Business
Banks instructed to campaign for bringing back laundered money
Bangladesh Bank (BB) has instructed the country’s scheduled banks to launch a campaign to encourage Bangladeshi nationals to send home the undisclosed money they earned abroad by paying only 7 per cent taxes.
The campaign will be in accordance with the recently made ‘Income Tax Ordinance’ aimed at bringing back undisclosed income and the money laundered by Bangladeshi nationals.
Bangladeshi nationals can show their income, earned abroad by any means, in the income tax return by paying 7 per cent tax. Such income will be legalized by the banking channel and no one (banks or any other agencies) can ask about the sources of this income.
Also read: Black money whitening got little response in FY 22: NBR data
The central bank issued a circular in this regard on Monday and sent it to all scheduled banks for necessary action.
The circular stated the implementation and promotion of offshore tax amnesty under the Income Tax Ordinance.
“Through the Finance Act, 2022, as per Section-19 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 1984, paying 7 per cent tax during the period from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, the undisclosed money accumulated outside Bangladesh in any form, can be legally brought into Bangladesh, by banking channels and displayed it in the income tax return,” the circular added.
Also read: Banks must operate in compliance & good governance: BB Governor
Economists and former NBR officials criticized the amnesty saying that money laundering and capital flight from Bangladesh would increase due to this.
8 more local companies receive ISO certificates
Eight more local companies have received ISO 22000 certificates from the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO), paving the way for the firms to export their products to foreign markets.
With the eight companies, a total of 21 local firms have so far obtained the ISO 22000 certificates with the help of the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Foundation.
The eight companies are Safe Trading Corporation, Pratibha Trading, Abhijit Food and Beverage Industries, Masud Agro Processing Food Products, Bani's Creation, Ayurvedic Pharmacy (Dhaka), Chhip Food BD and All-wells Marketing.
Also read: Chinese Company to set up hair fashion accessories industry at BEPZA economic zone
The certificates were handed over to the companies through a function on Monday, said a press release of SME Foundation.
Addressing the function, Chairman of the SME Foundation Prof Masudur Rahman said now the food and agricultural processing companies can export their products of 500 million US dollars. The Foundation will help SMEs to raise the export earnings to one billion US dollars in this sector by 2030, he said.
Director General of the SME Foundation Dr Mofizur Rahman said the Foundation will help eight more small and medium enterprises to obtain the ISO 22000 certificates in the current financial year.
Also read: Govt urged to reject offer for Covid-19 vaccine from any tobacco company
Additional Secretary of Commerce Ministry Hafizur Rahman and member of Food Safety Authority Rezaul Karim were present in the event.
The SME Foundation has been creating awareness about Food Safety Management System (FSMS), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Agricultural Practice (GAP), providing training to entrepreneurs, and extending assistance to enterprises to attain international standard certificates.
In 2013, three local companies attained the ISO 22000 certificates for the first time with the help of the SME Foundation. Later, four other companies got the international standard certificates in 2015 and six ones in 2017.
Read Plastic businessmen want harassment-free environment
Plastic businessmen want harassment-free environment
Plastic sector entrepreneurs demanded a harassment-free business environment in the country caused of the visit of the government agencies.
They made the call at the first meeting of the FBCCI standing committee on Plastic, Rubber, Melamine and PVC Products held at FBCCI head office on Monday, said a media release.
In the meeting, businesses said, government agencies have not been renewing licenses of plastic products manufacturing factories since the fire incidents at Churihatta in the capital. As the factories are losing their legal validity, government organisations impose fines and sometimes even sue cases against the factory owners. Therefore, many small and medium industries have been shut off, the businessmen alleged.
Speaking as the chief guest, FBCCI Senior Vice President Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu said, the plastic industry contributes to employment, export earnings and industry decentralization across the country.
Mentioning the prediction of the global recession in 2023, he stressed expanding the export base to deal with the crisis.
Read: FBCCI keen to enhance trade ties with Brazil; two MoUs signed
FBCCI Vice President Md Amin Helaly said that FBCCI is planning to arrange three fairs in Kolkata, Guwahati and Tripura to showcase Bangladeshi products.
He suggested exhibiting the plastic products at those fairs. Bangladeshi plastic products have great demand in seven sisters of India.
The director in-charge of the committee Abu Motaleb said conspiracy is still going on against the plastic sector. The committee will work on solving tax and environmental problems, he informed.
He called for eco-friendly products as well.
Committee Chairman and President of BPGMEA Shamim Ahmed informed that waste management is the biggest challenge for the plastic sector. Bangladesh will be able to utilize the huge potential in this sector if the challenge is properly dealt with.
The BPGMEA President called for considering the deemed earnings as export to this sector.
FBCCI Director Priti Chakraborty urged the government to provide proper policy support in grooming this sector while director Hafez Harun demanded an end to harassment of the small and medium entrepreneurs in the plastic industry in the name of inspection.
Director Mohammed Bazlur Rahman called for working together to overcome the problems in the plastic sector.
Committee co-chairmen Md Shafiqul Islam (Mintu), Md Abul Khair and Nazmul Hossain, FBCCI Adviser Manzur Ahmed and other members of the committee, among others, were present at the meeting.
Black money whitening got little response in FY 22: NBR data
The number of black money holders paying taxes under an amnesty decreased by 80.83 per cent to 2300 in the FY2021-22 down from12000 in the previous fiscal year, according to latest NBR data available on Monday
In the last financial year, there was an opportunity to whiten all kinds of black money by combining the stock market, land-flat purchases, and the money kept in the bank.
But at the end of the year, it was found that despite the opportunity, only 2,300 taxpayers came forward.
Also read: Whitening black money: Stock exchanges ask NBR to continue it in stock market
The poor response is attributed to higher tax rates imposed last year.
In the FY21, the tax rate was only 10 per cent compared to 25 per cent in the FY 22.
Besides 5 per cent penalty on that tax had to be paid to whiten black money. As a result, the total tax rate stood at 26.25 per cent.
Also read: NBR dreams to cross revenue Tk3.0 lakh crore in FY 22
A top official of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) said that the response was low due to this.
Dr Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), told UNB that giving such an opportunity is unethical, discriminatory and against the constitution.
It proved that little was gained from such opportunities given at the expense of morality, he said.
Such opportunities provide protection only to the corrupt and encourage corruption, said the TIB chief.
Read Finance bill 2022 passed with limits on proposal to whiten black money
How to Be a Social Counsellor or Therapist
The fundamental duty of a social therapist is to analyse patterns of human interaction in order to come up with workable answers to issues that crop up in everyday life. In simple words, it is the job of social counsellors to investigate how people and groups interact with one another, how they affect one another, and how they view one another. Social therapists often find employment in corporate or educational environments, where they mediate conflicts and provide advisory services. Stay with us to know the career path of becoming a social counsellor or therapist.
Necessary Skills to Be a Social Counsellor
People who are going through challenges or life-changing events, such as the loss of a family member, or patients whose chronic diseases interfere with their general quality of life may benefit from the services provided by psychologists.
Therefore, it is essential to display a variety of talents relevant to the subject of social therapy if one wants to be successful in the profession of social therapy. The following are examples of some of these skills:
Effective communication
For social therapists to be successful, they need to have strong communication skills in order to comprehend their patients and communicate effectively with them as well as their families.
Read Should You See a Therapist? 8 Surefire Signs You Need Help
Observation and documentation
The exceptional ability to observe and documentation is necessary on the following matters
- ability to identify patterns in clients, such as body language of people, especially the client’s body language
- ability to watch interactions among clients and others
- ability to record interactions throughout sessions, are all necessary skills for social therapists.
Capability for analysis
Social therapists need strong analytical abilities in order to collect the information obtained during sessions. Moreover, the counsellor should have the ability to assess what conclusions can be reached from the research that has been undertaken and the feedback that has been received from clients.
Read Discomfort Anxiety v Depression: Differences, Ways of Prevention
Relationship-building abilities
Social therapists are able to deal with a wide variety of clients, patients, family members, and other health professionals because of their relationships and people abilities.
Steps to become a Therapist or Social Counsellor
The central emphasis of all psychologists is on the brain, behaviour, and the connections that exist between the three. Those who decide to major in psychology have a wide variety of career options to select from including social counselling or therapist. These are the steps to develop a career as a social counsellor or therapist.
Education
Education for social therapists starts with a four-year bachelor's degree program. In addition to basic courses, psychology, sociology, counselling, and other comparable electives are emphasised. Highly suggested is a bachelor's degree in psychology or counselling. The individual must enrol in a master's degree program in order to receive a master's degree in counselling. Many places of employment recognize both a master's degree in social work and a social work licence for social therapists.
Read Suicide Prevention: How to Deal with Suicidal Thoughts?
Child development, the process of ageing, social behaviour, and cognitive psychology are some of the areas in which the students with psychology-majors could choose to specialise. Employment opportunities are available for them at educational institutions such as colleges and universities, as well as research institutes, government agencies, and non-governmental organisations.
Post Graduate Training
Because the prerequisites for clinical experience might differ from state to state, it is essential to familiarise oneself with the regulations of the state in which one wishes to engage in professional practice and to adhere to those regulations.
According to the American Counseling Association, however, you will normally be needed to complete around 3,000 hours of supervised counselling experience before you can become a licensed professional counsellor. After completing a program leading to a master's degree and prior to obtaining a licence to practise as a therapist, you may use this external link.
Read How to Overcome Depression Without Medication?
Take a Licensure Exam
In order to get a licence to practise therapy in any country or state, applicants must first demonstrate that they have the knowledge and skills necessary by passing a thorough test. The process of exam and certification may vary from country to country.
In the United States, there are several of these examinations, but the one that is taken the most often is the National Counselor Examination, which is carried out by the National Board for Certified Counsellors (NBCC). On the website of the NBCC, you will discover a directory of state boards that contains appropriate contact information, available licences, needed tests that vary from state to state, and information on how to register for exams and when they will be given.
Apply for the Government Sector or Open a Private Firm
Government sectors often call for experienced social counsellors for different posts. Just keep an eye on the regular job circulars. Apply for the post which matches your expertise and education. In Bangladesh, you might have to have 3 to 7 years of experience to get a Govt. role. Another good option is to open your own private firm.
Read Protecting Your Child’s Mental Health: 10 Tips for Parents
Bottom Line
With the advancement of technology the pace of our life has increased. Now people have no or less time for sharing problems with others. Due to stress in career, family and business, many people are falling into chronic depression. As a result, the necessity of social counselling or therapy is increasing day by day. So far, we have discussed how to start a career as a social counsellor or therapist. However, the steps of certification may vary depending upon countries, states and regions. Hope it helps!
Vivo releases third ‘6G white paper’
The vivo Communications Research Institute recently released its third 6G white paper titled ‘Building a Freely Connected Physical and Digital Integrated World: 6G Services, Capabilities and Enabling Technologies, according to a media statement.The report explores the 6G framework and how it can enable technologies to shape people’s lives beyond 2030, added the statement.As one of the world’s leading smartphone vendors, we are dedicated to empowering consumers by making cutting-edge 5G smartphones affordable and accessible. At the same time, we have set our sights on the future - 6G,’ said Qin Fei, president of vivo Communications Research Institute.
Read: Vivo brings X80 to Bangladesh‘At the forefront of R&D, we continue to explore what a 6G world might look like and what technologies we need to develop to get there,’ he added.
According to the release, vivo’s latest white paper on 6G builds on two earlier works released in 2020, including ‘Digital Life 2030+’, which provides insights into some of the many potential 6G digital scenarios for the next decade, and ‘6G Vision, Requirements and Challenges’, which outlines vivo’s vision for 6G to enable the convergence of the digital and physical worlds."6G will provide super communication, information, and converged computing services, becoming a base for an interconnected and converged physical and digital world."
Read Vivo Y01 Review: Is it a worthy entry level budget phone?“It will allow us to bring the next generation of connectivity into every aspect of people's lives. It will integrate more access technologies, cover a larger physical space, and provide better core capabilities, supporting more services,”, Rakesh Tamrakar, 5G Standard Expert at vivo, said.
Huawei cloud, digital power teams onboard 60 fresh graduates
Huawei Technologies Bangladesh recently recruited 60 fresh graduates for its cloud and digital power teams to create opportunities for the youth to work in the ICT sector.
Huawei started the process of recruiting fresh graduates in June and around 2,500 applicants applied for the vacant positions. Finally, 60 people (30 for Cloud and 30 for Digital Power) were onboarded, according to a media statement.
Read Huawei introduces versatile cloud solutions for telecom carriers
Tansi Islam, a new recruit to the Huawei cloud team, said: "It's really amazing that I have got the opportunity to work with the leading global ICT infrastructure provider Huawei and learn from the experts. I have already attended some training sessions and gathered useful knowledge from those."
US-Bangla resumes Chattogram-Kolkata flights September 1
Private carrier US-Bangla Airlines will resume its flights on the Chattogram-Kolkata-Chattogram route on September 1.
The airline will operate flights on this route seven days a week, Md Kamrul Islam, general manager (public relations) of the US-Bangla, said Sunday.
The flights will leave Shah Amanat International Airport at 11:10am and will land at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport at 11:40pm (local time).
Read Triplover, US-Bangla sponsor Dhaka Travel Mart 2022
The return flights will leave Kolkata at 12:40pm (local time) on the same day and arrive in Chattogram at 2:10pm.
Apart from operating flights on all domestic routes, US-Bangla now runs flights to Singapore, Chennai, Male, Guangzhou, Kuala Lumpur, Doha, Sharjah, Dubai, Muscat and Kolkata.
Read US-Bangla offers holiday package to Maldives' Maafushi Island
Walton brings 3-in-1 converter AC with Bluetooth, air plasma technology
Walton has launched a three-in-one converter air conditioner with Bluetooth and air plasma technology.
The company released the latest model of 1.5 ton AC under its Krystaline Preto series that can be converted to a 1 or 0.75 ton AC according to room size.
Read: Nagad recognises winners of 'Aurjon O Bijoyullash' campaign
Along with a remote controller, customers can also operate this energy-saving AC through a smartphone via Bluetooth.
Walton Hi-Tech MD and CEO Golam Murshed unveiled the AC at a launching programme in Dhaka Sunday, said a media statement.
Read 47 individuals, enterprises get Walton 'Branding Heroes Award'
Nagad recognises winners of 'Aurjon O Bijoyullash' campaign
Mobile financial services (MFS) provider Nagad has recognised its top 28 distributor sales officers (DSOs) for their achievements during a two-month campaign.
The "Aurjon O Bijoyullash" was launched in February 2022 to encourage sustainable growth by boosting the engagement of Nagad entrepreneurs.
Nagad recognised DSOs from different regions during a recent event at a city hotel, a media statement said Sunday. Nagad Managing Director Tanvir A Mishuk handed over the awards and crests to them.
Read: Islami Bank recognised for digital services
Tanvir said: "In just three years, Nagad has acquired 6.5 crore customers and the individuals who have contributed the most to this achievement are our regional employees."
"Today, Nagad has established itself as one of the best MFS providers in the country – as a result of their unwavering efforts. I am honoured to recognise their work."
Nagad executive directors Niaz Morshed Elite, Md Shafayet Alam, Maruful Islam Jhalak and Mohammad Aminul Haque were also present at the "Aurjon O Bijoyullash" campaign's award-giving ceremony.
Read BURO partners with Nagad for easier savings, instalment payments