kumar Dhungana, Kumar Chudal and Sunil Kumar Pokhrel issued the directive order, scrapping the writ petition. Province Assembly member of Nagarik Unmukti Party, Laxman Kishor Chaudhary, had filed a writ petition against the appointment of Chief Minister Sodari on April 21. Sodari is the parliamentary party leader of CPN (Unified Socialist). He filed the writ petition after Province Chief Najir Minya scrapped both candidates'- Laxman Kishor and Kailash Chaudury- claim for Chief Minister following the resignation of then Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shahi. Province Chief Minya later app0inted Sodari as Chief Minister, which prompted Laxman Kishor to file the writ petition. Source: National News Agency Nepal

The World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) will be celebrated in the country tomorrow with the theme 'Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development'. WTISD-2024 will offer the chance to explore how digital innovation can help connect everyone and unlock sustainable prosperity for all. According to the United Nations, the World Telecommunication Day has been celebrated annually on May 17 since 1969, marking the founding of ITU and the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865. The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution in March 2006 stipulating that World Information Society Day shall be celebrated every year on May 17 to focus on the importance of ICT and the wide range of issues related to the information society. On the eve of the day, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today issued separate messages wishing success of all programmes of it. Marking the day, Posts and Telecommunications Division and its affiliate organizations ha ve chalked out elaborate programmes across the country. Different television channels, including state-run Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar are expected to broadcast discussions highlighting the significance of the day. In his message of the occasion, President Mohammed Shahabuddin said information technology and advanced telecommunication system is one of the indicators of overall development and progress of any country. The government has set up Union Digital Centers (UDCs) in every union to bring the benefits of information technology and telecommunication systems and information technology services to the doorsteps of the rural communities of the country, the head of the state added. As a result of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's concerted efforts, fourth generation telecommunication services are in everyone's hands today, he said. Besides, big data, machine learning and AI-based activities are being adopted and implemented for achieving sustainable development goals, the president sai d. In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said by establishing 'Digital Bangladesh' as per the election pledge given to the people, the Awami League (AL) government has implemented extensive development activities in the country's telecommunication and information technology sector in the last fifteen and a half years. 'We have modernized all services in the telecommunication sector,' the premier said. Internet density and submarine cable capacity have been increased, she said, adding that new submarine cable has been set up. The government has introduced 4G technology, she said, adding that preparations are underway to launch telecommunication services of 5G technology. Almost hundred percent of the country's area is now covered by mobile network, she continued. The premier said video conferencing system made a significant contribution during the worst times of corona pandemic. Apart from this, video conferencing led to establishing communication with the people of different parts of the country and providing government guidance in a very short time. 'We have now entered the era of the fourth industrial revolution. I urge everyone to work together to reap the benefits of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and ensure world-class telecommunication and information technology services for the people,' she said. 'Let's turn Bangladesh into a 'Golden Bangladesh' as well as a better information technology dependent 'Smart Bangladesh' as dreamt by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman through the collective efforts of all,' the premier said. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha