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Grameenphone plans to reduce 50% carbon emissions by 2030
Grameenphone has announced to reduce 50 percent carbon emissions by the year 2030.Grameenphone has reaffirms its commitment to environmental sustainability and finding green energy solutions to combat climate change. It brought together public and private experts and diplomatic community to discuss the "Green Energy Ecosystem in Bangladesh" at the GP House on Monday, according to a press release.
Also read: Grameenphone Academy Night celebrates future-ready skilled generation
Grameenphone is devoted to continuous deployment of enhanced sustainable solutions, protecting the environment and promoting an energy-efficient and eco-friendly business approach. The organization has set a target to reduce 50% carbon emissions (CO₂) by 2030, taking 2019 emissions as the baseline, it said.
The company has so far converted around 1200 towers into solar energy powered sites in remote places ensuring connectivity in the most unconnected regions, it added.
Also read: Grameenphone reports revenues of Tk 37.3 bn for Q1 of 2023
“According to Germanwatch’s 2021 Global Climate Risk Index (CRI), we are vulnerable to both disasters and climate change and Bangladesh is ranked the seventh extreme disaster risk-prone country in the world,” said Yasir Azman, CEO of Grameenphone.
“Deploying solar powered towers is a steppingstone towards co-creating a greener future. It will significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions from our operations and help overcome the electricity supply problem,” he said.
“As an early adopter of green initiatives in Bangladesh, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint with a comprehensive set of initiatives. I believe if private sector organizations are given opportunity to procure more renewable energy utilizing the gridlines, it will encourage more green energy investments into the country and enable us to achieve our national ambition,” he added.
Also read:Grameenphone users can now pay for 32 government services
Espen Rikter-Svendsen, ambassador of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka; Md Shahriar Ahmed Chowdhury, director of the Center for Energy Research, UIU; Nazneen Ahmed, country economist at UNDP spoke at the programme, among others.
Tea industry must provide its workers with welfare: Commerce Minister
Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi has urgedplm all concerned, including tea garden owners, to build a worker-friendly tea industry.
He made the call at a press briefing organised byq Bangladesh Tea Board at the Tea Resort and Museum conference room at Sreemangal in Moulvibazar on Saturday afternoon.
Also read: Tea production increasing by 5 percent each year: Commerce Minister
This year, the main event of The National Tea Day has been organized at Sreemangal in Moulvibazar, known as the capital of tea, with the direct stakeholders including tea garden owners and workers associated with the tea industry, said the minister.
The commerce minister then announced the names of the awardees in eight categories of the “National Tea Awards” launched for the first time in the country.
Here is the full list of the winners:
1. Highest producing tea garden per acre: Rented tea garden. 2. Highest quality tea producing garden- Madhupur tea garden. 3. Best tea exporter- Abul Khair Consumer Products Ltd. 4. Best Small Tea Grower - Md Anwar Sadat Samrat (Panchagarh). 5. Best tea garden for workers welfare - Jerin Tea Garden. 6. Best organization/company - Kazi and Kazi Tea Estate Limited on the basis of marketing of diverse tea products. 7. Best tea company - Green Field Tea Industries Limited on the basis of beautiful and quality tea wrapper. 8. Best tea leaf chooser (tea worker) - Uplakhi Tripura, Neptune Tea Garden.
The awards will be distributed later.
Also read: Avoid excessive buying to keep markets stable: Commerce Minister
During the program, the minister while replying to a question from a journalist, said necessary measures are being taken for the extraction, production and marketing of tea leaves keeping the quality of tea intact Special surveillance is being maintained in this regard, he added.
About the reason for the increase in tea production, the commerce minister said tea production is more than before in the tea gardens in the country.
Besides, tea is being produced in the northern part of the country, especially Panchagarh, with almost19 percent of the total production. Due to this, tea production is increasing day by day in the country.
At present, there is a demand for 90-95 million kg of tea in the country. The commerce minister said demand can be met through tea produced in the country. The country is expected to produce more than 100 million kg of tea this year, he said.
Chairman of Bangladesh Tea Board Major General Md Ashraful Islam NDC, PSC, senior officials of the ministry and heads of various institutions under the Ministry of Commerce were present on the occasion.
Nagad welcomes govt’s move to increase safety net allocation
Nagad has welcomed the government’s move to increase the social safety net allocation in the national budget for the fiscal year 2023-2024.“This timely move will give poor people some relief during this tough time. Digital disbursements of such funds are done promptly while ensuring transparency,” said Tanvir A Mishuk, founder and managing director of Nagad Limited, according to a press release.“From the beginning Nagad had been the first choice for the government in disbursing government allowances, education stipends and other cash aid as we ensured transparency by plugging all anomalies, " he added.Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal has proposed a budgetary allocation of BDT 1,26,272 crore in the next fiscal year for the social security programmes, up by a little over 11 percent from the current fiscal year’s BDT 113,576 crore. In this way, the size of social security allocation will be 16.58 percent of total budget allocation and 2.52 percent of GDP.The finance minister has also proposed increasing beneficiaries by more than 8.5 lakh, which is a very timely move to give breathing space to the poor who are grappling with rising costs of daily necessities. He has also proposed that monthly allowances be raised by BDT 50 to BDT 200 in different categories of safety net allowances, read the budget documents.In 2021 and 2022, Nagad successfully disbursed 75 percent of all the social safety net allowances, such as old-age allowance, widow allowance, allowance for the underprivileged with special needs and students with special needs, Bede community development allowance and transgender community development allowance, the release added.Besides, Nagad also disburses 100 percent of primary education stipends, stipends under the Prime Minister’s educational assistance trust, tea garden workers’ living standard allowance, backward community development allowance, disabled allowance, and others, it also said.
Berger extends contract with Rupali Chowdhury, appoints new COO
Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited (BPBL), the market leader in the paints industry, has extended its contract with Rupali Chowdhury as the Managing Director for three more years owing to her exceptional and unwavering commitment to the company’s success.
The recommendation was made by the members of the board of directors.
Additionally, the company has also appointed Md. Mohsin Habib Chowdhury as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO).
From an executive to the first female Managing Director of a leading multinational company in Bangladesh in 2008, Rupali Chowdhury rose with unbending resolves and became an inspiration for many. She significantly contributed to BPBL and the entire industry with her illustrious accomplishments since 2008.
She was recently featured in TIME magazine.
Rupali Chowdhury joined BPBL in 1990 as a Planning Manager.
Since then, she worked with several departments under various supervisory capacities, including marketing, sales, supply chain, and systems. She reiterates BPBL’s commitment to collaborate with all the stakeholders to create a prosperous Bangladesh.
Bonayan gets prestigious SDG Brand Champion Award 2023
Bonayan, the largest private sector-driven afforestation programme, has been honored with the prestigious SDG Brand Champion Award in Climate & Environment category at the SDG Brand Champion Awards 2023 for its impactful nationwide afforestation initiative.
“Akij Bashir Group Presents SDG Brand Champion Awards 2023 in Association with Aspire to Innovate (a2i)” award gala was held at Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden on Friday, said a press release.
This prestigious accolade, initiated by the Sustainability Brand Forum, awarded 24 initiatives - 11 winners and 13 honourable mentions. This award aimed to recognise and honour private organisations and brands that have contributed outstandingly to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Bangladesh, it added.
The accolade was received by Mr. Golam Mainuddin, alongside him, Mr. Jorge Luis Macedo, Mr. Ahmed Raihan Ahsanullah, and Mr. Sazzad Hossain on behalf of Bonayan.
Bonayan started in 1980, responding to the call for mass plantation from the Forest Department of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. Since then, Bonayan has come forward to help the government realize the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) targets and is now supporting the government to achieve SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) targets of enhancing forest area as a proportion of the total land area of Bangladesh to 18% and to increase the area of tree-covered land to 25% in relation to the total land area of Bangladesh by 2030.
Every year, Bonayan distributes 5 million saplings of fruit, forestry, and medical species.
The initiative is operating in 22 districts across Bangladesh and has provided over 12 crore saplings to date, free of cost, consisting of over 25 different types of plant species.
Over the years, Bonayan, through effective public-private partnerships, has worked to create several impact zones across the country and is committed to continuing this drive for a sustainable future.
Bonayan is very proud to have received the prestigious Prime Minister’s National Award five times and the Chief Advisor’s Award once. It has also earned international recognition, including the “Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Award” for Green Leadership from Enterprise Asia, and the “Bangladesh Innovation Award 2021”.
Bangabazar fire: FBCCI donates Tk 1 crore to suffering traders
The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) has handed over a cheque of Tk 1 crore in grants to rehabilitate the traders who have faced damages in the recent devastating fire at Bangabazar clothing market in Dhaka.
The chamber's President Md. Jashim Uddin handed over the cheque to the BangaBazar Complex Dokan Malik Samity at the FBCCI Icon, Dhaka on Saturday.
FBCCI president said, "Any kind of fire incident is unfortunate for any businessman. I was out of the country when the fire incident happened in Bangabazar. The fire was so fierce that everything was burnt to ashes, nothing was left there. I felt that we should contribute even a little in this crisis. That's why we decided to help with Tk 1 crore to the affected traders.”
Jashim Uddin, also the new SAARC Chamber President said, "We are handing over this check today as per our commitment. I think all capable businessmen should stand by small businesses in various natural calamities and fire incidents”.
Jashim Uddin said businessmen must follow compliance. However, blame should not be put on the businessmen only, but all those concerned should be brought under question, including the companies that issue licenses for commercial buildings and factories.
To avoid such accidents in the future, the FBCCI president urged the government to take steps to build permanent and modern buildings for the affected traders, he said.
The FBCCI head also urged the business leaders and market committees to be aware of the risky markets and to do the necessary reforms.
FBCCI is working with the government to ensure fire safety in factories in the country, he said, "We have formed the Fire Safety Council to increase the awareness about fire safety in the private sector."
So far 5000 companies have been visited through this safety council. This safety council will visit a total of 44 thousand companies across the country. Apart from this, fire-fighting training is being given in every factory, said Jashim.
He directed Bangladesh Dokan Malik Samity and FBCCI Fire Safety Council to work together to ensure fire safety in shops and shopping malls.
FBCCI Senior Vice President Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu said that the fire service unit has marked the Bangabazar as risky and warned several times, but the matter has not been given importance by the market committee.
He urged everyone to be more responsible instead of blaming the government.
Bangladesh Dokan Malik Samity President Helal Uddin said that the existing markets in the capital are being inspected. If any type of risk is noticed, they will be warned as well as instructions will be given to reform them within the stipulated time.
FBCCI Vice President Md Amin Helaly, Md Habib Ullah Dawn, Directors, Secretary General Mohammad Mahfuzul Hoque, Head of the FBCCI Safety Council Brigadier General Abu Nayeem Md. Shahidullah (Retd.), President and Secretary of Bangbazar Complex Dokan Malik Somity, and other business leaders were present at the program.
GP launches 'Platform SHE 4.0' to empower women thru mentorship
Grameenphone (GP), a pioneer in promoting gender equality and women empowerment, is thrilled to announce the launching of the fourth chapter of its signature mentorship program - Platform SHE.
The grand launch of 'Platform SHE 4.0' took place recently, marking the beginning of an exciting journey for the promising female candidates, said a press release.
Platform SHE comes as a testament to GP's unwavering commitment to nurture the next generation of female leaders, equipping them with the support and guidance they need to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
Platform SHE 4.0 has identified 15 exceptional female talents within GP who will serve as mentors. The mentees were chosen through a rigorous and comprehensive selection process, ensuring that the most talented and hard-working young women received the opportunity to participate in this exclusive transformative experience.
Over a course of six months, the mentees will have the invaluable opportunity to gain insights into the professional world, attend self-development workshops, and acquire crucial skills necessary for their future endeavors.
Platform SHE 4.0 has been designed to create a nurturing and empowering environment, where young women can thrive and turn their dreams into reality.
Syed Tanvir Husain, chief human resources officer of GP, shared his thoughts on the power of mentorship during the launch event, saying, "Platform SHE 4.0 is here to enable bright minds embarking on their professional journey, equipping them with skills that are a prerequisite to shine in their relevant field.
The platform will not only inspire young women but also create an environment that fosters their growth, enabling them to reach new heights of success."
Through this program, Grameenphone aims to equip young women with the necessary skills and confidence to overcome barriers and excel in their respective fields, ultimately shaping them into influential figures.
Platform SHE 4.0 is set to make a profound impact on the lives of these talented mentees, igniting a spark within them that will drive them to achieve greatness. GP remains committed to empowering women and creating a society where gender equality is not just a goal but a reality.
MCCI lauds EPB’s decision to extend validity of Registration Certificate
Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) has applauded the Export Promotion Bureau’s decision to extend the validity of Registration Certificate (Enrollment Certificate).
“MCCI extends its warmest appreciation to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) for their recent decision to extend the validity of the registration certificate, also known as the enrollment certificate, to five years,” said a press release on Thursday.
This progressive move by EPB demonstrates their commitment to fostering a thriving export environment in Bangladesh, the press release reads.
MCCI said the decision to extend the validity of the registration certificate from one year to five years is a significant milestone which would simplify procedures and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for exporters in the country.
“This proactive measure will undoubtedly facilitate the growth of Bangladesh's export industry and empower businesses to operate with greater efficiency and stability,” it added.
MCCI believes the EPB decision will enhance the confidence of exporters in Bangladesh and attract foreign investment by showcasing the government's commitment to supporting and promoting the export sector.
“The extended validity of the registration certificate will contribute to strengthening Bangladesh's position as a reliable and competitive player in the global market,” the press release reads.
The trade organization lauded government’s active cooperation with the private sector to promote trade and commerce by easing various regulatory processes.
“MCCI congratulates all government officials and private sector representatives who took relentless efforts to facilitate the ease of doing business in Bangladesh.”
BGMEA, Fred Hollows Foundation intend to collaborate on providing eye care to garment workers
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Fred Hollows Foundation have expressed willingness to collaborate in improving eye health of garment workers in Bangladesh.
Jennifer Gersbeck, an executive director of Global Advocacy and Dr. Najmus Sahar Sadiq, cluster director (Bangladesh, Myanmar and Nepal), of the Fred Hollows Foundation, met BGMEA Director Neela Hosna Ara to discuss how both organizations can work together in ensuring quality eye care services for the garment workers. The meeting was held at BGMEA Complex in Uttara, Dhaka on Wednesday, said a BGMEA media release.
BGMEA and the Fred Hollows Foundation intended to work collaboratively in providing eye treatment to the workers in the garment factories and BGMEA Health Centers and also raising awareness among them about eye care.
The collaboration aims to facilitate eye examination, diagnosis of eye conditions and access to treatment for workers in need.
BGMEA Director Neela Hosna Ara thanked the Fred Hollows Foundation for their willingness of support, saying BGMEA welcomes initiatives that aim to ensure well-being of garment workers.
The Fred Hollows Foundation is an Australia-based aid organization that focuses on treating and preventing blindness and other vision problems.
Time to explore vast untapped potential in SAARC region: FBCCI president
Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries President Md Jashim Uddin said on Wednesday that the SAARC has low intra-regional trade of 5 percent, which means there is still vast untapped potential.
“It is more important than ever we must recognise the significance of using our regional strengths and working together towards a common vision in a rapidly changing world,” he said.
The FBCCI president came up with the remarks while addressing at a conference on ‘Harnessing Regional Strengths: Importance of SAARC for South Asia’s Growth’ held on Wednesday in Dhaka, a press release said.
Jashim Uddin said the private sector holds the key to unlocking this opportunity by venturing into new markets, diversifying product portfolios, nurturing cross-border business collaborations and removing trade barriers including NTBs.
Setting up B2B mutual trade Facilitation committee of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry may be established for support, he said.
He also said that the world is witnessing significant shifts in the global economic landscape, and South Asia has a unique opportunity to position itself as a major player in the global trade and investment arena.
“The region is also blessed with immense resources, a young and talented workforce, and a growing consumer market. By rethinking our regional integration strategies, we can leverage our relationship to new heights,” he said.
SAARC CCI needs to activate its working groups and strengthen its capacity to in driving business conducive initiatives including transport and logistics infrastructure, harmonizing trade procedures, promoting digital connectivity, regional supply chains and private service sector collaborations including tourism, he observed.
The business leader said considering the close ties between Bangladesh and India for the geographical position it has a huge potential to grow business.
“We call upon both the governments of Bangladesh and India to enable an extension of LDC treatment to Bangladesh even after its graduation in 2026 up to the enforcement BD-India CEPA,” he said.
Strengthening mutual institutional coordination of trade support agencies, harmonising mutual trade rules, complimentary infrastructure development initiatives, regional energy resources for mutual benefit are the keys to sustainable and incremental development of trade and economy of the two countries, he mentioned.
Jashim said that Bangladesh’s growth trajectory and development success as an emerging strong middle-income country under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina can offer several complimentary advantages to South Asian counterparts. The private sector is keen to explore business collaborations in manufacturing, agro-processing, industrial machinery, clean energy, ICT, and FMCG among others with value chain linkages and market prospects.
During his welcome speech, FBCCI Senior Vice President Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu said that with promising ties among the 8 member countries, SAARC has the potential of being one of the most dynamic and emerging regions in the world. At present the region has consistently high growth as many countries and regions of the world tackle their slow-paced economic growth.
“Cross-border investments, simplifying customs procedures and developing efficient logistics networks within SAARC can facilitate trade. We may closely work with the apex trade bodies and initiate country-specific and regional programs for improving the economic cooperation and capacity building of our SME’s sector and tapping the potential of women-led SMEs for regional trade,” he added.
Former President of SAARC CCI (Sri Lanka) Ruwan Ediringehe said that SAARC nations have all 4Ms (Manpower, Market, Money and Materials) but they are yet to utilise it.
“SCCI has deliberately failed from last decade to pressurize their national chamber to enhance trade between the region. We need to take necessary actions to minimise those barriers,” he said.
Vice President of SAARC CCI (from Pakistan) Anjum Nisar said, “Other regional associations like EU, ASIAN, NAFTA are doing very good and they are getting regional benefit but it’s still unfortunate for us, that we couldn’t utilize SAARC till now. We have huge potential in the area of tourism, agriculture, fisheries, industries, human development and many more. It’s time we push the govt. of each country to seize the untapped opportunity in this region”.
Deputy Head and Senior Economic Affairs Officer at UN ESCAP South and South-West Asia Office Dr Rajan Sudesh Ratna was present as the guest speaker.
The programme was moderated by Dr M Masrur Reaz, chairman of the Policy Exchange of Bangladesh. Former Cabinet Minister of the government of the Maldives Mariyam Shakeela, former President of SAARC CCI (Sri Lanka) Ruwan Ediringehe, Vice President of SAARC CCI (Nepal), and Past President of the Federation of Nepal Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FNCCI) Chandi Raj Dhakal, Vice President of India -Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IBCCI) Sanjay Basu, EC Member of Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry Janaqa Siddiqui and others business leaders were present at the programme.