Day: June 22, 2024

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was entertained with Kolkata Biryani, fragrant basmati rice and vegetables cooked and flavoured in Kolkata style, and other local food items at the banquet luncheon hosted by her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House here. The other local items included Dahi Puchka (Indian street food delicacy-crispy puffed balls stuffed with curd and street food condiments, served with sweet and tangy flavoured water); Matar aur Bajre ka Shorba (an exotic green peas and pearl millet broth flavoured with mint, topped with almond foam); Chhanar Pathuri (Bengali delicacy made with cottage cheese steamed and wrapped in banana leaf with coconut, green mangoes, chilli and mustard paste, served on a bed of steamed rice); and Subz Keema and Thyme Singara (crumbled potatoes, feta, cauliflower, peanut and thyme stuffed in "Samosa" pastry). The dishes also included Amaranth Kofta Gulbadan (amaranth vegetable dumpling simmered in Indian kofta curry); Panchmel ni Sabzi (seasonal vegetable s with cumin, onion and tomato slivers, a Gujarati delicacy); Doi Paneer (marinated cottage cheese steaks cooked with tangy curd and Indian spices); Shukto (Bengali mix vegetable curry); and Bengali Masoor Dal (Bengali lentil delicacy). The other items were assorted Indian breads; Paan Rasmalai Coulis (poached cottage cheese dumpling infused with betel leaves and gulkand, served with saffron cream); Gud Jalebi aur Aam Kulfi (crispy pretzels soaked in jaggery syrup and mango flavoured homemade Indian ice cream served with sweetened vermicelli and tukmalanga seeds); Carved Fruits of the Season; and Roasted Coffee / Masala Chai / Qehwa. The Bangladesh Prime Minister arrived here on Friday on a two-day state visit to India at the invitation of her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi who hosted the lunch in her honour today. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said Dhaka and New Delhi agreed about a shared vision for digital and green partnership to ensure a sustainable future for both the nations. "Both countries endorsed the 'Vision Statement' to guide us toward a peaceful and prosperous future. We agreed to have a shared vision for 'Digital Partnership' and 'Green Partnership for a Sustainable Future," she said. The Bangladesh premier came up with the remarks in a joint statement before the media after a tete-e-tete and bilateral meeting with her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi followed by signing of several instruments at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The entire gamut of binary relationship that includes sharing of water from common rivers, security and trade has prominently come for discussion during the bilateral meeting of two neighbouring countries, she said. Describing India as Bangladesh's major neighbour, trusted friend, and regional partner, Sheikh Hasina said: "Bangladesh greatly values our relations with In dia, which were born during our War of Liberation in 1971." She also said Bangladesh-India relations are ever-growing at a fast pace. "Today, our two sides had very productive meetings where we discussed politics and security, trade and connectivity, the sharing of water from common rivers, power and energy, and regional and multilateral cooperation, among other issues of mutual interest," she added. The premier said, "We agreed to collaborate with each other for the betterment of our people and countries". As Dhaka and Delhi have started new journeys, she said, "We charted the future course of action to ensure a smart Bangladesh by following Vision 2041 and Viksit Bharat by 2047." Sheikh Hasina said they concluded MoUs, renewed several of them, and made announcements for future collaboration. In recent years, she said both sides have sustained high-level engagements, including at the highest level. The Indian president and its prime minister visited Bangladesh in 2021 to attend the celebration of the Birth Centenary of Bangladesh's Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the 50-year celebration of Bangladesh's independence, and the establishment of the two countries' diplomatic ties, she said The Bangladesh premier said she paid her last bilateral visit to India in September 2022 and later attended the G20 Summit held under the Presidency of India in September 2023 in New Delhi as the leader of 'Guest Country'-Bangladesh, the only country from South Asia. "I am now visiting New Delhi for an unprecedented second time in the same month, June 2024," she said. Earlier on June 9, Sheikh Hasina attended with other world leaders the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his new cabinet. "These are testaments to our two countries' close engagement," the premier said. Mentioning her today's meeting with Narendra Modi, she said they discussed the ways and means of collaborative engagement between the two countries. She also said she will also have meeting with the Vice Pres ident and the President of India later this (Saturday) afternoon. "I believe all these meetings would give us more insights into enhancing our two countries' cooperation," she added. Sheikh Hasina said this is her first bilateral visit to any country after Bangladesh's 12th Parliamentary Elections and the formation of new government in January, 2024. "I thank the Government of India for extending warm hospitality to me and my delegation," she said. The prime minister also recalled with gratitude the contribution of the government and the people of India to Bangladesh's independence. "I pay deep homage to the brave fallen heroes of India who sacrificed their lives during our War of Liberation in 1971," she said. Sheikh Hasina, as well, thanked her Indian counterpart for inviting her to visit India and re-invited Narendra Modi to visit Bangladesh at his earliest convenience. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Two persons were killed and four other injured in a collision between a bus and a CNG-run auto-rickshaw on the Dhaka-Nawabganj regional highway in Kharshur Taltala area of Sirajdikhan upazila of the district today. The accident took place when the two vehicles collided head-on in the area around 10am, leaving six passengers injured, Senior ASP of Sirajdikhan Police Station M. Mustafizur Rahman said. Two passengers of the CNG, identified as- Sheikh Rahman, 58, and Shaheen Hossain, 26, were taken to Nawabganj Upazila Health complex where the on duty doctors declared them dead, he said. Driver of the CNG and three other passengers are admitted at the health complex. On information, Police rushed to the spot, moved the vehicles and eased out the traffic congestion, the police official added. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today paid rich tributes to Father of the Indian Nation Mahatma Gandhi. She paid the homage to Mahatma Gandhi by placing a wreath at his Samadhi Raj Ghat. Sheikh Hasina also stood in solemn silence for some times there to show glowing respect to the great leader of India. She also spread flower petals over the Samadhi. The Bangladesh premier, as well, signed the visitor's book there. Earlier, on her arrival, the head of Raj Ghat Samity welcomed her. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha has left for the Islamic Republic of Iran today to participate in the 19th meeting of the foreign ministers of Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD). ACD is an intergovernmental organization comprising 35 Asian countries. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he led the Nepali delegation to participate in the meeting to be held in Tehran, the capital of Iran, on June 24. On the occasion, DPM Shrestha will have a bilateral meeting with the foreign ministers of the member states. He is scheduled to return home on June 26 Source: National News Agency RSS

Outgoing Army Chief General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed today paid a courtesy call on President Mohammed Shahabuddin at the Bangabhaban here. 'The President thanked the outgoing Army Chief for his successful performance during his assigned tenure,' President's Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin told BSS after the meeting. Referring to the pride of the armed forces built through the 1971 Liberation War, the President appreciated the outgoing army chief's role in the development of the Bangladesh Army. The Head of the State expressed hope that this trend of development of the army would continue in the days to come while the government would also provide full cooperation in this regard. During the meeting, the President was apprised by the outgoing army chief of the overall activities of the army, especially the various development plans for the force. He thanked the President, who is also the commander-in-chief of Armed Forces Division, for his cooperation in discharging his duties. Secretaries concerned to the P resident's office were present there. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Students of a private school at Bhaktapur on Saturday held interactions on parliamentary issues with the Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR), Devraj Ghimire. The students of Golden Sungava School at Duwakot in Bhaktapur discussed the issues of some unparliamentary activities, time on passing bills and other parliamentary topics. "Why do unparliamentary activities take place in law-making place and why are the essential laws not made in time," the students asked the Speaker. "Indecent activities and vandalism are very rare in parliament," Speaker Ghimire responded to the students' queries. As the students were not fully convinced with the Speaker's answer, Ghimire further said that the lawmakers should be committed to implementing the provisions stated in the HoR Regulations. In a separate question asked about the Education Bill, Speaker Ghimire said he was coordinating with the parties in the HoR to pass the bill soon adding that the bill has been sent to the Education Committee of the parliame nt. He, however, said that chances are slim to pass the bill in the budget session and assured that it will be passed from the winter session of the House. Likewise, the students asked about the country's unemployment challenges and the idea of controlling the number of abroad goers. In response, he said the students should return to their homeland after completing their studies in foreign countries to do something at home. Source: National News Agency RSS

Water levels at 59 river stations monitored by Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) have marked rise while 48 stations recorded fall. Among the 110 monitored river stations, two have been registered steady and water levels at seven river stations are flowing above the danger level, a bulletin issued by the FFWC said here today. The Teesta river is flowing at 15cm above danger level at Kaunia station while the Surma at Kanaighat, the Kushiyara at Amalsad, at Sherpur-Sylhet and at Markuli, the Old Surma at Derai and the Someshwari at Kalmakanda are flowing 35cm, 15cm, 18cm, 39cm, 23cm and 34cm are flowing respectively. The Brahmaputra river is in falling trend, which may continue in the next 24 hours. On the other hand, the Jamuna River is in rising trend, which may be in steady state in the next 24 hours, the FFWC bulletin added. The Ganges-Padma rivers are in rising trend, which may continue in the next 72 hours, the bulletin said, adding that the major rivers in the North- eastern regi on of the country are in falling trend which may continue in the next 72 hours. Overall improvement of the flood situation in various low-lying areas under districts of the North-eastern part of the country may continue in the next 72 hours. According to the information from meteorological organisations, low to medium rainfall in next 24 hours and medium to heavy rainfall in the next 48 to 72 hours is expected in the Northern and adjoining upstream parts of the country. As a result, the water level of Dudhkumar, Teesta and Dharla rivers in those regions may fall in the next 24 hours which may rise in particular time in the next 48 to 72 hours. Significant rainfall was recorded at some stations in different districts of Bangladesh during the last 24 hours ending at 9 am today. A total of 166 mm rainfalls were recorded at 121mm at Moheshkhola (Sunamganj) and 72mm at Mohadebpur (Naogaon). During the past 24 hours, significant rainfalls (mm) were recorded in some states like Assam and Mizoram of India, the bulletin added. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

A Shivlinga (an abstract representation of Hindu God Shiva) with inscriptions dated back to Samvat 442 (577 BS) in Lichchhavi script has been found in Indrawati rural municipality-10 Mahadevtar in the district. It is said that six lines of ancient Lichchhavi script was found in the fragmented Jalharipeeth nearby mango trees and thorns. The Lichchhavi-era records were found by the municipality deployed team comprising researchers through Himawatkhand Media Pvt. According to Prof Dr. Diwakar Acharya of Oxford University, the king's name is not mentioned in the inscription dated to Poush 5, Samvat 442 (Shaksamvat Manda 577). It was engraved in the broken water tank of the Shivlinga found in the Mahadevatar of Indravati. "The record found outside the Kathmandu Valley is of special importance", Acharya said. A new member of the most powerful and educated family after the royals of the Lichchhavi period and information about his troubled character and mysterious demise was obtained from the inscription. Srikr ishna Dhimal, chief of Himavatkhand Media Pvt. Ltd., said that records belonging to the Lichchhavi era along with Mallam Shah and Rana regime period were found. He informed that the statue of Goddess Saraswati of the Lichchhavi era was also found. Source: National News Agency RSS

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar today termed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's bilateral visit to New Delhi as the reflection of the deep friendship between Bangladesh and India. 'Today's state visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reflects the depth of the Bharat-Bangladesh Maitri (friendship),' he wrote in his official X handle, formerly known as Twitter. The Indian foreign minister said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is the first state guest in India's new term which shows the importance they attach to the Bangladesh-India relationship. "Being truly good neighbors, our ties are consolidating traditional areas and covering new ground," Jaishankar said. He also wrote that Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Bangladesh lies at the intersection of India's Neighborhood First, Act East, SAGAR and Indo-Pacific policies. The documents signed today show the breadth of the bonds, Jaishankar said. "From seas to space, digital, green and health, military, rail and disaster, our two countrie s are collaborating across all avenues of human endeavor," he added. The Indian external affair minister further said he is confident that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's leadership, Bangladesh-India partnership will keep growing from strength to strength. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Two girl children died after being drowned in Foxsundo rivulet of Shey Foxundo rural municipality in Dolpa this afternoon. The deceased have been identified as Rubina Bista, 12, and Subina Budha, 10, of Kaike rural municipality-5, informed Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) at the District Police Office, Dolpa Hari Krishna KC. According to the police, both the girls had gone to clean the Phoksundo rivulet after having launch this morning. Bista was the 8th grader and Budha was studying in grade 2. Meanwhile, a girl child drowned to death and another went missing in the Mahakali River. The deceased has been identified as Rajani Chand. 15, of Shivanath Rural Municipality-1, Swalam, informed Spokesperson of the District Police Office Baitadi Balaram Pandey. Rajani went missing while taking bath in the Mahakali River at Shivanath rural municipality-1, Kushmatghat at around 10 am today and was found dead later by Nepal Police and locals after some time. Asmita Chand, 12, from the same area, who had gone t o take bath in Mahakali with Rajani, is still missing. A search is on for her. Spokesperson Pandey said that Nepal Police and Armed Police Force along with locals have been mobilized to search for Asmita. Further investigation into the incident is underway, according to the District Police Office, Baitadi. Source: National News Agency RSS

Speakers at the Regional Consultation on Global Digital Compact (GDC) today urged BIMSTEC Member States to work together on addressing disparities in access to digital technology within and among countries. Bangladesh and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Secretariat organized the two-day regional consultation on GDC at a city hotel, a foreign ministry statement said here. Speaking as the Chief Guest at the opening session, Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Kazi Nabil Ahmed highlighted the importance attached to GDC by Bangladesh in the context of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's vision for a "Smart Bangladesh". He underscored the need for enhanced access to digital infrastructures and economy by fostering inclusivity and innovation toward leaving no one behind. The consultation aims to identify and promote shared objectives and relevant priorities towards facilitati ng a unified voice in the ongoing negotiations on GDC at the UN in New York. The consultation involves relevant government officials and experts from BIMSTEC Member States and representatives from UN-ESCAP and BIMSTEC Secretariat. BIMSTEC Secretary General Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey stressed the need for collaboration among Member States for promoting an open, safe and inclusive digital landscape. He emphasized that GDC should help better understand the challenges that countries face in dealing with emerging technologies, digital economy and cyber security etc. He thanked the UN Secretary General and his Envoy on Technology for launching the idea of GDC and working on its adoption during the UN Summit of the Future in September 2024. Foreign ministry's Director General (SAARC and BIMSTEC) Abdul Motaleb Sarker outlined some areas of mutual interest within GDC for BIMSTEC Member States. He also mentioned certain issues that the Bangladesh delegation has so far suggested incorporating in the Global Com pact. Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) Vice President Syed Mohammad Kamal expressed hope that the consultation would find ways to ensure an inclusive, safe and equitable future and drive innovation within the ICT industry through the active participation of the private sector and other stakeholders. The two-day consultation consists of five technical sessions where BIMSTEC Member States will have an opportunity to discuss priorities concerning five key GDC objectives, leveraging the region's collaborations and efforts to ensure a secure digital environment and promote sustainable technological advancement. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha