Day: May 29, 2024

Kathmandu: The 17th Republic Day of Nepal was observed in the United States of America (USA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday. The Day was marked by organising a special programme at the Nepali Embassy in Washington DC. On occasion, Nepal's Ambassador to the US, Shridhar Khatri, insisted that it was the responsibility of the entire Nepali to establish durable peace, promote development, and good governance, and institutionalize the republic system achieved through the people's long struggle and sacrifices. Before this, the national flag of Nepal was displayed on the Embassy premises. Similarly, in Abu Dhabi, Ambassador Tej Bahadur Chhetri acknowledged the struggle and sacrifices of the Nepali to establish a republic in the country. Over 100 people including the Nepali community in the UAE, and diplomatic employees joined the Republic Day celebrations. According to the Embassy, the Ambassador urged the Nepali community across the globe to contribute from their respective quarters for a bright future of Nepal. Source: National News Agency RSS

A meeting of Bagmati Province Assembly has been called today to hold discussion on Bagmati Province government's policies and programmes of the coming fiscal year 2024/25. The meeting is scheduled at the building of Bagmati Province Assembly Secretariat at 3:30 pm, said Speaker of Bagmati Province Assembly, Bhuwan Kumar Pathak. Province Chief Yadav Chandra Sharma had presented Bagmati Province government's policies and programmes on May 27. Source: National News Agency RSS

Kathmandu: The 71st International Sagarmatha (Mt Everest) Day is being celebrated here today by organising various programmes. The Day is being marked in memory of the first-ever successful summit of the world's highest peak-Sagarmatha (Mt Everest)- by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary on May 29, 1953. The erstwhile government in 2008 decided to observe the Day worldwide. On the occasion, a morning rally was organized in Kathmandu at the initiation of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). Participants displayed banners and placards carrying slogans including the major one for this year- 'World's Highest Peak-Sagarmath, Identity and Pride of Nepal'. Representatives of Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN), Nepal Association Tours and Travel Agents Nepal (NATTA), Thamel Tourism Development Council among others tourism related organizations had joined the rally, it was shared. It may be noted that Minister for Finance Barshaman Pun in his budget speech in the Federal Parliament on May 2 8 this year pledged to celebrate the International Sagarmatha (Everest) Day annually as a special day. The Finance Minister also mentioned that those national and international individuals and organizations contributing towards mountain tourism would be feted on the occasion. Source: National News Agency RSS

Kathmandu: A total of 4,035 Nepali who had been abroad jobs died from the fiscal year 2077-78 BS (2020-21) to 2079-80 BS (2022-23). According to data from the Foreign Employment Board, 870 Nepali migrant workers also suffered injuries or fell ill during this period. Over the past three years, there has been a concerning rise in the number of deaths and illnesses among Nepali migrant workers. The percentages of these incidents were 18.50% in the fiscal year 2077-78, 31.95% in 2078-79 BS, and 49.54% in 2079-80 BS. Despite the fall in deaths, the cases of mutilations and illness have soared over these years. The challenges faced by Nepali migrant workers include adverse weather conditions in destination countries, increased workloads, liquor consumption, conflicts with colleagues, familial pressures, lack of awareness of local laws, technical errors in handling and the operation of machinery, traffic accidents, workplace incidents, burns, suffocation, drowning, and illnesses, as highlighted in the report. In the last fiscal year, out of 1,250 fatalities, 27.96% occurred in Malaysia, followed by 26.36% in Saudi Arabia, 17.98% in the United Arab Emirates, 17.32% in Qatar, 6.04% in Kuwait, and 4.43% in other nations. It is alarming that these fatalities occurred despite the completion of medical tests before departure. The report urges the government to investigate the root causes of these deaths, implement awareness programs, and provide psychosocial counseling services among others for Nepali migrant workers. Source: National News Agency RSS

