The Bangladeshi President is visiting Nepal at the invitation of Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari, who received Hamid with a ceremonial welcome at the Tribhuvan International Airport on Tuesday.

During the Bangladeshi President’s visit, important Nepali representatives such as Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Vice-President Nanda Bahadur Pun, Foreign Affairs Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali will pay him a courtesy call.

According to a press statement issued by the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Hamid will also be visiting Pokhara and the historical, cultural and archaeological sites of Kathmandu Valley.

President Bhandari will also be holding a banquet in honor of the Bangladesh President and his delegation.

President Hamid Meets Nepal Foreign Affairs Minister

The Bangladeshi President met with Nepal Foreign Affairs Minister Gyawali on the first day of his Nepal visit.

During their interaction, the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation in terms of aviation, agriculture, connectivity, education, energy, investment, trade, transportation and waterways.

Hamid also visited the famous Bhaktapur Durbar Square and observed it with keen interest.

Hamid Meets President Bhandari

On November 13, 2019, the Bangladeshi President met with President Bhandari in the evening at Shital Niwas in Kathmandu.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed various bilateral aspects.

“The two leaders discussed how to further boost friendly relations between the two countries,” reads the statement issued by the Office of the President.

After the meeting, Hamid attended the banquet hosted by Bhandari at the Hotel Yak and Yeti.

During the day, President Hamid also met with Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Vice-President Nanda Bahadur Pun and NCP Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal, among other Nepal dignitaries at Hotel Marriott in Naxal, where Hamid is accommodated.

President Hamid – PM Oli Bilateral Talks

In his meeting with Hamid, PM Oli told Hamid that he required his support in drawing Bangladeshi investments to Nepal, mainly in the hydropower sector.

Oli was of the belief that Bangladesh’s investment could also be helpful in addressing acute power shortage in Bangladesh through Nepal-Bangladesh power trade.

Hamid also expressed Bangladesh’s commitment to Nepal’s goal of Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali!

The two sides also discussed matters on tourism and bilateral trade promotion, among others.

“I had a fruitful meeting with His Excellency Mr Md Abdul Hamid, President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. On behalf of the Government and people of Nepal and on my own, I extend a warm welcome to HE the President, Madam Hamid & the delegation. I wish them a pleasant stay,” tweeted Oli on Wednesday after his meeting with Hamid.

When Hamid met NCP Chair Dahal, he praised him for his contribution to Nepal’s peace process and called him a ‘beautiful leader’.

In return, Dahal said that he always wanted to share his experiences of leading people’s war to leading the government with Bangladeshi leaders.

Hamid also praised Nepal for its role in Bangladesh’s impendence movement. He further expressed his commitment to moving ahead in unison with Nepal to promote mutual assistance and cooperation in an ever-changing global scenario.

As part of his schedule today, the Bangladeshi President will visit Pokhara and other tourist spots. He will also meet with Bangladeshi nationals in Nepal. On the last day of his trip, he will also visit the Chandragiri Hills.

President Hamid Takes a Boat Ride in Phewa Lake

The Bangladeshi President visited Pokhara on November 14 and took a boat ride in the Phewa Tal.

According to Kaski District Officer Ramesh Kumar KC, Hamid arrived in Pokhara in a Nepal Army helicopter at 11:30 AM.

He was welcomed by the Gandaki State Governor, its acting Chief Minister and other important government officials of the State.

The Pokhara Metropolitan City is organizing two cultural programs in view of Hamid’s visit, amidst high security.

The Bangladeshi President will also visit the Rupakot Resort at Rupa Rural Municipality in a Nepal Army helicopter and will enjoy the top view of Pokhara city.

Chinese President Jinping’s Nepal Visit

Last month, Nepal had welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping who was on a two-day visit to Nepal. The visit was considered a historic one as no Chinese President had visited Nepal in the last 23 years.

Post the President’s visit, Nepal and China have further strengthened their bilateral relations and have already started working on many area of cooperation.

Nepal will also be receiving Myanmar Counsellor of State Aung San Suu Kyi this month.

Likewise, the Nepali President has also paid visit to Myanmar and Japan in October. She also attended the Japanese Emperor’s enthronement.

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The Daily Star has reported that the Bangladesh President’s visit is scheduled between November 11-14, 2019.

Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque shared that the Nepal and Bangladesh will discuss various bilateral issues including the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and operating direct transportation between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) in line with the Dhaka Government’s proposal.

The Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had met Nepal PM Oli at the 18^th Non-Aligned Movement Summit held between October 25-26, 2019. During their brief meeting, Hasina had urged PM Oli to finalize the PTA and implement the BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement.

November 2019 will also mark the visit of Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Syuu Kyi. In October 2019, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Nepal on the friendly invitation of President Bidya Devi Bhandari.

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National Identity Card and Civil Registration Department Director-General Deepak Kafle handed over PM Oli’s ID card in a special at Baluwatar.

The national ID card was developed to ensure the right of every Nepali citizen.

It will be considered as one of the essential documents while applying for civil services.

Speaking at the occasion, Kafle said that the department is handing over ID cards to all Nepal dignitaries as part of its campaign to distribute 117000 ID cards to the pubic in the first phase of the project.

He assured that all citizens will receive the card in the next two years.

The Department also presented the national ID cards to PM Oli’s wife Radhika Shakya.

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In the latest update on China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Nepal and China have signed seven different agreements, after an official meeting between Bhandari and the Chinese PM Xi Jinping on April 29, 2019.

Among the seven agreements, the Protocol on Implementing Agreement on Transit Transport is the most important one. Nepal Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali and China Transport Minister Li Xiaopeng signed the landmark agreement on behalf of their respective countries.

The said protocol gives Nepal access to sea without passing the Indian territory. As per the 17-point protocol agreement, Nepal will be able to conduct trade with Nepal through six custom points, namely Tatopani, Kerung, Kimathanka, Korala, Yari and Olangchung Gola. Out of these, Kimathanka, Korala and Olangchung Gola have not been opened officially.

According to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982, Nepal was given unhindered access to sea. However, Nepal’s failure to initiate the Transport and Transit Agreement limited it from availing the UN Convention.

The two countries also exchanged minutes of meeting on Strengthening Assistance Co-operation in the Field of Livelihood in Nepal’s northern region. As per the agreement, China will provide Nepal NPR 16.5 billion to develop China-aided projects in Nepal.

They also signed an agreement on economic and technical cooperation. Finance Ministry Revenue Secretary Lal Shankar Ghimire and China International Development Cooperation Agency Wang Xiaotao signed the agreement on behalf of Nepal and China.

Following is the list of agreements signed by the two convening countries:

• Protocol on Implementing Agreement on Transit Transport
• Handover Certificate of Grant-Aid for the Repair and Reinforcement Project of the Existing China-aided Projects
• Agreement on Economic and Technical Co-operation
• Minutes of Meeting on Strengthening Assistance Co-operation in the Field of Livelihood in the Northern Region of Nepal
• Agreement on Co-operation and Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters
• MoU on Co-operation on Standardization between Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology (NBSM) and Standardization Administration of China (SAC)
• Agreement on Preventing the Theft, Clandestine Excavation and Illicit Import and Export of Cultural Property

Hope the new deals will pave way for enhanced development in both countries.

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Nepal celebrates Army Day to honor courage, patriotism and the military profession while remembering the sacrifices of the brave Nepali soldiers.

Nepal President and Army Supreme Commander Bidya Devi Bhandari was invited as Chief Guest for the event.

In view of the celebration, Nepal Army personnel performed specialized arts and skills including march-past, military drills, raid operations and disaster rescue operations.

Besides, the cultural military teams from Nepal’s seven different provinces performed special dances in traditional attires.

The trained military personnel displayed various war arts including shoot to kill, taekwondo, khukuri drill and free fall jump with the use of parachutes

Armaments, armored vehicles, weapons, engineering and communication devices were also displayed at the event.

As a traditional practice, Nepal Army soldiers displayed a special rifle salute. Nepal Chief of Army Staff General Purna Chandra Thapa presented different Nepal Army battalions with banners and arms, trophies and prizes for their contributions.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun, Speaker of House of Representatives Krishna Bahadur Mahara, several ministers, chiefs of security bodies, representatives from diplomatic missions and various high level government officials were present at the ceremony.

This year, Nepal Army Day coincided with the festival of Maha Shivaratri.

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In view of the occasion, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun and National Assembly Chair Ganesh Prasad Timilsina attended the main function of National Democracy Day 2019 at the Army Pavilion, Tundikhel.

Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana and Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara along with several Deputy Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers and other ministers were also present at the event.

During the event, Nepal’s national anthem was recited and homage was paid to all the martyrs. A Nepal Army helicopter hoisted a banner with the words ‘69th National Democracy Day-2075’.

Institutions including the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and Nepal Scout performed march-pasts at the pavilion.

The event also witnessed cultural performances depicting the cultures of Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, Kirtipur, Lalitpur and Madhyapur Thimi.

PM Oli Calls for International Community’s Support

While addressing Nepal on the occasion of the 69^th Democracy Day, PM Oli gave emphasis to proportional development in Nepal.

“Nepal has arrived at this point by overcoming various obstacles, averting adverse situations and defeating the then absolute rulers. The time which we have gained now is not possible through absolute development and hinders the constitution we have adopted,” said Oli.

The Prime Minister also appealed to the international community to make Nepal’s new development goals a grand success.

“I appeal to all natives, well-wishers and the foreign countries to come participate and help in the development move,” added the Prime Minister.

Celebrations at Province 1

Under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sher Dhan Rai, Province 1 formed a 501-member main committee Rai to host a three-day celebration in view of the 69^th Democracy Day.

Several arrangements were made across the province, including illumination at educational & private institutions, industrial centers and government offices, distribution of fruits at child rehabilitation centers and in Koshi Hospital and a morning rally among others.

History of Nepal Democracy Day

Democracy Day, also known as Rashtriya Prajatantra Diwas is celebrated as a reminder of Nepalese freedom from the 104-year old Rana regime.

The people of Nepal suffered under the corrupt Rana rule that robbed them of a lot of opportunities. On the other hand, the Ranas enjoyed a life of luxury and comfort. During that time Nepal was rampant with corruption, discrimination and violent treatment at the hand of the influential.

Ultimately on February 19, 1951, Nepalese overthrew the corrupt Rana autocracy after years of prolonged protests and the support of the four martyrs – Shukraraj Shastri, Dharma Bhakta Mathema, Dashrath Chand and Ganga Lal Shrestha.

The end of the Rana rule established democracy in Nepal –  rule of the people, by the people and for the people!

World Democracy Index 2018

Justice Impending for Insurgency Victims

During the famous decade-long revolt against the Rana autocracy, as many as 13,000 people lost their lives and about 1,300 went missing. Besides, there were many reports of human rights violation.

The Nepal Government had formed a commission to investigate the missing reports. However, hardly any progress has been made in this area, which has drawn attention from world governing bodies.

Related News:

• Nepal Development Report 2018 Highlights

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While presenting the report to the President Bhandari, PM Oli said that Nepal seems to have no national or regional security threat at present.

He added that security measures implemented during and after local, provincial and parliamentary elections have also been included in the report.

The annual report presented an in-depth analysis of issues such as terrorism, regional security challenges, criminal activities of divisive forces & armed groups, refugee problems, mutual cooperation among regional countries and the impacts of climate change.

It also praised the Nepali Army’s role in peacefully holding all the three-tiers of elections.

Speaking at the occasion, President Bhandari advised NSC office bearers to execute management-related works in a way that will strengthen Nepal’s overall security system.

Article 266 of the Nepali Constitution on national security mandates that there should be a National Security Council to recommend policy formulation for strengthening national security and the mobilization and control of the Nepali Army.

Nepal Defence Minister Ishwor Pokharel, Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa, Minister of Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Finance Minister Dr. Yuba Raj Khatiwada and Chief of Army Staff Purna Chandra Thapa were among others present at the occasion.

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Randy Berry has been appointed as the new US Ambassador to Nepal on October 5, 2018. The American Ambassador has worked with Nepal in the past. He served as the US Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission in Nepal between 2007-2009.

“I am very happy to be back in Nepal in a new role. I look forward to further strengthening the Nepal-America friendship and I hope our diplomatic engagements will promote continued partnership and cooperation between our two countries,” said Berry in a statement issued by US Embassy on October 25, 2018.

About Randy Berry
Berry has been serving the US as a diplomat since 1993. He is a career diplomat and a member of the Senior Foreign Service as Minister-Counselor.

He has been representing US as a diplomat for more than 20 years.

Prior to his posting as US Ambassador to Nepal, he served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights & Labor in Washington, DC.

The new US Ambassador will be replacing ex-US Ambassador to Nepal Alaina B Teplitz, who will now serve in Sri Lanka. She served Nepal as US Ambassador from March 26, 2015 to present.

NS congratulates Berry on his appointment and wishes him luck for his new role as US Ambassador to Nepal!

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