Day: June 23, 2024

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today said Dhaka and New Delhi discussed on joint river management of 54 transboundary rivers, including the Teesta, during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's India visit. 'Discussions were held there (New Delhi) regarding the Teesta and joint river management… If we can establish a joint management of the rivers, it will benefit both countries,' he told reporters while responding to question from a reporter at the foreign ministry here. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina returned home last night (Saturday) wrapping up her two-day bilateral state visit to India at the invitation of her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. When asked about the arrival of India's technical team to discuss the Teesta water sharing issue, the foreign minister said, Indian technical team needs to visit Bangladesh as Teesta is a large project. 'The arrival of the technical team is very positive," he added. The foreign minister termed the Prime Minister's Delhi visit as 'wonderful, fruitful and cordial'. ' The honorable Prime Minister will hold a detailed press conference about the visit to India. Therefore, I do not wish to say more,' Hasan said. Replying to a query, the foreign minister said that no discussions were held regarding China concerning the Teesta. However, he said, the Chinese issue came up at the discussion on the ongoing Rohingya crisis. 'There was discussion about China's role in the ongoing ethnic conflict there (Myanmar). The Chinese issue did not come up in any other context," he said. Responding to another question, Hasan said he extended an invitation to Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to visit Bangladesh when he exchanged greetings with him at a royal reception while performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia. Marking the Awami League's 75th founding anniversary, Dr Hasan, who is also AL's Joint General Secretary, said the great Liberation War of 1971 took place under the Awami League government with Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as President, and all sector commanders including Ziaur Rahman were employees with a salary of 400 Taka. Currently, he said, Bangladesh has become a global development role model under the leadership of Bangladesh Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He said Bangladesh has progressed from a low-income to a middle-income country being the second-largest producer of freshwater fish, third in rice and vegetable production, and ranking among the top 10 countries in the world for 14 agricultural products. Hasan said Bangladesh would have progressed further in Awami League's 75-year illustrious journey if the BNP had not pandered to anti-liberation, communal forces. "Even half a century after independence, Awami League still has to face anti-national, anti-liberation, communal forces. If the BNP had not pandered to these forces, the country would have progressed much further," he said. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Bill-2081has aimed at contributing to the environment conservation. The bill presented in the National Assembly meeting on Sunday further aims at addressing the changing conditions and demands of in the field of alternative and renewable energies. Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Shakti Bahadur Basnet tabled the bill which was unanimously endorsed by the meeting. It seeks to put in place legal provisions so as to promote, develop and expand renewable energy, thereby giving a boost to the environment conservation. Increase of general people's access to sustainable energy has been emphasized and for which there is provision of coordination among the concerned agencies in the three-tier governments. The NA's next meeting is scheduled at 1:15 pm Monday. Source: National News Agency RSS

Khulna city and district units of Bangladesh Awami League (AL) today observed the party's 75th founding anniversary in a befitting manner through various programmes. The programmes included hoisting of national and party flags atop of the party office, paying homage to Bangabandhu by placing wreaths at the portrait of the Father of the Nation at the AL office, colourful rally, discussion, cake cutting and illumination at the party office. After laying the wreaths in the morning, AL leaders led by Mayor of Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Talukder Abdul Khaleque stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of Bangabandhu. Later, flanked by senior leaders, Khaleque, also president of the city unit of Awami League, brought out a procession and paraded different streets in the city. Afterward, a discussion was held at the party office with Talukder Abdul Khaleque in the chair. City unit general secretary M D A Babul Rana and ex-parliament member Mizanur Rahman Mizan, among o thers, spoke. KCC mayor highlighted the glorious history of AL that brought independence for the nation under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Khaleque narrated the superb record of struggles of AL and said that the country achieved independence by defeating Pakistani occupation forces in the War of Liberation in 1971 under the leadership of Bangabandhu. He said, "Bangabandhu and AL are inseparable as never-ending sources of inspirations and the nation continues to work in building a smart and developed 'Sonar Bangla' under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The KCC mayor urged the leaders and workers of the party to remain united and inform the countrymen about the massive development carried out by the AL-led government during the last 15 years ensuring welfare of the common people as dreamed by Bangabandhu. Meanwhile, the district unit AL also observed the 75th founding anniversary separately in a befitting manner. AL district unit president Sheik h Harun-ur-Rashid led the rally and presided over the discussion meeting. Bangladesh Awami League was formed on this day in 1949, which later emerged as the biggest political party in the country to lead struggles for freedom, the War of Liberation and all democratic movements. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Minister for Defence Hari Prasad Uprety has said the nation's security needed to be strengthened. Responding to queries raised in course of the deliberations on the Appropriation Bill, 2081, he insisted that initiatives have been started to bolster up the entire national security through a strong coordination among all the security apparatuses, rendering the National Security Council further effective. The Defence Minister informed the lower house that a bill related to the national security has been formulated and is in the process of implementation at present through the Ministry's special prioritization and initiation for appropriately addressing the entire issues related to the national security. He stated that works have been started to make the Nepali Army inclusive in nature, the representation of backward, marginalized communities has been ensured making the army recruitment process inclusive and provisions have been put in place so that there is no discrimination in the transfer and prom otion of army personnel. Defence Minister Uprety reiterated that the government is committed to making the present security condition of the nation stronger and robust. He added that the Ministry of Defence has placed strengthening, modernization, enabling and enhancing the professional capacity of the Nepali Army in high priority. "The government has kept in priority the topic of modernizing, enabling and enhancing the professional capacity of all the security bodies, including the Nepali Army, and becoming self-sufficient in basic security logistics and equipment," he said. The Defence Minister said that adequate budget could not be provided due to the government's compulsion of allocating the limited budget to several sectors. He said comparatively a larger chunk of the budget has been allocated to the National Cadets Corps in order to ignite among the youth a sense of service and dedication to the nation. He shared that there is a plan to impart National Cadet Corps training to 7,407 youths this year. According to him, so far 82,184 youths have been imparted this training. Stating that the Army has been playing an instrumental role in the conservation of environment, nature and natural heritages, he said the Army is mobilized in nature and environment conservation works, cleaning the mountains, securing historical and archaeological heritages and Chure conservation, among others. As he said, the Nepali Army is also involved in construction of infrastructure projects of national pride and strategic importance as the Kathmandu-Tarai Express Way Project and road ways in the remote mountainous region. The Army is also involved in disaster rescue, relief and management works. Source: National News Agency RSS

Bangladesh will take on Afghanistan in their last match of the Super 8 phase with an aim to keep their slim hopes of making T20 World Cup semi-final alive at Kingstown in St Vincent on Tuesday as the match starts at 6.30 AM (Bangladesh Time). After losing two straight defeats to Australia and India, Bangladesh's hope to make it last four stages looked all but ended but a stunning Afghanistan victory over mighty Australia gave them a slim hope. However, there was many ifs and buts involved if Bangladesh would like to reach semifinal. Firstly, Australia will have to taste a defeat to India by a large margin and Bangladesh will have to beat Afghanistan by a handsome margin. Only in that case, Bangladesh could sneak to semifinal. If Australia beat India in a match that will be held on Monday night, then Bangladesh will all but exit from the race even before taking on Afghanistan. Even if Australia win, Bangladesh will be out there to restore some pride as they would like to bow out with a victory in Super 8 p hase. At the same time, Bangladesh's victory will essentially ruin Afghanistan's hopes to make the semifinal. A Bangladesh victory looked on the cards even though Afghanistan have been in top form. The World Cup stat suggested that Afghanistan have never won a match against Bangladesh in ICC tournament, be it in 50-over or T20 over cricket. In T20 World Cup, however, the two teams met only once in 2014 and Bangladesh won that game by nine wickets after bowling Afghanistan out for just 72 runs. Overall in T20 format, Afghanistan have the slight edge, winning six and losing five against Bangladesh in 11 meetings. Afghanistan lost their first game to India by 47 runs but stunned Australia by 21 runs, defending 148-6. The St Vincent pitch in which they beat Australia is also a lucky ground for Bangladesh mainly for its slow-paced nature that gave the Tigers a home like condition out of home. Afghanistan have the bowling attack to thrive in St Vincent pitch which they demonstrated against Australia but still B angladesh would be favourite. Bangladesh in fact play in this kind of wicket throughout the year at home and so they will be further bolstered by the pitch. In St Vincent, Bangladesh won their match against Netherlands and Nepal to make it Super 8 phase. However they had to play their first two matches of Super 8 in Antigua and as expectedly they failed to show any skill on true pitch. They lost the first match to Australia by 28 runs on DLS before conceding a 50-run defeat to India. While mathematically Bangladesh still has the chance to make it semifinal, its ace allrounder Shakib Al Hasan think otherwise. All that he wants to put a good show against Afghanistan to have winning end to the tournament. "To be honest, I don't think we have a chance to play the semi-final anymore after today's loss. But having said that, the next game will be an opportunity for us to get a win on our belt before we finish up this tournament," Shakib said. "We'd love to finish this tournament on a high. We have to face Afgha nistan which is a very good side. So, we have to be at our best to be able to win against them." Bangladesh's first XI against India was much criticized and it is believed that they would tinker with the squad further against Afghanistan. Squad: Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Taskin Ahmed, Litton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Shakib Al Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mahmud Ullah Riyad, Jaker Ali Anik, Tanvir Islam, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib. Travelling reserves: Afif Hossain, Hasan Mahmud. Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Ishaq, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Nangyal Kharoti, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has said that with the development of modern society, the benefits of democracy should be linked to the lifestyle of all castes and communities. Addressing the meeting of the National Foundation for Development of Indigenous Nationalities here today, Prime Minister Dahal stressed on the need to ensure the rights of the indigenous communities by keeping alive the traditions of them. "Indigenous nationalities are an important basis of identity and traditional customs, considering ancient land as a symbol of faith, the communities are not only using natural resources but are protecting and enhancing nature based on their original, traditional knowledge and skills," he said. Mentioning that the constitution provides various rights to the indigenous communities including the right to equality and social justice, Prime Minister Dahal recalled that under the policy of social justice and inclusion, the right to live with dignity has been ensured with the ide ntity of the indigenous communities. "The Constitution has given priority to the tribal people in terms of opportunities and benefits," Prime Minister Dahal said, "When submitting candidates for the House of Representatives elections, which are held according to the proportional election system, the political parties will not be based on the population. In order to identify, protect and promote the cultural heritage of the tribal community, Prime Minister Dahal said that it is necessary to protect and develop an open and lively museum and model cultural heritage targeted at the tribal community with the preservation of the mother tongue. "In order to preserve the language, culture, and tradition of the tribal community, it is necessary to run a tribal university at the national level," he said. Source: National News Agency RSS

The progress and changes the country witnessed in economy or social security index and the advancement compared to neighboring countries like India or Pakistan have been possible because of farsighted development plans and policies of the Awami League government, said academics. Talking to BSS on the occasion of AL's 75th founding anniversary, they said in terms of foreign policies, strategies or relations Bangladesh has secured significant success along with maintaining good relations with the ally countries including India or China due to the visionary leadership of AL President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. "Since the country's inception, no other parties who were in power were never able to adopt sustainable and foresighted plans like Delta plan, Perspective Plan or the development roadmap-2041 what Awami League government introduced," Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr ASM Maksud Kamal told BSS. He said the country's mega projects- the nuclear power plant, Padma Bridge, Bangabandhu tunnel or Bangabandhu Satellite-I-which are not only the symbols of development but also the symbols of country's dignity also come with the hand of Awami League. All the success and the visible achievements or the dignity in the global arena the country has achieved so far have come through Awami League leadership (hand), he said. However, being an emerging and rising economy which is called fragile economy, it will be quite challenging for the ruling AL government to keep the country's economic growth smooth dealing with the global economic changes, ups and downs or worldwide inflation caused by external crises like Ukraine-Russia conflicts, said the academician. Besides, another challenge is to make the country's financial institutions including banks well-disciplined and transparent, he said, adding, "If we can overcome the both challenges successfully, we will be able to secure our economic progress under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina." About the achievement of AL before the Liberat ion War, Dhaka University (DU) Pro-VC (administration) Professor Dr Mohammad Samad said Awami League, which was founded on June 23, 1949, had brought freedom for Bangalee nation through long struggle including the historic Six-Point Movement, 1969 mass upsurge and 1971 Liberation War. "In the long 75 years of journey, Awami League's biggest achievement is attaining the country's independence," he said. He said AL led by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman liberated the country with a dream of building a prosperous 'Sonar Bangla' after a long-time struggle, from Language Movement to Liberation War. After the independence, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was brutally killed along with most of his family members, he said, adding that then military rulers changed the state's basic characteristics. On May 17, 1981, Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina returned home and subsequently reorganized the party, he said. In 1996, AL led by Sheikh Hasina again came to power and started working to bring smiles on the f aces of distressed people of this country to fulfill the dream of Bangabandhu, Professor Samad said. After overcoming different hurdles and conspiracies, AL again came to power through 2008 general elections, he said. Under the leadership of the AL government, the country made massive development in all economic and social indicators and the country's journey towards prosperity is continuing, said the academician. Professor of DU Television, Film and Photography Department Dr. Abu Jafar Md. Shafiul Alam Bhuiyan said Awami League led by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman started the movement for freeing the nation from long subjugation of Pakistani oppressors and took the movement to successful culmination by achieving independence of the country. After the independence, AL also played an outstanding role in taking the country ahead as Bangabandhu's government had adopted the country's first five-year plan announcing a roadmap for the development of the war-torn country, he added. He said after the assassi nation of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family members on August 15, 1975, AL fell into deep crisis. After returning home in 1981, Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina took the helm of the Awami League and reorganized it, he said. Through long struggle and overcoming different hurdles, Awami League again came to power in 1996 under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, he added. Under her leadership, AL has made a turnaround and accomplished the unfinished works of the liberation war including the trial of the war criminals during the AL government, said Shafiul Alam Bhuiyan. Once people could not imagine that the war criminals like SQ Chowdhury, Quader Mollah and Motiur Rahman Nizami would be executed but it has been possible due to the AL government, he said. The Awami League government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also made massive progress in taking the country ahead, especially transforming the country into a Digital Bangladesh, he added. "Today, Banglades h is going to be a middle income country. Awami League led by Sheikh Hasina has a big role here," he said. About expectations from the AL government, Shafiul Alam Bhuiyan said the education sector should get six percent allocation of the total GDP and "We expect the government will provide the allocation following the footprint of Bangabandhu as without the development of education, no progress can be possible." About the government's zero tolerance policy, he said the government should take steps against all corrupt people who are building their own fortune with looted money. He hoped the government will continue its efforts to contain the inflation at tolerable level. SM Shameem Reza, Professor of DU Mass Communication and Journalism said it is a big achievement for Awami League to even survive for 75 years and rule the country successfully overcoming the challenges and ups and downs which also proves that the party is well structured and has people's support. The party undoubtedly produced the most si gnificant leaders including Bangabandhu as no party can survive for such a long without having a well structure, dynamic and strong leadership, prudent programmes and activities, he said, adding, "AL's base and major source of power has always been its close connection to common people, public popularity and its connection with the leaders-activists of marginal level". In terms of historic contribution, the party played the most significant and leading role from the country's formative stage to today's developing stage, he said. The party has both experience of ruling and being the opposition for the longest time among the parties of Bangladesh, he said, adding, "Very few political parties in south Asia have that much experience". Shameem Reza said the AL led government played a significant role from formulating the country's constitution to making development plans and keeping the country's economic growth smooth and sustainable amid the several crises and challenges. However, the party needs to bring so me structural, internal and organization reformations which are must for all the parties over the time with a particular focus on developing more interaction between party's top layer and marginal level and bringing the voice, views and observations of marginal leaders-activists to the main stream thoughts and decision-making process, he suggested. The views of marginal people who have been the base of the party should be reflected in the decisions and policy making process not only just during the election period, he added. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hit Bahadur Tamang, has said the government is aware of and committed to promoting all languages spoken in the country. In his address to the 67th anniversary of Nepal Academy today, the Minister said the development of all languages, literatures and cultures existing in the country is the priority of the government. The role of Nepal Academy is instrumental towards that end, he added, pledging maximum support to the Academy in its effort to enhance areas concerning languages, literature, culture and philosophy. Stating that the foundation of Academy is based on people's struggle and sacrifices, he described it a supreme institute mandated to undertake research and development of languages, literature, culture, social science and indigenous creations. Established as the Nepal Literary Art Academy in 2014 BS, the organization held a national level poetry festival on the occasion of its anniversary. Source: National News Agency RSS

