Day: May 22, 2024

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has said most of its recommendations for actions against cases of human rights violations have not been implemented in the Koshi Province. At a programme titled "Discussions about the implementation of NHRC recommendations" organised by the NHRC in Biratnagar today, it was shared that the NRHC recommendations of actions against 72 percent of cases of human rights violations were not implemented till the end of the last fiscal year in the province. A total of 177 cases of human rights violations were recorded in the province last fiscal year (mid-July 2023- mid-July 2024) and suggestions for actions regarding 111 incidents had remained unimplemented while 49 were partially addressed. Of 14 districts in the Province, Morang reported the highest 27 incidents, according to the NHRC data. As shared by NHRC member, Manoj Duwadi, on the occasion, it is urgent to bringing the NHRC recommendations into practice to make the people feel the presence of a rule of law. Chi ef Secretary of the Koshi Province Government, Kedarnath Sharma, said the province government is always ready to cooperate and collaborate with the NHRC for the promotion of citizens' human rights. Usha Jha, deputy chief of District Coordination Committee Morang, and Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) Koshi province acting chair Labadev Dhungana stressed the need for contributing widely from all quarters to build a violence-free society. NHRC investigation officer Shyam Babu Kafley presented a working paper on the status of the implementation of the NHRC recommendations. The programme was attended by people representing the conflict-hit families, various human rights organizations, government representatives, security agencies, and journalists. Source: National News Agency RSS

MA Khalek, general secretary of the district unit Awami League, has been elected chairman in Gangni upazila Parishad polls held yesterday. Returning Officer Pritam Saha announced the result at the conference room of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer around 10:30 last night. He secured 33723 votes while his rival candidate Mokhlesur Rahman Mukul, bagged 28293 votes. A Faruk Hasan was elected as vice chairman and Nasima Khatun elected as Mohila vice chairman in the upazila election. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, has opined for the protection of the earth by minimizing the problems caused by climate change. Speaking in an 'International Dialogue' related to climate change and its effect, held in Kathmandu on Wednesday, he said that due to climate change, the Himalayas are more affected and the snow is melting, so joint efforts are necessary to reduce these problems. DPM Shrestha viewed that the climate change will continue to have a negative impact on the mountainous regions of countries like Nepal therefore all should be aware of its adverse effects on time. He emphasized that the temperature increase should be limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius, saying that the increasing temperature of the earth will increase the problem of climate change rapidly. "The problems caused by climate change will continue to increase. As this is affecting the Himalayan region more, it seems that people's life there will become more difficult and comp licated," he said, mentioning that the effects of climate change are having a serious impact on the peoples of the Himalayas, the climatic system, agriculture, wildlife among others. Minister Shrestha opined that if mitigation and adaptation preparations are not made, the impact will be more adverse and vulnerable in the days to come. He said, "So now we have to raise our voices for climate justice." Source: National News Agency RSS

Buddha Purnima, the largest religious festival of the Buddhist community, being observed today 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 gift items, incl uding fruits, flowers and candles, to statues of Lord Buddha throughout the day. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

The Bharatpur Metropolitan City of Chitwan, Nepal and Chongqing city of the People's Republic of China have established sister city relations. The sister city ties have been forged during the International Friendship Cities Cooperation Conference organized by Chongqing Municipal Government in Chongqing city today. Bharatpur Metropolitan City mayor Renu Dahal and Chongqing Municipal Government mayor Hu Henghua signed on the agreement related to this on the occasion. The mayors and deputy mayors of various cities from 47 countries were present in the Conference. Chongqing city has established sister-city relations with several other cities of the world on the occasion. Bharatpur metropolis' expert advisor Suresh Chandra Adhikari, who attended the conference, said the mayors of Bharatpur city and Chongqing have agreed to take the bilateral relations between Nepal and PRC to a new height through this agreement. The two mayors also discussed on establishing people-to-people ties between their two cities and e xtending cooperation for each others' development. At the event, Mayor Dahal gave a short introduction of the Bharatpur Metropolis and urged the Chongqing mayor and the industrialists there to invest in Bharatpur's development and construction of big infrastructure projects. She also invited Chongqing's mayor to visit Bharatpur. Bharatpur metropolis is observing 2024 as the 'Visit Bharatpur Year'. Bharatpur metropolis deputy mayor Chitrasen Adhikari and deputy director Jagannath Aryal, among other officials were also present on the occasion. Source: National News Agency RSS

Kathmandu: President Ram Chandra Paudel has said festivals foster mutual harmony and unity in diverse communities. Giving a message of best wishes on the occasion of the major festival of Kirat community, Ubhauli, today, President Paudel viewed festivals have a role to build a civilized and cultured society in addition to social unity. " I believe the Ubhauli festival would further consolidate culture solidarity among all Nepalis," he said wishing that the Ubhauli would inspire all Nepalis to contribute from their respective sides to build an equitable and civilized society. The Ubhauli festival is celebrated by the Kirat people living in the eastern part of the country and in the Kathmandu Valley The Kirtat people worship nature and ancestors, aspiring for good crops to be cultivated after the Spring season. They believe the natural disasters would not befall them with the worship of nature and crops. They also exchange greetings, perform cultural dances and pageants and relish different cuisines. Sour ce: National News Agency RSS

Kathmandu: Stakeholders have expressed their concerns over the burgeoning adverse effects of climate change on the Himalayas and called for urgent steps to minimize the same. Calling attention of the international community to the effects of climate change on the Himalayas, they have stressed on reducing the effects of climate change on the Himalayas. They were speaking in the 'International Dialogue on Mountains, People and Climate' which started today in Kathmandu under the initiative of Nepal. In the opening session of the dialogue, the Chief Secretary of the Government of Nepal, Dr Baikuntha Aryal, said that due to the climate change, the snow and glaciers in the mountains are melting fast, and the snow-capped mountains are changing into bare rocks, hence all should be aware of its adverse effects. "Last year's international conference on climate change, COP-28, also discussed the impact of climate change on the Himalayan region. We have succeeded in having this dialogue today," he said. Chief Secreta ry Aryal added that the mountains provide clean drinking water to 80 per cent of the people in the mountains and it is necessary to protect the sources of drinking water as well. Dr Govinda Prasad Sharma, Secretary of the Ministry of Forests and Environment, said that the peoples in the mountainous region are in risk due to climate change. "Climate change is having an adverse effect on mountainous areas. Problems such as forest fires, melting snow, glacial lake outburst floods, rising sea levels are increasing due to temperature rise," he said. "Due to the effects of climate change, the mountains and mountainous areas are also at high risk. It is necessary for everyone to pay attention in time to save the mountainous region from the crisis of climate change." Karen Welch, director of the USAID, said they are partnering in the field of biodiversity conservation and environment in Nepal and informed the programme that they will continue the partnership in the future. Rosalaura Romeo of the Mountain Partnersh ip Secretariat of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said that such experience exchange programmes will be important to face the challenges faced by mountain countries, saying the scientific data on the impact of climate change in the Himalayan region has been established. The special representative of Kyrgyzstan, Dinara Kemelova, said that the world's mountains are shelters for 30 per cent of the world's people and called on everyone to join in their protection. In addition, Kemelova emphasized that the world should be interested in protecting the mountains, as they are indispensable for the source of clean drinking water and hydroelectric power. Hanna Singer Hamdy, resident coordinator of United Nations in Nepal, said that the climate change is having an adverse impact on the Himalayas and the people there, emphasizing on the need of cooperation for the protection of the Himalayas. Chair of the UN Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice, SBSTA, Harry Vireau, said that disasters s uch as floods and landslides are occurring due to the effects of climate change, and emphasized that solutions to the effects of climate change should be found together. Source: National News Agency RSS

Faruk Alam Tobi and Modon Mohon Ray have been elected chairmen in Boda and Debiganj upazila parishads election respectively in the district. The results signed by concerned assistant returning officers were declared last night. Tobi got 28, 026 votes with Horse symbol while his nearest rival Habib -Al-Amin earned 23,108 votes with Pineapple symbol. In Debiganj, Modon Mohon Ray was elected as chairman for Debiganj Upazila Parishad securing 34,374 votes with Helicopter symbol while his nearest rival Hasnat Zaman Chowdary Jarje got 29,374 votes with Pineapple symbol. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Actor and model Chhiring Sherpa has successfully climbed Sagarmatha (Mt Everest). He reached atop the world's tallest peak on Sunday and unfurled the first poster of his upcoming movie 'Tashi Delek' and also the flags of various organisations on the summit. Following his ascent of Sagarmatha Sherpa underscored on raising voice in the national and international level for mitigating the impact of climate change in the mountain region. Informing about his climbing success via social media, he stressed on investing some portion of the revenues received from the mountaineers for the development of the mountainous region. In his message on social media, Chhiring also called for creating an environment where in the Sherpa community can connect itself to every state apparatus, rather than merely taking them as the mountaineers. He urged the state to keep the geographically remote mountainous region in special priority and make plans for its development. Chiiring also called for putting in place a mechan ism wherein the climbers will have instant access to information. He also underlined on the need of managing the challenges and the problem of 'too many climbers on Everest', as well as of making the climbing profession 'decent' Source: National News Agency RSS

A meeting of the central 14-Party Alliance led by ruling Awami League will be held at Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's official Ganabhaban residence here at 7pm tomorrow. Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will chair the meeting, said a press release signed by AL office secretary Barrister Biplab Barua. Amir Hossain Amu, spokesperson and coordinator of the central 14-Party Alliance, has requested all the party leaders to attend the meeting on time. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: The World Buddhist Religious Association is to organise the World Peace Puja in Lumbini tomorrow, May 23. The prayer ceremony will be complemented by a mass exhibition of Buddha idols. This event, featuring one thousand idols of Gautam Buddha, aims to propagate a message of peace amidst the escalating conflicts among powerful nations in recent times. The information was shared during a press conference held here today. Ani (Yogini) Bhim Suwa Gurung, Chairperson of the Association, stated that the commencement of the event will coincide with the 2568th Buddhist Jayanti celebrated this year. As the Ani said, the event further promotes Buddhist literature and philosophy on the international stage, bridging emotional gaps among individuals, discouraging conflicts among powerful nations, and minimizing their impacts on people's lives. Previously, the Association has organized similar events in around 20 nations. Religious leaders and Buddhist philosophers from various countries will participate in t his event aimed at promoting global welfare. Buddha Jayanti is observed as a national festival in Nepal and is also celebrated in India, China, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Thailand, Myanmar, Mongolia, Cambodia, and Laos. Official celebrations of Buddha Jayanti began on May 21, 1949, in Nepal during the tenure of the then King Tribhuvan. Source: National News Agency RSS

Manu Majumder, former Member of Parliament and Vice President of Netrakona district Awami League, died of a massive heart attack at a hospital in Bangalore, India last night. He was 72. Manu Majumder left behind his wife, three daughters and a host of relatives and well-wishers to mourn his death. He was elected MP from Netrakona-1 (Durgapur and Kalmakanda) constituency in 2018 as an Awami League cabdidate. In separate condolence messages, former State Minister for Social Welfare and valiant Freedom Fighter Ashraf Ali Khan Khasru, MP, chairman of Netrakona Zilla Parishad Asit Kumar Sazal, president of Netrakona district Awami League Advocate Amirul Islam and general secretary of the district Advocate Shamsur Rahman Liton condoled the death of Manu Majumder. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha