Day: June 25, 2024

Author Chandra Prakash Baniya, who is also the recipient of the Madan Puraskar, has been conferred on the 'Surya Narayan Award' here Monday. Baniya is the author of seminal book 'Maharani' for which he had bagged the Madan Puraskar, a prestigious award in Nepal. The Surya Narayan Puraskar Foundation organized a programme at Beni on Monday and honoured Prof Dr Karna Bahadur Baniya and author Baniya along with the cash prize of Rs 25,000 to each. A letter of appreciation and shawl were also offered to them. The award was instituted in the name of social activist Surya Narayan Shrestha. It is awarded every two years to the persons hailing from Myagdi who plays a vital role on promotion and protection of culture, arts and literature. Author Baniya was also elected from constituency no 2 of Myagdi district through the 2048 general election. He has a tremendous role on elevating the Nepali literature, according to Foundation's secretary, Ajay Milan Shrestha. In addition to the Maharani, Baniya has extensive ly written non fictions and essays. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed a press conference at her official Ganabhaban residence here this morning on her state visit to India on June 21-22. She read out a written speech at the beginning of the press conference. Following is the verbatim of her written speech: Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim Dear Journalists, and colleagues. Assalamu Alaikum! Good morning! I paid a state visit to India on June 21 -22, 2024 at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. This was my first bilateral visit to a country after the formation of our new government through the 12th Jatiya Sangsad elections in January 2024. At the same time, this was also the first bilateral visit by a Head of State or Head of Government to India after the formation of its government following the 18th Lok Sabha elections. It is certainly a great honor for me and the people of Bangladesh. Besides, it is an expression of India's cooperative special relationship with Bangladesh. India is Bangladesh's biggest an d closest neighbour, trusted friend and regional partner. Bangladesh has been putting special importance on the relationship that started in 1971 through the great Liberation War. In recent years, the two countries have continued communication and cooperation at the high levels, including at the highest level of state. You know that the swearing-in ceremony of the three-time elected Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and his newly formed cabinet was held on June 9. I visited New Delhi from June 8 to 10 to attend the ceremony. Many dignitaries including heads of state and government of neighbouring countries were invited there. During that visit, I exchanged pleasantries with the political personalities of India as well as exchanged views with several heads of government from South Asia and other countries who were invited at that ceremony. Besides, bilateral meetings of the heads of government of Bhutan and Sri Lanka with me were held separately. These discussions and meetings will be conducive to s trengthen our mutual relations. This time I paid a state bilateral visit on June 21 and 22. It is an unprecedented incident for me to visit Delhi twice as the head of the government in the same month. All these bear testimony of our two countries working closely with each other. Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Ambassador-at-large, Honourable Private Industry and Investment Adviser, State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, State Minister for Commerce, secretaries of some ministries and high government officials, and some prominent businessmen and a delegation of journalists were my entourage. On June 21, I was welcomed at Delhi Palam Airport with a colourful reception and cultural programme. In the evening on that day, India's External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar called on me. Besides, an Indian business delegation called on me and discussed the possibilities and ways for expansion of bilateral trade. On the occasion, my entourage business delegatio n also participated in the discussion. On June 22, I was accorded a formal state reception by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Rashtrapati Bhavan. I was given a guard of honour in presence of him there. Afterwards, I paid my tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of Indian Nation, at his mausoleum at Rajghat. In the afternoon I had several meetings with Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi. A bilateral meeting between Bangladesh and India was held at the historic Hyderabad House. I led the Bangladesh delegation. On the other hand, Shri Narendra Modi led the Indian delegation. During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi said Bangladesh-India relations are constantly flourishing and progressing rapidly. Emphasizing good relations with neighbours and regional cooperation amid ongoing global instability and uncertainty, he said, they are interested in working more deeply with Bangladesh. Bangladesh is at the centre of their 'Neighbourhood First', 'Act East', 'SAGAR and Indo-Pacific' policies. We dis cussed ways and means of mutual cooperation and engagement between the two countries. We have agreed to cooperate sincerely for the welfare of our two countries and people. During the meeting, we discussed politics and security, peaceful and secured border management and curbing border casualty to zero level, trade and connectivity, sustainable management of common rivers and water sharing, energy and regional and multilateral cooperation, among other issues of mutual interest. I have invited Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to pay a bilateral visit to Bangladesh as soon as possible at his convenient time. After the meeting, 5 new memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed and exchanged and 3 renewed MoUs were signed and exchanged between the two countries. In addition, 2 Vision Statements were signed and exchanged. In the meeting, 13 joint programmes as areas of future work were announced. (Attached with separate list). Important aspects of the tour: · Both countries have adopted a Vision Statement to ensure a peaceful and prosperous future. In addition, we both sides agreed to work with two integrated visions of 'Digital Partnership' and 'Green Partnership for Sustainable Future'. · Five MoUs were signed on rail connectivity, maritime cooperation and green economy, cooperation in information technology sector, satellite and military education cooperation. Through the memorandums of understanding on railway connectivity, passenger and freights trains communication will be established with Bangladesh and various cities of India as well as Nepal and Bhutan. · Three MoUs have been renewed for cooperation in health and medicine, disaster management, resilience and mitigation and cooperation in fisheries. Besides, some programmes undertaken between the two countries were announced during the visit: · We discussed the renewal of the Ganges River Water Sharing Agreement and India's assistance in the Teesta River Water Management and Water Conservation Project in Bangladesh. However, this has n o link with the long-standing unsettled issue of Teesta water sharing. · Introduction of e-Visa for patients travelling from Bangladesh for medical purpose in India and establishment of new Assistant High Commission of India in Rangpur. This will allow critical patients to process their visas faster than before and travel in lesser time. · Introduction of new train service between Rajshahi and Kolkata; New bus service between Chattogram and Kolkata and freight train service between Gede-Darshana and Haldibari-Chilahati to Dalgaon. This will enhance communication and economic activities between the two countries further. · Construction of Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Sirajganj under grant assistance. · Import of 40 MW electricity from Nepal to Bangladesh through the Indian grid, which will further enhance regional power cooperation. · Making expenditure capped at Tk 8 lakh for patients seeking treatment under the Mukti Joddha scheme and introduction of training for Bangladeshi police officers. · In troduction of 'Rupee' card in Bangladesh and 'Taka-Pay' card in India in order to start the use of 'UPI'. After exchanging the MoUs, I and the Indian Prime Minister addressed a joint press conference. Later I attended a luncheon hosted in honor of me and my entourage. In the afternoon before leaving Delhi, I paid a courtesy call on Indian President Smt. Droupadi Murmu and Vice-President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar. During the meeting with His Excellency the President and Vice President of India, we emphasized the friendship and cooperative relations between the two countries. They praised the unprecedented socio-economic development and stability of Bangladesh in the last 15 years. Bangladesh-India relations have been elevated to a unique height in the last 15 years. The people of both countries are enjoying the benefits. Especially in 2023, a new dimension has been added to the relations between the two countries. Last year I and the Prime Minister of India jointly inaugurated four projects in the communication and power sectors. Bangladesh-India jointly produced the film 'Mujib: The Making of a Nation', a biopic of Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. As the only country in South Asia, I attended the G-20 summit at the invitation of India. The visit was held after the formation of new governments in both Bangladesh and India. During the visit, main focus of the discussions with the Indian leadership was on formulating a vision on how the two newly-elected governments could take ahead the cooperative relationship further. As Dhaka and Delhi began a new journey through the formation of new governments, and in continuation of that, we have discussed setting the future course of action to ensure establishing of 'Smart Bangladesh' under 'Vision 2041' and 'Viksit Bharat 2047'. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also mentioned that she had separate meetings with senior BJP leader L K Advani and Gandhi family including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi during her visit to India to attend the Modi's swearing-in ceremony. She also said during her recent state visit to New Delhi, she met family members of former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee. The visit was short but very fruitful. I think this visit will play a far-reaching role in strengthening the existing excellent relations between India and Bangladesh. Thank you all. Khoda Hafez. Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu May Bangladesh live forever. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Supreme Court (SC) Bar Association today celebrated the 75th founding anniversary of Awami League (AL). A 75-pound cake was cut at the ceremony at the hall room of the Supreme Court Bar Association. Conducted by SC Bar Association secretary Shah Monjurul Hoque, the function was attended by Attorney General AM Amin Uddin, senior jurist and Bangabandhu Awami Ainjibee Parishad convener Advocate Mohammad Yusuf Hossain Humayun, former SCBA secretaries Nurul Islam Sujon and Adv Mahbub Ali, among others. Advocate Mohammad Yusuf Hossain Humayun at the programme urged all to strengthen the hands of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, saying different conspiracies are being hatched in home and abroad against Awami League and present government. Attorney General AM Amin Uddin in his speech narrated different development works completed by the present government. SC Bar Association secretary Shah Monjurul Hoque at the end of the programme thanked all for participating wholeheartedly. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested seven members of a transport-extortionist gang from the city's Jatrabari and Sonir Akhra areas. The arrested were identified as Md. Abu Hanif, 35, Md. Abul Basar, 40, Md. Jasim Khan, 35, Md. Ismail Hossain Joni, 44, Md. Akash, 50, Md. Usuf Bapari, 40, and Russel, 27, said MJ Sohel, assistant director (media) of RAB-10, today. Acting on a tip-off, a team of RAB-10 conducted a drive in Jatrabari at around 12:45 pm and in Sonir Akhra at around 7:30 pm on Monday, M J Sohel said, adding RAB personnel also recovered Tk 9,190 in cash, four sticks and seven mobile phones from their possession. Legal action has been taken against them, he added. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Bangladesh bowed out the T20 World Cup with a sour note after suffering an eight-run defeat to Afghanistan on DLS method in their last match of the Super 8 phase at St Vincent in West Indies today. The Tigers which moved to the second round of a T20 World Cup for the first time since the inaugural edition in 2007, lost all of the three matches in this phase. They began the match with a slim hope to make it semifinal after Australia opened the gate for them by tasting a 24-run defeat to India. Bangladesh, however, were well on course of materializing the hopes when they held Afghanistan off to 115-5 in 20 overs. To make it semifinal by beating the teams like Australia and Afghanistan on net run rate, Bangladesh were given the target to chase it down by 12.1 overs. Even though on a tricky pitch, it was always a tough target to chase but given their habit of playing in this kind of wicket at home always, Bangladesh are believed to overhaul it. But apart from Liton Das, no one could show the determination an d stubbornness, which first ruined Bangladesh's hopes to chase down the total in 12.1 overs and later paved their defeat as they were bowled out for 105 in 17.5 overs. Liton Das battled lonely to be stranded on 54 off 49 with five fours and one six. Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan claimed 4-23 while fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq also snapped up 4-26 including Bangladesh's last two wickets to send the team to the semifinal for the first time in their country's history. Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first in a match hit by rain quite a several times, knowing that a victory would put them in the semifinal. The possibility of the proud history seemed to have put a huge pressure on them as their batters looked nervous. Still Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, the two openers grinded it out to put on 59 runs for the opening stand but they took 10.4 overs to get it. Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain who took 3-26 and achieved the feat to take highest wickets for Bangladesh in a single edition of the tour nament, going past Shakib Al Hasan's record, struck twice to dismiss those two openers. Gurbaz made team-best 43 off 55 with three fours and one six while Zadran scored 18. In between Mustafizur Rahman took the wicket of Azmatullah Omarzai for 10. Taskin who ended with 4-1-12-1 and Mustafizur who had figures of 4-0-17-1, stifled Afghanistan to slow down the scoring rate. However, Rashid Khan hit three sixes off Tanzim Hasan Sakib in the last over to help the side post 115-5 and those three sixes eventually made all the difference. Liton Das started the chase with a bang, taking 13 runs in the first over and Bangladesh looked on the course to chase it down by 12.1 overs. But apart from Liton, no one could come with the terms. After Fazalhaq Farooqi dismissed Tanzid Hasan Tamim for a three-ball-duck, Naveen-ul-Haq jolted Bangladesh, removing Najmul Hossain Shanto (5) and Shakib Al Hasan, also for duck, in consecutive deliveries. With Bangladesh at 23-3, Liton and Soumya Sarkar (10) looked to have bailed Ba ngladesh out of danger but Rashid Khan struck to get rid of Soumya, ending 25-run partnership. Rashid then got the better of Towhid Hridoy, who made second best 14, before he claimed the wicket of experienced Mahmudullah (6) and Rishad Hossain for duck to put Afghanistan on the verge of the victory. Liton finally found form after a lengthy batting patch and played with guts to keep Bangladesh in the hunt. But Naveen-ul-Haq brought the watershed moment for Afghanistan cricket by cleaning up the tail with a gem of pace bowling. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Bangladesh archery team returned home this morning after participating in the Final World Quota Tournament and 2024 Archery World Cup Stage-3 which was held in Antalya, Turkey recently. Bangladesh Archery Federation (BAF) general secretary Kazi Razib Uddin Ahmed Chapal greeted the national archery team with bouquet at Hazrat Shahjalal Int'l Airport in the city. BAF assistant general secretary Roshiduzzaman Serniyabat, it's treasurer Md. Anisur Rahman, executive members Farque Dhali and Dr. Md Ahsanul Karim, and Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Prothistan archery trainer and head of department Md Noore Alam were also present there. It can be mention that Bangladeshi archer Mohammad Sagor Islam won silver medal in the 2024 Final World Qualification Tournament in Antalya to qualify directly for the Paris Olympics 2024. He will be accorded a warm reception by the BHF on Thursday (June 27) afternoon at Sheikh Russel Roller Skating Complex. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha has said that regular talks are ongoing to repatriate Nepalis serving the Russian Army. Talking to the media at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) this evening upon his return from the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) held in Iran, the DPM shared that regular efforts are being taken with Russia's External Affairs Ministry and other concerned bodies to repatriate Nepalis from there. On the sidelines of the ACD, Minister Shrestha met Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Andrei Rudenko and raised the issue of repatriation of Nepali youths serving the Russian Army with special focus. Shrestha said, "I talked with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia about the homecoming of Nepalis there. Before this, I had talked with the Russian Foreign Minister too. On behalf of our ministry, frequent talks are being held with the Embassy there," Shrestha added. Shrestha shared that it has been learned that som e of the Nepalis in Russia are in a difficult situation which was confirmed during the talks with the officials of the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry and other bodies. The DPM said that efforts through different channels are ongoing to confirm the total number of Nepalis serving the Russian Army and their status. Shrestha said that the Russian side was urged to send the dead bodies of Nepalis in the Russian Army for their final rites in Nepal and provide due compensation to the families of those killed in the conflict, and ensure good health care services and compensation to the injured ones. Minister Shrestha shared that currently six Nepalis are under Ukrainian force's control and the Ukrainian government has been told to release Nepalis under the prisoners of war. Principally, the Russian government has agreed to send Nepalis working in the military service there back home but its modality is yet to be finalized, Shrestha added. Meanwhile, Shrestha said that the government of Kuwait is opening its embassy in Nepal this year and added that the Kuwaiti government would increase the number