Day: May 23, 2024

Kathmandu: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has wished all Nepali sisters and brothers at home and abroad for their happiness, peace and prosperity on the occasion of 2568th birth anniversary of world's peace apostle Gautam Buddha. In a message of best wishes on the occasion today, she said the relevance of the philosophy of peace and non-violence propounded by Gautam Buddha has further increased in the contemporary world. Also, the former President called for all to come forward for broader national unity. In her message, she recalled that the United Nations has been celebrating Buddha Jayanti as the International Day in the name of 'Baishakh Day' since 1999, recognizing the principles and philosophies propounded by Nepal's luminary, Gautam Buddha, about friendship, compassion and non-violence. The former President expressed the view that peace, coexistence, tolerance and mutual respect among every person, society and the world community would be further strengthened if Buddha's teachings could be fo llowed in actions. Source: National News Agency Nepal

A yet another abysmal batting performance scripted Bangladesh's most shameful defeat in their history when USA beat them by 6 runs in the second T20 to confirm the three-match series at Prairie View Cricket Complex in Huston, Texas today. Put into bat first, USA, mostly formed with the migrated players put up a moderate 144-6 and then astutely defended the total by wrapping up Bangladesh for 138 in 19.3 overs. USA won the first game by 5 wickets. When the outcome of the first match was considered as simply an upset, Bangladesh's meek surrender in the second match sent a shockwave to the country's cricket fraternity ahead of T20 World Cup. Bangladesh looked well set for a victory as they were 124-5 in the 17th over with Shakib Al Hasan and Jaker Ali in the crease. The rot began with the dismissal of Jaker, who was dismissed at the last ball of the 17th over and Bangladesh thereafter lost five wickets for 14 runs to concede the game. Pacer Ali Khan was the wrecker-in-chief with 3-25. Shadley van Schalkwyk a nd Saurab Netravalkar snared two wickets apiece. Schalkwyk indeed sparked the collapse by getting rid of Jaker Ali. Thereafter Ali Khan got the prized scalp of Shakib, on whom Bangladesh's hopes were heavily relied. Shakib's dismissal was huge psychological boost for the USA who, led by Ali Khan then cleaned up Bangladesh's tail in impeccable fashion to give the country a mesmerizing victory. Netravalkar removed Soumya Sarkar for a duck in the first over while Jasdeep Singh dismissed Tanzid Hasan Tamim with a return catch after he made 19. But captain Najmul Hossain Shanto looked to regain his rhythm finally after a series of failure. He and in form Towhid Hridoy put the side in a strong position by sharing 48 runs for the third wicket. Shanto was trapped run out after hitting 36 off 34 with two fours and one six. Soon after Hridoy followed Shanto when Corey Anderson rattled his stump before he made 25 off 21 with one six. With Bangladesh at 92-4, even a pessimistic fan had no qualms about Bangladesh's victory. And the belief was further bolstered by Shakib's fluent batting. Shakib made 23 ball-30 with four fours and one six. However USA never gave up the hopes. They came back strongly to make the dream come true by winning their first ever series against a Test nation. Earlier, Bangladesh bowlers put up a disciplined bowling to restrict USA to paltry total as they were looking for leveling the series. Fast bowlers Shoriful Islam (2-29), Mustafizur Rahman (2-31) and leg-spinner Rishad Hossain (2-21) grabbed two wickets apiece to hold back USA to a moderate total and raised the prospect of leveling the series. The Bangladesh fast bowlers' used slower and yorker efficiently in this match to strangle USA after captain Najmul Hossain Shanto sent the hosts in to bat first. Skipper Monank Patel was the best scorer for USA with 42 while his fellow opener Steven Taylor made 31. Aaron Jones contributed 35. The third and final match is on Saturday. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

CPN UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has said that press freedom is not violated by the arrest of the Chairman of Kantipur Media Group, Kailash Shirohiya over the citizenship issues. Speaking with media persons here Thursday, he clarified that the issue of citizenship investigation is not related to violation of press freedom. "Chairman of Kantipur Media Group, Sirohiya, was arrested over a citizenship-related case, so it should not be misinterpreted", chairman Oli said. On a different note, Oli opined that the Nepali Congress doesn't need to protest in the streets on the issue of cooperatives' fund embezzlement. Earlier, Chair Oli unveiled the busts of former leaders Madan Bhandari, Pushpa Lal Shrestha and Manmohan Adhikari. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today called upon the pro-liberation forces to be united and stronger more, warning firmly that the government will continue to take stern action against those who harm people and no one will be spared. "Those who will carry out arson attacks and burn people they must not be spared. Whichever the big brother they maintain and whatever they do, we will not spare them, it's clear. Our actions will continue against those who will cause damage to people," she said. The Premier was delivering her introductory speech at the meeting of 14-party alliance held at her official residence Ganabhaban. Taking about the opportunity of digital Bangladesh, she said the grenade attackers, ten trucks arms smugglers and corrupts, staying in abroad, are plotting conspiracy and threatening to oust the government everyday. "As long as the people of the country are by our side, she doesn't care those threats," she added. Sheikh Hasina, also the President of ruling Awami League, said the country must not toes behind stooping its advance march, adding, "I am sure that no one will be able to do that as people are our power". She urged all pro-liberation forces to be more well organised to go to the people to imbued them with the spirit of liberation war. "Without the pro-liberation forces in power, there will be no welfare of the people of this country," she added. Mentioning that Bangladesh should be built in line with the spirit of independence, she said, "We have to hold on to our achievements and move forward". Sheikh Hasina said that many people don't like progress of the country and in this regard she mentioned about discomfort of a big country without naming it. She continued that "Regarding food production and self-sufficiency, a big country told me that what is the need to produce so much food, we have enough and we can give it". "By producing food ourselves, we will provide security to the countrymen," she said. Sheikh Hasina said that it would have been better if the inflation could be ease d further. "If inflation can be pulled down now, people would get relieved as production is sufficient and there is no shortage (of food items)," she said. Mentioning that inflation is now a discomfort, she said, "It's not just in Bangladesh, I saw American economic reports and inflation is also a big problem there, too". Reserves of many countries are decreasing, including in Bangladesh, she said, adding, "There is no need to worry about reserves if there is sufficient food stock for emergency period." In this connection, the Premier said that business, trade, communication, import and export were all closed during Corona virus pandemic, resulting money couldn't be sent from outside through 'hundi'. "So the money came through banking channel and our reserve had increased," she said, adding that the expenditure got to increase as everything started operation after the Corona virus pandemic period. Sheikh Hasina said that she has made people so much aware of reserve talking about it. "Everyone talks about reserve, talks about GDP and it is a good sign". On increase in the price of products, she said that there are many games behind it. "I saw that eggs are being preserved where potatoes used to preserve in the cold storages. Eggs shouldn't be kept in the cold storages made for potatoes. Such incidents are happening in Bangladesh," she said. The Primer said that Bangladesh should be built in line with the spirit of the liberation war. "If we don't plan for future, we will not be able to advance the country", she observed. She said that those who were against the liberation war, they are yet to change even a bit. "This is reality and we have to face it and move on," she added. Talking about both local and international mechanisms, Sheikh Hasina also revealed that offer was given to her before the last national polls for a hassle-free re-election if she approves an air base of another country in Bangladesh's territory. "The offer came from a white-skinned person," she said. She said that her war is everywher e both at home and abroad, and she took the challenge. "Conspiracies are still on," she added. The Awami League President said that BNP had conspired not to allow holding elections in Bangladesh. About the airbase, she mentioned that she gave the same answer like what she did in 2001 when America offered her to sell Bangladesh's gas to India. "I've clearly said that I'm the daughter of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. . . we won our Liberation War, I don't want to come to power by renting part of the country or handing it over to some other country and I don't need power," she said. The Premier said that if the people want, she will come to power, if not, she will not come. "I am telling these because everyone should know," she said. About the base, Sheikh Hasina said that trade and commerce have been going on in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean since ancient times. "Many have their eyes on this place. There is no controversy in this place and no one has conflict in it. I wo n't let that happen. This is also one of my crimes," she said. That's why the Awami League government is always in trouble, said Sheikh Hasina. The 14-party alliance coordinator and spokesperson and AL Advisory Council Member Amir Hossain Amu and AL General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader were present on the dais. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha has said Nepal maintains and strengthens bilateral relations with all neighbouring and friendly countries based on sovereign equality, mutual help and respect. Speaking in a programme organized by the Foreign Ministry on the occasion of Nepal Foreign Service Day here Thursday, Shrestha made it clear that government promotes national interest with Nepal's identity and active participation in the regional and international platforms. The DPM reminded the foreign service has a significant role on expansion of diplomatic relations, promotion of national interest and effective enforcement of foreign policy. As per constitution, Nepal is maintaining an independent and balanced foreign policy on the basis of panchasheel. The government has prioritized the policy of national prosperity through economic diplomacy. On the occasion, Foreign Secretary Shewa Lamsal shared information on early days of foreign service in Nepal. The workforce in this service is securing Nepal's presence and negotiation skills in bilateral, regional and multilateral platforms so that national interest is promoted. The longtime employees in the foreign service were honored on the occasion. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today called for formation of a regional cooperation forum on equitable water sharing in the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna basins. "Regional action is needed to ensure equitable sharing of water," he told an event organized by Nonggor Trust, an environment and river protection advocacy body at the Jatiya Press club here. The foreign minister said more coordination, efforts and regional initiatives are required to protect rivers and fair water sharing. Dr Hasan, also an environmentalist, called upon all to build a social movement against river pollution and land grabbers. Presided over by Nonggor Chairman Sumon Shams, the meeting was also addressed by member of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Shipping Md. Awlad Hossain, Dainik Samakal's Advisory Editor Abu Saeed Khan, Secretary General of Riverine People Organization Sheikh Rokon and Joint Secretary of Bangladesh Environment Movement Mihir Biswas. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Experts and stakeholders emphasized the need for international cooperation to ensure effective climate actions. The participants in the second day of the international experts' dialogue on mountains, humans and climate change' laid emphasis that global crisis could not be tackled with lone efforts. On the occasion, Chief Secretary Baikunth Aryal addressed a session on 'advancing the mountain action plan: on global cooperation and regional partnership' and opined that common ground could be built for global cooperation to mitigate the impacts of climate crises. He argued Nepal was working effectively to meet the target of zero carbon emission strategy. Although mountains are hit hard by the climate crisis, it is burning issue of the present world, Aryal added. Easy access to finance was imperative to tackle climate crisis, he said, suggesting the mountainous countries to make a uniform voce for it. According to him, Nepal had given priority to electric vehicles. Similarly, addressing the same event, former chief secretary and advisor to the National Security Council, Shankar Das Bairagi, underscored that conservation of the mountainous region is essential for the protection downstream area as well. The developed countries need to limit carbon emissions and funds need be allocated for the Himalayan countries, he viewed. Other representatives from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, World Bank, and FAO Mountain Partnership Secretariat, also expressed their views on the need for intensifying collaboration for effective climate actions. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Kotwali Thana police arrested four alleged members of a dacoit's gang in the city's Marinars road area last night. The arrested are Md Sohel, 30, Belal Hossain, 37, Md Tushar, 19 and Md Rubel,22. Mehidi Hasan, sub-inspector of Kotwali thana, said police arrested the four alleged dacoits while they were preparing for robbery adjacent to S Alam bus depo, targeting the vehicles and pedestrians. The gang usually roams around the city and district with private cars to commit robberies, he added. Later, a machete, knives, one stolen mobile phone and SIM were recovered from their possession. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

The Nepali Congress has decided not to attend the Gandaki Province Assembly meeting scheduled for Friday. NC's parliamentary party meeting on Thursday took a decision to this regard. The Congress Parliamentary Party, Gandaki Province issued a statement on Thursday, saying that it would not participate in the meeting of the Provincial Assembly nor could support any works of the provincial government until the final hearing of a writ filed in the Supreme Court against announcement of Chief Minister. The NC had filed a petition against the process adopted in the Assembly meeting that declared Khagraj Adhikari the Chief Minister. It has argued that Adhikari obtained the majority votes unconstitutionally while taking the vote of confidence. Source: National News Agency Nepal

With a view to ensuring a hassle-free journey for holidaymakers, the movement of all types of bulkheads will be suspended for 11 days, from June 13 to 23, before and after the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. The decision was taken in a meeting held at the Ministry of Shipping here today to ensure smooth movement of ferries, steamers, launches, and the safety of passengers during Eid, according to a press release. State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury presided over the meeting, the press release added. Like previous times, the number of ferries at Kazirhat, Paturiaghat, and launches on some routes will increase, the meeting decided. Besides, ferries carrying normal trucks and covered vans will be halted for three days before and after Eid (a total of seven days, including Eid day). However, trucks carrying animals and perishable goods will be allowed on ferries during the 7-day ban. It was said in the meeting that the weather is likely to be risky during Eid. All are asked to follow weat her-related instructions properly while crossing the rivers. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: A meeting of the taskforce formed to finalize the terms of reference of the parliamentary probe committee on the issues of cooperative's fund embezzlement ended without any conclusion on Thursday. The next meeting of the committee is scheduled to take place at 8:30 am on Friday. Chief whip of CPN (UML) parliamentary party Mahesh Bartaula said the meeting held at the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs could not reach a conclusion as opposition Nepali Congress (NC) was adamant on investigating the issues by stating the name of Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, Rabi Lamichhane. "We are close to reaching a consensus on terms of reference of the committee. Final touch will be given after holding a meeting at 8:30 tomorrow morning," Bartaula said. After the meeting, NC leader Jeevan Pariyar said that the proposal made by the ruling parties on advancing the probe without mentioning the name of Home Minister was not acceptable to the NC. "We have clearly communicated this," Pariya r added. The Nepali Congress has been obstructing the meeting of both houses demanding formation of a parliamentary committee for conducting an 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 opposition NC to form the probe committee. The committee is expected to finalize the ToR before the HoR meeting scheduled for 11:00 am on Friday. Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Padam Giri, CPN (UML) Chief Whip Bartaula, NC leaders Gyanendra Bahadur Karki and Jeevan Pariyar and Shishir Khanal of the Rastriya Swatantra Party are in the taskforce. Source: National News Agency Nepal

State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat today said the government is working to create a congenial atmosphere in the country for the practice of professional journalism. "It is necessary to create a healthy environment for practicing journalism in the interest of all. Therefore, the government wants to do this," he said. The state minister was speaking at the 'Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) Barta', a magazine, unveiling ceremony at the BSRF office in the Bangladesh Secretariat here this afternoon. There is no alternative to the practice of free journalism to build a democratic and development and pro-people Bangladesh, Arafat said, adding, "I do believe that if we want to build Bangladesh based on the spirit of the Liberation War, mass media freedom must be ensured". Noting that the freedom of the mass media has already been ensured in the country and it is now marching forward, he said the more media will run freely and professionally, the more spirit of the Lib eration War will spread. Simultaneously, the state minister said, when ill journalism is practiced using freedom of the press as a shield, it not only affects the country, nation and democracy, but also affects the professional journalists. Pointing that the unhindered media freedom has led to some indiscipline in the sector, Arafat said journalists themselves are now demanding for bringing discipline in the media sector and "we are working to this end based on your (journalists) opinions". Referring to the Right to Information (RTI) Act, he said the law was passed in the parliament during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government to ensure the free flow of information for the sake of the country's people. This law has empowered the mass media and the journalists to get information from the government and administrations, the state minister said. However, improvement of understanding between the information seekers and providers is needed, he added. "Therefore, we are trying to provide training to the jo urnalists on the use of RTI Act by National Institute of Mass Communication (NIMC) to ensure the proper use of the law. Besides, we are also working to bring change in the mindset of the government officials over providing public information," he added. As much as the law will be used properly, the mass media will be vibrant and the government will be more transparent and accountable, Arafat said, seeking journalists' cooperation over the protection of the country's interest. Referring to Deutsche Welle's (DW) recent documentary on Bangladesh's human rights issue, he said one kind of disinformation campaign is being carried out globally to tarnish the country's image, which is nothing new. Mentioning that some people use to divide the media into two - pro-government and anti-government if the report goes in their favor or against their interest, he said, "But the fact is when you brand any media as pro-government or anti government, you actually hamper the press freedom. Rather the mass media should be tre ated as mass media". The government doesn't have so many eyes to oversee everything, the mass media works as the eye of the government, Arafat said, adding, "When you (journalists) report on our mistakes and failures, I think, you help the government. The government of Bangabandhu's daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina truly welcomes the constructive criticism." But if any news is made on misinformation and disinformation, it does not ensure the welfare of the people and the government, rather it serves the interest of individuals or vested quarters, he added. BSRF President Fasih Uddin Mahtab presided over the function while its General Secretary Masudul Haque moderated it. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha