Business
AIBL organizes business performance meeting
Al-Arafah Islami Bank Limited (AIBL) organized a business performance meeting with different branches at its head office on Saturday.
Also read: Hajj service expansion begins at AIBL
AIBL Managing Director and CEO Farman R Chowdhury presided over the meeting, according to a press release.
Also read: Al-Arafah Islami Bank sponsors 9th Bangladesh Junior Science Olympiad
Among others Deputy Managing Directors Shabbir Ahmed, Md Shafiqur Rahman, Syed Masodul Bari, Md Mahmudur Rahman, Mohammed Nadim, Abed Ahmed Khan, Abdullah Al Mamun, Fazlur Rahman Chowdhury and senior Executives were present in the meeting.
Also read: AIBL organizes seminar marking National Mourning Day
Managers of different branches of the bank also participated in the meeting.
Tamim Iqbal to hand over Nagad’s BMW car to the winner on Tuesday
Mobile financial service provider Nagad, will give the BMW car to the winner chosen through public voting on Tuesday.
Nagad’s brand ambassador and Bangladeshi cricketer Tamim will hand over the vehicle’s key to one of the 71 shortlisted people who secured the highest number of votes given by Nagad customers across the country at a hotel in the capital on Tuesday, according to a press release.
Also read: 71 shortlisted for Nagad’s BMW
Posts and Telecommunications Minister Mustafa Jabbar and the founder and managing director of Nagad Limited will be present on the occasion, it said.
Besides, celebrities from different fields and dignitaries will attend the programme.
The megapayment campaign, which started in the last week of March and ended on June 30, has earned a massive response from people across the country. Over the last three months, Nagad’s transactions, mainly in the form of merchant payments and mobile recharges, have reached a record high, riding on this mega BMW campaign, said the release.
Also read: Nagad welcomes govt’s move to increase safety net allocation
Through random selection in phases using "Bangla AI", 71 people were shortlisted at the end of the three-month campaign. Later, Nagad customers across the country were invited to vote for their favourite candidates for the BMW car by logging in to their Nagad accounts, it added.
Earlier, as part of the campaign, a show titled "Ke Jitbe BMW?" (Who will win BMW?) was telecast on several TV channels, with the participation of popular celebrities and social media influencers as guests.
"We have got a great response to our BMW campaign. That is why we ourselves have not gone for selecting the ultimate winner; rather, we have now left it to our crores of customers to choose from the 71 shortlisted candidates," said Sadat Adnan Ahmad, Nagad’s chief marketing officer.
Also read: Nagad now has 8 crore customers
Under the mega payment campaign, Nagad handed over several Sedan cars, nearly 500 motorbikes, refrigerators, smart televisions, mobiles, smart watches, and headphones to the winners, the press release said.
7th Bangladesh Int’l Garment & Textile Machinery Expo to be held in Dhaka Oct 26-28
The 7th Bangladesh International Garment & Textile Machinery Expo (BIGTEX) 2023 will be held in Dhaka from October 26 to 28.
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has inked an agreement with Redcarpet Global Ltd to be a partner of 7th BIGTEX.
The organizing committee led by Redcarpet Global’s Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Imtiaz met with BGMEA President Faruque Hassan at the latter’s Complex in Uttara, Dhaka recently and discussed various measures to ensure the cooperation and smooth execution of this expo.
Redcarpet Global’s Director and Chief Business Officer Lutfar Hossain, Director and Head of Corporate Affairs Abdullah Al Mamun and DGM-Marketing Majaharul Islam were present.
Read: RMG exports in FY23 almost $47bn, 85% of total exports
BGMEA expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to serve as an association partner in the highly anticipated 7th BIGTEX to be held at ICCB, Dhaka, said a media release on Saturday.
They also extended their thanks to the organizers for recognizing the significant contributions of BGMEA and inviting them to participate in this prestigious exhibition.
The inclusion of BGMEA in the Bangladesh International Garment & Textile Machinery Expo provides a remarkable platform to showcase the potential of Bangladesh's vibrant and thriving garment industry.
Targeting the entire Garment & Textile industry of Bangladesh, BIGTEX has three concurrent exhibitions named as Bangladesh International Fabric & Yarn Expo, Bangladesh International Dyes, Pigments and Chemicals Expo & Bangladesh International Printing, Packaging and Signage Expo, which will be helpful for visitors, buyers and exhibitors.
Read: Bangladesh-Australia have huge opportunities to expand trade: BGMEA President
BIGTEX connects all kinds of garment and textile machinery, equipment, technology and accessory manufacturer, dealer, supplier and importer from home and abroad.
Its concurrent exhibitions are targeted to the most important parts like yarn, fabric, trims and accessories, dyes, pigments, chemicals, printing, packaging and signage industry.
Ahmed said the expo will have around 200 stalls with products from at least 12 countries, including Asia and Europe.
The backbone of Bangladesh’s economic growth is the apparel sector and the networking platforms like exhibitions are very important to uphold the country's growth, as well as its economy.
To achieve the export target, there is a need to focus more on value added, high-end apparel items rather than basic, traditional products to make the business sustainable throughout the fierce competition in the global garment trade, he said.
Read: BGMEA chief stresses on providing graduates with market-oriented education, skills
These exhibitions will also provide an opportunity to experts, engineers and technicians in the field of textile to have a practical knowledge of the recent technological advancements available without going abroad, he said.
This Expo will be open for general and trade visitors from 10:30 am to 7:30pm every day.
Bangladesh’s per capita debt Tk95,019: BB
Bangladesh’s domestic and external debt stands at around Tk16.14 lakh crore, according to the latest report of Bangladesh Bank (BB).As a result, the per capita debt of people stands at Tk95,019. But income is still higher than per capita debt. The current annual per capita income of the people of the country is $2793, which is around Tk3.3 lakh in Bangladeshi currency.
Read: Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves now $23.57 billion as per IMF formulaThough Bangladesh is still in a good position in terms of debt-GDP ratio compared to many countries in the world, a big portion of the national budget is spent on loan interest payments, Said economist Ahsan H Mansur.Even if the income is higher; the risk of debt is now a headache due to lower revenue collection, and the supply chain disrupted by the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war and the trade deficit is reducing the government's debt repayment capacity, he said.
Read: Heard a ‘strong commitment’ from PM, ministers in support of free, fair, peaceful elections in Bangladesh: Uzra Zeya“Considering the debt-GDP ratio it is not risky yet, but the problem is a slow revenue collection and the lowest tax –GDP ratio of the country,” he told UNB.Foreign exchange crisis, higher non-performing loans, global economic slowdown, and decreasing trend of inward remittances flow are the challenging matter to secure the debt repayment capacity, he added.
Walton Mobile opens smart point at Shyamoli
Walton Mobile’s new smart point ‘A J Telecom’ has recently started its journey at Shyamoli Square Super Market in Dhaka.
All models of Walton smart and feature phones and other accessories are available at this exclusive brand shop.
Walton is launching mobile phone’s smart point across the country due to huge sales growth and demand for Walton mobiles. To response it an initiative was taken to provide these digital services to the people’s doors. Nearly one dozen of smart points have been inaugurated across the country. Earlier, another smart point ‘Mobile Neer’ was opened at Madbar Mansion at Rokeya Sarani Mirpur-10 in the capital.
Walton Mobile's Head of Business Intelligence (BI) Rezaul Hasan, Chief Business Officer (CBO) Abu Jahid, Head of Research & Innovation (R&I) Shamim Islam and National Sales Manager (NSM) Wahiduzzaman were present at the inaugural ceremony of ‘A J Telecom’.
Walton Mobile's CBO Abu Jahid said Walton Mobile is ensuring maximum benefits and the best after sales service for customers. Walton has become a giant company through customers’ acceptance over the years. Walton shows it capabilities in giving the best after sales service besides manufacturing international standard digital devices.
He also said Walton has recently opened country’s first mobile phone service point naming- Mobile Touch Point- at Nagar Siddiqui Plaza in Old Dhaka’s Laxmibazar.
Citing reports found from their sales representatives from different smart points, the authorities say, they are witnessing huge crowd at their countrywide smart points with putting records on sales growth.
Juhi Electronics, one the Walton Mobile’s smart points at Shah Ali Plaza in Mirpur-10, has already been awarded as the best seller of Walton mobile. On this occasion, they have recently celebrated the success cutting a cake.
Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves now $23.57 billion as per IMF formula
Bangladesh Bank (BB) has finally accepted the formula prescribed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in calculating foreign exchange reserves that stood at $23.57 billion on Thursday.
Read: No scope to hold ‘acceptable polls’ under AL govt: BNP tells Canadian envoy
However, according to the Bangladesh Bank's calculations on Wednesday the reserve was $29.97 billion.
Read: Heard a ‘strong commitment’ from PM, ministers in support of free, fair, peaceful elections in Bangladesh: Uzra Zeya
One of the conditions for the IMF's $4.7 billion loan to Bangladesh was to release the reserve account by June as per a model called BPM-6.
China exports slumped 12.4% in June from a year earlier as global demand weakened
China's exports tumbled 12.4% in June from a year earlier as demand weakened after central banks raised interest rates to curb inflation even as Chinese leaders struggled to keep a post-COVID recovery from faltering.
Customs data released Thursday showed imports slid 6.8% to $214.7 billion. Exports edged up slightly from the month before, totaling $285.3 billion. The trade surplus was $70.6 billion, rising from $65.8 billion in May.
Trade weakness adds to downward pressure on the world's second-largest economy. Global consumer demand has weakened after the Federal Reserve and central banks in Europe and Asia raised interest rates to bring inflation down from near multi-decade highs by reining in business and consumer activity.
Also read: Overtaking US, India will become second largest economy in the world by 2075: Goldman Sachs
In January-June, China's total trade including imports and exports fell nearly 5% from a year earlier. Exports slipped 3.2% and imports declined 6.7% as prices of commodities like oil fell and demand inside China also faltered.
Exports to the United States tumbled 23.7% from a year earlier to $42.7 billion, a six-month low, while imports of American goods sank 4.1% to $14 billion. China's politically volatile trade surplus with the United States narrowed by 30.6% to $28.7 billion.
Trade also has been dampened by tension with Washington and restrictions on access to U.S. processor chips and other technology in a feud with Beijing over security and Chinese industrial policy. Chinese factories assemble most of the world's smartphones and other electronics.
Also read: Persistent inflation, rising interest rates will weigh on global economy, OECD predicts
"With the global downturn in goods demand continuing to weigh on exports, we think exports will decline further for now before bottoming out toward the end of the year," Zichun Huang of Capital Economics said in a commentary. "But the good news is that the worst of the decline in foreign demand is probably already behind us."
Imports from Russia were up 15.7% to $11.3 billion. China has been buying more Russian oil and gas to take advantage of price cuts. That has helped shore up the Kremlin's cash flow after the United States, Europe and Japan cut off most purchases to punish Moscow for President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
Beijing can buy Russian oil and gas without triggering Western sanctions. China has also become Russia's biggest export market and an important source of manufactured goods. Exports to Russia surged 90.9% in June from the year before to $9.5 billion.
Also read: Sri Lanka reduces interest rates for 1st time since bankruptcy as economy shows signs of rebounding
The ruling Communist Party set this year's official economic growth target at "around 5%," up from last year's 3% expansion, which was the second-weakest since the 1970s. Some economists raised their growth forecasts to closer to 6% following unexpectedly strong trade figures in March.
In April, the government announced steps to support struggling exporters, including by making more trade finance available and encouraging cross-border e-commerce.
A five-month campaign launched late April also is meant to increase trade by improving logistics and cutting costs for exporters in 17 cities including Beijing and Shanghai.
IBBL holds workshop on effective internal audit procedure
Islami Bank Training and Research Academy (IBTRA) organised a workshop on “Journey Towards Universal Banking: Auditing for Achieving Excellence in Bank” at Islami Bank Tower recently.
Read: IBBL signs agreement to use 'Sonali Payment Gateway'
Mohammed Monirul Moula, Managing Director & CEO of the Bank inaugurated the workshop as Chief Guest. Presided over by K.M Munirul Alam Al-Mamoon, Principal of IBTRA (Current Charge), J Q M Habibullah, FCS, and Md. Altaf Hossain, Additional Managing Directors, Md. Nayer Azam and Kazi Md. Rezaul Karim, Deputy Managing Directors of the bank conducted different session of the workshop.
Read: IBBL launches ‘Smart Bangladesh Smart Banking’ campaign
Around 100 executives and employees of the Audit and Inspection Division attended the workshop.
Getting International German Language Certificates from Bangladesh: A Comprehensive Guide
Embarking on a journey to learn the German language can open up a world of opportunities for higher studies and professional growth. With its rich cultural heritage, strong economy, and influential position in the European Union, Germany has become an attractive destination for students and job seekers. Whether you aspire to pursue a degree at a renowned German university, or secure employment in a German company, mastering German language can pave the way to success.
Bangladeshi students are embracing this success every year. If you also cherish the dream to be one of them, this article is for you. Let's take a look into how to get International German Language Certificates from Bangladesh.
How to Get International German Language Certificates from Bangladesh
Eligibility for Getting International German Language Certificates
The Goethe-Institut offers a range of exams for Bangladeshi students of different age groups, providing opportunities to obtain international German language certificates. Let’s explore the exams and their age eligibility:
Criteria for A1 Level Certificate
Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Fit in Deutsch 1 (FD 1)
Age Eligibility: 10 to 16 years old.Language Skills: Fluency in German at the A1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a prerequisite for candidates.Course Requirement: Completion of 80 to 200 45-minute units of teaching, depending on previous knowledge and learning requirements.
Read more: 10 Most Useful Foreign Languages to Learn in 2022
Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1 (SD 1)
Age Eligibility: Minimum 16 years old.Language Skills: Candidates must have German language skills corresponding to the A1 level of the CEFR.Course Requirement: Completion of 80 to 200 45-minute units of teaching, depending on previous knowledge and learning requirements.
Criteria for A2 Level Certificate
Goethe-Zertifikat A2: Fit in Deutsch (FD)
Age Eligibility: Minimum 12 years old.Language Skills: Candidates must have German language skills corresponding to the A2 level of the CEFR.Course Requirement: Completion of 200 to 350 45-minute classes, depending on previous knowledge and learning requirements.
Goethe-Zertifikat A2
Age Eligibility: Minimum 16 years old.Language Skills: Candidates must have German language skills corresponding to the A2 level of the CEFR.Course Requirement: Completion of 200 to 350 45-minute classes, depending on previous knowledge and learning requirements.
Criteria for B1 Level Certificate
Goethe-Zertifikat B1
Age Eligibility: Minimum 12 years old.Language Skills: Candidates must have German language skills corresponding to the B1 level of the CEFR.
Read more: Ausbildung in Germany for Non-EU Students including Bangladesh
Criteria for B2 Level Certificate
Goethe-Zertifikat B2
Age Eligibility: Minimum age of 15 years.Language Skills: Candidates must have German language skills corresponding to the B2 level of the CEFR.
Criteria for C1 Level Certificate
Goethe-Zertifikat C1
Age Eligibility: Minimum 16 years old.Language Skills: Candidates must have German language skills corresponding to the C1 level of the CEFR.Course Requirement: Completion of 800 to 1,000 45-minute units of teaching, depending on previous knowledge and learning requirements.
Criteria for C2 Level Certificate
Goethe-Zertifikat C2: Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS)
Age Eligibility: Minimum age of 18 years.Language Skills: Candidates must have German language skills corresponding to C2, the highest level of competence, according to the CEFR.Course Requirement: Completion of at least 1,000 45-minute units of teaching, depending on previous knowledge and learning requirements.
Read more: Higher Study in Germany: Scholarship Opportunities for Bangladeshi and Other International Students
Special Certification Criteria
TestDaF
Age Eligibility: Minimum age of 18 years.Language Skills: The TestDaF determines whether candidates possess the language skills required for studying at a German university or institution of higher education. It corresponds to the B2 and C1 levels of the CEFR.Course Requirement: Candidates should have completed between 700 and 1,000 45-minute units of teaching in German.Goethe-Test PRO
Age Eligibility: Minimum 16 years old.
List of International German Language Certification Exams
If participants take the exam right after the course ends, they get a discount. Students in a course must finish both parts of a level at the Goethe-Institut to be eligible as internal candidates. The fees corresponding to the certification exams for external candidates are given below:
International German Language Certification Exams
Goethe-Zertifikat A1 (SD1)Goethe-Zertifikat A1 (Fit in Deutsch)Goethe-Zertifikat A1 (SD1)Goethe-Zertifikat A2 (Fit in Deutsch)Goethe-Zertifikat A2Goethe-Zertifikat B1Goethe-Zertifikat B1 Jugendliche: Fit in DeutschGoethe-Zertifikat B2Goethe-Zertifikat C1Goethe-Zertifikat C2
Source: Goethe Institut Bangladesh
Read more: Cheapest countries for Bangladeshi students for higher studies
Currently, they are offering certification exams only from A1 to B2 level. The updated information related to the exams is provided in the latest brochure at the time of enrolment. So, please visit their official website or contact them directly to get the current fees for the exams offered by the Goethe-Institut in Bangladesh.
Courses for the International German Language Certificates
At the Goethe-Institut in Bangladesh, there are various extensive, intensive, and blended learning courses available for international German language learning. Every course typically takes participants a maximum of 22 participants and starts in January, March, June, and September. Let’s get to know in detail about the German language courses and certifications.
Extensive and Intensive Course
Extensive Online Live A1.1 / A1.2
This course is conducted online and is suitable for beginners at the A1 level. It consists of 2 sessions per week, with each session lasting 4 teaching units of 45 minutes. In total, the course spans 75 teaching units, providing a comprehensive introduction to the German language.
Extensive Online Live A2.1 / A2.2
Designed for learners at the A2 level, this online course comprises 2 sessions per week, with each session lasting 4 teaching units of 45 minutes. The total duration of the course is 80 teaching units, allowing participants to strengthen their language skills and advance their proficiency at the A2 level.
Intensive Online Live A1
Ideal for learners aiming to rapidly progress through the A1 level, this intensive course takes place online and involves 4 sessions per week, each lasting 3.5 hours. The total duration of the course is 150 teaching units, providing an immersive learning experience and facilitating faster language acquisition.
Read more: Top European Countries Offering Free Education for International Students
Intensive Online Live A2
Similar to the intensive A1 course, this program is intended for learners at the A2 level. It includes 4 sessions per week, with each session lasting 3.5 hours. The course spans a total of 160 teaching units, allowing participants to consolidate their language skills and enhance their proficiency at the A2 level.
Intensive Online Live B1
For learners aspiring to reach the B1 level, this intensive course involves 5 sessions per week, with each session lasting 4 hours and 5 minutes. The course encompasses 190 teaching units and focuses on developing more advanced language skills and cultural understanding.
Intensive Online Live B2
Targeting learners at the B2 level, this intensive course consists of 4 sessions per week, each lasting 4 hours and 5 minutes. It spans a total of 190 teaching units and aims to refine language proficiency, expand vocabulary, and strengthen communication abilities at an upper-intermediate level.
Intensive Hybrid A1
This course offers a combination of classroom presence and Zoom streaming. Participants alternate between attending classes physically and joining online sessions. It involves 4 sessions per week, with each session lasting 3.5 hours. The course spans a total of 150 teaching units, providing flexibility in learning environments.
Intensive Hybrid A2
Similar to the hybrid A1 course, this program is tailored for learners at the A2 level. It includes 4 sessions per week, alternating between classroom and Zoom sessions. Each session lasts 3.5 hours, and the course encompasses a total of 160 teaching units.
Read more: How to Pick a College or University Abroad for Higher Education
Blended Learning Courses
The blended learning course combines classroom sessions and self-study in a 50-50 ratio. Half of the course involves attending classes in a physical setting with a teacher, while the other half focuses on self-paced online learning through the institute's platform.
In the classroom sessions, you interact directly with the teacher and peers, practicing speaking and listening skills and receiving immediate feedback. The online self-study portion provides access to various learning materials, exercises, and resources.
The format is designed to cater to individual learning needs, considering your progress, strengths, and areas for improvement. It spans 10 weeks with 4 sessions per week, lasting 3 hours each, summing up 16 teaching units of 45 minutes. This flexible schedule suits those with other commitments or a preference for a versatile learning environment.
International German Language Certification Course Durations
Table: German course durations
International German Language Certification Course
Duration (Week)
Extensive Online Live (A1.1/A1.2)
10
Extensive Online Live (A2.1/A2.2)
10
Intensive Online Live/Hybrid A1
10
Intensive Online Live/Hybrid A2
10
Intensive Online Live B1
10
Intensive Online Live B2.1/B2.2
9
Exam Preparation (A1/B1)
1
Source: Goethe Institut Bangladesh
These course details are subject to change and announced in the latest course brochure at the time of enrolment. So, for the most accurate and up-to-date details on the course offerings at the Goethe-Institut in Bangladesh, please visit their official website or contact them directly.
Read more: How to Pick a College or University Abroad for Higher Education
In a Nutshell
So far, we have discussed how to get International German language certificates from Bangladesh. The courses and exams of the Goethe-Institut Bangladesh are tailored for different skill levels. The fees of the offered courses and certifications are available on the official website of Goethe-Institut Bangladesh. Learning German while staying in Bangladesh can ease the process of getting a German visa for higher studies, work visa, and other purposes. Let these processes prepare you to embark on the journey to your ultimate goal!
Bangladesh sets $72 billion export target with 11.52% growth for FY 2023-24
Bangladesh's Ministry of Commerce has set an export target of $72 billion with 11.52 percent growth for the fiscal year 2023-24.
Export target for goods has been set at $62 billion while for the service sector, the target was set at $10 billion.
Export target achieved in FY 2022-23 was $64.55 billion, which saw a growth of 5.88 percent.
RMG exports to EU grew 9.93% in FY 2022-23: Export Promotion Bureau
Goods worth $55.55 billion and services worth $9 billion were exported in FY 2022-23, and the growth were 6.67 percent and 1.25 percent respectively.
Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi today (July 12, 2023) made the announcement of the export target and achievements in the previous fiscal in a press conference at the ministry.
Prior to the announcement, the minister met with leaders of different business organizations and ministry officials.
RMG exports in FY23 almost $47bn, 85% of total exports
Business leaders at the meeting urged the government to ensure uninterrupted gas and electricity supply to industries at affordable rates.
Otherwise, exports would be negatively impacted, they told the minister.
While announcing the new export target, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said the global economic slowdown has been considered when setting the new target.
Gas and power crises have also been considered while setting the target, the minister said.
Exports raked in $55.56bn in FY23, highest in history
While replying to a query, the minister said Bangladesh has some advantages including trained labour force, and affordable cost of products.
Besides, global entrepreneurs are relocating industries from China due to geo-political reasons, and Vietnam has a labour crisis, the minister said.
If Bangladesh can utilize these opportunities, exports can go beyond the target, the commerce minister said.
Dollar exchange rate for repatriated export income increased to Tk107.5