The 75th founding anniversary of Bangladesh Awami League was observed in the district town here today in a befitting manner. In observance of the day, the district Awami League arranged a discussion and Doa mahfil in front of the party office this afternoon. Former MP from Panchagarh-1 constituency and district Awami League senior vice-President Md Mojaharul Hoque Prodhan addressed the function as the chief guest. He said Awami League has glorious history as the party led all the democratic movements, including the Language movement, and the Liberation War of the country. The discussion was addressed, among others, by Zila Parished chairman Hanna Sheikh, Sadar upazila Awami League President Amirul Islam, and Advocate Sarower Hossein. Zila Awami League general secretary Anower Sadat Samrat Presided over the function. A doa mahfil was also held on the occasion. Earlier, leaders and activists of district AL placed wreaths at Bangabandhu monument. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: In a meeting of the National Assembly (NA) today, the upper house members decried the government's decision to make the submission of the National ID card mandatory to receive social security allowance. "This is to cause a significant incontinence to the citizens," they said. Airing their views in a special hour of the NA today, Jit Jung Basnet said the decision to make the submission of the National ID Card in place of the citizenship to receive the old-age allowance is going to a significant discomfort for the beneficiaries. Bhuwan Bahadur Sunuwar demanded a prompt correction in the decision, describing it a 'tardy' one. Tulasa Dahal is among those lawmakers airing her concern over the government preparations for making the National ID mandatory. The lawmakers also expressed their serious concerns over the alleged rape of a girl in a Chhaugoth (a menstrual hut) in Achham. Dahal and Gopi Bahadur Achhami among other demanded the government ensure an intensive investigation against the alleged rape of an adolescent in Chhaugoth. Dahal called for increasing civic awareness for the elimination of the practice of Chhaugoth. Madan Kumari Shah also decried the incident. Achhami also urged the government to address the 11-point demands put forth by the Federal Parliament staff. Bamdev Gautam called for nationalizing the entire land to increase productivity. He also stressed on timely allocation of relief and compensation to the survivors of monsoon disasters. Kiran Bahadur Shrestha proposed to change an existing electoral system to have a stable government. Bishnu Kumari Sapkota said the load of foreign debt has hindered the prosperity of the country, calling for exploring job opportunities within the country. Source: National News Agency RSS

A court here today imposed travel embargo against four officials of Premier Bank Limited in a case lodged for embezzling around Taka 3,000 crore after granting the money as loan against the names of non-existent companies. The four accused are-- Md Shahid Hasan Mallik, Mushfikul Alam, Dipak Kumar Debnath and Mohammad Mehedi Hasan Sarkar. The court of Senior Special Judge Mohammad Ash Shams Zaglul Hossain passed the order, allowing a plea of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). According to the case documents, the accused allegedly embezzled and laundered the money after approving those as loan against 43 non-existent garment factories. The ACC in their plea today said they are investigating the allegations and learned the accused are planning to flee abroad to evade justice. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Lawmakers of the National Assembly (NA) have said that women are insecure because of the Chhaupadi practice. Lawmakers speaking in the meeting, emphasized that the policy and legal system designed to eradicate the Chhaupadi system should be strictly enforced. At a special time of the National Assembly meeting today, MP Renu Chand said that Chhaupadi system has brought social distortions and discrimination against women. He rued that although there are legal and policy provisions regarding the abolition of Chhaupadi system, it has not been implemented. "During Chhaupadi, people are bitten and killed by snakes while sitting in the shed, some have been raped, they are even not able to go to school", MP Chand said, "How long will women have to sit in the cave of death like this?" The government should take initiative to eradicate this kind of inhuman system.' MP Jayantidevi Rai expressed her sorrow over the rape of a 16-year-old girl from Achham district and drew the attention of the Ministry of H ome Affairs to this end. "Government should take action to punish the perpetrators and bring justice to the victims", he said, "Women have to live with violence all the time, women should be allowed to live without discrimination." Mentioning that women are being deliberately insulted, MP Rai mentioned that the abolition of Chhaupadi practice is limited to speech only. Source: National News Agency RSS