of Nepali migrant workers up to 300,000 from the existing number of 100,000. The Ministerial Meeting adopted the Tehran Declaration and the documents, namely, Guiding Principles for the Functioning of Asia Cooperation Dialogue Secretariat, and ACD Rules of Procedures which provide a framework of cooperation among ACD Members and an important basis for institutional strengthening of ACD Secretariat. On the sidelines of the ACD Ministerial Meeting, Shrestha held bilateral meetings with Dr. Ali Bagheri, Acting Foreign Minister of Iran; U Than Swe, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar; Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain; Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait; Walid bin Abdul Karim Al Khraiji, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and others to discuss on various matters of mutual interests including p ressing regional and global issues. In Tehran, Minister Shrestha also attended an interaction programme organized by the Honorary Consulate General of Nepal with Nepali diaspora members. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today sought Sweden's support for Bangladesh's smooth transition and graduation from the least developed countries (LDCs). "We want support and cooperation from Sweden for a smooth graduation and transition (from LDCs)," she said. The Premier sought this support when Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexandra Berg Von Linde paid a farewell call on the Prime Minister at her Ganabhaban residence here. Prime Minister's Press Secretary Md Nayeemul Islam Khan briefed the reporters after the meeting. He said that the Premier requested Sweden for providing GSP plus facilities for the smooth transition and graduation. The envoy replied to the Premier that they also have interest in it. Bangladesh has over billion dollar business with Sweden, mostly ready-made garments (RMG). The Ambassador said that her country would extend cooperation in this sector (RMG), and especially they want to prioritise sustainability in social and environmental aspects due to their commitment to climate c hanges and environment. About the Prime Minister's Vision-2041, she said that Sweden would cooperate in Bangladesh's digital journey. The Premier urged Sweden to come up with investment in Bangladesh's Special Economic Zone. While the issue of Rohingyas was raised in the discussion, Sheikh Hasina expressed her concern about the internal conflict in Myanmar, which is deteriorating the situation there. The envoy also agreed with the Premier, but she said they will not ask the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals, Rohingyas to return to their homeland unless a favourable atmosphere prevails there. Unless the conflicting situation is resolved in Myanmar and an atmosphere for Rohingyas' safe return is created, they cannot ask them to go back, the Swedish envoy said. The Prime Minister mentioned that each year some 30,000 new Rohingya babies are born in Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina said that local Bangladeshis are losing their jobs and the environment is suffering heavily due to the Rohingya influx. "Rohingyas will get a better life in Bhashanchar as the government has made good arrangements with different facilities for Myanmar citizens," the Premier said. The envoy said that they have kept a special project in Cox's Bazar for the host community to ensure a win-win situation for both the Rohingyas and the host community. She also appreciated the generosity of the Prime Minister for hosting the Rohingya people for nearly seven years. Mentioning that she came to Bangladesh during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, Alexandra Berg Von Linde told the Premier that Bangladesh has demonstrated excellent management during the pandemic. "I witnessed the successful Covid-19 management of Bangladesh, which is highly laudable." She also highly appreciated women's empowerment in Bangladesh, saying that Bangladeshi women are very resilient and strong. The Ambassador said that democracy and human rights are their interests, and they want to extend more cooperation in these sectors to find out ways to bring improvement and transparency further. She extended her gratitude to the Premier for extending all types of support and cooperation while discharging her duty in Bangladesh. Ambassador-at-Large Mohammad Ziauddin and Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah, among others, were present Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has arrested 20 alleged culprits in the second round of investigation into the 60 kg gold smuggling case. The huge quantity of gold was smuggled to Nepal from the Cathay Pacific Airways from Hong Kong hidden inside brake shoes in July, 2023. CIB's Spokesperson and Superintendent of Police (SP) Hobindra Bogati told to RSS that they were in the last phase of second round of investigation into the smuggling case. SP Bogati shared that 15 accused were still absconding. "More details about this issue will be made public through press meet within few days," he added. Among the arrested ones in the second round were Indian nationals Prashant Ganesh Bajawalkar, Siddanath Ashok Gayakwad, Baijanath Mahadutta Goyal, Dhirajdinesh Bait. Similarly, police arrested Nepalis namely Surendraman Shrestha of Birgunj-11, Raju Khattri of Suryabinayak-5 in Bhaktapur, Sushil Jakibanja of Madhyapur-15, Kancha Lama of Temal-4 in Kavrepalanchowk. Police also held Bhim Prasad Ti milsina of Namobuddha-10, Rupak Bhandari of Bhumlu-1, Prajwal Acharya of Kathmandu-7, Suraj Shumsher JBR of Subhidanagar in Kathmandu, Kashyap Manandhar of Bafal, Lal Bahadur Kunwar of Satyawati-1 in Gulmi, Arun Kumar Yadav of Jitpur-19 of Bara and Sonam Gurung aka Serap. A Tibetan person named Ganga Tashi has been nabbed for his alleged involvement in the smuggling of gold, said Bogati. Police are searching for the absconding accused one while forwarding the investigation into those involved in smuggling of the gold, smelting of gold, transporting the smuggled yellow metal, buying and selling them and managing the money in a planned manner. A team of the Revenue Investigation Department had confiscated the gold from the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. It may be noted that the CIB, after its first round of investigation, had submitted an investigation report to the District Public Prosecutor Office on September 18 last year demanding over Rs 3.3 billion in fine from 29 accused ones. So urce: National News Agency Nepal

Bangladesh Meteorological Department today predicted the ongoing mild heat wave is likely to continue at six places across the country in the next 24 hours commencing 9 am today. "Mild heat wave is sweeping over Rajshahi and Khulna divisions and the districts of Tangail, Faridpur, Manikganj, Rangpur, Sayedpur and Patuakhali and it may continue,"said the weather bulletin issued this morning. "Day and night temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country. Due to excessive moisture, discomfort may persist," it added. "Light to moderate rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at many places over Rangpur, Mymensingh, Sylhet and Chattogram divisions; at a few places over Rajshahi, Dhaka and Barisal divisions and at one or two places over Khulna division with moderately heavy to heavy falls at places over Rangpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions," it added. Country's maximum temperature on Monday was recorded 38.7 degrees Celsius at Rajshahi. While, tod ay's minimum temperature 24.1 degrees Celsius was recorded at Bandarban. Rainfall for the last 24 hours commencing 6 am today was recorded 57mm at Sylhet. The sun sets at 6:50pm today and rises at 5:11am tomorrow in the capital. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: The Supreme Court (SC) has quashed the writ petition registered against the Koshi province government by its erstwhile Chief Minister Kedar Karki. A full bench of Justices, Kumar Regmi, Abdul Ajij Musalman and Nahakul Subedi, issued the verdict to quash the petition. "The Chief Minister shall seek a vote of confidence within 30 days pursuant to Article 188 (2) if the party or person supporting the government formed in pursuant to Article 168 (5) of the Constitution withdraws its support. But, the then Chief Minister did not take vote of confidence. In such a situation, the province chief called for the formation of a new government and the government also took a vote of confidence. So, the writ petition has been quashed," reads the verdict. With this decision of the court, Hikmat Kumar Karki will continue as the Chief Minister of Koshi Province and led the government. A writ petition had been filed at apex court against Karki, who was appointed chief minister on 7 June 2024. Source: Natio nal News Agency Nepal

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today invited Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus to join a debate with her, saying that Younus got the most benefit from her and is now pursuing a propaganda against her using the money he amassed illegally. "There is nothing to be jealous of. He may come and have a debate with me as is done in the USA," she said. The Prime Minister was replying to a question at a press conference held at her official Ganabhaban residence here to make public the outcome of her recent two-day state visit to India. About the Time Magazine column against her, she said Dr Yunus has been using his illegally earned money to write against her. Earlier a statement of several Nobel laureates was released which was an advertisement. "If he is so much popular why he had to publish an advertisement?" she questioned. People from across the globe should have talked in favour of him, but none came forward to talk for him, she added. Mentioning that Yunus got the most financial and other benefits from her, sh e said, "It is true, we promoted him very much." The Prime Minister said she has no comparison with Dr Yunus as he is a businessman. "Sheikh Hasina feels no jealousy with anyone. Sheikh Hasina is the daughter of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. None can come up at least this position. I feel proud of it," she said. She went on saying that prime ministership is a temporary thing. Being a politician, the premier said, she always protects the interest of the country and its people. "I never sell the country or the interests of the country (to anyone)," she said. Sheikh Hasina said she promoted the micro credit idea at home and abroad thinking it was a good move to alleviate poverty. She said she gradually realized that the micro credit has been nurturing the poverty. Yunus is now blaming her the most despite the fact that she helped the Grameen Bank survive by giving Tk 400 crore in three phases, Sheikh Hasina said. The Prime Minister said she even gave Yunus the business of Grame en Phone in partnership with Telenor as he pledged to run the bank with the money of telephone business. But, he did not give a single penny to the bank from the business of Grameen Phone, she said. The Premier said Yunus did not use the foreign donation he got for the Grameen Bank for its survival. In every case, he used the money for business purpose and did not give the taxes against the business, she said. Whenever cases were lodged against him for dodging taxes, Yunus paid some money as taxes and thus he proved that he evaded taxes. Yunus did business with the welfare fund of the Grameen Bank employees and did not pay any money to the labourers since 2006, though it is a must to provide five percent interest against the fund. The Grameen Bank employees had filed a case against Yunus at the Labour court and he was convicted in the case. 'What is my fault here?' she said. The government did not file the case rather Yunus had filed two separate cases against the government and Bangladesh Bank and he lost in the cases, she said. Sheikh Hasina questioned what action the USA and European countries would take if anyone evades taxes years after years and if anyone embezzles the money of the Labour welfare fund and doesn't pay the dues of the workers. She said Grameen Bank was established during the regime of General Ershad and Dr Yunus was made its Managing Director. 'But he didn't establish this bank himself,' she added. She said he used to do a job as the managing director and drew the salary at the bank which is a statutory authority. The salary and other things were provided from the government, she continued. But a campaign was run in such a way as if he (Dr Yunus) had established this bank, she said. Noting that his microcredit scheme was not acceptable, she said the people had to pay upto 40-45 percent interest for loans under his microcredit scheme. She questioned why poverty was not alleviated with his microcredit scheme in the country when it was so effective. 'It is I who alleviated povert y in Bangladesh. I brought down the poverty rate to 18.7 percent from 41.6 in only 15 years,' said the premier. Sheikh Hasina said she has no conflict with anyone and never has a desire to get a Nobel Prize. Citing her role for the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord 1997, Sheikh Hasina said it was a unique peace accord as some 1800 armed persons surrendered and submitted their arms. She said many noted personalities at home and abroad wrote for giving her the Nobel Prize after the peace accord, but she never went to tell them such, she said. 'When the MD of a bank obtains a Nobel prize, why would I go to contest with him,' she said. The Prime Minister said Yunus wanted to enter into politics in 2007, but he did not get any response from the masses as people were under tremendous pressure of interests of loans taken from the Grameen Bank. She asked the media to unearth where are the people who got loans from the Grameen Bank at a programme in Jeshore in presence of Hilary Clinton. They have to leave t he localities selling their belongings and many of them committed suicide under the pressure of paying the interest of loan. AL General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, Presidium Members, Deputy Leader of the House Begum Matia Chowdhury, Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim and Kazi Zafarullah, Joint General Secretary and Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud and PM's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman, shared the dais with the Premier. PM's Press Secretary M Nayeemul Islam Khan moderated the press conference Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha