Business
Sri Lanka wants Bangladeshi investment in tourism, agriculture sector
Sri Lanka is keen to attract investment of Bangladeshi entrepreneurs in the tourism and agriculture sector to enhance foreign investment in the island state.
Sri Lankan High Commissioner Sudharshan Seneviratne expressed the interest in a courtesy call on the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industries (FBCCI) president Md. Jashim Uddin on Sunday.
Read:People getting benefits of tax reduction on commodities: Commerce Minister
Speaking at the meeting at the FBCCI office, the envoy said his country is offering attractive incentives for foreign investors, including tax holidays. Bangladeshi entrepreneurs can benefit by investing in huge uncultivated land in Sri Lanka.
The Ambassador also sought Bangladesh's cooperation in the development of tourism and shipping.
He said the Colombo port now has four harbors and is equipped with more modern facilities.
In response, the FBCCI president Md. Jashim Uddin said a free trade agreement between the two countries would make it easier to increase bilateral trade and investment.
“Urging to increase regional trade, the President said that most of Bangladesh's trade is with the United States and the European Union. But it is more profitable to do business with neighboring countries,” he said.
Referring to the huge volume of trade in NAFTA and ASEAN, the President said that if SAFTA was implemented, the development of SAARC countries would have been accelerated, he said.
The FBCCI President also emphasized the importance of cooperation in the energy sector among the SAARC countries.
Read:BGMEA for inclusion of more transgender people into mainstream economy
During the meeting, FBCCI Director Priti Chakraborty called for joint initiatives on nursing training between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
FBCCI Vice President Habib Ullah Dawn, Director Shomi Kaiser, Dr. Nadia Binte Amin and Secretary General Mohammad Mahfuzul Hoque, among others, were present in the meeting.
People getting benefits of tax reduction on commodities: Commerce Minister
The commerce minister Tipu Munshi MP on Sunday said there is no possibility of shortage of any goods during the Ramadan as there is enough stock.
The prices of almost all goods have remained stable and it will continue, as the ministry is working against illegal stocking and creating panic in the markets, he said.
The minister came up with the remarks while addressing a press briefing after visiting Karwan Bazar, the largest kitchen market in the capital on Sunday.
Also read: Prices of essentials to stay tolerable during Ramadan: PM
Tipu Munshi said the consumers are getting benefits from the tax reduction and tax withdrawing on essential commodities.
Fruits become costlier despite enough supply during Ramadan
Both the domestic and imported fruits have become pricy at the start of this year’s Ramadan compared to last year, despite huge supply in the market.
The fruit importers have blamed higher shipping cost while local traders pointed to high transport cost for price hike of local fruits.
Read: Prices of essentials to stay tolerable during Ramadan: PM
Visiting different city markets on Sunday, the first day of Ramadan, this correspondent saw that imported apple was selling at Tk160 to Tk 240 per kg based on quality, pear Tk 220 to 240 per kg, pomegranate at Tk 220-240 per kg, Malta fruit at Tk 160 to 210 per kg, orang at Tk 140 to 180 per kg, grape at Tk 200 to 230 per kg.
The price of date has been increased by Tk 20 to 25 per kg and this imported fruit was selling between Tk 350 to Tk 1250 per kg based on quality.
Ajoa dates were being sold at Tk 350 per kg, Dhapas dates at Tk 280, Kalmi dates at Tk 300, Farida dates at Tk 280 and plum dates at Tk 240 per kg in the retail market in the old Dhaka.
The superior quality dates of Tunisia, Algeria and Libyan and Mariam were selling between Tk 650 to Tk 1250 per kg in the retail market in the capital.
Md. Sirajul Islam, secretary of Bangladesh Fresh Fruits Importers Association (BFFIA) told UNB that the supply of foreign fruits has remain stable in this Ramadan.
Read: Consumers in five south-western districts brace for gas price hike
He said the prices of imported fruits have increased due to higher shipping charges and devaluation of Bangladesh currency.
At the same time, the domestic transport cost became higher and also impacted fruit, he said.
Among the local fruits guava (Thai) is selling at Tk 70 to 80 per kg, banana at Tk 60 to 120 per dozen, watermelon at Tk 35 to 45 per kg, pineapple at Tk 30 to 50 per piece, Mango (green) at Tk 250 to 300 per kg, and Dragon at Tk 450 to 550 per kg.
BGMEA for inclusion of more transgender people into mainstream economy
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has called for the need to create more employment opportunities for transgender people to include them into the mainstream economy.
"Transgender people are often treated in such a manner as if they are outsiders. We have to change the negative attitude towards transgender people and create employment opportunities so that they can become self-reliant and contribute to the economy," BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said.
Read: Bangladesh well on track to adopt fintech for sustainable growth: Salim
The BGMEA chief was addressing a ceremony of the "Social Responsibility Award 2022" held in Dhaka Friday to inspire transgender people.
State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid attended the programme as chief guest.
"Opportunities are opening up for the transgender community to live a dignified life through employment in formal sectors. It's encouraging to see transgender people are being included into the mainstream economy, though their number is still insignificant," Faruque said.
Read Jhenaidah’s Ritu becomes first transgender UP chairman in Bangladesh
"With their talent and indomitable determination, the transgender people have turned themselves into skilled apparel workers. With their jobs in the garment factories, they are becoming self-aware, financially independent, and proud citizens within the society," he added.
"However, an all-out effort from all quarters is required to make real change in this field. Apart from the garment industry, we should also explore the opportunities that are available for them in other sectors," the BGMEA president said.
Lawmaker Aroma Dutta, SheMen Welfare Organization President Dr Ariful Hoque and Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Ashim Kumar Dey also spoke at the programme.
Read Empowering transgender and hijra communities a priority of the state: NBR chairman
Bangladesh well on track to adopt fintech for sustainable growth: Salim
Bangladesh is well on track to adopt financial technology (fintech) to ensure its sustainable growth, said Professor Md Salim Uddin, chairman of the executive committee of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited (IBBL).
He was addressing an executive development programme organised by Islami Bank Training and Research Academy (IBTRA) Saturday online.
Mohammed Monirul Moula, managing director and chief executive officer of IBBL, also addressed the programme.
Professor Salim underscored that infrastructure readiness – access to electricity, mobile network coverage, digital services, and e-governance – is well on track.
Read: Apex brings 1,500 new designs for Eid
The fintech ecosystem is growing and expected to get bigger in the coming years, he added.
Bursting with opportunities for cutting-edge and innovative financial services, the fintech industry in Bangladesh enjoys an unsaturated market, according to Light Castle Partners.
However, despite the increasing adoption of technology, lack of interoperability remains a major concern that obstructs further growth of digital financial services in Bangladesh, Salim said.
Apex brings 1,500 new designs for Eid
Apex Footwear has brought a wide array of new collections ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr 2022.
From this year's Eid collection, customers will be able to shop from a wide selection of 1,500 new designs.
With the theme "Shob bhule Eid houk dil khule," the special collections will be available at Apex stores across the country from the start of Ramadan.
Read: IBBL reaches Tk 1.40 trillion deposits, 1.16 trillion investments: IBBL MD
To mark the launch of the campaign, a grand event was organised at Jamuna Future Park in the capital Friday.
Syed Nasim Manzur, managing director, Firoze Mohammad, chief operating officer, Sagnik Guha, head of marketing, of Apex Footwear, were present.
A cultural program followed by a fashion show to showcase the new styles took place.
Bangladesh Railway Job: Bangladesh Railway will hire 153 people
Bangladesh Railway has published a recruitment circular for the post of Booking Assistant Grade-2 in the revenue sector. 153 people will be taken in this post. Candidates from all districts will be able to apply. Interested candidates need to apply online. According to the notification, to apply for the post of Booking Assistant Grade-2, one has to pass HSC or equivalent examination. In addition, you need to have skills in computer management.
Railway Job Circular
The age of the candidate for application is between 18-30 years on 1st April. The maximum age for children of heroic freedom fighters and physically challenged candidates is 32 years. However, the grandchildren of the freedom fighters will not get age discount. In their case, the maximum age is 30 years. Affidavit of age proof is not admissible.
READ: BBC Media Action Job Circular: bbcmediaaction.org
How to Apply for Railway Job
Candidates working in government, semi-government and autonomous organizations must apply through the appropriate authorities. Children of those who have worked in Bangladesh Railway for at least 20 years will get the benefit of pet quota. Interested and eligible candidates should apply through this website (www.br.teletalk.com.bd). After filling the online application form properly, you need to upload color picture and signature. 300-300 size pictures and 300-80 size signatures should be scanned and added.
After submitting the application form, an application copy with user ID, photo and signature will be given. Using this user ID, you have to deposit the test fee of TK 100 and TK. 12 for Teletalk service charge through Teletalk number and a total of TK. 112 within 72 hours. Even if all the parts of the application form are filled and submitted, the application form will not be accepted till the examination fee is paid.
The mobile number given by the candidate in the application form should be kept active at all times. Because, next time, all the information related to the test will be sent via text message to this mobile phone. After applying, user ID and password will be sent via text message on mobile phone. Using it, you have to download the entry form with roll number, position name, photo, exam date, time and center name. This entry form must be shown at the time of participation in the written examination and at the time of passing the oral examination.
Read Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) Recruitment Circular 2022: Job Circular for the Position of Officer Cadet
Candidates have to apply online and deposit money themselves. In this case, the authority will not be responsible if the candidate is deceived by applying through any other means. It is suggested in the notification to fill the application form and submit the fee in time without waiting for the last date and time. If you have any problem to apply, you can contact Teletalk number 121 or [email protected].
After verification and selection of the application form, written and oral examination of the candidates will be taken. After passing the written test, one set of attested copy along with the original copy of all the certificates should be submitted during the oral test and one set of attested photocopies along with the completed application form should be submitted. Citizenship Certificate, Original Copy of National Identity Card and Original Copy of Muktijoddha Quota in case of Muktijoddha Quota should be submitted with the signature of Union Parishad Chairman / Mayor / Ward Councilor of City Corporation as proof of permanent resident of the district.
During the test, you have to participate in the test by following the hygiene rules related to Covid-19. If appointed to this post, the salary scale will be TK . 9,800-23,490.
Read Basic Software Skills for Freshers to Get Hired Easily
Deadline of Application on Railway Job
Applications will start from 7 April 2022. Applications can be submitted till 17 May 2022.
Webinar underlines digital innovation to boost agro production
Speakers at a webinar has underlined digital innovation and adaptation to aware farmers about agriculture, crops varieties, seed and fertilizer to boost agro production.
The webinar titled ‘needs of digital innovation and leadership to raise technical literacy growing agriculture- food production’ was organized by Entrepreneurial Economists club (EEC), an organization of Dhaka School of Economics on Wednesday.
The speakers said the development of digital platforms with service and consultation on different varieties of crops and the yield can be reached in rural and remote areas through digital innovation.
Read: Apparel industry committed to sustaining momentum of workplace safety: BGMEA
Multi-use of digital innovation is needed for agro-products marketing as well as connecting businesses and farmers, they said.
According to them, the digital economy is well suited to the Bangladesh economy.
They said cyber security and leadership are needed to get maximum benefits. Digital literacy has also been stressed in the webinar. Leadership is needed to cope up with the challenges for which digital literacy is needed,”
Read: Reduce import duty on main raw materials, plastic goods manufacturers urge govt
Prof Mahesh Gandhi, academic administrator, Strategist-Students Recruitment & Expert- Regulatory Processes, India was the chief guest at the webinar.
He said that every country should move to digital transformation so that everything can function smoothly.
There is no alternative to the digital revolution for inclusive economic growth, he said.
Read BB relaxes agro credit payment schedule to boost food production
KSM Mustafizur Rahman, Chairman, Veterinarian National Agricare Import & Export Ltd joined the function as the special guest.
Dr Muhammad Mahboob Ali, professor, and coordinator, the department of entrepreneurship, Dhaka School of Economics (DScE) chaired the programme.
Among others, Rehana Parvin and Sara Tasneem Assistant Professors of DScE discussed the topics. Mohammad Aman Ullah Aman, adjunct faculty also spoke on this occasion.
Read Prolonged Russia-Ukraine war to affect country’s transportation, agro production cost: FM
Mustafizur Rahman was awarded honorary life membership of the entrepreneurial economists’ club of DScE for his contribution to entrepreneurship development.
Islami Bank Capital Management AGM approves 7% cash dividend
Islami Bank Capital Management Limited (IBCML), a subsidiary of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited (IBBL), recently held its 12th annual general meeting (AGM) on an online platform.
The meeting approved a 7 percent cash dividend for shareholders and the financial statements of the company for the year ended on December 31 last year.
Read: IBBL reaches Tk 1.40 trillion deposits, 1.16 trillion investments: IBBL MD
Professor Md Kamal Uddin, director of IBBL and chairman of the board of directors of IBCML, presided over the meeting.
IBCML started its merchant banking operations in 2019 after getting a licence from the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission.
Apparel industry committed to sustaining momentum of workplace safety: BGMEA
The apparel industry of Bangladesh is also committed to sustaining the progress made in workplace safety while developing its capacities to retain competitiveness in the changing business landscape, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) says.
"Learning lessons from the past, the garment industry of Bangladesh has made unprecedented progress, particularly in workplace safety. We have also made an exemplary stride in environmental sustainability," BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said.
Read: USAID launches $5 mn project to empower women in RMG factories
He was addressing a seminar organised by Particip GmbH on behalf of GIZ at a Dhaka hotel Wednesday.
Owners and senior management representatives of the BGMEA and the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association participating member factories in the Communication Component of the STILE project were present at the event.
The Communication Component of STILE intends to contribute to improved compliance with its awareness-raising, information and education campaigns.
The project developed a pool of trainers from the three industry associations – the BGMEA, BKMEA and Leathergoods and Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Bangladesh – to build the capacity of factory committees in their member factories and will continue the intervention until November 2023.
Read: Bangladesh now safest, most transparent RMG maker in the world: BGMEA
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is implementing the programme "Sustainability in the Textile and Leather Sector in Bangladesh (STILE)."
Anneke Magendans, team leader of the Particip GmbH-led tripartite consortium, said: "Our approach does not stop with solely conducting training."
"The association trainers follow up by guiding the factory committees and supporting them to bring into practice what they have learnt. Also, the approach is fully transparent. Producers have access, via a QR code, to a website where they can find all related campaign and training materials."