Day: May 18, 2024

Kathmandu: Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) President Bipul Pokharel said the election of the umbrella organization of journalists would be held in the designated time. In his address to the fourth general assembly of FNJ Corporate Province Committee held today at RSS central office, President Pokharel asserted that FMJ's election would be held on coming June 8. He shared the information that the election committee has started its works for timely election. It may be noted that the 27th national convention of FNJ held on last May 3-4 had set the dates for electing its new leaderships at the central, provincial and district levels. Also speaking on the occasion, FNJ's former presidents and other speakers insisted new generation to work for making journalism sector professional, independent and responsible. They lambasted the tendency of seeking posts in the FNJ on political proximity. Former Presidents, including Harihar Birahi, Bishnu Nishthuri, Dr Suresh Acharya and Dr mahendra Bista urged to deve lop FNJ as a common and professional umbrella organization of working journalists. FNJ Corporate Committee President Balkrishna Adhikari shared that the general assembly has endorsed the organizational and economic reports along with a declaration calling for cleansing overall journalism. Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR), Devraj Ghimire inaugurated the general assembly of FNJ Associate Province Committee. Source: National News Agency RSS

The Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) has arrested eight members of a 'Kishor gang' involved in mugging, extortion and different types of harassment at different areas of the city here last night. Khulshi Thana police arrested them along with their gang leader Helal Badsha Chowdhury, who is an accused in several cases in different area in the city. Police also recovered a country-made Light Gun (LG) and two cartridges from their possessions. The arrestees are: gang leader Helal Badsha Chowdhury, 25, his accomplices Md. Rakib Hossain, 22, Md. Kawser, 22, Md. Mehraj Sami, 21, Sheikh Sadi Hasan, 20, Md. Sagar Hossain, 27, Saiful Islam Shanto, 26 and Abdur Rahman, 21. The police officials said they came to know about the gang while investigating a mugging incident in Nasirabad. Police said at least 10 to 15 unidentified people; including Kishor gang leader Helal Badsha Chowdhury attacked the Nasirabad Government Boys High School under Khulshi thana in the city on May 17. A local resident Arif was made h ostage there at gunpoint. Later, they abducted him and taken to the adjoining Bata Goli. At the same time, the Kishor gang members snatched four mobile phones of different models and motorcycle from him. The Kishor gang beat up Arif with iron rode, hammers and seriously injured Arif as he refused to hand over his mobile phone to them. Meanwhile, the victim said the kidnappers also demanded Tk one lakh as ransom from Arif. Based on the information given by Helal Badsha Chowdhury, a country-made LG and two cartridges were recovered from the vacant plot of Mr Taher at Batagoli of Khulshi police station of the city. Two cases were lodged for kidnapping and Arms Act with Khulshi thana against the arrested persons. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has said the political deadlock would end soon. At a book launch programme organised at CPN (Maoist Centre) headquarters in Parisdanda today, Prime Minister Dahal expressed the belief that the current obstacles would fizzle out through the discussion and dialogues. "Discussions were underway among the main opposition party and the power sharing parties. The parliament deadlock would therefore end by next day", he reminded. Sharing that he has made preparation to take vote of confidence on May 20, the PM said he was confident that he would get vote of confidence from the parliament. "There is no doubt that I will get the vote of confidence", he mentioned. People's aspirations would be addressed through coming budget, assured the PM, according to the Prime Minister's Private Secretariat. The Prime Minister added, "The government is focused on endorsing the policies and programmes and preparing budget as envisioned by the constitution." Pointing out the need of taking ahead the communist movement in an integrated manner, he underlined that communists should stand together to forward socialist revolution and a positive environment was created for the same. On the occasion, Prime Minister Dahal unveiled 'Nepali Communist Movement and Historical Documents of People's Revolution-II' published by CPN (Maoist Centre) Karnali Province Committee, the 'Letter of People's Revolution' penned by Astha KC and 'Kalikot', a souvenir. Source: National News Agency RSS

Two people, including a girl, drowned in the river Mohananda of Chapainawabganj sadar and Bholahat upazilas this afternoon. The victims were Raihan Ali Shuvo, 22, son of Ziken Ali of Swarupnagar area in Chapainawabganj municipality and Sonia, 12, daughter of Zohor Ali of Pirgachi village under Daldali union of Bholahat upazila of the district. Shuvo, a student of the Degree class of Shah Neamatullah College, Chapainawabganj went to the river Mohananda in Rehaichar area near under-construction Rubber Dam along with his friends and was suddenly washed away by the current of the river. His friends rescued him and took him to the Chapainawabganj Sadar Hospital where the doctor on duty declared him dead. Officer in charge of Chapainawabganj Sadar Model thana Md. Mintu Rahman confirmed this. On the other hand, Sonia drowned in the same river at Bazratek area in Bholahat upazila in the district. Being informed, firefighters rescued her and took her to the Bholahat Upazila Health Complex where the doctor on d uty declared her dead. Officer-in-charge of Bh olahat thana Sumon Kumar confirmed it. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has underscored the need for addressing the rights of Nepalis working abroad. Inaugurating the 12th general convention of the Democratic Foreign Employment Entrepreneurs, a well-wishing organization of party, here today, NC President Deuba asked the government to take concrete steps to rescue the Nepalis defrauded while going for foreign employment. "I'm aware that Nepalis aspiring foreign jobs have been hassled and defrauded. They are exploited. So, I urge the government to end their exploitation," the NC President said, adding that government's seriousness is required to pay heed to workers' problems as they have huge contribution to Nepal's remittance. On the occasion, central member of the party, Dr Sekhar Koirala, argued the entrepreneurs were facing hassles because of frequent change in decision and polices as per government change. He drew government's attention that it ended the trend of going abroad on visit visa and working their illegally. On a different note, he said electoral system needs change for political stability. Only stable politics ensures good governance. He viewed NC took the issues of cooperative problems to the parliament. Similarly, chief of central member and foreign employment coordination and immigration department of the party, Prakash Rashaili, complained that some government officials had harassed foreign employment entrepreneurs despite carrying out business as per law. Other central members Sita Devkota and Abdul Satar said policy friendly to foreign employment entrepreneurs was needed. The foreign jobs must be made safe and dignified, they stressed. Source: National News Agency RSS

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today said that the BNP is a fake political party. 'You should remember that the BNP presented Joe Biden's fake adviser on October 28 last year. When fake adviser was in BNP's political office, he only spoke in English. When police took him away, I saw him he spokes in Bengali fluently. Earlier, BNP presented forged the signatures of Congressmen. At that time said India's Amit Shah called on the issue. Amit Shah's office said he did not call anyone; the voice that was released was not Amit Shah's. Seeing the development progress of the country, BNP and their allies are upset. Sometimes I see that GM Kader also gets upset,' Hasan, also Joint General Secretary of Bangladesh Awami League (AL), said. Dr Hasan said these while addressing as a discussion organized by city AL on the occasion of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's 44th Homecoming Day in city's International Convention Hall here this afternoon as chief guest. Dr. Hasan said, people of the country saw that BNP used to vi sit different embassies every day before the last national election and wanted to stop the election. 'The election was held peacefully and 42 percent people voted. If BNP had not declared election resistance, attacked people, burnt and killed entire families including children in the train, then the voting rate would have been more than 60 percent. In the last two or three years, elections have been held in many European countries, the voter turnout was less than 40 percent there,' he said. He said over 80 countries government or head of state of the world congratulated our Prime Minister after forming this government after the peaceful election. 'The President of the United States wrote a letter congratulating her and said, "We want to take the relationship with Bangladesh to new heights." Last two days ago the Prime Minister of Australia also congratulated our Prime Minister. This is why BNP is upset. Perhaps that is why BNP leader Dr. Moeen Khan is talking like an astrologer lately,' he added. Hasan Ma hmud said, Moin Khan has also started performing the duties of an astrologer outside of politics. 'Moin Khan's father Abdul Momen Khan was the Food Secretary when Bangabandhu was running the country. His father had manipulated the return of food ships from the Indian Ocean, created food crisis in the country. Abdul Momen Khan played a role in making Bangabandhu unpopular by creating a food crisis. As a reward for that, Ziaur Rahman made Abdul Momen Khan as Food Adviser after capturing the state power. After the election in 1979, Abdul Momen Khan said in his speech as the food minister in the parliament that he would sell the country if needed for food. His son is Moin Khan,' Hasan said. The Foreign Minister said Assistant Secretary of United States of America came here to promote relation with Bangladesh. 'He talked to me about how to take the relationship forward in bilateral meetings. They have expressed their intention to return GSP benefits to us if we reform in some areas. At the same time they have a special fund aimed at overcoming the global economic recession. From there they also said to support. So our relationship with US is very good. We are working to move the relationship forward. That is why BNP's head is worse,' Hasan said. Dr. Hasan Mahmud said, today if we want to move the country forward, if we want to realize the dreams of the people of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina is the only alternative in this country. 'Sheikh Hasina showed the nation a dream of Digital Bangladesh. And that dream came true. In 2018, our slogan was 'Amar Gram Amar Sohor'. Today villages have become like cities, there is no difference between village and city,' Hasan added. The Foreign Minister said we have given the slogan of 'Smart Bangladesh' in 2024, Smart Bangladesh means Smart Society, Smart Economy, Smart Governance and Smart People. 'We want to create Smart Bangladesh with these four components. Inshallah, we will win in this campaign too under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina. But BNP and their allies want to bloc k our march. That is why they have been hatching various conspiracies,' he said. City AL President Mahatab Uddin Chowdhury presided over the function while Bangladesh AL Relief and Social Welfare Affairs Secretary Aminul Islam Amin, City AL General Secretary former Mayor AJM Nasir Uddin addressed the function as special guests. Later, Dr Hasan Mahmud attended the food distribution programme to the underprivileged people on the occasion of Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina's Homecoming Day in city's Kadam Mubarak Orphanage by Bangladesh Awami League's Relief and Social Welfare Sub-Committee as chief guest. AL Relief and Social Welfare Secretary Aminul Islam Amin also addressed the function. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Chaurjahari municipality-8 in Rukum Paschim has laid emphasis on collective vegetable farming to make women self-reliant. The local level formed six groups of women in the ward and encouraged collective vegetable farming. Out of six groups, three have been doing commercial vegetable cultivation in six ropanis of land taken on lease in the ward, said ward chairperson, Shahi Ram BK. The women groups were able to produce 30 quintals of onion and 35 quintals of potato this time. The produce was sold at local markets. The women groups made income of around Rs 400,000 from selling potatoes and onions. Youths in the ward have been extending support to the women groups. The local level managed one agriculture technician to resolve the agriculture-related problems. Similarly, it has facilitated the sale of agro products. Involving more number of women groups is in plan for further vegetable cultivation. The Human Development and Community Service (HDCS) had provided a monetary support of Rs 68,000 to each group so that women could be attracted in agriculture. Kamala KC, associated with women group, said they were inspired for vegetable farming with the support of HDCS and coordination of the ward office. Chairperson BK mentioned that they had been providing seeds and agricultural tools to promote collective vegetable farming. Source: National News Agency RSS

Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) have started 'No Helmet, No Fuel' programme for substantial and sustainable reduction of casualties and fatalities through prevention of road traffic accidents. As part of the programme, the RMP has shown festoons of 'no helmet, no fuel' in 23 petrol pumps and given instructions of selling no fuel without helmet. For successful enforcement of the programme, RMP Traffic Division has been imposing penalties against the law-violators through setting up check posts adjacent to the respective petrol pumps. In the last three days, they lodged cases against 178 transport owners for different types of offense including violation of traffic laws and rules. Apart from this, the traffic division, all police stations and outposts, detective branch police are conducting joint drives against motorbike driving without helmets, ascending three persons on motorbike and reckless motorbike riders. Besides, the RMP traffic division has been holding awareness meetings with drivers and guar dians aimed at generating awareness among them relating to abiding by the traffic rules for preventing road traffic accidents. Talking to BSS here today, RMP Commissioner Biplob Bijoy Talukder said that they have been working to ensure road safety through minimizing all the existing problems in this sector. They are also putting in their best efforts towards generating awareness among the public in general about road safety and controlling the rate of road traffic accidents. "We are very much sincere to work in this regard," he mentioned, adding that integrated efforts of all the authorities concerned have become an urgent need for creating mass-awareness about road safety. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Senior Vice-Chairperson of the CPN UML, Ishwor Pokharel, has said a parliamentary probe committee focusing on an individual was not possible. Talking to media persons at Biranagar Airport today, he shared, "A parliamentary committee should be formed focusing entire problems of cooperatives, not on an individual." Leader Pokharel clarified that the demand of the opposition party to form the committee singling out the Home Minister was therefore inappropriate. He argued that the existing political equation would make the country's federalism strong, expressing the view that this political alliance would address the problems of the people. Sharing that the alliance has been moving ahead in a positive way for the political stability, the senior Vice-President expressed the view that the UML was moving ahead with the target of Mission-84. In response to a media query, Pokharel explained that constitution could be amended based on common consensus by holding discussions with all political parties. The governm ent would bring a budget for coming fiscal year 2024/24 on the stipulated date. Source: National News Agency RSS

Bangladesh Bank (BB) has issued a clarification over recent reports regarding restrictions on journalists' entry to the central bank. In a circular issued on Wednesday, the central bank stated that it considers disseminating information to the public a top priority. In the clarification, it said the central bank appointed an executive director-level official as its spokesperson while two director-level officers were assigned as assistant spokespersons to provide information to the media. It said any journalist could get information and take BB statements at the main building of the central bank during the official hours through communication with the assigned officials. In case of any special requirement, the journalists could get any information and explanation after collecting entry passes from the official concerned, it said. At the same time, it said, the central bank kept on disseminating information through holding press conferences, issuing press releases and other ways on a regular basis. Simul taneously, the BB had been regularly publishing all the economic information and data on its website to ensure free access to information, the BB statement said. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR), Devraj Ghimire, has said the parliament, which needs to make decision based on people's mandate, can not be taken a hostage for long. Speaker Ghimire however said all sides' cooperation is essential to run parliament smoothly. He said it while addressing a discussion the FNJ Associate Province Committee organized in the federal capital, marking its fourth general assembly today. The current session of the parliament is responsible for holding deliberation on government policies and programmes and due to pass various significant bills, so it needs running unobstructed, Speaker Ghimire said, adding that if the atmosphere eludes for normal passage of policies and programmes and budget, even the alternative measure like ordinance could be adopted. "If such condition emerges, it derails democratic way," he reminded, adding that Prime Minister has sought time for trust vote as well. The Speaker urged all political parties and journalists to extend suppor tive role to run the parliament in a normal manner. Journalists could write in a way their reporting contributes to political stability and prosperity, according to him. Ghimire however said no political party is able to collect majority of votes owing to proportional system. On the occasion, Nepali Congress leader and former Minister for Communications Dr Minendra Rijal viewed absence of individual freedom reflects fragile democracy. Democracy is adversely impacted once the selfish and authoritarian ambition of leaders elected by people rules the roost, according to him. Leader Rijal argued loktantra has no alternative but loktantra. Moreover, he viewed editorial freedom is essential for press freedom. Rijal urged the journalists to be aware that present constitution would meet casualty if no substantial change is witnessed in present system. Former presidents of FNJ, sitting president, and province committee president were felicitated on the occasion. Noted journalists Ram Krishna Regmi and Yubraj Ghim ire presented their views on how the journalists could hone their modern skills to suit time needs. Source: National News Agency RSS

President Mohammed Shahabuddin today urged the government as well as the civil society to play an effective role to ensure that none, irrespective of religion and caste, falls prey to any sort of discrimination. 'Any kind of discrimination against citizens is against the rule of law. . . None should fall prey to discrimination in society,' he said, inaugurating the 8th National Conference of the Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee, a pressure group founded to demand the trial of 1971 war criminals, at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium here this afternoon. The Head of State called for all-out resistance against the defeated forces of '71 to continue development and progress while keeping the country's independence and sovereignty intact and spreading the spirit of freedom struggle and Liberation War at all levels. President Shahabuddin also spoke about building a social movement so that the present and future generations can grow up well being imbued with the spirit of freedom struggle and Liberation War. Shahabuddin, also a valiant freedom fighter, said, "In this regard, there is no alternative to forging a strong unity of all the pro-Liberation War forces.' Ignoring individual and group interests, everyone should work for the betterment of the country and its people, he added. The President also suggested everyone to spread the history of the War of Liberation, the philosophy of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and the spirit of secularism and non-communalism through social media. Shahabuddin, also a former adviser of the Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee founded by Shaheed Janani Jahanara Imam, advised the youth to use the digital medium positively, read the history of the Liberation War and learn about Bangabandhu's biography and ideals. 'Raise the glorious history of Bengalis to the world by cherishing the ideals of the Liberation War in your mind, spirit and lifestyle,' he added. Referring to the contribution of this organization since its inception in 1992, the Pres ident said starting under the leadership of Shaheed Janani Jahanara Imam and some other leaders of this movement, this organization has come to the present position after facing various ups and downs and setbacks for about 33 years. Besides campaigning for the trial of war criminals, the 1971 Khatak Dalal Nirmul Committee is playing an important role in conveying the true history of the country's Great Struggle in 1971 to the new generations and inculcating them in the ideals of the Liberation War, the President pointed out. The work of the Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee would continue in the days to come in the struggle to establish a secular, democratic, tolerant and humane society and state in the spirit of the Liberation War, he hoped. The President said even after 53 years of independence, the 15th August killers and their collaborators are still active 'to tarnish our achievements in many ways.' Noting that even if the trial of War Criminals or crimes against humanity has been completed, the work of this platform will never end, he said, adding that the role of the committee will be brilliantly effective in the future as it was in the past against the anti-state conspiracies. The Head of State said the ongoing trial of war criminals in Bangladesh has been acclaimed by the international community and under the leadership of Bangabandhu's daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has today become a shining example across the globe in various areas, including socio-economic and information technology (IT). Referring to the various achievements of the current government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the President said, 'We have started the journey from Digital Bangladesh to Smart Bangladesh. The biggest challenges facing the government in this path of progress were fanaticism and international terrorism. Due to the charismatic leadership of the Prime Minister and her government's 'Zero Tolerance' policy against militancy and terrorism, Bangladesh is now a role model across the globe.' The P resident said Bangladesh, like the rest of the world, needs to develop skilled human resources to meet the challenges of the fourth industrial revolution along with the digital revolution. He called for strengthening social ties between religious and ethnic minorities in Bangladesh. The 8th National Conference President and eminent writer valiant freedom fighter Shahriar Kabir, Retired Justice and columnist AHM Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad president Dr. Fawzia Muslim, Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad President Prof. Dr. Nimchandra Bhowmik, Bangladesh Christian Association President Nirmal Rosario, Adivasi Mukti Morcha President Professor Jogendranath Saren, general secretary of Bangladesh Buddhist Federation Bhikkhu Sunandapriya, Transgender Development Organization chairman Anwara Islam Rani and convener of the 8th National Conference Preparation Committee Kazi Mukul, among others, spoke there. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha