Day: May 21, 2024

MEHERPUR, The polling in Gangni upazila of the district began today as a part of the 2nd phase of 6th upazila parishad elections across the country. Voting in the 6th Upazila Parishad election is continuing at 107 centres of the upazila. The voting started at 8 am which will continue till 4 pm without break. Though eight candidates got electoral symbols for the post of upazila parishad chairman, five are contesting at last. There are 260096 voters in the upazila. Among them 130247 voters are female and 129849 are male. Two platoon BGB personnel led by a magistrate are patrolling across the upazila for a peaceful election. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Efforts are underway between two sides in the taskforce formed to finalize the terms of reference of the parliamentary committee on the issue of cooperative fund embezzlement. In today's meeting of the taskforce held at the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, the ruling and opposition parties expressed their views. Chief Whip of the CPN (UML), Mahesh Bartaula, shared that today's meeting concluded deciding to meet again for consensus. The Nepali Congress has been obstructing the meeting of both houses demanding formation of a parliamentary committee for conducting impartial investigation, citing involvement of Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane was found in cooperative fund embezzlement. An understanding was reached on May 18 between the ruling parties and the main opposition party, NC, to form a parliamentary probe committee. A taskforce was formed to finalize the terms of reference of the probe committee. All parties expressed their views in today's taskf orce meeting, said NC Joint General-Secretary Jeevan Pariyar. The taskforce meeting would meet again this evening or tomorrow, he added. Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Padam Giri, NC leader Gyanendra Bahadur Karki, CPN (UML) Chief Whip Bartaula, NC Joint General-Secretary Pariyar and Shishir Khanal of the Rastriya Swatantra Party are in the taskforce. Source: National News Agency RSS

DINAJPUR, A motorcyclist was killed and another injured after being hit by a truck on the Dinajpur-Rangpur highway in Ramdubi Bazar area under Dinajpur Sadar upazila today. The deceased was identified as Anwar Hossain, 32, resident of Gwaldighi village of Khansama upazila of the district. The accident occurred in the area when he was going to Dinajpur town riding a motorcycle from his home, on the way, a truck hit the motorcycle coming from the opposite direction around 1:30pm, leaving him dead on the spot and another was injured, officer-in-charge (OC) of Dinajpur Highway Dosh Mile Police Station Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman said. The injured was taken to M Abdur Rahim Medical College and Hospital, he said. Police recovered the body from the spot and sent to M Abdur Rahim Medical College and Hospital morgue for post-mortem. Police seized the truck but its driver and help fled from the scene. A case was filed in this connection, the OC added. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

RAJSHAHI, Climate resilient farming method of Alternate Wetting and Drying-AWD is being promoted in the Barind area as it is being detected as drought-prone due to the adverse impact of climate change. During the current Boro-paddy season, AWD method was projected in 125 blocks in different parts of the region with intervention of a project. The grassroots farmers, deep-tube-well operators and others concerned were imparted training so that they can derive total benefits of the method. Besides, farmers field day was organized in eleven of the blocks assessing harvested paddy yield in terms of the AWD used field and the non-used field. As part of the programme, a field day was organized at Dadpur block under Borgachhi Union in Paba Upazila of the district today. Union Parishad Chairman Shahadat Hossain, Sub Assistant Agriculture Officer Anika Sarmin and Project Coordinator of DASCOH Foundation Aminul Islam were present at the field day and sample crop cutting ceremony. Muhammad Shamim, 45, a farmer of t he Dadpur village, has got better yield from his AWD used land in comparison to the unused land. Expressing his happiness over adopting the method he said many of his fellow farmers are attaining additional benefits after using the method. Giving a salient feature of the method, he said it's a modern resilient and water-saving technology. It lessens irrigation cost worth Taka 800 to 1,000 for per bigha of land in addition to boost yield by three to five mounds of paddy. Deep-tube-well operator Foyzul Islam said AWD method helps save water in aquifers amidst an abnormal decline in the level of underground water in recent days. Elaborating aspects of the water-saving irrigation system he said the irrigation method should be promoted widely to protect the underground water from furthermore declining. DASCOH Foundation has been implementing a project titled "Climate Resilient Agricultural Advancement in Barind" in Paba upazila of Rajshahi, Sadar of Chapainawabganj and Niamotpur and Potnitola upazilas in Naoga on districts. Technically supported by the Syngenta Foundation and financially supported by the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, the project is intended to benefit 25,000 farmers in terms of climate-smart agriculture practices. In addition to the practice of climate-smart agriculture, the beneficiary farmers will gain capacity to boost irrigation efficiency and farm productivity. Local agro-business opportunities will be expanded to the farmers through connecting with a strong public-private stakeholder network. Akramul Haque, chief executive officer of DASCOH Foundation, said there is an urgent need of reducing installation of deep tube-well as per the National Water Policy-2018. Utmost emphasis should be given on innovation of new more agriculture technologies and expansion of those for continuation of rice production in the changed situation. Farhad Zamil, country director of Syngenta Foundation, mentioned that the expanded adoption of AWD irrigation method during Boro rice farming can save a minimum 30 percent irrigation water along with considerably increasing rice output. He said adoption of the simplest and lowest cost technology also helps farmers to adapt to scarcity of irrigation water. "Adoption of AWD technology with proper agronomic management reduces five numbers of irrigation saving 30 percent water, 30 litres diesel and electricity for irrigation to produce 500 kilograms more Boro paddy per hectare of land," he said. Farmers have already started reaping enormous benefits of AWD irrigation technology following massive motivational activities being conducted by various government and non-government organisations. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

RAJSHAHI, Women entrepreneurs have to come forward to build a smart Bangladesh envisioned by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for transforming the country into a developed country by 2041. Bangladesh's economic development will flourish besides attaining the cherished goal of building smart Bangladesh through generation of new more entrepreneurs along with their vibrant activities. Administrative officials and business leaders came up with the observation while addressing a daylong motivational workshop at Shah Dine Convention hall here today. On behalf of its 'Flourishing of Women Entrepreneurship for Economic Empowerment in Grassroots' project, the local unit of Jatiya Mohila Sangstha (JMS) organized the workshop. Commissioner of Rajshahi division Dr Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir addressed the workshop as the chief guest with JMS local unit Chairman Morjina Parveen in the chair. Director of the project Provash Chandra Roy spoke as a focal person illustrating aims, objectives and implementation s trategy of his project along with its contribution to women empowerment. President of Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Masudur Rahman and Professor Mainul Haque from the Department of Zoology in Rajshahi University also spoke on the occasion. The observation came at the closing and certificate-giving ceremony of a daylong training workshop titled "Motivation and Skill Development of Women Entrepreneurs" here Thursday. Commissioner Dr Humayun Kabir said the present government has been working relentlessly for the development of women entrepreneurship for women empowerment. "The government under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has also attained success in this field," he added. He also mentioned there is a need for a holistic approach towards expediting the industrial sector including the small and medium enterprises and ensuring a business-friendly atmosphere is very important to encourage local entrepreneurs for revitalising the sector. He said ha ndlooms and cottage goods signify the true craftsmanship of the Bangladeshi artisans and they are scattered throughout the country, communities consisting of people who solely depend on their crafts as a primary source of income. Dr Humayun Kabir said more expansion of investment to this sector is needed for bolstering the economic condition of both urban and rural areas together with freeing the society from the vicious circle of poverty. He urged the women entrepreneurs to prove capability through competition for making their business profitable and sustainable as well. Chamber President Masudur Rahman said the competition may be possible if there is training on product marketing coupled with ensuring quality of products. He emphasised on proper utilization of innovations along with assembling diversity and new ideas to the production and manufacturing process. Chamber leader Rahman added importance should be given on product advertisement as the present government under the dynamic and prude nt leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been working relentlessly for promoting entrepreneurship through adopting various time-fitting measures. He said the local women entrepreneurs should seize the opportunities. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, Buddha Purnima, the largest religious festival of the Buddhist community, will be observed tomorrow across the country. On the occasion of the Buddha Purnima, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in separate messages greeted the members of the Buddhist community as well as the countrymen. In his message, President Shahabuddin said Buddha Purnima is a holy religious festival related to the birth and attaining supreme enlightenment and great passing away (Mohaporinirvana) of Gautam Buddha. He said Gautam Buddha always sought welfare for mankind and he tried his best to make the whole world a peaceful and prosperous. The President said Buddha disseminated the message of equity and friendship during his entire life to establish peace and harmony in the world. Ideals and philosophy of Buddha can play an important role in establishing peace in society, removing unrest and intolerance from the world and saving people from moral degradation, he said. Noting that Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony, the President said since past times, people of all religions of this country have been observing their respective religions and rituals with great splendor which is a bright tradition of harmony of the people of this country. "We hope that the Buddhist community will continue their efforts for the development of the country by practicing this tradition and upholding the great ideals of the Buddha," he added. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said overcoming greed, hatred and lust, Gautama Buddha preached the messages of non-violence, friendship and compassion throughout his life for the peace, harmony and welfare of mankind. "In today's world, it is necessary to follow the teachings of Buddha in order to suppress the brute force maddened by violence, prevent the degradation of values and build a peaceful society," the premier added. She said people of every religion have been practicing their respective religions in a festive, free and undisturbed environment in this country since past times. The constitution of the country guarantees equal rights to people of all religions and castes, she said, adding: "We believe 'Religion is for individuals while festivals for all." "We are working tirelessly to ensure dignity and secure life of all communities and Buddhist community has also been equally participating in the socio-economic development activities of Bangladesh for ages," she added. The premier hoped that everyone will play a role in making Bangladesh a peaceful country by holding and cherishing the ideals of Buddha. The day is a public holiday. On the occasion, newspapers will publish articles while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television (BTV) and private TV channels broadcast special programmes highlighting the significance of the day. The celebrations usually start with lighting of lamps and hoisting of the national and religious flags atop the Mohabihar and chanting of sacred verses from Tripitaka. The Buddhist devotees are expected to offer various gif t items, including fruits, flowers and candles, to statues of Lord Buddha throughout the day. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, The High Court (HC) today upheld decision to cancel the admission of 169 first-graders at Viqarunnisa Noon School and College (VNSC) due to non-compliance with the enrolment regulations. A High Court division bench of Justice JBM Hassan and Justice Razik-Al-Jalil pronounced the judgment, declaring absolute a rule issued earlier in this regard. The court in its judgment, asked school authorities to fill the seats, which fell vacant because of the cancellation of the admission, from the waiting list within 15 days. The court also formed a three-member committee to probe whether any irregularities took place in admission process including while filing enrolment application online by the students whose admission were cancelled. Barrister Mustafizur Rahman Khan and Barrister Syed Sayedul Hoque Suman defended the case of 169 students, while Advocate Shamim Sarder stood for the writ petitioners. Mohammad Rafiul Islam argued for the VNSC authorities. Mothers of two admission seekers filed the w rit on January 14, due to non- compliance with the enrolment regulations. The High Court on January 23 issued a rule after holding primary hearing on the writ. Following the order, Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) authorities submitted a report, accepting the allegation. The school authorities after that decided to cancel the admission of those 169 students. The High Court on March 6 passed an order, asking authorities to fill the vacant seats within seven days from the waiting list, making parents of a student, whose admission was cancelled, to file an appeal with the apex court. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal today said Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized on enhancing sharing of intelligence with Bangladesh for the development of both the countries. 'We have discussed about intelligence sharing and enhancing bilateral relations among the two friendly countries positively,' he said this after a meeting with an Australian delegation led by its Foreign Minister Penny Wong at the ministry conference room at Bangladesh Secretariat. Kamal said Australia wants to advance bilateral relations and enhance activities for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean region. Australia and Bangladesh have significant people-to-people links, with over 50,000 people in Australia born in Bangladesh. Earlier, she arrived in Dhaka on a two-day visit today to strengthen bilateral cooperation, including trade and investment, and to find out practical solutions to shared challenges such as climate change, regional maritime security and smuggling. A small delegation inclu ding a Deputy Secretary, South and Southeast Asia Group and Head of the Office of Southeast Asia, in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Michelle Chan were accompanied by the Australian foreign minister. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha