Day: May 21, 2024

Kathmandu: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has said that the equalization grant to the province and local governments would not be reduced. He said this at a joint meeting with the representatives of the Municipality Association of Nepal (MUAN) and National Association of Rural Municipalities of Nepal (NARMIN) at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers today. On the occasion, PM Dahal clarified that the federal government has not had any plans to cut off equalization grant as it is the constitutional right. "The equalization grant is the constitutional right of the province and local governments. Pressure on the economy has not been completely removed. But, the equalization grant would not be deducted despite any sort of pressure. The federal government is clear on this issue", the Prime Minister shared. During the discussion, Finance Minister Barshaman Pun urged the local people's representatives not to get confused on the issue as there is no thought to decrease the grant . "The federal government is under economic pressure. The reserve fund has gone negative. Whatever circumstances arise we would not cut the equalization grant", the Finance Minister pledged. He however asked the province and local governments to spend trillions of rupees deposited in their accounts and increase their capital spending. On the occasion, the representatives of both the federations drew attention towards not reducing the equalization grant. Source: National News Agency RSS

DHAKA, Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee today renewed its pledge to gear up ongoing movement against communalism and fundamentalism aiming to establish a society based on the spirit of the Liberation War. "We have taken fresh programmes to strengthen our movement against communalism and fundamentalism. Side by side, we've also taken programme for tree plantation to safe mother earth from environment pollution and climate change," said Nirmul Committee's advisory council president Shahriar Kabir while introducing the Nirmul Committee's new advisory council and executive body at a press conference at Jatiya Press Club here. A 91-member new central executive committee with Shyamoli Nasrin Chowdhury and Asif Munir Tanmay as president and general secretary has been forced in its 8th national conference. A 55-member central advisory council has also been formed with Shahriar Kabir as its president. Justice Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, Prof. Muntasir Mamun and educationist Momtaz Latif, Justice Shahsul Huda, Justice Momtajuddin Ahmed, Arama Dutta, MP, journalist Abed Khan, Dr Anwara Syed Haque, heroic Freedom Fighter dramatist Mamunur Rashid and heroic Freedom Fighter Nasir Uddin Yusuf are among the advisory council members. The 91-member central executive committee includes executive president Kazi Mukul, vice president Prof. Dr. Uttam Kumar Barua, joint general secretary Maruf Rasul and publicity and mass media secretary journalist Abu Saleh Roni. Speaking at the press conference, writer and journalist Shahriar Kabir demanded formation of a 'National Minority Commission' to provide legal assistance to tortured and oppressed members of the country's minority communities. He said social media is spreading extremism in the name of religion in the society. The Nirmul Committee will also carry out social campaign against it, he said sought cooperation from law enforcement agencies for making the campaign a success. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said there is so much that brings UK and Nepal together, from His Majesty King Charles trekking in the foothills of the Himalayas as a young Prince, to academic alliances and to the huge contribution that the Nepali diaspora makes in the UK. Delivering his remarks at a reception he hosted at Number 10 Downing Street on May 20 to celebrate 100 years of the UK-Nepal Treaty of Friendship, Prime Minister Sunak expressed tributes to the Gurkhas, which he described as the greatest symbol of UK-Nepal friendship and a proof that the bond is truly unique, according to a media note issued by the British Embassy in Kathmandu today. Paying tributes to their courage, loyalty, and sacrifice, he added that the service of the Gurkhas is a reminder of the deep ties between the two nations and a promise that those ties would continue to endure. Describing UK and Nepal as partners in fighting climate change, he said that the support worth 400 million pounds is expected to hel p Nepal capitalise on its strengths, including its people and its potential for clean energy and to overcome challenges posed by disasters. Luminaries of the UK-Nepal relationship including parliamentarians, Nepali actor Manisha Koirala, Gurkhas, mountaineers such as Hari Budha, civil society members and members of the Nepali diaspora attended the event. Addressing the reception, Nepali Ambassador to the UK, Gyan Chandra Acharya said in Nepal we celebrated the treaty, in the historic room at Singh Durbar State Hall, where it was signed a hundred years ago. "We take it as a fitting finale of the commemoration here, first of its kind for Nepal at the official residence of the Prime Minister,' he added. UK Minister of State for Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan addressed the event, where a copy of the original treaty signed at Singha Darbar in Kathmandu was displayed. Source: National News Agency RSS

KHULNA, The 53rd 'Chuknagar Genocide Day' was observed here yesterday with a befitting manner through various programmes. Khulna district administration and different socio-cultural organizations placed wreaths at the monument, a memorial, built near Bhadra River in memory of '71 martyred', marking the day. The day's programme was begun by hoisting of national flag at the' Chuknagar Ganohattya-71 Srimty Boddhyabhumi' under Dumuria upazila of the district. Afterwards, different organizations including Khulna District Administration, Chuknagar Ganohattya-71 Smrity Rakkha Parishad, Chief Coordinator of Amra-71-Dhaka Samiran Sarker, Central Coordinator Imrul Chowdhury, Central Coordintor Iftekhar Rajib, Khulna Mahanagar Bangabandhu Parishad, Dumuria Upazila Muktijoddha Command, Ghatok Dalal Nirmul Committee, Bangabandhu Parishad and Jashore Udichi placed wreaths at 11 points of river Bhadra where Pakistani army left bodies of innocent Bengalis into the river after killing on that day in 1971. A discussion wa s also held at the genocide memorial. President of Chuknagar Ganohattya -71 Smrity Rakkha Parishad ABM Shafiqul Islam presided over the meeting while Acting Principal of Chuknagar College Monirul Islam conducted it. Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Al Amin addressed the meeting as chief guest while, Amra Ekattor Dhaka Helal Foyezi, among others, addressed the meeting. Speakers at the meeting urged the government to declare May 20 as National Mourning Day to pay respect to the victims of Chuknagar massacre and trial of the war criminals at any cost. They demanded to produce the evidences of Chuknagar Genocide before the Geneva Convention for justice and for building a Global Standard Liberation War Memorial, Research Center and auditorium. Later, a cultural function was held there to pay respect to the martyrs of the War of Liberation in 1971. On May 20, 1971, a several thousand men, women and children mostly belonging to minority community were brutally killed by the Pakistan occupation forces at Chuknagar where they gathered to go to India. The forces sprayed bullets on them from light machine guns and semi-automatic rifles killing them on the spot within a few hours. The victims of the massacre hailed mostly from Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira, Jashore and Gopalganj districts. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: President of UNFCCC SBSTA, Harry Vreuls, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' at Singh Darbar today. During the meeting, matters relating to the impact of climate change and Nepal's leading role on the matter were discussed. On the occasion, Prime Minister Dahal emphasized on the need to move ahead in a planned and institutional manner to reduce the impact of climate change, while requesting for more support for Nepal including of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC). During the meeting, President Vreuls lauded the important role played by Nepal in the recent UN Climate Change Conference, as well for its leading role on matters concerning the Himalayas and mountain countries Similarly, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of Bhutan, Lyonpo Yonten Phuntsho paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dahal and discussed various matters relating to the impact of clima te change and various issues of bilateral interest. Also today, Secretary General of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multilateral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Indra Mani Pandey called on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'. In the meeting held at Singh Darbar, various issues of cooperation between BIMSTEC member countries including those concerning climate change were discussed. On the occasion, Prime Minister Dahal said that BIMSTEC is promoting regional economic cooperation and emphasized that the cooperation and collaboration between the member countries should be made more effective in the days ahead. Discussion should also be held on impact of climate change in the region, he added. In reply, Secretary General Pandey said that Nepal is playing an important role as a BIMSTEC member country and expressed confidence that Nepal's role will be more effective in the future. Source: National News Agency RSS

DHAKA, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury today called on Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal, alias Prachanda, at the office of Nepalese premier 'Singha Durbar' in Kathmandu. During the meeting, they discussed in detail the long-standing mutual relations of Bangladesh and Nepal, the potential areas of cooperation on climate change and the scopes to increase trade possibilities between the two countries. They highlighted the shared commitment of Bangladesh and Nepal to addressing environmental and climate challenges in the South Asia region, according to a message received here. Nepalese Prime Minister Dahal and Minister Saber Hossain explored opportunities for collaboration on various environmental initiatives. They expressed mutual interest in exchanging knowledge and best practices in sustainable forest management, renewable energy development and climate resilience strategies. Prime Minister Dahal expressed his gratitude to the Bangladesh government as it has given scopes for a large number of Nepalese students to study in Bangladesh. He reaffirmed the Nepal's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development. Saber Hossain underscored Bangladesh's dedication to enhancing environmental sustainability and its proactive role in international climate forums, and acknowledged the potential for both nations to benefit from strengthened bilateral cooperation. The meeting marked a significant step towards in fostering a stronger partnership between Bangladesh and Nepal, paving the way for future collaboration in addressing regional and global environmental challenges. Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, First Secretary of Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu Md Humayun Kabir and high officials of the Nepal government were present at the meeting. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Padam Giri has clarified that the government has not imposed any kind of suppression in the parliament despite protests from the main opposition. Talking to media persons after today's meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR), he said the main opposition was the cause behind deferral of an ordinance that should be tabled on the first day of the House session. "The government has shown readiness to address the issue raised by the main opposition. We are not in a mood to suppress its voice", he added. Minister Giri further share that efforts were also made this morning to reach to a consensus. "Discussions have been made from different quarters; we are close to a consensus". However, main opposition Nepali Congress (NC) has accused the government of adopting a policy to suppress the demand for forming parliamentary probe committee on misappropriation of cooperatives' money. NC leader and former Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat said the government has failed to listen to the voice of the opposition. NC lawmaker Kalpana Chaudhary accused the government of using force to suppress opposition in the parliament. Meanwhile, CPN (UML) Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai said the government was ready to constitute a parliamentary probe committee and expressed his confidence that consensus would be forged with main opposition, NC, soon. Source: National News Agency RSS

DHAKA, The government today approved separate proposals for procuring some 1.10 crore liters of soybean oil and 30,000 metric tons of fertilizer to meet the growing demand of the country. The approval came from the 12th meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) this year held today at the Cabinet Division conference room with Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali in the chair. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Cabinet Division Secretary (Coordination and Reforms) Md Mahmudul Hossain Khan said that the day's meeting approved a total of 10 proposals. He said following a proposal from the Ministry of Industries, the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) would procure some 30,000 metric tons of bulk granular urea fertilizer under the 8th lot under state-level agreement in the current fiscal year (FY24) from Fertiglobe Distribution Ltd, UAE with around Taka 95.70 crore where per ton fertilizer would cost $271.50. In response to a proposal from the Ministry of Commerce, the state-run Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will procure some 1.10 crore liters of soybean oil under local Open Tender Method (OTM) from Super Oil Refinery Limited with around Taka 182.40 crore where per liter soybean oil would cost Taka 152.45. Mahmudul said the day's CCGP meeting approved a proposal from the Local Government Division under which a package (W-4) under the "Modernization of City Street Light System at Different Areas Under Chattogram City Corporation" being implemented by Chattogram City Corporation with Indian soft-term Line of Credit-3 has been awarded to Shapoorji Pallonji and Company Private Limited (SPCPL), Maharashtra, India with around Taka 258.60 crore. He said the meeting approved two separate proposals from the Power Division for the Lot-1 and Lot-2 of the Modernization and capacity enhancement of BPDB's power distribution system (Dhaka and Mymensingh Divisions). Under the Lot-1, some 57.5 kilometer 11kv underground cable would be erected with Taka 43.81 crore by the Zh ongtian Technology Submarine Cable Co Ltd, China while under the Lot-2, some 83 kilometer 33kv underground cable would be set up with Taka 68.16 crore by the BRB Cable Industries Ltd, Kushtia, Bangladesh. Following two other separate proposals from the Power Division, some 63,178 SPC Poles will be procured under a package from the Confidence Infrastructure Limited JV with Contech Construction Ltd, Dada Engineering Limited and Poles and Concrete Limited with around Taka 213.10 crore under the project for Modernization and capacity enhancement of BPDB's power distribution system (Dhaka and Mymensingh Divisions). In another package under the same project, some 63,178 SPC poles will be procured from Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory Limited, Gazipur, Bangladesh with around Taka 212.97 crore. Mahmudul said the day's CCGP meeting approved another proposal from the Local Government Division under which the road from Rayerbazar Sluice Gate to Iron Bridge on the Inner Circular Ring Road would be upgraded with around Taka 804.75 crore by the National Development Engineers Ltd. The meeting also approved one proposal each from the Secondary and Higher Education Division and the Local Government Division. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Dol Prasad Aryal has said that the Prime Minister Employment Programme (PMEP) would be focused on human resource development based on market demands and needs. Addressing a programme in Panauti on Tuesday, Minister Aryal said that the PMEP would get continuity in the upcoming fiscal year and would be implemented in a more progressive manner. He, however, hinted at changes in the modality of the PMEP and the decision is being taken from the lessons learnt adding that the programme was a common programme of all three layers of government. Minister Aryal urged the local government for their active participation and publicity of the programmes related to skills and employment. Likewise, the Minister asked the employment service centres to update data on employment generation under the PMEP. Source: National News Agency RSS

DHAKA, Agriculture Minister Dr M AbdusShahid has said the country has no shortage of rice, as its entire rice demand is now being met by internal production. 'The country's rice production has increased more than fourfold in the last 50 years, resulting in the country having no rice shortage now,' said the minister. The minister made this comment while speaking at the ministerial session titled 'Paddies for the Planet and People' of the ongoing 10th World Water Forum held in Bali, Indonesia, on Tuesday. Bangladesh has now become a role model in the world for its agro-commodity production, said the minister, adding, 'The situation has emerged due to undertaking diversified initiatives, including raising farm subsidies, enhancing research budget outlays, and developing research infrastructure.' These initiatives, launched and implemented by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, have helped incredibly achieve and maintain self-sufficiency in rice production, the minister told the forum, which was jointly organized by the World Bank and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Shahid said, 'If the country does not achieve success in food production, then our millions of people might have to face food crisis. People might become food refugees, and crises will be disseminated all over the world," he added. The minister, however, stressed the need for ensuring sustainable food security through the combined initiatives of all. He urged all the states and international bodies to take combined steps toward this end. The World Bank Country Director for Indonesia Carolyn (Carrie) Turk presented the keynote paper at the session. Chinese Water Resources Minister Li Guoying, Indonesian Agriculture Minister AmranSulaiman, and UAE's Minister of Climate Change and Environment Amnabint Abdullah Al Dahak, among others, spoke as discussants. Highlighting the importance of safe water, the minister said the population is not only rising across the world but also arable land is shrinking, adding that water is vital to ensure sustainable development and food security for all. The session was also attended by the Bangladesh delegation and Bangladesh Ambassador in Indonesia M Tariqul Islam, Director General of Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) ShahjahanKabir and Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Jahangir Alam. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Minister of Bangladesh for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Saber Hossain Chowdhury paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'. During the meeting held today at Singh Darbar, various issues of bilateral and mutual interests, including electricity trade and climate change were discussed. On the occasion, Prime Minister Dahal expressed his belief that the necessary procedures for electricity trade between Nepal and Bangladesh will be completed to begin power trade between the two countries soon. Stating that both Nepal and Bangladesh are at the receiving end of the effects of climate change, he emphasized that both countries should cooperate on such common issues. Likewise, Minister Chowdhury mentioned that the energy cooperation between Nepal and Bangladesh has progressed as all preparations for energy trade have been completed. The Bangladeshi Minister is in Kathmandu to participate in the international expert dialogue on 'Himalayan, People and Climate Change' organized by the Government of Nepal. Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Advisor Dr Rupak Sapkota, Prime Minister's Climate and Environment Advisor Dr Popular Gentle as well as senior officials of the Ministry of Forest and Environment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present during the meeting. Source: National News Agency RSS

RAJSHAHI, A three-member delegation of the British Council has called on the Vice-chancellor (VC) of Rajshahi University (RU) Prof Golam Sabbir Sattar at the latter's office today. They also held a view-sharing meeting at the conference hall of the administrative building discussing and devising ways and means on boosting relations between them. Led by Bangladesh Programme Director of British Council David Nox, Head of Arts Sadia Rahman and Arts Executive Mustafizur Rahman were in the delegation. During the meeting, both sides talked about different development activities in RU supported by the British Council. David Nox expressed their interests towards extending support for collection, preservation and overall development of Varendra Research Museum. VC Prof Golam Sabbir welcomed the supportive interests. The delegation head apprised the VC that they will start detailed activities in this regard soon. RU Pro-VCs Prof Sultan-Ul-Islam and Prof Humayun Kabir, Registrar Prof Tariqul Hassan, Director of Institute of English and other languages Prof Abdullah Al Mamun, Proctor Prof Asabul Haque, Director of Office of International Affairs Prof Azizur Rahman and Director of Varendra Research Museum Prof Imtiaz Ahmed were present on the occasion. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha