Day: May 22, 2024

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has said Gautam Buddha's teachings can help to resolve disputes and spread harmony among individuals, communities and nations. At an art exhibition organised on the eve of the 2568th Buddhajayanti on Wednesday, Prime Minster Dahal mentioned that the messages of Buddha-non-violence, compassion and inner peace are becoming more relevant in the present world. "I am confident that the teachings of Buddha will help resolve dispute and spread harmony among individuals, communities and nations", he underscored. Stating that he always feel happy to visit Lumbini, PM Dahal explained that Lumbini has historical and cultural importance as the centre of peace for all humans of the world. "The government of Nepal has expressed commitment time and again to develop Lumbini as the centre of source and education of Buddhism and intellectual research, not only as the religious, cultural and historical place", he said. Extending gratitude to the initiative for organising the exh ibition, the Prime Minster mentioned that creativeness and energy of senor artists is inspirable. He further said that cultural dimensions have made people of Nepal and India close since ancient time, saying cultural dimensions have special place in the context of Nepal-India relations. "Our cultural heritage is a treasure of knowledge, values and traditions which make our life prosperous and gives shape to our identity", added PM Dahal. Source: National News Agency RSS

Nepal has sought Bangladesh's assistance for installing Barind digital irrigation technology for the agriculture sector in Nepal. The request was placed while Nepalese Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, held a bilateral meeting with Agriculture Minister Dr M AdusShahid on the sidelines of the ongoing 10th World Water Forum held in Indonesian tourist city Bali on Tuesday afternoon. During the meeting, they stressed raising mutual cooperation in the agricultur sector between the two countries. At the meeting, the Nepalese ministeralso sought Bangladesh cooperation in installing the pre-paid meter digital irrigation management system in Nepal. Digital technology is now being implemented in Barind areas in Bangladesh, run by the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA). 'We want to install this irrigation technology in the agriculture sector in Nepal," said the Nepalese counterpart while praising the irrigation facilities, which have been visited by the Nepal ese delegation recently. Bangladesh representatives, including Bangladesh envoy in Indonesia M Tariqul Islam, BRRI Director General Dr M ShahjahanKabir and Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Dr Muhammad Jahangir Alam, also attended the meeting. Seeking Bangladesh investment in hydropower generation in Nepal, he said Nepal will export 500 megawatts of hydropower to Bangladesh. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Minister of Women, Children and Senior Citizens Bhagwati Chaudhary has said that the problem of child marriage which is still prevalent should be addressed by identifying the specificity of the problem. She also said that special care is needed for girls during menstruation while giving special emphasis for the safety of women with disabilities, who are more vulnerable. Speaking at a discussion held on the report being prepared for the Beijing Platform Action Forum (BPFA) "Beijing Plus Review" with experts today. Minister Chaudhary suggested to further revise the report to include the feedback received and mention sector there are with more problems and areas of progress. At the programme, expert Kapil Aryal said that the presence of women in public service has increased to 28 percent and the number of women judges to 11 percent. However, the presence of women in some sectors is still low. Ministry Secretary Dinesh Bhattarai said that since the structure of the Ministry is not at the provincial and municipal levels there is no place to raise issues related to women. Experts who participated in the program suggested that the work by the province and local level governments should also be included in the report, which includes many works done by the federal government. Source: National News Agency RSS

A laborer was killed and seven others were injured after a pickup van overturned in Badratila area of Faitang Union under Lama Upazila of the district today. The deceased was identified as Md Jahangir, 22, resident of Chakria of Harbang Lalbridge area of the district. The accident occurred in the area when the driver of the pickup van, carrying 15 workers, lost control over the steering of the vehicle as he was climbing a hill and overturned on the road, leaving Jahangir dead on the spot and seven others critically injured, officer-in-charge of Faitang Police station Fari Md Mofiz said. The injured were taken to Upazila Health Complex, he said. Police recovered the body from the spot and handed over the family members, he added. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) is going to organise a photo exhibition titled 'Achievements of Republic: Foundation for Prosperity' on the occasion of the Republic Day-2081. Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, would inaugurate the expo to begin from May 23. The RSS had organised a similar photo exhibition titled 'Our Culture: Our Heritage' on Republic Day last year. Photos of projects built with skills, human resources and investment of the three levels of governments as well as national and provincial pride projects constructed with foreign aid would be put on display. Executive Chairperson of the RSS, Dharmendra Jha, said the photos of different structures built as part of the reconstruction drive following the Gorkha earthquake and of the damaged historic heritages, human development, education, health, industry sectors disseminated from RSS service would be put in the expo. Chair Jha mentioned that the photo expo would be fruitful to share information on ho w the government is working to address the citizen's hope, aspiration and expectation as per the time and thereby built hope and trust. A total of 90 photos related to infrastructures of seven provinces would be put on display in the exhibition. Source: National News Agency RSS

Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury today called upon the South Asian countries to take urgent actions to cope with the adverse impacts of global warming, halting glacier melting in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region. He made the call while addressing the inaugural session of the 'International Expert Dialogue on Mountain, People, and Climate' held at Chandragiri Hill Resort in Kathmandu, Nepal, according to a message received here. Saber Chowdhury underscored the critical role of the Hindu Kush Himalaya in the global climate landscape, emphasising the region as "ground zero for climate change". He stressed the need for de-carbonisation, pointing out the inherent limitations of current adaptation and mitigation measures. "Unless we de-carbonise, whatever we try to do in terms of adaptation and mitigation measures, it is not going to be enough. There are limits to adaptation and resilience," he said. The environment, forest and climate change minister criticised the paradoxical approach of increasing carbon emissions while formulating National Adaptation Plans, arguing that such contradictions exacerbate the problem. Highlighting the concept of climate justice, he articulated the disparity faced by nations like Bangladesh and Nepal, which contribute minimally to global emissions but suffer disproportionately from climate impacts. Saber Chowdhury lamented the difficult choices governments are forced to make between combating poverty and addressing climate change, calling it "a great injustice". He said Bangladesh's significant financial commitment to climate adaptation was contrary to the global community's failure to deliver on promised funding. "We can subsidise fossil fuels to the extent of seven trillion dollars a year, but the national adaptation plans are not funded. This double standard has to be stopped," he asserted, emphasising the urgent need for genuine global actions. Addressing the dire consequences of glacier melting and sea level rise, he questioned: "If all the glaciers melt, how will the people of Bangladesh survive?" Saber Chowdhury highlighted the interconnected nature of climate impacts, affecting not just mountains but also ice sheets, snow, glaciers, and permafrost. He called for immediate actions to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, warning that even a tenth of a degree increase could have catastrophic impacts. "If we can get it right here, we can get it right for the rest of the world. This is a global existential issue," he said. The minister also stressed the need for taking localised initiatives and collective efforts, emphasising that the solutions lie within the capabilities and political will. "Let's not look for others; let's see what we can do. How much we can fix by our own initiatives. And that will make a difference," he said. Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal delivered the inaugural address at the function with Forests and Environment Minister of Nepal Nawal Kishor Sah Sudi in the chair. Dr Baikunth a Aryal, Chief Secretary of the Government of Nepal, presented a keynote paper. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: The Nepali Congress expressed grave concern over the misappropriation of funds deposited by the commoners in financial cooperatives. Arguing that the cooperatives funds deposited by the common people was transferred to the Gorkha Media Networks Pvt. Limited against the legal provision of limiting credit to its members, the Nepali Congress demanded return of the funds to the respective cooperatives. The NC's Central Cooperatives Department issued a press release and made public the fact that Rs 958 million from the Supreme Cooperatives, Butwal; Suryadarshan Cooperatives, Pokhara; Swarnalaxmi Cooperatives, Kathmandu; and Sahara Cooperatives, Chitwan was invested in the Gorkha Media Network. Department Chief Devendra Raj Kandel said such investment was against Cooperatives Act, 2074 and Regulation, 2075. He further reminded that only natural person can be a member of the cooperatives and make financial transaction. But, Gorkha Media Network Pvt drew the money against the provision that only member can take loan from the cooperatives. Both the owner and chief executive of the cooperatives and chief executive and proprietor of Gorkha Media Network must be booked as per Section 124 of Cooperatives Act, the NC demanded in the press release. The cooperatives, which have contributed to elevate socioeconomic status of poor, farmers and marginalized people, is lately defamed by anarchic groups, so anyone- individual or company- involved in such infamy need to be booked and people's savings secured. The NC also drew the attention of all concerned to press for amendment of related laws and policy along with disciplined practice of cooperatives for country's overall development. Source: National News Agency RSS

President Mohammed Shahabuddin today urged Buddhist community representatives to prioritize the wellbeing of the nation. Speaking at a reception ceremony at the Credentials Hall of the Bangabhaban commemorating "Happy Buddha Purnima 2024", he emphasized importance of guiding people towards the right path and working for the betterment of all, rather than solely focusing on personal or familial interests. Acknowledging the deep-rooted Buddhist tradition in Bangladesh that spans thousands of years, the President conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to Buddhists in Bangladesh and around the world. He highlighted that Buddha's teachings aimed at the welfare and happiness of all beings on Earth, transcending barriers of time and space. Encouraging interfaith harmony, the President advised embracing the positive aspects of all religions while discarding the negative, and urged Buddhist leaders to promote the noble teachings of Buddha for a harmonious and prosperous Bangladesh, envisioned by the Father of th e Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Stressing that religion should serve the well-being of people rather than causing suffering, the President emphasized the importance of understanding religion from a perspective of perception, not debate. In the world plagued by human rights violations, conflict, and socio-economic instability, President Shahabuddin called for unity and support among nations. The President and his wife Dr. Rebecca Sultana extended greetings to Buddhist leaders. The President received bouquets from religious figures of the Buddhists community at Bangabhaban. He exchanged views with the Buddhist community leaders. Throughout the country, particularly in Dhaka, Buddhists observed Buddha Purnima with reverence and enthusiasm, commemorating Siddhartha Gautama Buddha's birth and enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Buddhagaya. The reception at Bangabhaban was attended by over 1,000 individuals, including numerous guests. Religious Affairs Minister Md Faridul Haque Khan, State Min ister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Kujendra Lal Tripura, leaders of the Buddhist community, and concerned secretaries from Bangabhaban were also present. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: The climate experts gathered from various countries at an international dialogue Nepal government organized viewed the mountain ecosystem was at the receiving end of climate change. Addressing the two day dialogue on 'mountain, human and climate change', they viewed mountain region had witnessed rapid change in climates, thereby wreaking havoc. The first session was addressed by Bangladeshi Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Sabar Hussain; associate dean at UN Climate Change Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA), Harry Vreuls; former special envoy of Kyrgyz's President on mountains, Nurlan Aitmurzayev; and Australian Ambassador to Nepal, Felicity Volk. In the same session, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha was the keynote speaker. World's 40 percent people are depended on mountain water- for drinking water, irrigation, hydropower etc- which however is facing challenges owing to global rise in temperate. The climate chan ge has further caused extreme weather events to which Nepal is bearing the brunt. The international dialogue is held to foster debate and advocacy for global attention on mountain. Source: National News Agency RSS

Shamim Ahmed Sagor and ASM Jahangir Hossain have been elected chairmen in Lalpur and Bagatipara upazila parishad election respectively in the district. The result signed by Returning Officer Md Masudur Rahman was declared last night. Shamim Ahmed Sagor earned 30514 votes while his rival candidate Md Aftab Hossain bagged 26997 votes in Lalpur upazila parishad election. Md Toihidul Islam was elected as vice chairman and Mst Mahfuja Khatun elected as Mohila vice chairman in the upazila. Besides, ASM Jahangir Hossain was elected as chairman for Bagatipara Upazila Parishad securing 14657 votes while his closest rival Md Aslam Uddin got 13649 votes. Kazi Aminur Rahman and Mst Mita Begum were elected as vice chairman and Mohila vice chairman in the second phase of 6th Upazila Parishad election in Bagatipara. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

An order has been issued to investigate keeping Chairperson of Kantipur Media Publications, Kailash Sirohiya, in custody for three days. Sirohiya was arrested on offense related to his citizenship on Tuesday from Kathmandu. A single bench of Judge at the District Court Dhanusha, Janakpurdham, Churaman Khadka, issued the verdict to this effect, said Deputy Superintendent of Police and Spokesperson at the District Poliice Office, Dhanusha, Ranjan Awale. Earlier, presenting Sirohiya at the District Court at 11 am today, five days custody was demanded. A single bench of Judge of the District Court Dhanusha, Chitra Bahadur Gurung, on Tuesday had order to issue arrest warrant against Sirohiya regarding citizenship case. Following the arrest warrant, a team comprising Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) at the Valley Crime Investigation Office, Kathmandu, Sanuram Bhattarai and Superintendent of Police (SP) Rabindra Regmi nabbed publisher Sirohiya from the latter's office based in Thapathali, Kathmandu. He was brought to Janakpur this morning for further investigation. Indrajit Mahato of Sarlahi had filed a complaint at the District Police Office, Dhanusha, on April 28 for the investigation after the citizenship number of Sirohiya and another person was found to be the same. Source: National News Agency RSS

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of former Member of Parliament and Netrakona district Awami League (AL) Vice-President Manu Majumdar. In a condolence message, she prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha