Business
BGMEA partners with Manabik Shahajya Sangstha to provide eye care services to garment workers
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has joined forces with Manabik Shahajya Sangstha (MSS) to provide comprehensive eye care services to the workers and staff of garment factories.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by BGMEA Secretary General, Md. Faizur Rahman, and MSS Adviser, Tarikul Ghani, in the presence of BGMEA President Faruque Hassan at BGMEA Complex on January 14.
This partnership seeks to bring these essential eye care services directly to the garment factory workers and employees.
MSS established its Eye Care Program to identify and treat preventable blindness and provide affordable, comprehensive eye care services to the underserved populations.
Under the MoU, MSS will organize temporary eye care camps within the premises of BGMEA to provide a range of services such as eye examinations, vision testing, and the provision of eyewear.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said, “BGMEA is committed to improving the well-being of the garment workers. The association has taken various initiatives for ensuring welfare of garment workers and will continue its endeavors in the coming days.”
BGMEA, Helen Keller International to collaborate on providing eye health services to garment workers
Acknowledging the importance of workers’ well-being for the growth, reputation, and long-term sustainability of the RMG industry, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has been making committed efforts to improve the well-being of the garment workers in Bangladesh.
As part of the ongoing efforts, BGMEA has partnered with Helen Keller, a global organization dedicated to preventing blindness and promoting eye health, to provide comprehensive eye care services to garment workers.
In an inception workshop held at BGMEA Complex on January 13, the representatives of BGMEA and Helen Keller expressed their commitment to implement the eye care initiative, said a press release.
The focus of this partnership is on providing primary eye care services, including basic eye examinations, prescription glasses, and referrals for more complex eye disorders.
In his speech, BGMEA President Faruque Hassan lauded the collaboration, emphasizing its potential to significantly enhance the eye health of garment workers.
Women's participation in workforce increasing in post-Covid period: ILO
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) report revealed that in the covid period the participation rate of women in the labour market in Bangladesh has increased from 29.2 percent to 42.8 percent
This progress report came in the ‘World Employment and Social Outlook Trends 2024’ of the ILO which was published on January 10, 2024.
According to the report, the participation rate of all classes of people in the labour market will not return to the same rate as the pre-epidemic level, but there will be differences in this regard.
But the participation of women is increasing. Yet the gender gap persists, especially in emerging and developing countries. These issues remain a challenge for long-term employment.
ILO Bangladesh Country Director Tuomo Poutiainen said, "Increasing women's participation in the labour market can be achieved by reducing child marriage, and increasing women's and girls' participation in education and technical training.”
“Bangladesh's overall economic growth has created new job opportunities for women. What we need to do now is to develop the skills of women, youth, and disabled people and create opportunities for them to participate equally in the labour market,” said the ILO country head.
The report said that the impact of the pandemic is still being felt in the labour market. Global youth unemployment rates remain a challenge. The number of people not in employment or employment training is still high, especially among young women.
However, in the later stages of the epidemic, the participation rate of women in the labour market in Bangladesh increased from 29.2 percent to 42.8 percent.
This year’s report trends provide a comprehensive assessment of the latest labour market trends, including unemployment, job creation, labour force participation, and hours worked.
The report finds that although some of the data are encouraging, notably on growth and unemployment, a deeper analysis reveals that labour market imbalances are growing and that, in the context of multiple and interacting global crises, this is eroding progress towards greater social justice.
So, although in 2023 global unemployment dropped to the lowest level since the start of the pandemic, and working poverty and informality approached pre-pandemic rates, the ILO’s projections suggest that little positive change in these indicators can be expected in 2024.
OPPO kicks off ‘Imagine IF Photography Awards 2024’
Smartphone manufacturer OPPO on Thursday launched the 2024 edition of its global mobile photography competition – the OPPO imagine IF Photography Awards.
The competition will encourage excellence in mobile photograph and creativity through photos captured with OPPO smartphones around the world, according to a press release.
“Through nonstop innovation in imaging technology, OPPO continues to break through the limitations of mobile photography,” said Pete Lau, SVP and chief product officer of OPPO. “With the OPPO imagine IF Photography Awards, we hope to inspire more smartphone users around the world to unleash their imagination to create unforgettable masterpieces.”
The imagine IF Photography Awards 2024 features nine different entry categories, covering Landscape, Portrait, Colours, Unfading Moment, Fashion, Snapshot, Light, Travel, and Collection. Each category aims to inspire users to share their most compelling stories and emotions captured through the lens of OPPO smartphones, the release said.
In order to bring diverse perspectives and extensive experience to the competition, OPPO has invited Steve McCurry, one of the most iconic figures in contemporary photography, together with National Geographic Photographer Michael Yamashita, Hasselblad Master Tina Signesdottir Hult, Magnum Photos member Alec Soth, and other renowned photographers to join the judging panel for the final round of this year’s competition, it added.
This year’s awards include a grand prize of USD 24,000 for the winner of the OPPO imagine IF Master (Gold Award) plus the opportunity to showcase their entries at international exhibition such as Paris Photo and sign with OPPO to become an OPPO Photographer with priority access to special events.
Four OPPO Silver Awards, 10 OPPO Bronze Awards, and five Youth Awards will also be on offer, alongside four Honorable Mentions in each of the nine categories, reflecting OPPO’s commitment to recognizing a wide breadth of photographic talent. Winners across all categories will receive generous prize money, the latest OPPO devices, as well as opportunities for international exposure, it also said.
In 2023, the OPPO imagine IF Photography Awards attracted more than 700,000 entries from OPPO users based in 51 countries and regions.
As the only smartphone brand participating in Paris Photo 2023, OPPO also presented a series of exceptional images, including the works of world-class photographers and the winning works from the 2023 OPPO imagine IF Photography Awards, bringing the imagination and creativity of mobile photographers to a wider audience, said the release.
The OPPO imagine IF Photography Awards 2024 are now open to submissions until 24:00 UTC+8 on July 28, 2024.
Tax automation would generate more revenue collection: DCCI President
The president of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) Ashraf Ahmed said it is not believable that out of 170 million population, only 4 million have taxable income.
He said this in a workshop on “Income Tax Act 2023: Corporate Tax challenges and opportunities” organised by the DCCI on today (Saturday) in the capital.
He also said that the workshop is designed to improve awareness among the tax professionals in line with the new `Income Tax Act 2023’, especially to know the details of the corporate tax system.
About 60 participants from different corporate houses took part in this workshop.
The DCCI president speaking on the occasion said that automation of the taxation system will help reduce hindrances and increase taxes.
He opined that few initiatives have been taken that would make it easier for businesses to submit their returns.
He further said that the source tax collected according to clause 163(2)B which makes Advance Income Tax as the minimum, effectively drives up the corporate tax rate.
The keynote paper was presented by Snehasish Barua, FCA, ACA (ICAEW), Advisor, Standing Committee on Customs, VAT, Taxation & NBR Related Issues of DCCI and Partner, Snehasish Mahmud & Co.
Wakil Ahmed, Joint Commissioner of Taxes, Tax Zone-15, Dhaka said in 2023 more than 4 lakh taxpayers paid their taxes through e-TIN service and the number was only 2,50,000 in last year. Murad Ahmed, Joint Commissioner of Taxes, Taxes Zone-4, Dhaka requested the business community to use e-TDS more.
Bapan Chandra Das, Second Secretary, Tax Education, Advertisement and Tax Legal, NBR, also spoke on the occasion. Members of the Board of Directors of DCCI were also present at the function.
RMG workers in Gazipur demonstrate for wages set by govt, gridlock on Dhaka-Tangail highway
Gridlock was formed as vehicular movement on Dhaka-Tangail highway remained suspended for over an hour due to workers of garment factories demonstrating in Gazipur’s Konabari area, demanding payment of salaries as per the wages set by the government.
Mohammad Ziaul Islam, officer-in-charge of Konabari Police Station, said workers of garment factories in the Konabari area took to the street around 8 am to press home their six-point demand including payment of salary as per the government-announced wage structure.
Read: Focus on value addition in RMG industry needed more to enhance global competitiveness: BGMEA President
The other demands include an eight-hour workday instead of ten hours.
A long tailback has been created on both sides of the Dhaka-Tangail highway following the demonstration.
However, vehicular movement normalised as police drove the demonstrating workers away from the highway after assuring them of taking steps regarding their demands.
Read: Despite anticipated challenges in 2024, int’l market demand for RMG products could rise: BGMEA Director
FBCCI and Canada’s CHCC join hands to strengthen bilateral trade
The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), the apex trade body of the country, will work with the Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce (CHCC) to enhance bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Canada.
FBCCI will provide all kinds of support to Canadian investors interested in investing in Bangladesh.
The business body’s President Mahbubul Alam expressed this during a networking dinner with the CHCC on Thursday night at Hotel Sheraton in Dhaka, said a media release signed by Tanzid Basunia, Head of PR & Communications of the FBCCI.
The FBCCI hosted the networking dinner in honor of the visiting delegation of the Canadian Hindu Chamber. Businessmen and Entrepreneurs from Bangladesh and Canada also participated in a Business-to-Business (B2B) meeting before the networking dinner.
While speaking, Mahbubul called upon the Canadian Hindu Business Community to invest in Bangladesh.
He mentioned that Bangladesh government has enacted a favorable investment policy with tax exemptions, duty drawbacks, access to working capital, one-stop services, and many more to attract local and foreign investors.
Key development initiatives include deep-sea ports, 100 Special Economic Zones, Hi-Tech parks, tourism parks, nuclear power plants, LNG terminals, and the construction of a railway network, he said.
FBCCI President said, ‘this year marks the 52 years of Bilateral Relations between Canada and Bangladesh. During these years, Canada has become the key development partner of Bangladesh and shares a number of multilateral interests, including trade liberalization in the WTO, support for international peacekeeping, and membership in the United Nations and the Commonwealth.’
Mahbubul invited Canadian entrepreneurs to invest in Special Economic Zones, Logistics, Renewable Energy, Aviation and Shipping, High-Tech RMG, diversified Jute and leather products, and the tourism sector in Bangladesh.
The FBCCI president said there is a huge scope for expanding Bangladesh’s exports to Canada, including diversified jute and leather goods, footwear, pharmaceutical products, plastic furniture, home textiles, ceramic products, light engineering, and electronic products, etc.
Focus on value addition in RMG industry needed more to enhance global competitiveness: BGMEA President
The ready-made garment industry of Bangladesh needs to focus more on value addition in order to sustain and further enhance its global competitiveness, said Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan.
“In the garment industry, the accessories and packaging industry is one of the major means for value addition. Accessories and packaging materials play a vital role in enhancing the overall appeal and perceived value of garments,” he said
Faruque was speaking at the opening ceremony of the 13th edition of the Garment Accessories and Packaging Exposition (GAPEXPO) 2024 in Dhaka on Thursday.
The event, organised by the Bangladesh Garments Accessories & Packaging Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGAPMEA), aims to showcase advancements in technology and innovations in garment accessories and packaging within the apparel industry.
AHM Ahsan, vice chairman, Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), and Mohammad Hatem, executive president, BKMEA, also spoke at the opening ceremony.
In his speech, Faruque said the accessories and packaging industry in Bangladesh has the potential to carve out a niche for itself by producing high-quality, innovative, and sustainable materials.
He stressed the importance of investment in research and development to create unique and aesthetically pleasing accessories, which can significantly contribute to the overall value of the final products.
By doing so, the accessories industry can help Bangladesh’s garment sector establish itself as a hub for not just manufacturing but also for creative and value-added design, he added.
Bangladesh Bank authorises 90-day buyers' credit to import essentials for Ramadan
In a strategic move to bolster supplies during Ramadan, the Bangladesh Bank has authorized a 90-day buyers' credit for importing eight essential products. This initiative, announced in a notification by the bank's Foreign Exchange Policy Department today, aims to ensure adequate supply and stable prices for critical commodities during the holy month.
The list of permitted imports under this scheme includes edible oil, chickpeas, pulses, peas, onions, spices, sugar, and dates. The central bank's directive, effective immediately, allows for deferred payments on these imports, a policy designed to remain in effect for import initiations until March 31, 2024.
Also read: FBCCI calls on traders to keep essential commodities market stable during Ramadan
A Bangladesh Bank official emphasized the necessity of this decision, stating, "This measure is critical to prevent a supply crisis and price escalation of these essential products during Ramadan. Ensuring these goods are imported in a timely manner is paramount to maintaining the supply chain during this significant period."
Under the new guidelines, authorized dealers (ADs) are expected to expedite the opening of import letters of credit (LCs), following proper procedures to guarantee on-time arrival of goods.
Also read: DNCC will monitor market strictly during Ramadan: Atiqul Islam
This approach is anticipated to secure a steady flow of essential items for Ramadan, meeting the heightened demand and contributing to the overall wellbeing of the community during this sacred time.
How to Make a Video Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide
In today’s competitive job market, distinguishing oneself from a sea of candidates is a daunting challenge. Traditional resumes, while essential, often fall short of conveying the full breadth of an individual's personality and skills. This is where the innovative concept of a video resume comes into play, offering a dynamic and personalized approach to job applications.
What is a Video Resume?
A video resume is a brief, visual representation that complements the traditional, written resume. It's a tool enabling job seekers to vividly showcase their personality, communication skills, and relevant experiences in a way that a paper or digital document simply can't match. This approach is particularly beneficial in fields like creative arts, marketing, and sales, where interpersonal skills and effective communication are foundational.
A video resume isn't a replacement for the traditional resume but rather a vibrant extension that brings to life the qualities that can't be captured in black and white.
Read more: Proven Passive Income Ideas for Women in 2024
Steps to Create a Perfect Video Resume
Content Planning:
The first and most crucial step is to meticulously plan the content of your video resume. The content should be thoughtfully tailored to the job you're applying for. For instance, if you're pursuing a writer's position, your video could include a segment where you eloquently discuss your writing experience and process. Similarly, for a sales role, highlighting your previous sales achievements would be beneficial.
This tailored approach ensures that your video resume resonates with the specific nature of the job you're targeting.
Script Outline:
Knowing what to say is just the start. Organizing your thoughts into a coherent and impactful script is vital. Remember, this video is your first impression of a potential employer, so it needs to be clear, concise, and compelling. Draft a script and rehearse it repeatedly to ensure a natural and fluent delivery. This practice will help you avoid common pitfalls like rambling or appearing rehearsed.
Read more: 10 Best Programming Languages for 2024
A Professional Setting:
The setting for your video resume should mirror that of a job interview. Imagine an office room setting, with you dressed in professional attire, addressing the camera as if you were speaking to an interviewer. This professional approach extends to the recording environment as well; a quiet, well-lit space with a neutral background is ideal. This setting conveys seriousness and professionalism, key qualities employers look for.