Kathmandu: Kathmandu Metropolis has launched a river cleaning drive, deploying 55 employees from the Environment Department at the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Office. The initiative aims to clean up several rivers including Rudramati (Dhobi Khola), Khahare (a seasonal river in Kapan), Bhachaakhushi in the Balaju area, and Ichchhumati (Tukucha), it is said. Currently, the team has been working on Tukucha for a week. Supervisor Sagar Luintel said that Tukucha has accumulated more garbage compared to other rivers they have tackled so far. In the case of Rudramati, the local government took the help of a machine to collect the trash. According to Laxman Dhakal of Kapan, the Rudramati which seemed clean after the cleaning has already started dealing with the garbage issue again, highlighting the necessity for a regulation by local authorities and increased civic awareness to maintain the cleanliness of the rivers and prevent future pollution. Rivers in the Kathmandu Valley have long been heavily encroached upo n, serving as dumping grounds for sewage and garbage, resulting in a significant pollution issue. The Bagmati River Cleaning initiative launched from the civic level on May 19, 2013, has not yielded significant results. Source: National News Agency RSS
PM greets freedom fighters on AL’s 75th founding anniversary
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her heartfelt greetings to all Freedom Fighters of the country, on the occasion of the 75th founding anniversary of Bangladesh Awami League. To mark the day, the Prime Minister sent flowers, fruits, and sweets to the war-wounded freedom fighters and the families of martyrs residing at the Martyred and War-wounded Freedom Fighters' Rehabilitation Centre (Muktijoddha Tower-1) on Gaznavi Road in the capital city's Mohammadpur. The gifts were handed over by PM's Protocol Officer-2 Md Abu Zafar Raju and PM's Assistant Press Secretary ABM Sarwer-e-Alom Sarker as a token of appreciation and good wishes, according to a press release from PM's Press Wing. The recipients, comprising war-wounded freedom fighters and family members of the martyred, expressed their deep gratitude towards Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her consistent recognition and support on national days and festivals such as Independence Day, Victory Day, Eid, and Pahela Baishakh, and this time at the 75th f ounding anniversary of Awami League. In their speech, the war-wounded and valiant freedom fighters with great respect, remembered the sacrifice and visionary leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in establishing the independent state of Bangladesh. They highlighted the role of Bangladesh Awami League and Chhatra League at different stages of the struggle for liberation, starting from the movement for Bengali language. They described their indomitable bravery, experiences as refugees, training and practical experience in operations with weapons and explosives during the Liberation War. They also commemorated the Freedom Fighters lost on the battlefield and prayed for the forgiveness of their departed souls. The Freedom Fighters pointed out that the people of the country got the direction of the struggle for liberation through the historic 7th March Speech of Father of the Nation, took up arms with the slogan "Joy Bangla" and jumped into battle with the determination to free the country from the hands of the Pakistanis. They said that murderer Mustak-Zia distorted the glorious history of independence after the brutal killing of Father of the Nation on August 15, 1975 with most of his family members, and brought the anti-liberation forces to power as well as banned Bangabandhu's 7th March Speech and "Joy Bangla" slogan. The freedom fighters expressed unwavering faith in the visionary leadership of Father of the Nation's eldest daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. They expressed confidence in Sheikh Hasina's leadership to present the accurate history of independence to the new generation, and rehabilitate them with honor and dignity. They expressed satisfaction with the overwhelming development progress of the country. They specifically mentioned that if the government is in power under the leadership of Awami League, which believes in the spirit of the great liberation war, the welfare of the people of the country will be ensured and the freedom fighters and their families will remain good. They expressed their gratitude to the Prime Minister for providing increased allowances, medical care and accommodation to the freedom fighters. The freedom fighters think that under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh will one day stand head high in the heart of the world as hunger-free, poverty-free, developed, rich and modern- technology-dependent, and dignified 'Golden Bangladesh' and "Smart Bangladesh", dreamt by Father of the Nation. The family members of the martyred freedom fighters, the wounded freedom fighters and everyone wished the Prime Minister's good health and long life. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
AL pays homage to Bangabandhu on 75th founding anniversary
Awami League (AL) and its associate bodies today paid rich tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman coinciding with the ruling party's 75th founding anniversary. The leaders and workers of the biggest political party of the country paid homage to the greatest Bangalee of all times by placing wreaths at the portrait of the Father of the Nation at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum on Dhanmondi-32 this morning. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, also the President of AL, first paid homage to the Father of the Nation by placing a wreath at his portrait at 7 this morning to mark the founding anniversary. After placing the wreath, she stood in solemn silence for a while as a mark of profound respect to the great leader. Later, flanked by senior party leaders, Sheikh Hasina paid tributes to Bangabandhu by placing another wreath at his portrait on behalf of her party. AL Advisory Council Member Amir Hossain Amu, General Secretary Obaidul Quader, Deputy Leader in the Parliament and Presidium Membe rs Matia Chowdhury, Dr Abdur Razzaque, Kazi Zafarullah, Shajahan Khan, Kamrul Islam, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Simin Hossain Rimi and Dr Mostafa Jalal Mohiuddin, Joint General Secretaries Dr Hasan Mahmud, Mahbub Ul Alam Hanif, Dr Dipu Moni and AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Organizing Secretaries Ahmad Hossain, BM Mozammel Haque, Abu Saeed, Al Mahmud Swapan, Afzal Hossain, MM Kamal Hossain, and Sujit Roy Nandi, Cultural Secretary Asim Kumar Ukil, Publicity and Publication Secretary Dr Abdus Sobhan Golap, Office Secretary Biplab Barua, among others, were present at that time. Later, Dhaka North and South City unit Awami League, Awami Jubo League, Awami Swechasebak League, Bangladesh Chhatra League, Jatiya Sramik League, Tati League, Krishak League, Mahila Awami League and Jubo Mahila League also paid tributes to Bangabandhu's portrait. Dhaka North and South City Jubo League units, North and South City Swechasebak League units, North and South City Chhatra League units, Dhaka University Chhatra League, Dhaka College Chhatr a League, Titumir College Chhatra League, Eden College Chhatra League along with leaders and workers of various organizations also paid homage to Bangabandhu by wreaths at his portrait. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
Foundation stone for ‘Central Temple’ laid at BUET
Foundation stone of a temple for the prayers of Hindu community devotees has been laid at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). BUET Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Satya Prasad Majumder on Saturday laid the foundation stone of the temple at northeast side of university's Ahsan Ullah Hall, said a university press release. BUET Pro-VC Professor Dr Abdul Jabbar Khan, deans of faculties, heads of departments, registrar, Directors of the institutes, hall provosts, among others, were present on the occasion. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
AL celebrates platinum jubilee
Bangladesh Awami League, one of the country's oldest political parties, today celebrated its platinum jubilee (75th founding anniversary) across the country in a befitting manner. The anniversary programme began with hoisting of the national flag and party flag atop at all party offices, including the Bangabandhu Avenue central office, with the sunrise. Marking the day, Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing a wreath at his portrait at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi-32 this morning. After placing floral wreath at the portrait of Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Prime Minister stood in solemn silence for a while as mark of profound respect to the Father of the Nation. Later, flanked by senior party leaders, Sheikh Hasina, also President of the Awami League, paid tributes to Bangabandhu by placing another wreath at the portrait of the Father of the Nation on behalf of her p arty. AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader, AL Advisory Council Member Amir Hossain Amu, AL Presidium Members Begum Matia Chowdhury, Shajahan Khan, Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, Advocate Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Kazi Zafarullah, Qamrul Islam, Dr Mostafa Jalal Mahiuddin and Simeen Hussain (Rimi), Joint General Secretaries - Dr Hasan Mahmud, Dr Dipu Moni, Mahbubul Alam Hanif and AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Organizing Secretaries Ahmad Hossain, Afzal Hossain, Sujit Roy Nandi, B M Muzammel Haque and Abu Saeed Al Mahmud Swapan, AL Cultural Affairs Secretary Ashim Kumar Ukil, Publicity and Publications Secretary Dr Abdus Sobhan Golap and Office Secretary Biplab Barua, among others, were present on the occasion. The ruling party leaders and activists made a huge gathering at Dhanmondi road no-32 and its adjacent areas since morning and they were seen to chant different slogans like 'Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu' and "Suvo Suvo Suvo Din Awami Leaguer Janmodin". Besides, Dhaka north and South City units of Awami League, AL assoc iate bodies and front organizations including Awami Jubo League, Awami Swechchhasebak League, Bangladesh Chhatra League, Jatiya Sramik League, Tanti League, Krishak League, Mahila Awami League and Jubo Mahila League also paid respect to the portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. A delegation of Awami League Central Working Committee (ALCWC) led by Awami League (AL) Presidium Member Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Muhammad Faruk Khan also placed wreaths at the mausoleum of Bangabandhu at Tungipara in Gopalganj in the morning. Meanwhile, Awami League organized a discussion in the historic Suhrawardy Udyan here in the afternoon. Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina presided over it. As soon as Sheikh Hasina reached the stage around 3.40 pm, national and party flags were hoisted side by side playing the national anthem. Marking the anniversary, party president Sheikh Hasina along with AL general secretary Obaidul Quader inaugurated the programmes of the day by flying pigeons and balloons . AL Cultural Affairs Secretary Ashim Kumar Ukil and Publicity and Publications Secretary Dr Abdus Sobhan Golap conducted the discussion. Thousands of AL leaders and workers thronged the Suhrawardy Udyan holding national and party flags and placards of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Sheikh Hasina, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Padma Bridge, Metro Rail and Bangabandhu Tunnel. Bangladesh Awami League was formed on this day in 1949, which later transformed into the biggest political party of the country to lead struggles of freedom, the War of Liberation and all democratic movements. Established in 1949 as Awami Muslim League at Rose Garden in the capital's old part on the day, the party later appeared as Bangladesh Awami League (AL) to give it a secular look. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
Police administration undergoes major reshuffle
In a major reshuffle in the police administration, an Additional IGP, nine DIGs, 15 Additional DIGs and 15 SP ranking officials have been transferred to different positions. The Home Ministry issued three separate orders signed by Sirajam Munira, deputy secretary of the Public Security Division, to this end. According to an order, Additional Inspector General of Police (Addl-IGP) Krishna Pada Roy was transferred to the Police Headquarters while Deputy Inspector General (DIGP) Md Saiful Islam was made Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner. DIG Elias Sharif has been transferred to Barishal Range Police as DIG and Md Mahbubur Rahman was posted as DIG at Mass Rapid Transit, Metro Rail. In another order, Md Masud Alam, SP, Madaripur, will replace Prolay Kumar Joardar, in Jashore, who was transferred as additional deputy inspector general of Police Headquarters. Besides, in the ministry's another order, four deputy commissioners of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) -- Md Shahjahan, Muhammad Alamgir Hossai n, Mohammad Monirul Islam, and Md Abdul Ahad -- were transferred to Rangpur, Kushtia, Feni and Pabna district as Superintendents of Police (SPs). Besides, other DIGs, Addl-DIGs and SPs were transferred to different positions including Police Headquarters and metropolitan cities in the three orders. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
Gopalganj AL pays tribute to Bangabandhu
Gopalganj district unit Awami League paid their tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Tungipara on the occasion of the founding anniversary of Bangladesh Awami League. District unit AL led by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Faruk Khan placed a wreath at the mausoleum of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman here in Tungipara this morning. Placing the wreath they stood in solemn silence for sometime as a mark of respect for the memory of Bangabandhu who was the central character of Bangladesh Awami League that united Bengali people against Pakistani forces. Later, leaders of Gopalganj district AL offered Sura Fateha and took part a munajat there seeking blessings of the departed souls of Bangabandhu and his family members murdered in 1975. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
Bangladesh taste 50-run defeat to India in T20WC Super 8 clash
Bangladesh put a listless performance to taste a 50-run defeat to India in their 'do or die' clash in the Super 8 phase of the T20 World Cup at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua today. The defeat, their successive second in this phase, ruined their hopes to play the semifinal for the first time in tournament's history. India put up a mammoth 196-5 and the had Bangladesh held off to 146-8 on the back of some superb bowling. The victory helped them made a giant stride towards the semifinal of yet another ICC tournament. Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav was the wrecker-in-chief with 3-19 from four overs while fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was as usual unplayable even in a good batting pitch as he scalped 2-13 from four overs. Pacer Arshdeep Sing returned figures of 2-30 and Hardik Pandya who blasted 27 ball-50 not out with the willow, finished with 1-32. For Bangladesh, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was the top-scorer with 40, hitting one four and three sixes from 32 balls. Opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim made 29 and Rishad Hossain clubbed an entertaining 10 ball-24. But Bangladesh went nowhere right from starting the chase as they were well below par as far as the asking run rate was concerned. After lifting the side to a respectable total, Pandya broke through with the wicket of Liton Das (13) who was baffled by the slower delivery and chipped it straight to Suryakumar Yadav. Kuldeep strangled Bangladesh, varying his pace well and confounding the batters with sly googly that was hard to read. He removed Tanzid and Towhid Hridoy (2) in his consecutive two overs to leave Bangladesh at 66-3. Shakib Al Hasan tried to curb his dominance by hitting him a six but Kuldeep took the sweet revenge by getting rid of the ace allrounder, changing his pace well. Bumrah then returned to his second spell to dismiss Shanto before ending Rishad's high-octane innings, varying his length cleverly. Arshdeep Singh also had his say when he got rid of Mahmudullah in the penultimate delivery of the innings as Bangladesh tasted a big defeat. Put in to bat first, Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma gave the India a fluent start before Shakib Al Hasan broke through with the wicket of the latter for his 50th wicket in T20 World Cup history. Having done so, he became the first bowler in the tournament's history to take 50 wickets. Rohit made 23 off 11 while Kohli gave the glimpse of returning back to form with 28 ball-37 that studded with one four and three sixes. Pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib removed Kohli and then took the prized scalp of Suryakumar Yadav for 6 to finish with 2-32. Tanzim's double strike put India a troublesome 77-3 ninth over but India's middle order was unfazed. The likes of Rishab Pant and Shivam Dube kept hitting all the things, thrown at them in impeccable fashion to leave Bangladesh bowlers in disarray. They were particularly harsh on leg-spinner Rishad Hossain who was the most successful bowler for the team in the previous matches. But the young leggie saw the other side of the coin against a quality batting attack. He ended with two wickets but conceded 43 runs in three overs. Rishab Pant made 34 while Shivam Dube scored 34 at a strike rate over 140 and set the platform for Hardik Pandya. Pandya responded aggressively, smacking four fours and three sixes in his 27 ball-50 to help the side edge closer to 200. Bangladesh will take on Afghanistan in their last match of the Super 8 on Tuesday at St Lucia, a slow-paced pitch which would suit their bowling attack. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
Afghans hail ‘massive win’ over Australia at T20 World Cup
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan described his side's 21-run victory over Australia in the T20 World Cup Super Eight match on Sunday as a "massive win for us as a team and as a nation." The Afghans took advantage of a poor performance in the field from the Australians to post 148-6 in their innings before bowling the 2021 champions out for 127, a result that keeps alive their hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals. "It's not just like a bilateral game," said Rashid. "It's a World Cup game, and definitely in a World Cup, you're beating one of the best sides. It's a great achievement." It was Afghanistan's first ever win over Australia and came a year after Glenn Maxwell had rescued the eventual world champions from defeat in the ODI World Cup in India. "It means a lot. Beating teams like Australia... it gives the people back home so much hope. Especially the young generation getting involved in the cricket. "Cricket is the only source of happiness back home, you all know that. And I feel like we are so lucky to be here giving this happiness to the people back home. "As a team we can make them more proud and give them more happiness." Politics has added some needle to their encounters with Cricket Australia withdrawing from bilateral series because of the "deterioration in human rights" for women and girls in Afghanistan. "Cricket is the only source of happiness back home," said Rashid. "That's the only source left in Afghanistan where people could celebrate. And if we keep that source away from us as well, I don't know where Afghanistan will remain. "Once you take this source and happiness from us as well, I think it's going to be hard for us. "I don't think cricket is the solution of politics and things like that. So, yeah, if we play in World Cup, why don't we play in bilateral series?" - Australia 'outplayed' - Australian captain Mitchell Marsh admitted Afghanistan "outplayed us" on a night when his side dropped five catches. "They're a very good cricket team who play against the best all the ti me and they have improved a hell of a lot over the last few years," said Marsh. "We know certainly in these conditions that they are a big danger team. Like I said before, they outplayed us tonight and credit to them." With one match to play in the Super Eights, Afghanistan and Australia have two points each while India top the group with four. Afghanistan will face winless Bangladesh in their final game in the Super Eights in Kingstown, St Vincent while Australia, who currently occupy second spot in the group on the basis of run rate, will likely need to beat India in St Lucia to secure a place in the semi-finals. "We have a lot of belief in our group," said Marsh. "We are a very good cricket team. Yes, tonight we had an off night but I guess there's also a positive in the fact that in 36 hours we go again. "It's a big game, it will be against India obviously and it's a must-win game. "I think if you look back at the short history of this team, I know for a fact that it brings out the best in our guys , so the boys will certainly be up and about for it." Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha