Day: June 22, 2024

The Madhes Province Assembly has enacted the Girl Child Protection Bill, 2081. In today's meeting of the Assembly, Minister for Sports and Social Welfare Pramod Kumar Jaiswal tabled the proposal seeking enactment of the bill with the report of the Committee on Women, Children and Social Justice. Minister Jaiswal claimed the Madhes Province was the first one to introduce a law on girl child protection. He said the first-ever girl child protection bill has been enacted in the land of Goddess Janaki. He informed that an additional budget amounting to Rs. 120 million has been earmarked to restart the daughter insurance programme in the province. Minister Yadav said, "It is necessary to empower girls through positive discrimination". A total of 17 members of the province assembly expressed their views on the bill. Responding to the queries of law makers, Minister Jaiswal pointed out the need for police adjustments to effectively implement the Girl Child Protection Act. Source: National News Agency RSS

Three members of armed separatist group Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) were arrested in the ongoing anti-militancy drive by the joint forces from a remote hilly area under Ruma upazila of the district on Friday. The arrested were identified as God Galri Bom, 31, Sang Khum Bom, 38, and Jefania Bom, 19. All of them are the residents of Ruma upazila. They were sent to jail through a court order today, said Biswajit Singh, General Register Officer (GRO) of Bandarban court. Meanwhile, all three were arrested in the cases of bank robbery and weapons looting. Earlier, KNF operatives attacked several state-run banks in Bandarban on April 2 and 3. They looted money and firearms and abducted Sonali Bank Manager Nezam Uddin. Several cases were filed with different Thanas of the Hilly district. As many as 108 KNF members have been arrested, so far, following the robbery. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has urged one and all not to harbour any doubt on this coalition adding that the incumbent government will continue till the full term of the House of Representatives (HoR). The PM viewed that his government would serve the full term due to his party's history, contribution to the movement, current needs and also based on his party's seat numbers in the HoR. Inaugurating the seventh national general convention of Tamang National Liberation Front in Kathmandu on Saturday, the PM also asked the party leaders and cadres not to worry about the party's fewer seats in the HoR. Saying that efforts were made to create confusion about the toppling of his government, the PM said, "It is not that easy to replace us. We have a magical number in parliament. That magic will manage (the government) by different tricks," he added. He, however, said that his party was always honest in fully abiding by the understanding made with the political parties. On the occasion, PM Dahal said his government was fully working against corruption and for the cause of social justice and prosperity in the country. Likewise, he said his party was preparing for organizing the general convention for the new thought and shared that the party's upcoming central committee meeting will fix the date for the general convention. "We will synthesize new ideology and will take ahead the party with new initiative and ideology. The general convention shall guide us to take the country to the new era of good governance and prosperity by strengthening the republic," PM Prachanda asserted. Recalling that his party played roles in the past in pitching for a special provision along with the right to self-determination for the new national unity based on the country's diversity, the Maoist Centre Chairman pledged to give new momentum to the party from three fronts -- government, parliament and street. "For this, I have taken positive, constructive and historical commit ments to make the party's Fronts robust and link it with the people as a campaign," the Maoist Centre Chairman added. Saying that the republic in the country was possible due to contributions and sacrifices made by the Newar community of the Kathmandu Valley and the Tamang community of the nearby areas, PM Prachanda revealed that the party's ethnic fronts were being activated that were passive after the promulgation of the constitution. He recalled that the People's War was initiated by centralizing the oppressed ethnic communities and regions and added that their demands and issues were made an inseparable part of the revolution to unite them. Also speaking at the event, CPN (Maoist Centre) Vice Chairman Agni Prasad Sapkota said the Tamang community, which has been making outstanding contributions to Nepal's political, economic and social sectors, made a great contribution to the People's War. Sapkota shared that a search for the ideology and debate was ongoing for the broader unification of the left par ties and reconstitution of the communists in the country. Maoist Centre's assistant general secretary and Finance Minister Barshaman Pun said ethnic, linguistic and cultural diversities should be reflected in all state apparatus since the country was diverse in those areas. Lawmaker Mina Tamang said ethnic and class-based liberation was possible if the issues raised by the Maoist in the time of the People's War were implemented. Chairman of the general convention organizing committee and HoR Member Surya Man Dong stressed that the state should honour the contributions made by the Tamang community for the country's political changes. The Tamang National Liberation Front, the ethnic front of the Maoist Centre, is organizing its two-day-long seventh national general convention with the slogan for Tamslaing Province and Socialist Revolution. On the occasion, PM Prachanda, Vice-Chairman Sapkota, Minister Pun, former Speaker Onsari Ghartimagar and others were feted. Source: National News Agency RSS

Awami League (AL) General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today said their party does politics for the people of the country. 'The message of the 75th founding anniversary of Awami League is to implement its election manifesto. Politics is for people and Awami League was always beside the countrymen and it will remain with the people in the future as well,' he said. The AL general secretary said this to reporters after visiting the venue of the party's public rally to be held tomorrow at Suhrawardy Udyan here marking its founding anniversary. Quader said all leaders and activists of AL from central to root level are ready to celebrate the party's founding anniversary. A festive environment has been prevailing across the country centering the anniversary from last Friday, he said. He said the big achievement of the country's independence was attained under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Awami League. Besides, the country's deve lopment has been achieved under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he added. The AL general secretary said, 'We do politics for the people. We remain beside the countrymen and will be so in future also. Now, the main aim of the party (AL) is to complete unfinished works, build a non-communal country defeating the communal forces and militancy, implement the election manifesto and control price inflation.' He said efforts are going on to complete ongoing Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant and Payra Sea Port. Quader said, 'We couldn't consolidate the independence till now. Communalism is the main obstacle to freedom.' Urging all to remain alert, the AL general secretary said a vested quarter is active till now and it wants to create an environment like the one-eleven. AL joint general secretary Mahbub-ul Alam Hanif, organizing secretaries BM Mozammel Haque, Mirza Azam and SM Kamal Hossain, cultural affairs secretary Ashim Kumar Ukil, office secretary Biplob Barua, deputy publicity secretary S yed Abdul Awal Shamim, executive committee member Anisul Islam and Krishak League president Samir Chanda, among others, were present. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Finance Minister Barshaman Pun has said the country could advance only by respecting labour and being self-reliant on production and added that prideful leaders and cadres were instrumental in this. Addressing the second assembly of the Achham-Kathmandu Liaison Coordination Committee of the CPN (Maoist Centre) organized here on Saturday, Minister Pun said the upcoming fiscal year's budget has incorporated programmes and budget for promoting production and employment generation. The Maoist Centre leader said that production growth is required not to make a handful of people rich but to achieve development based on equality and social justice. Pun viewed that equality and social justice could be achieved by maintaining good governance after curbing corruption. On the occasion, the Finance Minister said the upcoming fiscal year's budget has prioritized agriculture, tourism, hydropower, information technology and production sectors and all seven provinces were given special priority. Pun said at l east a special characteristic of each province has been forwarded in the next year's budget. Source: National News Agency RSS

At least 1000 families of different unions under Sundarganj upazila of the district have been marooned due to increasing the water level of Teesta river. Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) office sources said the water level of the river rose by 37 cm in last 24 hours ending this morning at 9 am due to incessant rainfall and on rush of hilly waters from the up streams of India. With the rise of water level the river was flowing 15 cm above the danger level at Kawnia point of Rangpur district this morning around 9am, the sources said. As the river is flowing over the danger mark at Kawnia point, the river is flowing just below the danger level at Sundarganj point of the district. As the water of the river entered Tarapur, Belka, Horipur, Chandipur, Sreepur, Kapasia unions of the upazila, the low-lying areas of the unions have been inundated creating untold sufferings to the flood victims. At this moment, boats and rafts have become the only means of movement from one village to other villages. Exe cutive engineer of BWDB here Hafizul Haque said if the water level of the river continued to rise the river would exceed the danger level here and create flood like situation in the upazila, he added. Manju Miah, chairman of Kapasia union parishad of the upazila said with the rise of water level of the river erosion has been found at different spots along the right and left banks of the river. Many people have taken shelter on nearby flood control embankments leaving ancestral homesteads and losing arable land of standing crops like chili and summer vegetables including jute, he added. The marooned people of the unions are passing their days miserably for want of dry foods, he further added. When contacted, UNO Tariqul Islam said a special meeting on the flood situation was held at the initiative of the upazila administration on Thursday. After elaborate discussion, many decisions were adopted to face the flood situation in the upazila, the UNO added. The upazila administration is monitoring the situati on closely and took preparation to provide relief materials like dry food, rice to the flood victims of the upazila to reduce their sufferings caused by seasonal flood, he concluded. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said the role of opposition will be made further effective in the parliament. Realizing that NC's role has not remained effective in the parliament, Deuba pledged to enable NC's opposition role in the days to come. President Deuba said this while unveiling the bust of the late NC leader Prithviraj Kandel and inaugurating the bus park constructed before his name at Maheshpur of Palhinandan Rural Municipality of Nawalparasi-West. The bus park was named in the memory of Kandel, father of former Minister of State for Home Affairs and central member of Nepali Congress, Devendaraj Kandel. Late Kandel was elected the Member of Parliament from Palhimaj East Constituency No. 57 in 2015 BS general election. Addressing the same event, President of Janata Pragatisheel Party HridayashTripathi said the Civil Service Act should be passed immediately. He also argued there should be consent of the Madhesi people while planning and executing any activit y along the Nepal-India border area. Member of Parliament from Nawalparasi-1, Binod Chaudhary stressed the need of all parties' unity for the sake of development of the district. Prior to this, President Deuba had interacted with party leaders and cadres. On the occasion, leader Deuba claimed none can defeat his party and its ideology but all leaders and cadres should work with high enthusiasm to strengthen the party. Source: National News Agency RSS

Bangladesh and India have jointly articulated their shared vision for peace, prosperity and development of the two neighbors and the entire region, driven by connectivity, commerce and collaboration. "To realize the immense potential of this extra-ordinary relationship and to turn it into a transformational partnership for mutual benefits and prosperity of their people and the entire region, the two leaders have jointly articulated their following Shared Vision for peace, prosperity and development of the two neighbors and the entire region, driven by connectivity, commerce and collaboration," said a statement on conclusion of the two-day (June 21-22) visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to New Delhi. The Ministry of External Affairs, India issued the statement this evening with headline 'India-Bangladesh Shared Vision for Future: Enhancing Connectivity, Commerce and Collaboration for Shared Prosperity'. The statement said Bangladesh and India shared the conviction that the progress and prospe rity of the two neighboring countries are interlinked and reaffirmed mutual desire to guide India-Bangladesh ties to a new era of future-oriented partnership, for which both the countries recognized each other as indispensable partners in realizing respective national development visions of "Viksit Bharat 2047" and "Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041". As a close and valued neighbour with rapidly growing capabilities, it said, Bangladesh is at the converging point of India's "Neighbourhood First" policy, "Act East" policy, SAGAR doctrine and the Indo-Pacific vision, and an indispensable partner in the development of India's northeastern region. On the other hand, Bangladesh valued its relationship with India as the closest and friendly neighbor, the statement said, adding that Bangladesh consider India as an important partner in the pursuit of its Neighborhood Foreign Policy for ensuring shared peace and prosperity. "Together, we will pursue a transformative partnership that advances the shared interests in prom oting multi-faceted connectivity for both our countries as well as the entire region by transforming our geographical proximity into new economic opportunities," it said. This will include connectivity in its broadest form - physical connectivity covering multi-modal transport and cross-border trade and transit infrastructure for seamless cross-border movement of people, goods and services, as well as energy connectivity and digital connectivity, the statement said. As part of sub-regional connectivity initiatives, it said, India will extend transit facilities for movement of Bangladesh goods to Nepal and Bhutan through railway network. "We are committed to early operationalization of the BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement to promote sub-regional connectivity. In this context, we welcome a new MoU on Railway Connectivity as well as the decision to commence goods-train service from Gede-Darshana through Chilahati-Haldibari up to Hasimara via Dalgaon railhead (as and when operationalized) at the India-Bhutan borde r," the statement continued. The both countries will continue to expand power and energy collaboration and together develop intra-regional electricity trade, including of competitively-priced power generated from clean energy projects in India, Nepal and Bhutan, through the Indian electricity grid, the statement said. "To this end, we will expedite the construction of 765 kV high-capacity interconnection between Katihar-Parbatipur-Bornagar with suitable Indian financial assistance, to act as the anchor for our grid connectivity," it added. Underlining the pivotal role played by emerging technologies to build inclusive, sustainable and digitally empowered societies and to bring larger benefits to people of both countries, the statement said, "We are forging a new paradigm for future-oriented partnership through a 'Shared Vision for India-Bangladesh Digital Partnership' and 'Shared Vision for India-Bangladesh Green Partnership for a Sustainable Future' in line with our respective broader Vision of 'Viksit Bh arat 2047 and 'Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041'." These will build a transformative collaboration between India and Bangladesh by leveraging green and digital technologies to foster economic growth, sustainable and climate-resilient development, environmental conservation, cross-border digital interchange and regional prosperity, it said. "We will also pursue collaboration in frontier technologies, including civil nuclear, oceanography and space technology. To this end, we will partner in joint development of a small satellite for Bangladesh and its launch using Indian launch vehicle," the statement continued. Resolving to work towards promoting the prosperity of our people, it said, the two countries will strengthen trade and investment linkages with each other, including through early commencement of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), early operationalization of two Special Economic Zones (SEZs) offered by Bangladesh to India in Mongla and Mirsharai, opening of new borde r-haats, trade facilitation to enhance bilateral trade, improving road, rail, air, and maritime connectivity and trade infrastructure which can transform geographical proximity into new economic opportunities for our peoples. "We will also encourage and support our private sector to seek new investment opportunities in each other's priority areas of economic development," the statement added. Recognizing the importance of water resource management in our bilateral relationship, it said, the neighbouring countries will continue to engage in prioritizing the exchange of data and formulating the framework for interim water sharing based on the recommendations of the Joint Rivers Commission. "We welcome the formation of a Joint Technical Committee to initiate discussions for the renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty of 1996. As part of our development cooperation, we will also undertake conservation and management of Teesta River inside Bangladesh with Indian assistance within a mutually agreed timeframe, " the statement said. Appreciating the significant role of the two countries in ensuring peace, stability and harmony in the region, it said, Bangladesh and India will strengthen their defence cooperation with a long-term perspective. "In line with the plans for modernization of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, we will explore defence industrial cooperation for modernization of the Armed Forces of Bangladesh, to strengthen their capability for defence. We will continue to work closely with Bangladesh for our multifaceted military engagements of exercises, training and capability development," the statement said. Bangladesh and India will further bolster their development cooperation by concluding a new Framework Agreement for Development Partnership, which will expand the reach of the both countries projects and programmes in line with the priorities of the people and the government of Bangladesh and both countries' long-term vision of closer connectivity, it continued. "We will work together to expand our ca pacity building programme for civil services, judicial officers, police and other specialized services of Bangladesh," the statement said. Recognizing the shared cultural and historical heritage and vibrant people-to-people ties, it said, the both countries will nurture the existing linkages by promoting exchanges of Muktijoddhas, scholars, academics, artistes, tourists, students and youth. "We will further raise the level of our support to the valiant Muktijoddhas and their families, with new programmes for medical and educational support," the statement said, adding that to facilitate easier cross-border travel and as a supportive gesture to the friendly people of Bangladesh, India will extend e-Medical Visa facility to people from Bangladesh travelling to India for medical treatment. "We have agreed to open a new Assistant High Commission of India in Rangpur as a step to facilitate expeditious consular and visa services for the people of north-west region of Bangladesh," it said. Based on availability and to the best of its abilities, India will also support Bangladesh with supply of essential commodities, the statement said. It added: "We recognize the imperative of accelerating our partnership in sectors which promote youth development through education, skilling, entrepreneurship, technology, sports and creative and cultural industries. The India-Bangladesh partnership will respond to the expectations and aspirations of our youth for a better future." Recognizing the contribution of the two countries partnership to peace, security and stability in the region, the statement said, "We reiterate our commitment to a free, open, inclusive, secure, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region". "Based on our converging visions for the Indo-Pacific region and recognizing the vulnerability of the region to adverse impacts of climate change, we will co-lead the 'Disaster Risk Reduction and Management' pillar of the Indo Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), and cooperate to mitigate disaster risks, build disaster resilien t infrastructure, and contribute to the sustenance of our shared maritime region," it continued. With their wide-ranging bilateral cooperation, the two countries also envisioned India-Bangladesh relationship to become a major anchor for regional and sub-regional integration under the BIMSTEC, SAARC and IORA architectures, the statement said, adding, "We will work together on global platforms to promote our common interests, especially the interests of Global South." Bangladesh and India underscored the need to take the relationship to a deeper and higher quality relationship based on mutual trust and benefit in the coming days, it said, adding, "We are confident that this Shared Vision for Future will provide further impetus to strengthening our historic ties and building a future-ready partnership by further developing the current 'Sonaali Adhyaay' in our bilateral relations". Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Nepali Congress (NC) general-secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa has viewed that the NC should not go to the government until next election. Inaugurating the 'Second Province Assembly Regional Conference, 2081', organized by the NC Kathmandu Constituency 6 (1) here today, he stressed that the NC should play effective role from opposition front. "There needs cordial relations within the party besides clarity and commitment. By fully implementing the idea, we can lead the party to a situation towards forming a single majority government with 40 percent votes is formed", he claimed. The general-secretary further shared that wider discussion would be held in the Mahasamiti meeting of the party within coming mid-July to chart out future strategies. He also underlined the need to change the existing process to select party's candidates in elections. "NC's active members should be provided the right to vote to nominate candidates for elections", he noted. Thapa further said groupism and factional feud should be ended within the party to ensure its win with single majority. He urged the NC-led governments in 332 local level units to work for the welfare and wellbeing of the people. "NC is in opposition in the centre and we should maintain the position. It is the NC responsibility to correct the government from opposition front". NC general-secretary Thapa batted for making amendments to some provisions of the Constitution before the next election "The provinces are being run through court's verdicts. Number of ministers in federal and provincial governments should be reduced. We should take future strides by amending the Constitution", he added. Thapa stressed the need to bring programme to connect leaders and cadres with the citizens. Also speaking on the occasion, NC central member Pradeep Poudel said the party organization across the country would go robust when organizational base in Kathmandu remained strong. He argued that NC should stand strong against corruption and work to establish people's agenda. A notehr central member Pratima Gautam stressed the need to make NC as a dynamic political force capable of providing effective leadership to the country. Likewise, NC Kathmandu President Sabuj Baniya accused the leaders of making Kathmandu a lab for securing their positions. "NC's organization base has turned weak in Kathmandu while forging alliance with other parties for their personal victory". Several NC leaders expressed their views at the programme presided over by NC Kathmandu Constituency 6 (1) President Khyam Raj Tiwari. Source: National News Agency RSS

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and sent India into bat first in their second match of the Super 8 phase of T20 World Cup at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua today. The match turns out to be a 'do or die' clash for Bangladesh to keep their semifinal hopes alive after a 28-run defeat to Australia on DLS method in their first game. "We would like to restrict them (India) to a small total and chase it down," Shanto told the broadcaster after the toss. "We know condition, the wind factor, hopefully we can execute. Good wicket. 150-160 is a good score." Bangladesh made one change from the previous match with Jaker Ali returning to the side, replacing fast bowler Taskin Ahmed. It means Bangladesh bolstered their batting strength, going into the crucial game. India meanwhile started the Super 8 phase with a 47-run victory against Afghanistan and a victory against Bangladesh would help them make a giant stride towards the semifinal. The Men in Blue however remained unchanged from the previous game. Line Ups: Bangladesh: Liton Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah Riyad, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman. India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Virat Kohli, Rishab Pant, Suriyakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minster Narayan Kaji Shrestha said the contribution of Daman Nath Dhungana and the late Padma Ratna Tuladhar in peace process could not be forgotten. At a programme organised by the Padma Ratna Lumanti Guthi to unveil a book 'Smriti Ma Padma Ratna Tuladhar' (Padma Ratna Tuladhar in Memory) and to honour different individuals here today, DPM Shrestha underlined that not only in linguistic and literary movement, Tuladhar's contribution is significant in the political movements against autocracy. The book was published by incorporating the personality of Tuladhar, senior personality of Newa community, human right activist, and former chairperson of Nepalbhasa Manka Khala. "We can learn more from Tuladhar's multidimensional personality and talent. His contribution to gain democratic achievements in the Nepali society is incomparable. He was a litterateur, senor journalist, writer and people's representative. We all should unite to fulfill Tuladhar's dreams, respecting his con tribution", he underscored. Remembering his deep connection with Tuladhar, DPM Shrestha explained that an excellent work was done by publishing the book in memory of such seminal character. He mentioned that a book keeps a history alive. On the occasion, former Speaker Daman Nath Dhungana viewed peace process could not be concluded in the absence of Tuladhar. The DPM feted former Speaker Dhungana, former lawmaker Hiranya Lal Shrestha, and dignitaries. Source: National News Agency RSS

Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) today expressed deep concern over a recent statement of Bangladesh Police Service Association (BPSA) over journalism. In a statement, BFUJ President Omar Faruque and Secretary General Dip Azad and DUJ President Sohel Haider Chowdhury and General Secretary Akter Hossain said some reports have recently been published in mass media about huge and abnormal amassing of assets by some present and former powerful government officials. They said that they believe the journalists are publishing news on provable issues after scrutinizing documents of the information they get and the journalists are doing so with no other special intention. 'We think that the reaction of some leaders and organizations after publishing such news is a threat to free journalism,' said the statement. The journalist leaders said the information coming from government statements, website and press conference all are important. The journalists make reports from that information. But they also have to do a big a job of unveiling the information before the countrymen which is kept hidden by powerful persons, they added. They said that some fact-based news reports against some powerful persons have already been published. 'We see no reason for anyone to be excited for this,' said the journalist leaders. They said the journalists have a responsibility to prove the issues of their reports while the persons involved have the responsibility to prove that those are not correct. The government and the concerned department have the responsibility to investigate the published news and ensure punishment to the offenders, they also said. 'Besides, anyone can go to the Press Council. BFUJ and DUJ think that if any official indulge in corruption, it is his or her personal matter, not the issue of a force,' said the leaders. The BFUJ and DUJ want to clear one thing that the journalists will continue their professional work despite threats, they said. The journalist leader s hoped that the concerned quarter will refrain from issuing any statement that destroys the environment of journalism. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha