Speaker Devraj Ghimire has initiated for the early release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali student who was kidnapped by Hamas. Speaker Ghimire has written a letter to the Speaker of the Arab Parliament Mohammad Ahmed Al-Yamahi on Friday and requested him to take special initiatives for the safe release of Bipin Joshi.
"Keeping in mind the cordial relations between Nepal and the Arab League, I request you to take initiative and support for the early release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali student who has been held captive by Hamas since October 7, 2023," the letter said. In his
letter, Speaker Ghimire, recalling the cordial relations between Nepal and the Arab League, expressed his belief that the Arab League would help Bipin Joshi to return home safely. Speaker Ghimire said in the letter, "I would like to remind you that the government of Nepal has taken a welcome approach to the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement recently signed between Israel and Hamas."
Joshi was taken prisoner by Hamas after the attack on October 7, 2023. The government is taking diplomatic initiatives for Joshi's release. Last Sunday, the Israeli Ambassador to Nepal, Shmulik Ari Bash, in a meeting with the Speaker, suggested that parliamentary diplomacy can also be used for Bipin's release. Speaker Ghimire also mentioned that the government of Nepal has welcomed the recent ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Speaker Ghimire reminded that Nepal is actively participating in regional and sub-regional structures like SAARC, BIMSTEC and emphasized the need for more cooperation between Nepal and the Arab League. Along with the Speaker's appeal, it is expected that more initiatives will be taken at the diplomatic level for the safe rescue of Bipin Joshi.