Kathmandu: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has urged one and all to make more efforts to keep mountains free from pollution and protect them. Prime Minister Dahal pointed out the need to engage in the protection of mountains by making collaboration and coordination among all bodies concerned. At a programme organised on the occasion of the 71st International Sagarmatha (Mt Everest) Day here today, he requested all to support the government's 'Save Mountain, Save Humanity' campaign. Stating that with the rise in temperature due to global effects of climate change, mountains including Sagarmatha face its consequences, the Prime Minister said there are challenges to mitigate the impacts of climate change and implement proper measures for waste management in the mountains. "There is a need for collaboration and coordination to make mountains pollution-free. The government has adopted a policy of holding dialogue in national and international forums for the same", he stressed. " Snow melting, in creasing of risk of glacial lakes bursting and increasing of air pollution along with temperature rise have been making negative impacts on the human life, civilization, development, lifestyle and health of the people living at low-lying areas of mountains", he added. Prime Minister Dahal shared, "Nepal has been advocating for climate justice in national and international arenas keeping activities to protect mountainous region and reduce impacts of climate change there in high priority." The Prime Minister expressed his hope that the Day will inspire all of us to promote tourist arrivals, preserve the mountains, address the issues of garbage disposal in the mountains, take measures to mitigate the impact of climate change there and launch further programmes for climate change adaptation, according to the Prime Minister's private secretariat. "Sagarmatha stands as a unique emblem of Nepal's identity and beauty. This also serves as a hub for biological diversities and it carries historic and cultural identit ies of the mountain people and the community," the Prime minister said, adding that the mountain region is a host to environmental facilities, clean water, and clean air to the world, significantly contributing to biodiversity, temperature control and balance, ecological system and the continuity of the human lifecycle. ' Highlighting Nepal's multifaceted identity on the global stage, the Prime Minister said that natural, cultural, and historical heritages like Sagarmatha and Lumbini are sources of pride for the entire world. The expedition journey that significantly started with the ascent to Sagarmatha has now been worldwide, he said, adding that the attraction of mountain climbing in Nepal, home to multiple peaks above 8,000 meters, is increasing. He also said the government is working on related plans, policies, and programmes to ensure the safety of mountain climbers and promote their dignity as its prime concern. The government expects to welcome 1.6 million tourists to the country in the upcoming fi scal year, he added. He also paid tributes to all those who lost their valuable lives during Everest expeditions, extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved. Source: National News Agency RSS

Police arrested three members of an inter-district robber gang while preparing for a robbery in Lohkair area under Kashimpur Police Station of Gazipur City Corporation last night. The arrested robbers were identified as Monir Molla, 38, son of late Khabir Uddin, resident of Raipur Khatupara area under Sujanagar Police Station in Pabna district, Badsha Pramanik, 41, son of late Laimuddin, a resident of Majhipara area under Gabtali Police Station in Bogura district and Rashedul alias Al Amin, 42, son of late Mahir Uddin, resident of Raghbindurpur area under Sadullapur Police Station in Gaibandha district. On a tip-off, a team of Kashimpur Police Station conducted a drive in the area around 8pm last night and arrested them while they were preparing for robbery in the area. Police also seized one foreign made pistol, two foreign revolvers, 17 bullets, a hydraulic cutter, a steel knife and raincoat during the raid. Deputy Police Commissioner (DC-North) of Gazipur Metropolitan Police Abu Torab Md. Shamsur Rahm an disclosed this at a press briefing this afternoon. Two separate cases were registered against them with Kashimpur Police Station in this connection, he said. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Jashoda Roy, a successful small entrepreneur, had to face extreme economic hardship in the past. Amol Roy, her auto-rickshaw puller husband, was the sole breadwinner in the family. Now she is passing busy time at her poultry farm. Jashoda has 123 ducks and over 150 poultry birds. She started her farm two years back. She used to live in village Moheshkhali in Chawkaria upazila in Cox's Bazar district. Her husband Amol Roy was a locally-made three wheeler auto-rickshaw puller. But he received injuries in a road accident three years ago. After the incident, he sold his auto-rickshaw. Jashoda became helpless as the only income person her husband Amol couldn't do anything. She fell into deep trouble to run her seven-member family. Later, she decided to do a poultry farm and bought 20 ducks and 30 poultry birds from the local market and started the business. She also took training from a NGO on duck rearing and poultry farming. Like Jashoda, many women of the area started poultry farms. Duck rearing and poult ry farming have brought smiles on the face of the poor rural women of the area as they are becoming self-reliant with significant rise in their monthly earnings. Although most of the small scale women farmers in the rural areas complaint that they have no adequate loan facilities from the government while the microcredit run by different non-government organisations (NGOs) is not so easy to refund and it (loan payment) subsequently creates a burden on the clients due to its higher rate of interest. Jashoda said, "I am earning at least Taka 20,000 to 23,000 in a month through rearing ducks and poultry birds. Now, my three children are going to school and college regularly. My elder daughter is going to college and my two sons are studying in school." Another woman of the same area Rashida said, "I've started my own farm taking Taka 30,000 loan from a local NGO. Every week, I've to repay the loan with interest. If we could get government loans with low interest, then it would be beneficial for us." She said, "Along with the farm, I've six kathas of land where I planted different types of vegetables." Upazila Livestock Officer said, "We are trying to provide all facilities to rural farmers. Our official staff visits different villages of the upazila and they are giving advice about farms. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, May 29, 2024 (BSS) - Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud has called for urgent and robust international action on climate change, emphasizing the critical need to bolster support for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in their resilience-building efforts. He was addressing the fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) held in Antigua and Barbuda on Tuesday, a foreign ministry press release said here today. In his address, Hasan Mahmud reaffirmed Bangladesh's unwavering support for SIDS, highlighting the personal commitment of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He emphasized Bangladesh's role as a traditional spokesperson for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and its consistent efforts to address critical issues faced by the SIDS. Having served as President of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) twice, Bangladesh has particularly focused on the challenges of climate change, sea- level rise, ocean acidification and extreme weather events. The foreign minister c alled on advanced and high-emitting economies to adopt ambitious and accountable commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He stressed the importance of the upcoming COP29 in Baku in delivering on climate financing commitments beyond 2025, with a focus on enhancing the adaptive capacity of climate-vulnerable nations. Dr. Mahmud highlighted Bangladesh's leadership in seeking an Advisory Opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on states' responsibilities in addressing climate change. He stressed the need for reforms in international financial institutions to better serve SIDS and emphasized that the newly-established Loss and Damage Fund, along with other funding mechanisms, must be easily accessible to SIDS and other countries with capacity constraints. Mahmud also highlighted Bangladesh's initiatives, such as offering scholarships for cadets from African LDCs and Caribbean and Pacific SIDS at the Bangladesh Marine Academy. These efforts demonstrate Bangladesh's commitment to fostering cooperation and capacity-building in the maritime sector, he said. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the minister said, Bangladesh is transitioning from climate vulnerability to resilience and prosperity, aiming to build a digitally empowered and inclusive 'Smart Bangladesh' by 2041. He reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to working with SIDS and other Global South countries to achieve a digitally transformed, climate-positive future. The conference, gathering leaders from around the world, focuses on addressing the unique challenges faced by SIDS and fostering sustainable development. It will adopt the "Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) - a Renewed Declaration for Resilient Prosperity". The Foreign Minister is leading the Bangladesh delegation at the conference, which includes Muhammad Abdul Muhith, permanent representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Contractual appointments of Deputy Press Secretary (DPS) Hasan Jahid Tusher and Assistant Personal Secretary (APS-2) Gazi Hafizur Rahman Liku to Prime Minister have been canceled. Their contractual appointments have been canceled as per the clause-8 of the contracts signed by the government with them. It will be effective from June-1, 2024, said a notification of the Ministry of Public Administration here today. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

The outgoing Managing Director and CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Shaful Azim today said the state-owned carrier would like to diversify its fleet instead of depending on a single source to dodge any future risks. "We are in negotiations with Airbus as part of a long-term plan to ensure that we are not exposed to any kind of risk … as now we're expanding the fleet, we should diversify as well,' he said. Regarding future risk, he referred to some recent incidents involving Boring 737 max aircraft as well as probable supply chain hazard of any single source. Azim was speaking at a view exchange meeting with Aviation and Tourism Journalists' Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) at Biman office on his last working day as the chief of the flag carrier. ATJFB president Tanzim Anwar moderated the meeting while General Secretary Baten Biplob gave vote of thanks. "If we can make an excellent combination of Boeing and Airbus then Biman Bangladesh Airlines will reach a unique height in Asia or in the world," the Biman M D said. Replying a question, Azim said three aircraft will be purchased following all policies. "There is no chance of discrepancy. It will be seen whether we are getting technical backup, or whether we are benefitted financially,' he added. He said the Biman's technical evaluation committee has already sent the recent Airbus proposal to the negotiation committee to deal with the European aerospace giant. Regarding Boeing, Azim mentioned that they also received an offer from Boeing, which will be evaluated. He said Biman's same technical committee will now evaluate the Boeing proposal. "The same committee will review Boeing's proposal. Boeing will be reviewed after Airbus," he added. He highlighted Biman's advantageous position due to the competitive proposals from both Airbus and Boeing. 'We have a longstanding relationship with Boeing, not just in terms of aircraft procurement but also their technical support and credit facilities. We are working well together,' he added. He assured that regardless o f the manufacturer chosen, Biman stands to benefit as a customer. An apparent rivalry has steepened among US-based Boeing and Europe's Airbus over the Bangladesh's aviation sector as the two commercial aircraft producers are vying to reach a deal with state-run Biman airlines that decided to procure craft to expand its fleet. The tug of war between the two aviation giants continues for more than a year when the Bangladesh government decided to purchase more wide-body planes for the Biman fleet, which currently is dominated by Boeing planes. When asked about the financial status of Biman, Azim confidently stated that Biman has been 'profitable for eight out of the last ten years.' The two years of losses included one year heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and another due to significant payment obligations. 'Despite challenges such as dollar shortages and ongoing global conflicts, we have remained profitable,' the Biman MD said. About his tenure, Azim expressed satisfaction with his management app roach. 'During my time, I never hesitated to reward deserving employees or to impose necessary disciplinary actions. I have used my authority to the fullest and believe that with effort, Biman can compete with the world's leading airlines,' he said. On May 26, the Ministry of Public Administration announced Md. Jahidul Islam Bhuiyan as the new Managing Director and CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. In a separate announcement, Shafiul Azim was promoted to Secretary of the Election Commission. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2024 was observed here today in a befitting manner. With a view to bringing up the sacrifice of the armed forces to keep peace globally and the significance of the day among the common people, the Bangladesh Navy of Khulna Naval Zone organised a rally that was held in the city's Shibbari intersection this morning. The mayor of Khulna City Corporation (KCC), Talukder Abdul Khaleque, addressed the programme as the chief guest. Among others, high officials of the Army, Navy, Police, UN organizations in Bangladesh, government officials of local administration, Bangladesh National Cadet Core, and students of various schools as well as colleges attended the event. The International Day of UN Peacekeepers is observed on May 29 every year across the world. The purpose of observing the day is to underscore the importance of maintaining global peace, pay tributes to those who are involved in peacekeeping missions, and honour the UN peacekeepers who lost their l ives for peace. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Experts at a policy dialogue today stressed the need for scaling up Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) aiming to address the impacts and risk of climate change and environmental degradation. They said the CHT region in Bangladesh have been facing increased risk of natural disasters, including flood and landslide, induced by climate change, and the NbS can help cope with these environmental hazards. The Ministry of Chattogram Hill Tract Affairs and the Integrated Centre for Mountain Development (ICIMOD) jointly arranged the 'National Science Policy Dialogue on Enablers and Barriers for Scaling Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in Bangladesh' at Sonargaon Hotel in the capital. State Minister for Chattogram Hill Tract Affairs Kujendra Lal Tripura spoke at the opening session of the daylong dialogue as the chief guest, with Chattogram Hill Tract Affairs Senior Secretary Md Mashiur Rahman in the chair. Eminent water expert and Emeritus Professor at BRAC University Dr Ainun Nishat, Env ironment Forest and Climate Change Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed and ICIMOD Director General Dr Pema Gyamtsho addressed as special guests. Additional Secretary of the Chattogram Hill Tract Affairs Ministry Prodip Kumar Mahottam presented an overview on the NbS in Bangladesh. In his keynote speech, Prof Ainun Nishat said multiple varieties of trees in the country's hilly region can help regenerate environment, forest and biodiversity. Recalling the days of his service life when he was posted in Rangamati in 1970, he said there were several hundreds of springs there and even those came down during the dry season, as the forest land could absorb the moisture and release it slowly. "And in the monsoon months, there were beautiful waterfalls." Prof Nishat said local people collect water from the springs but destruction of native species in the CHT put them in scarcity of water. Noting that ecosystem-based adaptation and nature-based solutions are very important, he said Bangladesh should focus on adaptation as i t has excellent policy documents to this end. He said the local CHT people understand that scarcity of water and food insecurity are their main problems as climate change is changing the total hydrological cycle and the nature of weather. Dr Nishat said the weather is becoming more unpredictable, warning that "more bad days are coming". As there would be heavy rainfall in the CHT in the coming days, the Meteorological Department and the Disaster Management Ministry are repeatedly warning the people of the hill tracts that there could be landslides, he said. Claiming that climate change is a reality now, no longer a science fiction, the water expert stressed forming local level action plans specially focusing on CHT aiming to cope with adverse impacts of climate change. Kujendra Lal Tripura said the government has completed many development projects in the CHT but these were not sustainable ones. The water sources are drying up, the patterns of agriculture and land use are being changed in the CHT, while a huge number of tourists are visiting the hills indiscriminately affecting nature, environment and biodiversity there, he said. Stressing the need for involving local communities in tourism and building nature-friendly home stays, by locals, for tourists aiming to ensure eco-friendly tourism in the CHT, the state minister said the nature-based solutions and geographical information system (GIS) could also be used to this end. He said the hilly springs could be revived, the landscape of the CHT could be protected and sustainable tourism could be flourished by applying the NbS. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha