Kathmandu, April 24: Nepal President Ram Chandra Poudel has sought the help of Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to secure the safe release of a Nepali student held hostage since October by the Hamas in the Gaza Strip, an official said on Wednesday.
The emir on Tuesday called on President Paudel at the Shital Niwas where the two leaders discussed matters related to bilateral interests and diplomatic relations, according to a statement issued by the President’s Office.
On the occasion, President Paudel requested the emir to help secure the release of Bipin Joshi, who was taken hostage by Hamas during an attack against Israel in October last year, said Kiran Pokharel, press advisor to the president.
“Sheikh Tamim assured the president that he would take necessary initiative for the release of the Nepali student,” Pokharel said. The emir of Qatar said that he had earlier also taken the initiative for the same.
Joshi was among 17 Nepali students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture at Sudur Paschim University who had gone to Israel under an 11-month learn and earn programme. During the Hamas attack on southern Israel in October, 10 Nepalese students were killed, and six injured while Joshi was abducted and taken to Gaza.
The two sides also discussed the issue of migrant workers’ conditions in the Gulf state, an official said.
On Sunday, New York-based Human Rights Watch called on Qatar, Nepal and Bangladesh to prioritise labour protection for migrant workers during the emir’s visit. (PTI)
