Day: June 25, 2024

A seminar titled 'Launching GNSS Ionospheric Observatory: New Horizon of Collaborative Space Research in Bangladesh' was held at the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) here today. Defence Secretary Md Ashraf Uddin addressed the seminar as the chief guest, said an ISPR press release. Speaking at the event, he said this seminar will undoubtedly benefit the MIST by advancing scientific research, fostering education and innovation, enhancing national and global collaboration, and providing critical operational, economic and societal benefits. The defence secretary believed that this significant milestone would mark a new horizon in pursuit of scientific excellence and technological advancement. He encouraged the young generation to work hand in hand to overcome challenges in the field of science and technology and create a better world for all. MIST Commandant Major General Mohammad Saidul Islam was present at the seminar as the chief patron. He mentioned about the importance of space res earch using GNSS technology in the context of Bangladesh. The MIST commandant said the MIST can better understand space weather and provide early warnings for solar events by joining hands to the international community on ionospheric monitoring and scientists around the world, while engineers of the country can develop improved protection systems for the society. The distinguished keynote speakers discussed how the government research institute Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) is deeply involved in promoting scientific knowledge. They expressed their hope that with the cooperation agreement established in 2021 with the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), INGV sought enhanced scientific collaboration in Bangladesh and to bolster monitoring capabilities across the Asian continent by installing an Ionospheric Observatory. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Finance Minister Barshman Pun has said that domestic or foreign loans will be spent in the productive sector, including job creation. Responding to the queries raised during the discussion on the Bill to raise National Debt, 2081, he said that even though the amount of debt has increased during the post-quake reconstruction it helped the economic growth of seven percent. Earlier, participating in the discussion, parliamentarians requested that the debt raised by the government should be spent in a result-oriented manner. MP Dr Prakasharan Mahat commented that if the loan cannot be spent on concrete and productive work it will invite problems while MP Rajendra Kumar KC urged the government not to take a loan that the country cannot afford. Dr Swarnim Wagle urged to carry the burden of debt based on reality and Pradeep Poudel said that the policy of taking loans even for current expenses is not right. Similarly, MP Shyam Kumar Ghimire suggested adopting a policy of controlling revenue leakage and reducing expenses. Badri Prasad Pandey commented that it would be counterproductive for the nation to borrow again to pay off the debt it had taken without spending on productive work. Prem Suwal suggested that cottage and micro industries and enterprises should be supported while Rajendra Prasad Pandey was of the view that the burden of debt can be avoided if employment is increased by investing in sectors like tourism, agriculture and education. MP Nagina Yadav said that domestic debt should not exceed 5.5 percent of the gross domestic production. Similarly, MPs Jeevan Pariyar, Udaya Shumsher Rana, Sanjay Kumar Gautam and others stressed that the trend of taking loans and spending in unproductive sectors should be stopped. HoR endorses bill to raise national debt The House of Representatives (HoR) meeting later endorsed the Bill to Raise National Debt, 2081 BS. The bill was endorsed by a majority of members of the parliament after Finance Minister Barshaman Pun responded to the queries raised i n today's theoretical discussion over the bill. Deputy Speaker Indira Rana who chaired the House session had presented the proposal seeking consideration on the bill for a decision. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Lawmakers today said the proposed budget for FY 25 is time-befitting and will help overcome the prevailing global economic crisis. Taking part in the general discussion on the national budget for 2024-25 fiscal at the Jatiya Sangsad here, the lawmakers said the proposed budget will help overcome the prevailing economic crisis which is now grips the world due to Ukraine-Russia and Hamas-Israel-Palestine war. Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali on June 6 unveiled a Taka 7,97,000 crore national budget for 2024-25 fiscal setting the GDP growth target at 6.8 percent amid an economic meltdown across the world due to ongoing Ukraine-Russia war and Hamas-Israel-Palestine conflict. "The whole world is now facing serious economic meltdown due to war between Ukraine-Russia and Hamas-Israel-Palestine...under the situation, the proposed budget is time-befitting and will help to overcome the prevailing economic crisis", said Sheikh Selim of Gopalganj-2. The proposed budget has set a goal to keep the inflation rate within 6.5 percent and growth rate up to 6.7 percent, said the lawmaker, adding that the livelihood expenditure has been increased from 50 percent to 100 percent due to the higher inflation. Terming the proposed budget as far-sighted, Mahbub Ul Alam Hanif of Khustia-3 said the proposed budget outlay has been increased by only 4.6 percent compare to the last year budget which has proved that the government has taken the government has pursued compression policy in placing budget considering current global economic recession. Welcoming the proposed budget, Nazrul Islam of Mymensing-5 said the proposed budget is pro-people oriented as the government has reduced tax on thirty items which would help to bring down the inflations and benefitted the common people. "The proposed 53rd budget titled "March towards Smart Bangladesh Following the Path of Sustainable Development" which is only 4.6 percent bigger than that of the current fiscal year, would help building a smart Bangladesh", said Mohammad Shafiqur Rahman of Rajshahi-2. Participating in the discussion, Jatiya Party lawmaker Shariful Islam Zinna of Bogura-2 said the proposed budget would be challenging amid higher inflation which would not successful if intensive efforts would not come into effect. Treasury bench members, Mahfuzur Rahman of Chattogram-3, Shafiqul Islam of Sirajganj-4, Sheikh Anarkali Putul of Women seat-30, Matiar Rahman of Lalmonirhat-3,Kanan Ara Begum of women seat-32, SK Ekramuzzaman of Brahmanbaria-1, Abdul Motallib of Chattogram-13, Jarati Tanchangya of women reserved seat-48, Motaharul Islam Chowdhury of Chattogram-12, Nazma Akhter of Women seat-37, Motahar Hossen of Lalmonirhat-1, Faridun nahar Laily of women seat-43, Imran Ahmed of Sylhet-4, Mohammad Wakil Uddin of Dhaka-11, Ahmed Hossain of Netrokona-5, Aparajita Haque of Women Seat-20, Md. Ashrafuzzaman of Satkhira-2, Mr.A.K.M Bahauddin of Cumilla-6, Shamima Haroon of Women Seat-45,Salim Mahmud of Chandpur-1, Shahdara Mannan of Bogura-1, Md. Abdul malak Sarkar of Mymensingh-6, Md. A bdur Rashid of Jamalpur-4 Most. Jannat Ara Henry, of Sirajganj-2, took part in the discussion. Earlier, they paid their cordial tributes to the memory of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, four national leaders, martyred Freedom Fighters and also those who made their utmost sacrifices during the War of Liberation and all subsequent democratic movements in the country. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Nepal Police have arrested six proprietors of Kalanki Trade Centre on the charge of cheating more than Rs 130 million from different individuals in the name of providing them shutters (space for shops) at the centre. A team of the District Police Range, Kathmandu, arrested them on the charge of cheating and made them public today. They are Shanti Raman Pangeni, 61, of Syangja, Narendra Bajracharya, 68, and Raju Maharjan, 51, of Kathmandu, Rajesh Krishna Shrestha, 62, of Lalitpur, Niranjan Kumar Shrestha, 53, of Palpa and Chiranjivi Poudel, 59, of Kaski. Spokesperson of the District Police Range, Kathmandu, Nabaraj Adhikari, said they were arrested as they had cheated the people saying they would hand over them business shutter constructing Kalanki Trade Centre through Kalanki Developers and Mila Land Development Pvt Ltd. Further investigation into the case was underway, added Adhikari. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Prime Minister's Principal Secretary M. Tofazzel Hossain Miah today said National logistics policy will be a 'game changer' to build a Smart Bangladesh. "The National Logistics Policy 2024 is a pivotal step for Bangladesh to enhance its position in the global market and spur economic development. It's aligned with our ambition to become a 'High-Income Country' and evolve into 'Smart Bangladesh' by 2041," he said. He said the policy aims to lower business costs, boost exports, and integrate into the Global Value Chain (GVC), which are essential for building a 'Smart Bangladesh'. Mohammad Tofazzel Hossain Miah, highlighted these objectives at a seminar hosted by the Foreign Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). The event, titled "National Logistics Policy 2024 of Bangladesh: From Policy Framework to Execution," took place on Tuesday, 25th June 2024, at The Westin in the city, said a press release. The seminar brought together dignitaries from the government, industry, and academia to discus s the actions from the policy framework to execution regarding recently formulated National Logistics Policy 2024 to achieve sustainable economic growth and expand both local and global trade and investment by building a top-notch logistics network. This system will be modern, quick, cost-effective, and kind to the environment. Chairman of Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) Rear Admiral Mohammad Sohail, OSP, NUP, PPM, psc attended the seminar as the special guest. He said, "Bangladesh has given the green light to its first-ever National Logistics Policy. By putting this policy into action effectively, we aim to develop a top-tier, up-to-date, and high-performing logistics network. This will assist us in achieving our economic targets. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Principal Secretary Tofazzel Hossain Mia for his exemplary guidance and leadership." He praised the initiative of formulating first-ever National Logistics Policy of the country. He emphasized the policy's role in building a leading lo gistics network to meet economic goals and thanked Principal Secretary Tofazzel Hossain Mia for his outstanding leadership in this process. While sharing the Key-note presentation, former President of MCCI Barrister Nihad Kabir highlighted the National Logistics Policy 2024 as a catalyst for private investment in vital areas like ports and railways. She noted that the policy will attract capital, create jobs, and demand new skills, reflecting a joint effort by the private and public sectors. The policy is expected to enhance logistics, increase competitiveness, and boost productivity, she added. The FICCI President Zaved Akhtar expressed gratitude to the government for originating the National Logistics Policy. He emphasized that the new monitoring mechanisms and councils will ensure the policy's success. He expected that the establishment of the National Logistics Development Council and the National Logistics Development and Coordination Committee (NLDCC) will provide essential guidance and coord ination, ensuring that our logistics policy is implemented effectively and efficiently. He also highlighted the 2025-2035 decade as a key period for infrastructure development. The seminar was moderated by Dr. M Masrur Reaz, Chairman and Founder, Policy Exchange Bangladesh. Among other dignitaries a good number of representatives of stakeholders, High officials of FICCI member companies, FICCI Board of Directors and Advisors attended the seminar. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: The Kathmandu Valley Crime Division has arrested four people including a police head constable on the charge of their involvement in the looting of Rs 20 million from the house of Dilliraj Raut in Dhadikot, Bhaktapur. According to the Division's Superintendent of Police, Angur GC, the arrested are Monaraj Rai, 35, from Manebhanjyang of Okhaldhunga and presently residing in Lalitpur, Bhim Bahadur Tamang, 31, from Bhotekoshi of Sindhupalchowk and Sujan Rasaili, 31, of Bahrabise of Sindhupalchowk. The police head constable is Krishna Bahadur Bohara, 38, posted at the Armed Police Force two number battalion, Maharajgunj. He is a resident of Bhotekoshi rural municipality-2 in Sindhupalchowk. They were presented to the public through a press meet here today. They are alleged of forcibly entering the house of Raut on June 18 claiming themselves from the Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police and making away with the cash from a cupboard, it is said. Source: National News Agency Nepal

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking will be observed in the country like elsewhere in the world tomorrow with a pledge to resisting drug abuse for building a drug addiction free Bangladesh. The theme of the day is "The evidence is clear: Invest in prevention." President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages on the occasion, urging all concerned to work along with the government to save the country from drug abuse and illicit trafficking. In his message, the President said the present government has taken zero tolerance policy against drug and its illicit trafficking and urged all concerned to join hand with the government to save the youths from drug abuse. Drug abuse and illicit trafficking is a global problem, he said, adding that despite not being a drug producing country Bangladesh is at the risk of drug abuse and its illicit trafficking because of its geological position. The availability of different types of drugs and illicit traff icking pose a threat to the young generation, he said and laid emphasis on creating awareness among the youth community about the harmful consequences of drug. The President also emphasized on taking steps to ensure treatment of drug addicts and their proper rehabilitation. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman banned liquor, gambling and horse-race through a government order on January 15, 1972 and following the Bangabandhu's footprint, the Awami League government has initiated many programmes for protecting the country and its people from the drug abuse and its trafficking. The government has modernized the Department of Narcotics Control with technology and enacted the Narcotics Control (amended) Act, 2020 amending the Narcotics Control Act, 2018, she said, adding that the government is maintaining a zero tolerance policy to drug abusers, traffickers and patrons. "We are implementing various activities to protect the youth from drug a ddiction. Modernization of Dhaka central drug addiction treatment centre is progressing and side by side, the government is constructing 200-bed drug addiction treatment centres in seven divisional headquarters," she added. In line with the election manifesto, she said the government is providing donation to non-government drug addiction treatment facilities in the country. The premier hoped the young generation would be able to achieve the target of the UN-declared SDGs by 2030 and build a prosperous, developed drug-free smart Bangladesh by 2041 through utilizing their innovative merits and talents. She urged all to work along with the government to prevent drug abuse for building a golden Bangladesh as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: A session of the House of Representatives (HoR) today endorsed the Finance Bill- 2081 BS. The Bill was passed by majority votes. Once Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun responded to queries raised during the deliberations (in principle) over the Bill, Deputy Speaker Indira Rana who chaired the session presented the proposal to consider the Bill before the meeting for a decision. Then, the lower house session moved to the deliberations on the Bill to Raise National Debt-2081 BS. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Two dacoits were awarded life term imprisonment and three others jailed by a court here today for killing a night guard of Bangladesh Development Bank Ltd at Ashuganj upazila of the district. Additional District and Sessions Judge Md Abdul Hannan handed down the verdict to Jamal Hossain, Jamir Hossain, Md Mostofa, Shahadat Hossain and Masum Kabir. All of them were the residents of Ashuganj upazila. Among the convicts-Jamal Hossain and Jamir Hossain were awarded life term imprisonment while the rest were given jail for 10 years each. The court also acquitted one Saddam from the murder charge as he was proved innocent during the trial. According to the prosecution story is that on September 24 in 2020 the convicted dacoits killed night guard Rajesh Biswas of the bank during the robbery at the Ashulia Branch of the BDBL. Following the murder, manager of the bank Mobashsher Hossain filed a case accusing a few unnamed people. Later police pressed a charge sheet accusing six people after detailed investigation. Testifying the witnesses and examining the evidences, the court gave the order in presence of Jamal and Jamir. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Lawmakers have laid emphasis on the need of controlling revenue leakage. In course of discussion on Finance Bill, 2081 in today's meeting of the House of Representatives, they suggested making the country's treasury strong by systematizing the revenue collection process. On the occasion, Jeevan Pariyar urged to pay attention of revenue leakage as the Finance Bill has made changes in tax rate rather than increasing its scope. Similarly, Uday Shumsher JB Rana demanded to stop share purchase and sale in hydropower project as there is a situation of evading revenue while purchasing and selling shares while Prem Suwal asked to implement progressive tax system in the country. Likewise, Prabhu Sah mentioned that a situation should not be developed where any law should not snatch the right to property guaranteed by the constitution while Manish Jha suggested to determined revenue goals based on reality at a time when country's economy is not strong. Badri Prasad Pandey stressed on political stabi lity and policy-level continuity for economic prosperity. The discussion on Finance Bill started after the HoR passed the Appropriation Bill, 2081 today itself. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Former city unit general secretary of Bangladesh Awami League Shafiqul Islam Sikder passed away last night at a hospital in the city here. He was 62. Shafiqul Islam, also former vice president of Cumilla Victoria College, was suffering from chronic diseases for a long time. He left behind his wife, a son, two daughters, relatives and a host of well-wishers and admirers to mourn his death. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun has said that domestic entrepreneurship and production will be protected and promoted while implementing an economic reform plan of a new phase. In his address to concerns raised during the deliberations on the Finance Bill, 2081 BS today, the Minister said the Bill aims to speed up economic activities, promote investment, escalate the taxation scope, and implement a durable and systematic tax system. Stating that the Customs Tariff Bill-2081 BS was brought separately as per the global practices, The Minister further pledged to prevent the possibility of revenue misappropriation, adding that the government has pursued a policy of promoting capital investment instead of loan investment. He said the use of electric vehicles was encouraged as per the government policy of promoting the use of electric vehicles to reduce the consumption of fossil fuel, the tax on the imports of vehicles was revised. The Finance Minister added that grievances that the use of e-veh icles was discouraged were not based on reality. The tax was slightly increased bearing in mind the possibility of the nation incurring loss of revenue of billions of rupees from the imports of vehicles, he added Source: National News Agency Nepal