Day: June 26, 2024

Chief Minister of Madhesh Province, Satish Kumar Singh, has said the tourism industry is one of the major foundations for achieving economic prosperity in the Madhesh Province. In a dialogue with stakeholders organised by the Tourism Development Office, Birgunj today, the Chief Minister said the promotion of the tourism sector will bring a significant economic and social transformation in the province. The enhancement of the tourism sector is instrumental in upgrading the socio-economic status of Madhesh, he said. However, this will not be possible only through the single efforts of the Province, combined efforts are needed. As he said, historic temples and shrines in the Madhesh draw a large number of visitors from India and other countries, but they are compelled to shorten their trips to a day in the absence of suitable hotels here. He called on the private sector to take the initiative to address this gap. Madhesh Province Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Tourism Yubaraj Bhattarai, said the provin ce government has planned to introduce the year 2082 BS as "Mahesh Visit Year". "The government is preparing to implement plans for the development of historic and religious sites in eight districts of the Madhesh Province by dividing them into four circuits," he said. Province Assembly member Janardan Singh Chhetri called for developing the Parsa National Park and the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve as a tourist hub for foreign tourists as well. Source: National News Agency Nepal

State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat today urged newsmen to prominently highlight the good and constructive initiatives of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) to inspire the next generations to think well. "There are thousands of BCL activists across the country. There is no problem anywhere, but when any untoward incident takes place in an isolated form, it is given coverage widely (on newspapers)," he said. The state minister added: "(Therefore) I urge the media people to prominently publicize the BCL's good and constructive initiatives. It will help the next generations to think well." Arafat was addressing the inaugural ceremony of BCL's Inter University Indoor Cricket-2024 as the chief guest at Shaheed Suhrawardi Indoor Stadium in the city's Mirpur area this afternoon. Bangladesh Awami League Office Secretary and Prime Minister's Special Assistant Barrister Biplab Barua inaugurated the sport with BCL President Saddam Hossain in the chair. BCL is organizing the cricket even t with the slogan "We will surely stop drug abuse, child marriage and dowry and build tomorrow's Smart Bangladesh". Noting that many people try to make BCL controversial over astray incidents, Arafat said, "We know and can understand who try to create controversy as the roots of communal and evil forces still exist in the country". As BCL is the great obstacle against the militancy and fundamentalism across the country including every university, the state minister said, so if it is possible to tarnish image of BCL, the path of militancy and communalism can be widened. "That's why many people try to tarnish the image of Chhatra League," Arafat said. Appreciating the BCL for organizing such sports competition involving 64 universities from across the country, he urged the ruling party's students' wing to take such programmes across the country. "It is undoubtedly an excellent initiative to convey a constructive message to the society against the dowry, drug abuse and child marriage," he said, adding that through their works, including organizing different programmes like sports and cultural events, BCL should prove that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman himself was the founder of this organization. Lawmaker Ferdous Ahmed, Cumilla Victorians Chairperson Nafisa Kamal and Bangladesh Women's Cricket Team Captain Nigar Sultana Joty spoke as special guest at the function while BCL General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Enan gave welcome address. Later, the trophy of the cricket tournament was unveiled. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Deputy Speaker Indira Rana asserted that voice of women would be stronger if they were united. At a programme organized by the Women's Alliance for Peace, Justice and Democracy here today to deliberate on the draft of Integrated Election Act, Deputy Speaker Indira Rana reiterated that female parliamentarians should be united to ensure women's representation in every state organs as per the latest census. According to her, women should be fielded in the society having dominance of women. "Whichever community has dominance in a particular place, that community should be granted rights to elect their representatives. This should be applied in the case of Dalit, indigenous communities and women." She argued that parliament is the right place for presenting agenda and pressing for them, and urged all female parliamentarians to demonstrate their strong presence in the parliament. Similarly, women rights activist Sashi Shrestha viewed that women lawmakers should table proposal seeking amendments in th e laws that would address their concerns. For that, she emphasized unity among the female lawmakers and intense deliberation on the law. Likewise, CPN (UML)'s leader Binda Pandey underscored proportional representation of the marginalized, Dalit and minority communities. She demanded that the Article 38 under the Fundamental Rights of the Constitution of Nepal should be followed. The Article 38 mandates that every woman shall have equal lineage right without gender based discrimination. "At present, there are 91 female parliamentarians. If all female lawmakers unite and form a Women Coordination Committee, it would be easier to advance gender cause," opined Pandey. Leader Hisila Yami stated that since women make up more than half of the country's population, the Election related legislation should allow women to run for election based on their dominance in terms of population. CPN (Unified Socialist) parliamentarian Ram Kumari Jhakri called for creating enabling environment for all the eligible voters in Nepal to cast the ballot during election. She also pressed for the provision on which eligible voters exercise their ballot wherever they are within the country. The speakers in the deliberation univocally underscored the need for the stakeholders and lawmakers to take into account the constitutional provisions concerning women rights while formulating related legislation. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today said Dhaka had signed new Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) and renewed old ones with India securing the national interests of Bangladesh. He made the remake while responding a question of a journalist regarding the BNP's negative comments on the Prime Minister's recent visit to India at the foreign ministry here. Dr Hasan criticized the BNP Secretary General for making comments without understanding the difference between agreement and MoU while accused them of opposing the government indiscriminately. Referring to the relationship with India as mutually respectful, he stated that Narendra Modi invited Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the first head of government to visit New Delhi after forming his third-term government. The minister pointed out that during the BNP's tenure, BNP had failed to maintain good relations with neighbors. He recalled that BNP leader Khaleda Zia admitted forgetting to discuss the Ganges Treaty during her visit to India, whereas Prime Min ister Sheikh Hasina secured the Ganges Treaty in 1996, ensuring water sharing for Bangladesh. Hasan said under the leadership of Prime Ministers Sheikh Hasina and Narendra Modi, the bilateral relationship has reached new heights. This enhanced relationship has enabled Bangladesh to import hydropower from Nepal via transmission lines through India while similar discussions are underway with Bhutan, he said. Responding to another query about connectivity with India, the foreign minister said that Dhaka-Kolkata and Khulna-Kolkata rail connectivity exists. Along with India, work is going on to develop regional rail and road connectivity including Nepal and Bhutan, he added. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Nepal's information ecosystem has been evaluated as satisfactory, according to a report. This information was shared while unveiling the findings of the "Vibrant Information Barometer (VIBE): National Report Nepal 2024", a collaborative work of International Research and Exchange (IREX) and The Asia Foundation here today. The country's overall score stands at 23 out of 40 based on assessments from civil society representatives and media industry professionals. Similarly, Lumbini Province's score is 34 points while that of Madhesh Province is 22 points, as per the report. The study focuses on four main principles: information quality, flow of information, consumption and engagement, and transformative impact. It involved a diverse team of experts who assessed Nepal's information ecosystem using 20 indicators and 167 sub-indicators, as stated by key researcher Umesh Pokhrel. During the event, Chief of the National Information Commission Mahendra Man Gurung said the constitution has guaranteed th e Right to Information (RTI) Act, stressing every citizen's right to timely access to accurate information. He highlighted the report's role in shaping policies, strategies, and laws in the information and communications sectors. The NIC is actively researching Nepal's media ecosystem, he added. Representatives Meghan Nalbo from The Asia Foundation and Ajay Das, Director of Civil Society and Media project discussed the implications of misinformation among citizens, underscoring the need for accurate information dissemination. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Kathmandu: Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Sun Weidong, paid a courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, today. In the meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singha Durbar, they discussed on Nepal-China ties as well as on various matters of mutual interest and concern. Also, they talked on projects of bilateral cooperation, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On the occasion, Minister for Foreign Affairs Shrestha extended gratitude to the PRC for the cooperation it has been providing in Nepal's development endeavours and also expressed the confidence that it would continue in future as well. Vice Minister Weidong was on a three-day official visit to Nepal since Monday in connection with attending the 16th Meeting of Nepal-China Foreign Secretary-level Diplomatic Consultation Mechanism. He left for China today itself. Joint Secretary and Head of the North East Asia Division of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Krishna Prasad Dhakal and Ambassador of China to Nepal, Chen Song, bade him farewell at the Tribhuvan International Airport. Source: National News Agency Nepal

The Rotary Club organized training for journalists on the topic- 'Conflict Sensitivity and Peace'. Senior journalist Yubaraj Ghimire, researchers Rajendra Senchury and Raj Kumar Dhungana, and Rotary Club, Jawalakhel's president Bishnu Raj Uprety imparted training on conflict sensitive journalism. Senior journalist Ghimire said that society cannot be completely free of conflict and journalism can play an instrumental role in positively managing the conflict. "A better managed society can be built through journalism. The voices and opinions of all castes, communities and sections of society should be included in news in a fair manner for this," he said. Presenting a paper on the occasion, researcher Senchury argued that all sorts of conflict in society could be resolved through dialogue and collaboration. He emphasized that journalism should be for the betterment of society. Another researcher Dr Dhungana, presenting international examples of conflict-sensitive journalism, advised journalists to be more se nsitive while reporting on topics related to law and order, and security. President Uprety called on the media to consistently disseminate news until those conflict survivors who suffered unimaginable distress during the 10-year conflict in Nepal got justice. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Awami League (AL) General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today said no corrupt person will be spared as the government has announced 'zero tolerance' against corruption. 'I believe the ACC (Anti-Corruption Commission) is here. The Prime Minister is firm on her zero-tolerance policy against corruption. The ACC is completely free,' he said while inaugurating shuttle bus service of BRTC at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport here. Quader said the ACC is independent and it can investigate corruption without government interference. The government has not and will not interfere with this independence, he added. He said there is corruption across the world, and Bangladesh is not out of this. 'We aren't claiming that there is no corruption here. It isn't correct to say that only government officials are corrupt and politicians aren't,' he added. Quader said, 'When we speak, we must consider everyone; we should first look at our own reflection in the mirror. I am speaking out against the corruption of officials, and there is corruption in my sector as well. Isn't there? Of course, there is.' Earlier, the minister inaugurated the shuttle bus service for tourists, expatriates and general passengers to reduce their sufferings. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Muhammad Faruque Khan, Road Transport and Highways Division secretary ABM Amin Ullha Nuri, Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh Chairman Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman and Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation Chairman Md Tazul Islam, among others, were present in the programme. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: The Madan Bhandari National Award is to be conferred on Panchthar district based Kanchanjangha Tea Estate and Research Centre. The Madan Bhandari Foundation announced the Award in a press meet organized here today on the eve of the 73rd birth anniversary of late leader Madan Bhandari. The Award, carrying a purse of Rs 100,000, will be given to the Centre for creating jobs based on the use of local raw materials and for promoting export and import thereby contributing to national economy, it was shared. Mahendra Bahadur Pandey, Chairperson of the Foundation, informed that the Centre has grown over 600,000 tea plants across 95 hectares of land and exported over 100 tonnes of tea annually, recording transactions over Rs 40 million. He said that the sector promoting entrepreneurship has been chosen for the Award to be distributed on June 28, marking the birth anniversary of late political leader Madan Bhandari, it was informed. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said in parliament that though there are some legal complications, strong diplomatic and legal activities are on to bring back BNP acting chairperson Tarique Rahman, who is now staying in the UK, to Bangladesh. 'Strong diplomatic and legal efforts are going on simultaneously to bring Tarique Rahman back to the country,' she said. The Leader of House said this while responding to a tabled question of Awami League lawmaker Farida Yasmin during the Premier's question-answer session in parliament. She said that there are some legal complications regarding the return of fugitive accused Tarique Rahman, who was convicted in multiple cases, including the August 21 grenade attack case. Sheikh Hasina said her government is determined to resolve all the complications in the legal process and bring 'this criminal' (Tarique) back to the country and execute the punishment he deserves. She added, 'Hopefully, we will be able to see the results of this process soon.' The Prime Ministe r said that diplomatic activities and legislative activities are going on simultaneously to bring back accused Tarique Rahman. 'The relevant departments of the government, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are working maintaining necessary communications with the UK government,' she said. Mentioning that 15 accused including Tarique Rahman alias Tarique Zia are currently absconding in the August 21 grenade attack, the Leader of the House said that efforts are on to arrest the absconding the fugitive accused. She said that red alert of Interpol has been issued against fugitive accused Maulana Tajuddin, Md. Harish Chowdhury and Ratul Ahmed Babu alias Ratul Babu. She went on, 'Also, efforts are being made to bring back the fugitive accused through discussions with the countries where they are staying. Various steps are being taken in this regard from the higher level of the government.' Sheikh Hasina told the parliament that she herself has sent several letters to the heads of state and government of the concerned countries at different times seeking cooperation in bringing the killers back to the country. She also sought their personal cooperation in the meetings at various international forums. The Prime Minister said that due to the legal complications regarding the location of the killers in the respective countries, there was no expected progress in this regard. In order to bring the murderers back to the country, measures are being taken according to the laws of the concerned countries along with the current diplomacy, she said. Sheikh Hasina said that a red alert has been issued through Interpol to bring back the fugitive accused in the Bangabandhu murder case and the August 21 grenade attack case to the country and execute the verdict. In this regard, the ministries of foreign affairs, law and home affairs and other related departments are working in coordination with each other. She said that among the fugitive killers of Bangabandhu, Major (retd) Noor Chowdhury and his family are in Can ada, while Abdur Rashid and Major (dismissed) Shariful Islam Dalim are in Pakistan or Libya, Lt. Col (retd) Rashed Chowdhury in America and Resaldar Mosleh Uddin Khan is staying in India. In addition, it is known that Lt. Colonel (retd) Aziz Pasha is said to have died during his stay in Zimbabwe. The head of government also said that out of the 12 accused who were sentenced to be hanged in Bangabandhu murder, six have been executed. In response to the question of independent lawmaker Md. Abdullah, the Prime Minister said that the government has taken an initial decision to adopt an effective policy to use e-waste and recycle it properly. 'To this end, the data collection process is going on and will be finalised later by taking the views of the participants,' she added. Sheikh Hasina also said that plants will be built for e-waste recycling. In reply to a query of Awami League lawmaker Ali Azam of Bhola-2, the Leader of the House said that 33,50,274 disabled persons have been identified and given registr ation and identity cards (Golden Citizen Card) through 575 units across the country. Among them, some 13, 12, 594 are disabled women, she added. In response to another question from Farida Yasmin, the Prime Minister said that Taka 45.23 crore has been distributed to 13,582 journalists and journalist families across the country as welfare grants and financial assistance during the Covid-19 period from the Journalist Welfare Trust. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Rabi Lamichhane instructed the security agencies to formulate a special plan to end the smuggling and abuse of narcotic drugs. At a programme organized at his office marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking here today, DPM Lamichhane directed the police to take stringent action against those involved in smuggling and supply of the illegal substances. Commending the efficient delivery of the security agencies in spite of limited resources, Lamichhane expressed his commitment to arrange adequate budget and human resources for them to deliver optimally and more effectively. He asserted that the government, community and general public had equal role in curbing drug addiction, saying opportunity would be given for narcotic drug abusers to improve themselves while those who deal in it will not be spared. Arguing that we could not reach in the right destination by walking in the wrong path, the DPM urged those in drug addiction to give up on drugs and play the role of a social reformer. He informed that various initiatives and campaigns were being run to prevent and control drug abuse and admitted that the increasing numbers of abusers indicate that there is lapse somewhere. The DPM and Home Minister lauded the role of rehabilitation centres in freeing the abusers from the cycle of drug addiction and rehabilitating them in the society and opined that such centres should not make its treatment services a business. On the occasion, he honoured various organizations actively working towards curbing smuggling of illegal drugs and rehabilitating of the drug abusers. Similarly, Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Yadav asserted that the issue of illegal transportation and consumption of narcotic drugs and its abuse had become a challenge for Nepal. He highlighted the need for the entire country to unite to fight against its abuse. Mentioning that the government of Nepal was capable of taking out youths of Nepal from the vicious cycle of drug addiction, the Minister urged the non-government agencies to coordinate efforts with the government to work on this cause. Likewise, Minister for Education, Science and Technology Sumana Shrestha viewed that the parents and peers should be aware about the situations that young students could turn to narcotic drug abuse to fill the emotional void. She emphasized collective efforts of the country, society and families to rehabilitate drug abusers. Minister for Youth and Sports Birajbhakta Shrestha assessed that youths who were in dissonance with society, culture and families often fell into drug addiction and thus spoke of the need to connect them with various aspects of the society. He pointed out the need for all political parties to come onboard to work in the campaign against smuggling and abuse of illegal drugs. On the occasion, plays, cultural programmes and rally were organized to raise awareness on the effects of drug consumption on country, society and families. Furtherm ore, a magazine named 'Surakshit Jivan' (Safe Life) published by the Ministry of Home Affairs was launched. The magazine contains various aspects of controlling abuse of drugs. The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is being observed all over the world with the slogan 'The evidence is clear: Invest in Prevention'. In Nepal, the Day is being marked all over the country for a week with several programmes. According to the Nepal Drug Users Survey conducted in 2019, as many as 130,424 cases of drug abuse were reported as of 2019. Among them, male users accounted for 121,692 while women constituted 8,732. The Nepal Police Narcotics Control Bureau's statistics showed that 5,339 people were arrested on narcotics related charges while 3,501 cases were registered as of mid-June of the current fiscal year 2023/24. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Birth anniversary of Shaheed AHM Kamaruzzaman, one of the four national leaders, was celebrated here in a befitting manner today (Wednesday) paying rich tribute to his memory. City unit of Bangladesh Awami League celebrated the late leader's 101st birth anniversary through daylong elaborate programmes. Quran Khawni, milad mahfil and special prayers were arranged at the residence of AHM Khairuzzaman Liton, eldest son of Shaheed Kamaruzzaman and now mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation, at Upashahar in the city at 9am. Party leaders and workers placed wreaths on the grave of Shaheed Kamaruzzaman at Kadirganj graveyard paying rich tribute to the late leader at 11am. Mayor Liton accompanied by scores of party leaders and other dignitaries along with his office colleagues placed wreaths on the grave of Shaheed Kamaruzzaman and offered prayers there. Feeding of destitute was held at Shaheed Kamaruzzaman crossing at 12noon in addition to offering special prayers after Johr prayers. Besides, Rajshahi City Corpora tion has also celebrated the birth anniversary through a daylong programme in a befitting manner. To mark the birth anniversary, Mayor Liton distributed prizes among the winners of Hifzul Quran and Quirat Competition at city bhaban conference hall as chief guest. He also accorded reception to the successful students of Shaheed AHM Kamaruzzaman Government Degree College on the occasion. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha