Business
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'
Three-day Bhutan trade fair ends on Sunday
The three-day Bhutan Trade and Investment Fair is ending on Sunday.
The Bhutan Embassy in Dhaka organised the fair as the first in Bangladesh, which was inaugurated by Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi at Gulshan Shooting Club in the capital on Friday.
Read: Chinese company to invest US$ 76.41 million at BEPZA Economic Zone
The event was attended by Bhutanese Heads of Missions, Business Chairpersons, Executives of top business organizations and other officials.
Around 25 companies from Bhutan have participated in this fair. Even at the fair they showcased premium quality products made in Bhutan and produced in Bhutan.
Read: Deal signed to import 1.80 lakh tonnes of fertiliser from Russia
Tipu Munshi said that India, Japan, South Korea have already come forward to invest in Bangladesh’s economic zones. There is also a chance for Bhutan to come.
“I will request Bhutan, come to Bangladesh, invest in economic zones,” the minister said.
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
Bangladeshi overseas workers earn lower because of lack of skills: Speakers
Bangladeshi overseas workers are receiving lower payment on an average of USD $2000 annually due to unskilled and language barriers.
This information was revealed in a keynote presentation on Thursday at a technical dialogue on ‘National Employment Policy and Labour Market Employment Challenges in Bangladesh’ by Dr MA Razzaque, Chairman of RAPID.
The presentation showed that 1.83 million Filipinos overseas workers generated $36.9 billion while 2.1 million Nepalese overseas workers earned $8.2 billion, while more than 10 million Bangladeshi overseas workers earned $22.1 billion in 2022.
Read: Chinese company to invest US$ 76.41 million at BEPZA Economic Zone
Despite impressive progress in social indicators, the skilled manpower generation programme did not progress as per desire, Razzaque pointed out in the paper.
Though industrial growth did not get pace in between 2017 and 2022, the employment decreased by 3.5 lakh due to increase in the use of the AI-supported smart machines in the production line, he highlighted.
Read: Deal signed to import 1.80 lakh tonnes of fertiliser from Russia
Around 45 lakh youths between 15 to 24 years are passing idle time despite having potential for work. Because of lack of technical education and jobs-oriented training they cannot be involved in productive job markets.
According to the LFS 2022 report, the working age population has surpassed 120 million or 71.2 percent of total population, and this situation will continue till 2041. This advantage if utilised in industrial and service sectors, the economy will jump a record level, Razzaque pointed out in the presentation.
Read: Deal signed with Qatar to get additional 1.5 MTPA of LNG for next 15 years
State minister for labour and employment Begum Mannujan Sufian was present in the programme as the chief guest while Ehsan-e-eElahi, secretary of the ministry, chaired the programme.
The programme was jointly organised by the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) at the Hotel International in the capital on Thursday.
Dr Md Kawser Ahmed, Member of General Economic Division (GED), Dr Shahnaz Arefin, secretary, ministry of statistics, Sharifa Khan, secretary of Economic Relations Division (ERD), Dr Sher Verick, acting branch chief, employment, labour market and youth, ILO headquarters, among others, spoke in the function.
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
Vivo brings ‘lakh taka man’ Eid offer
Smartphone company Vivo has launched a “lakh taka man” campaign raffle draw ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.This Eid, customers can win Tk 1 lakh cash back with the purchase of any vivo smartphone, according to a press release.
Also read: Vivo phones in BangladeshThe campaign started on June 20 and will end on June 29, it said.
Also read: Vivo Y01 Review: Is it a worthy entry level budget phone?The first prize of the raffle draw includes cashback of Tk 1 lakh, while the second prize features a Vivo Y36 smartphone. As the third prize, customers can win a bag. Additionally, the fourth prize includes a mug from vivo, and the fifth prize offers a data offer, said the release.
Also read: Does midrange Vivo iQOO Neo 7 worth its value: ReviewTo participate in the Raffle Draw, visit any authorized Vivo showroom and purchase any Vivo smartphone.
Siam Ahmed becomes brand ambassador for Suzuki Motorbikes
Actor Siam Ahmed has been named the regional brand ambassador for Suzuki Motorbikes by its local manufacturer and distributor Rancon Motor Bikes Ltd.
The announcement was made at a ceremony held at RANGS Babylonia in Dhaka on Tuesday night, according to a press release.
Also read: Motorbike Buyer Guide: Some popular models with price in Bangladesh in 2021
Siam expressed his delight at joining the global Suzuki team, stating, "In addition to acting, motorcycles have always been my passion since my teenage years. I used to dream of owning a Suzuki bike and pursuing my passion for riding. Today, I am proud to be a part of this exceptional brand. Suzuki is an inspiring brand that connects with youth and enhances people's lifestyles."
The event was attended by key figures including Shoeb Ahmed, divisional director of Suzuki Motorbike, Chief Operating Officer AKM Tauhidur Rahman, and Mohammad Shams Uddin, head of marketing for Suzuki Motorbike, among others, said the release.
Also read: Suzuki shoots 67 to win Japan Classic by 3 strokes
Expressing his excitement, COO AKM Tauhidur Rahman stated, "We are thrilled to announce that popular actor Siam Ahmed has become our brand ambassador, setting a new milestone. We believe that this partnership will receive an excellent response from the young generation and play a pivotal role in the country's economy."
Also read: 15 Best Motorbikes Under 2 lac taka for daily use, office commute
Shoeb Ahmed highlighted their dedication to providing quality service, approved spare parts, and the best possible customer experience.
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