Day: May 23, 2024

A special court here today extended till July 4 the period of bail granted to Grameen Telecom Chairman and Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus and three others in a case filed against them for violating labour law. Judge MA Awal of Labour Appellate Tribunal passed the order as Dr Muhammad Yunus and three others accused appeared before the court and pleaded for permanent bail in the case. Dhaka's 3rd Labour Court on January 1, 2024, convicted and sentenced Grameen Telecom Chairman and Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus, Grameen Telecom's director and former managing director Md Ashraful Hasan, members of Board of Directors Nur Jahan Begum and Md Shahjahan to six-month jail in a case filed against them for violating labour law. The court however, allowed the four convicts one-month interim bail on condition of filing appeal against the conviction. DIFE Inspector Arifuzzaman filed the case on September 9, 2021, for violating labour laws like not regularizing 101 staff and not establishing a welfare fund for the l aborers, among others. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has said the incumbent government was active to develop Buddha's thoughts, guidance and birthplace as the destination of the world peace and spiritual tourism. Addressing a programme organised by the 2568th Buddha Jayanti and Lumbini Day Main Ceremony Organising Committee here today, Prime Minister Dahal mentioned that the government was carrying out activities in order to develop Lumbini as the religious site which should be visited by the millions of Buddhists of the world and general people once in their life. He shared on the occasion that a proposal related to the Greater Lumbini Development Project was presented in the third investment summit organised by Nepal, and that the international community was called for foreign investment. The PM expressed the belief that it would help promote Gautam Buddha and Nepal's contribution in the world peace by attracting Buddhists from around the world. "It is a matter of pride for every citizen of the world to visit L umbini, the birthplace of Buddha. Lumbini will be developed as the 'birthing centre' of Buddhists the world over and there is possibility of achieving high success in tourism promotion of Lumbini and entire Nepal," underscored the PM. Prime Minister Dahal stressed that Gautam Buddha is the collective symbol of peace, unity and harmony, adding Buddha's thoughts and their impact is very important in Eastern philosophy. "The birth of Buddha has not only provided immense potential through religious tourism, but also made Nepal renowned in the world," he explained. Stating that inscriptions on the Ashoka Pillar in the Lumbini are a testament that Budhha was born in Nepal, the Prime Minister said the government has incorporated Lumbini into the projects of national pride as it yearns for rapid development of the site serving as a symbol of humanity and a world heritage. As he said, the government is working on completing the remaining endeavors under the Lumbini Master Plan. The Prime Minister said, "The govern ment is focused on archeological explorations in the Kapilvastu, Devdaha, and Ramgrama areas, and on their protection, promotion, and development in the support and participation of international donors and organizations." As he shared on occasion, the government wants to deliver tangible development outcomes in the areas. Stating that the successful implementation of the Greater Lumbini Development Project is capable of changing this aspiration into reality, he also directed the Lumbini Development Trust to proceed ahead towards that end. He said Lumbini holds the potential for turning into a further larger international hub for Buddhist philosophy and education. The Prime Minister declared that "Lumbini is not just the birthplace of Buddha, but also serves as the origin of Buddhism." On the occasion, the head of the government took an opportunity to instruct the Lumbini Buddhist University to put its entire efforts towards the promotion of Buddhist philosophy. Recalling the Second World Buddhist Summit in 2004 successfully hosted by the government, the Prime Minister announced the plans for Nepal to host the Third Summit. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Kathmandu: Speaker Devraj Ghimire has extended best wishes with confidence that the Ubhauli festival would keep mutual good will, social unity and fraternity among Nepali people having diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. In a message of best wishes on the occasion of Ubhauli, the festival of Kirant community, today, Speaker Ghimire said "Nepal is a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-cultural and multi-religious country and unity within diversity is the fundamental identity of all Nepalis", Speaker Ghimire said in the message. Every year the festival which starts on the day of Baishakh Purnima is celebrated to indicate that it is the time for humans, animals and birds to move to hilly areas from the plain Kirant community celebrates Ubhauli festival as their main festival. It is customary to celebrate Ubhauli for 15 days with various programmes. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Kathmandu: President Ramchandra Paudel has called for one and all to engage in the campaign towards consolidating peace, co-existence, tolerance and mutual respect in the globe. In a message of best wishes sent on the occasion of 2568th Buddha Jayanti today, President Paudel wished may the Buddha's ever-relevant message and teaching inspire every individual, society and global community to engage in the campaign of peace. President Paudel has extended best wishes for happiness, peace and prosperity to all Nepalis at home and abroad on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha, the promoter of Buddhist philosophy and the pride of the nation. "I believe that national unity can be further strengthened by maintaining tolerance and mutual harmony among religious, social and cultural diversities. It can be made possible if we can follow the inspirational teachings and message of Buddha, the apostle of peace", President Paudel said in the message. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Kathmandu: Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba wished all Nepali sisters and brothers at home and abroad for their peace, happiness, prosperity and progress on the occasion of Buddha Jayanti. In a message of best wishes today, President Deuba said our country is yet to be free from violence and human rights violations so there is still a need for all to work responsibly in the respective areas to end anti-human rights activities forever. "Let us all follow the teachings of Gautam Buddha, the apostle of peace, tolerance and harmony, with our heart, words and deeds and oppose unrest, murder and violence. May there be peace in the country and everyone will get rid of all kinds of oppression," he said in a message of best wishes. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Kathmandu: Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba wished all Nepali sisters and brothers at home and abroad for their peace, happiness, prosperity and progress on the occasion of Buddha Jayanti. In a message of best wishes today, President Deuba said our country is yet to be free from violence and human rights violations so there is still a need for all to work responsibly in the respective areas to end anti-human rights activities forever. "Let us all follow the teachings of Gautam Buddha, the apostle of peace, tolerance and harmony, with our heart, words and deeds and oppose unrest, murder and violence. May there be peace in the country and everyone will get rid of all kinds of oppression," he said in a message of best wishes. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Kathmandu: Speaker Devraj Ghimire has extended best wishes on the occasion of 2568th Buddha Jayanti, saying Buddha Jayanti could inspire all to further strengthen peace, national unity and mutual harmony in the country. In a message today on the occasion, he shared that Buddha's teachings are still relevant and non-violence is the foundation of peace and friendship. Unified Socialist Chair Nepal's best wishes Similarly, Chairperson of the CPN (Unified Socialist), Madhav Kumar Nepal, in his message on the occasion has said philosophy of non-violence propounded by Buddha for the world peace and human welfare is an inspiration for human beings. Chair Nepal explained that the teachings of Buddha-non violence, compassion, peace and human rights - are still relevant. Expressing the belief that mutual harmony and tolerance would be maintained if Buddha's teaching and guidance are followed, he laid emphasis that Nepal should promote Buddha's thoughts in international level. Meanwhile, Chair Nepal wished for pea ce and happiness among the people of Kirant community on the occasion of Ubhauli festival today. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Kathmandu: The Embassy of Nepal in Kuala Lumpur commemorated the 2568th Buddha Jayanti/Wesak Day today at Jatan Vivekananda, Kuala Lumpur, to mark the birth, enlightenment and parinirvana of Lord Buddha. The ceremony was organised in coordination with the Non-Resident Nepali Association, Malaysia. The Ambassador of Nepal to Malaysia, Dilli Raj Poudel, the Most Venerable Datuk K. Sri Dhammaratana Nayaka Maha Thera, and Mr. Binod Thapa, President of Non-Resident Nepali Association, Malaysia jointly inaugurated the programme by lighting the traditional lamp. At the ceremony, the Most Venerable Datuk K. Sri Dhammaratana Nayaka Maha Thera, Buddhist Chief High Priest of Malaysia conducted a Metta Bhavana (Maitri Bhavana) meditation session followed by a sermon on the importance of Buddha Jayanti/Wesak Day. Acharya Khenpo Karma Rigzin and his disciples from Royal White Monastery Kathmandu performed Shanti puja on the occasion. During the programme, a video on Lumbini was played to highlight the birthplace of Lor d Buddha. Delivering a vote of thanks, Ambassador Poudel stated that Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, has been a source of pride for every Nepali. He highlighted that it was inscribed on UNESCO's list of World Heritage properties in 1997 as the place where Gautam Buddha was born in 623 BC. He underscored that the Government of Nepal is fully committed to Lumbini's development and preservation of the cultural and archaeological monuments and relics in the Greater Lumbini Area. He further added that the Lumbini Master Plan is being implemented at a greater pace as a project of national pride. Nepali artists displaying Nepal's cultural and ethnic diversity performed dances of Tharu, Gurung, Tamang and Magar communities. Nepali singer Dhiraj Rai also performed at the programme. More than three hundred participants including Ambassadors/High Commissioners/Head of Missions, diplomats, representatives of private sector apex bodies, friends of Nepal, representatives of Nepali communities, and family member s of diplomats at the Embassy were present on the occasion. Source: National News Agency Nepal

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court (SC) today ordered two then directors of International Leasing and Financial Service Basudeb Banerjee and his wife Papia Banerjee, alleged associates of Prasanta Kumar Halder alias PK Halder, to surrender before a trial court within June 4. An Appellate Division bench headed by Justice M Enayetur Rahim passed the order, disposing of a plea of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). A High Court division bench on May 9 granted them six-week anticipatory bail, making the ACC to appeal against the order with the Appellate Division. The Appellate Division chamber judge court on May 13 stayed the High Court bail order and asked the two accused to surrender before trial court within two weeks. The defence however, pleaded for adjusting and subsequently withdrawing the chamber court order. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Chairman of the National Assembly (NA), the upper house of the Federal Parliament, Narayan Prasad Dahal, has expressed that may the Buddha Jayanti inspires one and all towards human welfare, peace and righteousness. In his message of best wishes to the Nepali sisters and brothers at home and abroad, and to the followers of Buddhism throughout the world on the occasion of the Buddha Jayanti today, he stressed on imbibing the Buddhist philosophy and the path of peace and non-violence. "It will be a true reverence to the Buddha to forge ahead for the greater welfare of the human race through mutual goodwill, cooperation and unity. It is a matter for pride for Nepal that Buddha's birthplace is located in Nepal," the NA Chair said, adding that Lumbini should be developed as the outstanding tourism destination so as to draw the Buddhism followers throughout the world, which can make a big contribution to the promotion of economic, social and cultural development of the place. Similarly, in a separate message of best wishes on the occasion of the Ubhauli festival of the Kirat community today, NA Chair Dahal wished that this festival further strengthens the national unity along with the preservation and promotion of the language, art and culture of all castes and communities. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Officials of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate today arrested two Chinese citizens along with 46 gold bars from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) here. The arrested were identified as Liu. Zhongliang and Chen. Geng, they both are Chinese citizens and came to Dhaka from Dubai on a flight of Flydubai Airlines at 6.50am. "Acting on a tip-off, the officials seized the three charger lights from their possession. A total of 46 gold bars were found inside the batteries, "Assistant Director of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate Sabrina Amin told BSS today. The weight of the recovered gold is 5.336 Kilograms (kg), with an estimated market value around Taka five crore, she said. The seized bars have been sent to the Dhaka Customs House warehouse. The arrested were handed over to the airport police station. A case was filed against them in this regard, the official added. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of former president of Ukhia Upazila Awami League of Cox's Bazar Prof. Hamidul Haque Chowdhury. In a condolence message, the premier prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members. Hamidul breathed his last this morning while undergoing treatment at a hospital in India. He was 62. Hamidul, also Ukhia Upazila Parishad chairman, left behind his wife, a son, three daughters and a host of relatives and admirers to mourn his death, said a press release signed by AL office secretary Barrister Biplab Barua. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha