Local-Business
Nagad offers smart payment option at cattle markets
Ensuring safe and convenient buying and selling of sacrificial animals, mobile financial service provider Nagad has come up with a smart payment option at cattle haat for its customers.
As part of its efforts to help Bangladesh's transition to a "Smart Nation", such a payment option has been introduced at smart cattle markets, reads a press release.
Customers will get attractive gifts alongside a maximum security while making payments using Nagad.
Read: Govt fixes rawhide prices ahead of Eid-ul-Azha
Under the initiative taken by the Bangladesh Bank, Dhaka North City Corporation and Chattogram City Corporation, ten smart cattle markets have been set up in Dhaka and Chattogram cities.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock and Bangladesh Dairy Farmers' Association are providing all necessary support to the management of smart haats.
Nagad has installed booths and employed skilled staffers in those cattle markets to provide various services to buyers and sellers, adds the release.
Nagad has taken the lead in every initiative of the government to promote cashless transactions. As part of that, it has been entrusted with the responsibility to ensure cashless transactions at two smart haats in the capital – Gabtali and Basila cattle markets.
Read: Banks to remain open on June 27, 28 in industrial areas
People who buy or sell animals for certain amounts through Nagad at both the cattle markets will get attractive t-shirts, caps, mugs, key rings, and pens.
Nagad already conducted awareness raising activities among farmers in different parts of the country prior to setting up of smart cattle haats. Besides, many cattle farmers with trade licences have been given Uddokta accounts. As a result, they can return home safely after selling cattle as they do not have to carry cash.
Besides, after receiving the money from sales of animals in Nagad accounts, sellers can withdraw cash at the lowest costs from Nagad booths installed at the smart cattle markets. At the same time, interested buyers can also make cash-in from the booths as required. In addition, cattle farmers can cash in the money they receive through sales of animals in cash transactions, or they can secure it by sending the money to the accounts of their family members at home. Again, one can easily open a Nagad account at the booths located in the cattle markets.
Read: Nagad dangles ‘Ek Takar’ offer on GP mobile recharge
Muhammad Zahidul Islam, head of Public Relations, Nagad, said, "Nagad always steps up first whenever there is any digital initiative. We are working in solidarity with the Bangladesh Bank's move to make 75% of the country's total transactions cashless by 2027."
As part of it, Nagad has arranged an option for cashless payments at smart cattle markets, he also said, adding, "We stand by farmers and consumers to make this initiative a success. We believe that cashless transactions using Nagad can provide maximum security and ensure convenience to our customers."
This process of cashless transactions will rein in the use of counterfeit notes and will also play an important role in curbing crimes, he further said.
Apart from smart haats, online sales of sacrificial animal purchases have got momentum like in the last few years. Every year, thousands of cattle are traded on digital platforms.
Nagad is the customers’ first choice as an online payment method, added the release.
Govt fixes rawhide prices ahead of Eid-ul-Azha
The Ministry of Commerce on Sunday (June 25, 2023) fixed the prices of salted cowhides at Tk 50 to Tk 55 per square feet in Dhaka and at Tk 45 to Tk 48 outside Dhaka.
Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi disclosed this after a meeting with tannery owners, the Tariff Commission, and related stakeholders at the Ministry of Commerce.
The minister said that the price of salted cowhide has been increased by Tk 3 in Dhaka and by Tk 5 outside Dhaka compared to last year. And the prices of Khasi (male goat) and goat skin were kept the same as it was in the previous year.
Read: Salted rawhides collection starts Thursday
Tipu Munshi said the rawhide prices of sacrificial Khasi (male goat) has been fixed at Tk 18 to Tk 20 and goat Tk 12 to Tk 14.
Last year, the price of salted cowhide was Tk 47 to Tk 52 per square feet in Dhaka and Tk 40 to Tk 44 outside Dhaka. And the price of salted skin of khasi was Tk 18 to Tk 20 and goat skin was Tk 12 to Tk14.
Tanners will get around Tk 259 crore loans from banks to procure and preserve rawhides during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha.
Read: Steps taken to prevent rawhide smuggling in border areas: Industries Secy
According to commerce ministry sources, tannery owners have written to the ministry seeking a Tk 500 crore loan .
A total of 12 public and private banks will disburse the loans among applicants with state-owned ones lending the maximum amount.
Read more: Govt hikes rawhide prices ahead of Eid
Speakers for technology, finance and PPP initiative in building disaster resilient smart Bangladesh
President of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) Barrister Md. Sameer Sattar said strong public and private sector fraternity is essential to steer the much-needed disaster risk management along with a long-term master plan to safeguard industries.
He said this at a symposium on “private sector’s participation in disaster risk management: towards Smart Bangladesh” jointly organized by DCCI and Strengthening Urban Public-Private Programming for Earthquake Resilience (SUPER) Project Consortium held at Radisson Hotel in Dhaka on Saturday, said a media release.
SUPER project is a consortium initiative implemented by DCCI, ActionAid Bangladesh, United Purpose and World Vision supported by European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid.
Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Mayor Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Md. Atiqul Islam joined the event virtually as special guests.
Read: Rationalize public sector borrowing to encourage private borrowing: DCCI President
BIDA Executive Chairman Lokman Hossain Miah, FBCCI President Md. Jashim Uddin and Department of Disaster Management DG Mijanur Rahman were also present as guests of honour at the event chaired by DCCI President Sattar.
Sameer Sattar said disaster risk has broad socioeconomic and developmental implications crippling the sustenance of businesses and industries.
Industry is the lifeline of the economy contributing 36% of GDP in Bangladesh. Disaster risk has far-reaching consequences on sustainability of business. Bangladesh can offer a wide range of financial tools to enhance the financial resilience of the private sector as disaster control measures, he said.
In Bangladesh, awareness building, compliance, central disaster management fund, easy access to low-cost funds and other tax advantages can provide some good solutions to ensure an effective and result-oriented Disaster Risk Management (DRM) ecosystem, he added.
Mayor Taposh said that disaster risk management strategy should be implemented through public-private partnership mode to make it more sustainable.
Read: DCCI business delegation leaves Dhaka to join BIMSTEC Business Conclave’ in Kolkata
He also suggested making the private sector emergency operation centre (PEOC) effective.
The maor4 also informed that there are 75 words under DSCC and each has about 400 volunteers to work. DSCC has already allocated an increased budget for training and fire drills to make Bangladesh smart.
DNCC Mayor Atiqul said that in offices, homes and markets fire drills should be mandatory to raise awareness.
“Moreover, we do not have underearth utility service mapping and due to lack of proper GIS mapping sometimes it becomes risky to do infrastructure related work especially in the roads,” he said.
He also said that if the canals can be re-gained these will be a good source of water if any fire incident happens.
Read: NBR-private sector partnership crucial to achieve high revenue target: DCCI President
The mayor urged the owners of commercial towers to arrange frequent fire drills and ensure enough space in the tower. Moreover the government alone can’t implement disaster risk management.
Urging all to abide by the building code, BIDA’s Lokman Hossain Miah said, “Where there is life, there is risk, therefore, we have to have a masterplan for being a disaster resilient country.”
He termed Dhaka as the most vulnerable city in Bangladesh. But not only Dhaka, the entire country will have to be brought under a masterplan.
He also termed technology as a strong tool to fight against disaster as well as he stressed on easy financing mechanisms to face disasters.
Read: DCCI urges industrialists to setup factories in EZs for uninterrupted power supply
Business leader Jashim Uddin said that in terms of businesses, “We are in a competitive world. Any disaster may harm our competitiveness in the international market.”
He said, “We can’t allow our industries and employees or workers to be endangered by any disaster. We have to identify the risky factories and industries and make them ready for facing disasters.”
He also said that the capacity of fire service and civil defence should be strengthened more. There is no alternative to maintaining compliance in industries. In that case the private sector has a big role to play along with the public sector.
DG Mizanur said that the disaster risk management should be inclusive. Since Bangladesh is situated in a disaster prone zone, therefore all have to be ready with adequate equipment.
Technology can play a pivotal role in facing disaster risks, he said, adding that the young generation will have to be engaged in disaster risk management systems.
Read: DCCI for 2.5% corporate tax cut for non-listed companies in the next budget
Later a website of a private sector emergency operation centre was launched.
DCCI senior vice president SM Golam Faruk Alamgir (Arman) offered vote of thanks.
Two parallel sessions titled “disaster risk management financing strategy” and “technology in DRM towards smart Bangladesh” were held under the symposium where related stakeholder sector leaders also spoke.
Transportation of sacrificial animals from C’nawabganj to Dhaka launched
Like previous occasions ahead of the holy Eid-Ul-Azha, transportation of sacrificial animals via train from Chapainawabganj to Dhaka at a low cost was launched on Saturday evening.
This year, adding three more wagons to the existing wagons of the Mango Special Train instead of Cattle Special Train, the first shipment of sacrificial animals with 40 cows and six goats was sent to Dhaka.
Under the banner of ‘Cattle Special Train’, the vehicle carrying the sacrificial animals left the district for Dhaka’s Tejgaon.
Read: Special mango train on Chapainawabganj-Dhaka route launched
Local lawmaker Abdul Wadud inaugurated the train service at Chapainawabganj Rail Station at 6:45pm.
District Livestock Officer Mostafizur Rahman, Assistant Commercial Officer of Bangladesh Railway (western zone) AKM Nurul Alam and Station Master Obaidullah among others were present at the opening ceremony.
Master Obaidullah said three more wagons were added to the wagons of the mango special train to carry the sacrificial animals from the district to the capital every day this year.
Each wagon will be able to accommodate 20 cows and its fare was fixed at Tk 11, 830, he said.
The special train service will continue from June 24 to 26, the master said.
Read: BR to operate special mango train on Chapainawabganj-Dhaka route from on June 13
The special service was launched on the Chapainawabganj-Rajshahi-Dhaka (Tejgaon) route on July 17 in 2021 to transport sacrificial animals at a low cost considering the Covid-19 situation.
Read more: PM launches special mango train on Chapainawabganj-Dhaka route
BAT Bangladesh launches ESG Report for shareholders and investors
BAT Bangladesh has unveiled a report on the company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance for 2022, continuing its legacy of pioneering this report in the country.
The ESG report, which contains proper disclosure and compliance, has been prepared for the perusal of the company’s shareholders and investors.
It has chosen to pursue challenging targets, including carbon neutrality, water stewardship, waste management, and diversity, equity, and inclusion, as per the company’s global commitment.
Read: BAT Bangladesh recognised as top employer in 2023
Through its robust ESG initiatives, BAT Bangladesh supports the government in driving eight out of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
More than 40 percent (42% to be specific) of financing for Bangladesh’s SDG attainment is projected to come from the private sector, according to the ‘SDGs Financing Strategy- Bangladesh Perspective’ by the Planning Commission.
Several multinationals and local companies are making significant contributions towards that end, with BAT Bangladesh, the largest taxpayer, leading the process by example.
Read: BAT Bangladesh keeps topping NBR honours chart
A listed company, BAT Bangladesh launched the ESG report for 2021, the first of its kind in the country, in 2022. The latest report, too, has been published in both English and Bangla and would be made available upon queries from shareholders and investors.
BAT’s ESG report has been prepared with reference to GRI Standard – a global framework for sustainability reports.
Read more: BAT Bangladesh scoops up ACES Awards 2022 as 'top sustainability advocate'
Commerce Minister Tipu urges businesses to utilize advantages of PTA
Minister for Commerce Tipu Munshi urged businesses of Bangladesh and Bhutan to play a pioneering role in expanding trade and commerce between the countries to utilize the advantages of the Preferential Trade and Transit Agreements signed earlier.
Minister Tipu said this while addressing at the inaugural ceremony of three-day ‘The Bhutan Trade & Investment Fair 2023’ at the Shooting Club in Gulshan-1 in Dhaka on Friday, as the chief guest.
He said Bangladesh inked the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with its counterpart Bhutan to promote and expand bilateral trade on December 6 in 2020 and the ‘Traffic-In-Transit Agreement’ on March 22 this year.
The businesspeople from the both countries can enrich their mutual relations along with expanding trade and commerce by utilizing the advantages of the agreements, he said.
He underscored the need for a regional consolidation to accelerate economic activities including expansion of trade, commerce and investment.
Read:Tipu Munshi hopes PTA with Indonesia to be signed 'soon'
The commerce minister said that mutual confidence and belief will have to be built to increase regional consolidation, connectivity and intra-regional trade among the neighbouring countries.
Urging Bhutanese investors for more investment in Bangladesh, Tipu Munshi said an opportunity was given to Bhutan to set up an economic zone in Kurigram along their border.
Moreover, India, Japan and South Korea have already given economic zones for investment, he said, adding that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina established 100 economic zones and most of them have been operated.
Claiming Bangladesh as the connectivity hub for this region, the minister said rail communication and transit facility along with the use of Saidpur International Airport and two ports can remarkably play a role in economic growth and development of Bhutan.
Heads of resident missions or embassies, chairpersons of businesses, executives of apex business bodies and other important personalities were present during the inaugural ceremony.
Sonam Tenzin, director general at trade department of the Bhutan government, delivered a statement on trade and investment and Kinlay Tshering, director at marketing and cooperatives department of the country, made a brief presentation on priority investment opportunities in agri-food systems in Bhutan.
Read: Bangladesh should go for PTA with Mercosur instead of FTA: Argentine minister
Around 25 companies from Bhutan are participating in the fair being held with the theme “Bridging the Gap Between Investors, Producers, Traders and Consumers for Made in Bhutan & Grown in Bhutan.”
There will be showcasing a wide range of products which are of premium quality due to Bhutan’s organic and natural methods of production.
On the sidelines of the fair, seminars on investment opportunities in Bhutan and agri-food systems in particular will be held from 23 - 25 June 2023 at the fair venue.
Read more: Bangladesh seeks direct shipping connectivity, PTA with Sri Lanka
US-Bangla secures 5th position in ‘Skytrax World Airline Awards 2023’
The US-Bangla Airlines has secured the 5th position among South Asian airlines in the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2023.
Starting its journey on July 17, 2014, the US-Bangla continues to set unique precedents in the aviation industry of Bangladesh. It has achieved so far various milestones of success, according to a media release.
The Skytrax World Airline Star Rating was launched in 1999, and is the prestigious, longest-established and unique mark of quality achievement and a global benchmark of airline excellence, awarded after professional audit analysis and evaluation of airline product and front-line service standards.
Read: US-Bangla Airlines launches initiative to train aircraft maintenance engineers
Airline star ratings are awarded by the Audit Office after a detailed, professional analysis of an airline's quality standards.
A typical rating of values ranges from 500 to 800 based on an analysis of product and service evaluation items. It takes into account the airline's airport services and onboard standards based on all applicable cabins or aircraft.
Skytrax has been awarding airline service and quality worldwide since 1999. No airline has to apply for the Skytrax World Airline Awards, there is no fee, and winning airlines do not have to pay anything to attend the award event.
Read: US-Bangla Airlines sending 11 more pilots to USA on training
The Skytrax World Airline Awards are called the 'Oscars of aviation industry' in various categories.
This achievement of US-Bangla Airlines will help Bangladesh in global aviation further.
The US-Bangla Airlines expressed their gratitude to passengers, media, all members of the organization and above all the well-wishers for this achievement.
Read more: US-Bangla Airlines wins Best Domestic Airlines award
BGMEA training on fashion products using local heritage materials ends
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) hosted a grand closing ceremony of a project titled” Creating High-End Fashion Product Using Local Heritage Material” which began two years ago with an aim to develop high-end western apparel items by utilising centuries-old local heritage materials of the country.
The BGMEA implemented this programme with the support of the Ministry of Commerce and the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Faruque Hassan, BGMEA president, Dr. Mohammad Ileas Mia, deputy secretary of WTO Cell at the Ministry of Commerce; Dr. Engr. Ayub Nabi Khan, pro-vice chancellor of BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT) and Neela Hosna Ara, director of BGMEA, among others, were present during the closing event.
President Faruque Hassan said, “The heritage textile materials we have in our country are priceless. Having centuries-old pride, the BGMEA being the promoter of the apparel industry in Bangladesh, felt the urge to double down on heritage resurrection – through our indigenous textile materials and unique craftsmanship. We aspire to redefine luxury fashion by blending invaluable heritage.”
“If we can develop high-value fashionable garments using our locally produced heritage fabrics and link them to the export market, it will create opportunities for our sector with respect to diversification,” he said.
Read: BGMEA organizes blood donation program to serve humanity
Dr. Mohammad Ileas Mia, deputy secretary of the Ministry of Commerce said that under the WTO-supported programme they worked with food processing industry, agriculture, leather and other sectors.
He said that it was initially challenging to implement something like this project in the RMG sector, as the idea was very new and innovative.
“But, to our utter surprise, at the end of the project, RMG has been the best one fulfilling all the components,” he said.
A total of 160 participants from the industry, especially the fashion designers and innovators and local weavers, received training under this project.
During the training, they prepared some mood boards which represent how heritage and culture can be used to design blended luxury items.
Also, nine teams comprising 20 people from fashion designing backgrounds developed some prototypes of the fusion product for example, bridal wear, evening gown, and party dress using local Jamdani, Muslin and silk- all from Bangladesh.
Read: BGMEA President seeks government policy support to achieve RMG industry’s high growth vision
Faruque Hassan informed that the BGMEA has undertaken two other separate projects to promote Khadi, Muslin and local heritage motifs such as waterlily, Royal Bengal Tiger, rickshaw paints and others.
He invited the local designers to collaborate on these projects, in terms of design development and product sourcing.
The BGMEA president launched a new heritage website during the event. The website will present an in-depth feature on the local heritage products, unique design, craftsmanship, weaving techniques, information about weavers and their personal stories.
Read more: BGMEA organizes free eye care program for its employees
Banks to remain open on June 27, 28 in industrial areas
Bank branches will remain open in industrial areas on Tuesday and Wednesday (June 27 & 28) from 10 am to 2 pm, aiming to facilitate the disbursement of wages, bonus and other allowances to garment workers before Eid-ul-Azha.
The Department of Off-site Supervision of the central bank issued a circular in this regard and sent it to the top executives of all the scheduled banks on Wednesday.
Read: Bank branches to remain closed on Tuesday in election areas
The circular said bank branches in Dhaka metropolitans, Ashulia, Tongi, Gazipur, Savar, Bhaluka and Narayanganj will be kept open for full day on Friday and Saturday to disburse garment workers' wages, bonus and other allowances.
It also instructed to keep open bank branches in Chattogram metropolitan and industrial areas.
The central bank asked banks to arrange adequate security in the bank branches in coordination with local administration.
The holy Eid-ul-Azha will be celebrated across the country on June 29.
Read: Islami bank, Sonali bank branches put under lockdown in Naogaon, Bogura
The government has extended the Eid-ul Azha holidays to four days from June 27 to 30.
The decision came at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office on Monday.
Read more: Bank branches at Ctg, Mongla, Benapole land ports to operate 15hrs daily
Nagad dangles ‘Ek Takar’ offer on GP mobile recharge
Nagad, a leading mobile financial service in Bangladesh, has come up with an “Ek Takar” offer on a recharge to any Grameenphone numbers through its app or by dialling USSD *167#, to encourage people to more and more digital transactions.
Customers will get a cashback of BDT 199 on the recharge of BDT 200 to GP prepaid, postpaid, and Skitto numbers through Nagad.
The mobile recharges between 5pm and 8pm will be eligible for the cashback offer. Every hour first 100 rechargers will receive this cashback and the amount will be posted to his or her Nagad number in the next working day.
Read: Nagad became a billion-dollar company in just 3 years, 5 more Bangladeshi unicorns by 2025: Palak
The campaign, which was launched on 19 June, will continue till 25th of this month. A customer can participate in this campaign as many times as they like, says a press release on Wednesday.
Besides, a user making the highest number of BDT 200-mobile recharge a day will get a smartphone or a tab from Nagad. The winners will be notified through SMS if selected for this special prize, and the list of winners will be published on the official Facebook page of Nagad Limited.
Sadat Adnan Ahmed, chief marketing officer of Nagad, said, “Nagad wants as many people as possible in the country to get used to digital transactions and use mobile money for daily needs like mobile recharge. That is why we have launched this campaign in partnership with Grameenphone. We want to make customers’ life easier and more comfortable.”
Read: Establishing Digital Bank paramount to build smart Bangladesh: Nagad MD
No one from Nagad Limited will ask customers for PIN number or OTP for this campaign or for any other reasons. Additionally, Nagad representatives will never call customers to make any transactions or recharge their mobile numbers.
Read: Nagad MD proposes cashless transactions to save billions and build a smart Bangladesh