Craggy Range Winery announces its 2023 Te Muna, Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc has earned a coveted spot in Wine Spectator's prestigious Top 100 Wines of 2024, marking another milestone in the winery's remarkable 26-year journey of excellence and further cementing the reputation of this exceptional wine. This recognition from one of the world's most influential wine publications is particularly significant given Craggy Range Te Muna Sauvignon Blanc's consistent excellence, having achieved ten consecutive vintages scoring 90 points or higher from Wine Spectator. The annual Top 100 list, published since 1988, celebrates wines that demonstrate exceptional quality, value, and availability while embodying what the publication's editors call the "X-factor" — wines that generate particular excitement and passion. "The inclusion of our Te Muna Sauvignon Blanc in Wine Spectator's Top 100 is a testament to our team's dedication to expressing the unique character of our Martinborough terroir," says newly appointed Executive Director, David Peabody. "Our Sauvignon Blanc showcases the remarkable complexity born from the unique, rugged terroir of our Te Muna Road Vineyard. The combination of stony soils and cool sunny days gives us the distinctive minerality, along with the brisk howling winds that thicken the grape skins, resulting in an unparalleled depth of flavour." Founded in 1998 by Terry and Mary Peabody, Craggy Range has consistently demonstrated an innovative approach to viticulture and winemaking. The Te Muna Road Vineyard, the source of this acclaimed Sauvignon Blanc, was specifically chosen for its unique soil composition and cool climate, contributing to the wine's distinctive mineral character and exceptional aging potential.  Te Muna Sauvignon Blanc is exceptionally food-friendly, with bright acidity, low residual sugar, and a more complex palate than typical New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs. The winery's governance under a 1000-year family trust ensures a long-term perspective that influences every decision and instils a culture of stewardship. This latest accolade joins an impressive list of honours, including: • 2014 Wine Enthusiast, New World Winery of the Year  • Listed in the World's Best Vineyards Ranking (2019-2024) • Named on Drinks International's World's Most Admired Brands (2019-2024) • The Real Review's Winery of the Year - New Zealand (2023) • Global Winner, Great Wine Capitals – Best of Wine Tourism Awards (2025) • No 11 on the 2024 Wine Spectator Top 100 List - 2023 Te Muna Sauvignon Blanc The selection for Wine Spectator's Top 100 underscores Craggy Range's dedication to excellence and innovation in winemaking, while maintaining a deep respect for their terroir and sustainable practices that will preserve their legacy for generations to come. About Craggy Range Winery & Vineyards Craggy Range is a family-owned winery nestled beneath the majestic Te Mata Peak in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. Founded by Terry and Mary Peabody in 1998, their vision to create a world-class winery led them to the distinctive terroir and landscapes of New Zealand. Committed to safeguarding their legacy, the Peabodys established a 1,000-year trust, ensuring the winery's continuity for future generations to come. Guided by a philosophy of quality, innovation, and stewardship, Craggy Range crafts iconic wines from its estate vineyards in Hawke's Bay and Martinborough. These vineyards, chosen for their exceptional soils and unique climates, yield wines of remarkable character and complexity. In 2022, Craggy Range achieved a milestone as the first New Zealand winery to join the prestigious Bordeaux Negotiant Network, La Place de Bordeaux, realising the founders' dream of standing among the world's elite estates. For more information, visit https://craggyrange.com/ or contact Joanne Deitch at +64 27 230 3950 or email [email protected]

Evercare Hospital Chattogram has appointed Salahuddin Mamun as its head of Branding and Public Relations. Salahuddin, who previously served as the assistant general manager of the Branding and PR department, brings with him a wealth of experience in public relations and branding, according to a press release on Wednesday. In his new role, Salahuddin will be responsible for managing and promoting the hospital’s services. Authorities are confident that, under his leadership, the hospital’s brand will be strengthened and public engagement will increase, it said. “I am thrilled to be part of Evercare Hospital Chattogram. I have great respect for the organization’s mission and its initiatives in healthcare. I look forward to using my experience to enhance Evercare’s service operations and branding efforts,” said Salahuddin.

Walton Hi-Tech Industries PLC, country's leading electrical and electronics manufacturing company listed in capital market, has announced its un-audited financial report for the first quarter ending September 30, 2024. The report was published after reviewed and approved by the Company's Board of Directors in its 42nd meeting held on Monday, according to a press release on Tuesday. According to the published report, the company posted Tk 149.03 crore profit in the first quarter (July-September) of the current financial year 2024-25 as against of Tk 202.07 crore profit in the same period of the previous year. The company’s operating profit margin decreased slightly to 21.38% in the period of July-Sept’2024 from 22.58% in the prior period. In the first quarter of the current financial year, the company’s finance costs rose to 10.12% of sales, up from 5.22% in the prior period, due to the increase of foreign currency losses for currency devaluation and higher interest rates. In the period of July-Sept’2024, foreign currency losses totaling Tk 45.85 crore, combined with increased interest expenses and sales & distribution costs, led the company to witness a reduction in its net profit after tax. These factors collectively impacted the company’s profitability, reflecting the financial environment’s challenges. As a result, the Company’s Earnings Per Share (EPS) stood at Tk 4.92 for the period ended September 30, 2024 compared to Tk 6.67 of the previous year’s same period. As on September 30 of 2024, the Company's Net Asset Value Per Share (NAVPS) stood at Tk 282.80 without revaluation and Tk 388.22 with revaluation. The Company’s Net Operating Cash Flows Per Share (NOCFPS) for the period ended September 30, 2024 stood at Tk 3.92 while it was Tk 16.68 in the previous year’s same period. This reduction of NOCFPS is primarily due to decreased collections from customers as the company extended supportive credit terms to strengthen its distribution network, ensuring market stability and sustainability. In addition, the company’s payments to suppliers and the government exchequer increased to accommodate higher material purchases necessary for sustaining sales growth. This strategic adjustments in cash flows reflected the company’s commitment to fostering long-term growth and maintaining a resilient operational foundation to support its market present. In the previous days, the company’s management was successfully able to reduce the foreign currency losses through effective measures. As the management’s such effort is still continued, the aforesaid losses will be reduced in coming days, expressing the hope Walton authorities noted that the company has also given special attention on increasing the amounts of receivable collections.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has provided a courtesy ticket with a stretcher on the Dhaka-Bangkok route, including an attendant, for the treatment of Nabil Ahmed, who was seriously injured in the anti-discrimination student movement. Nabil Ahmed had been receiving treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka after being shot during the movement, according to a press release. He was transported from Dhaka to Bangkok on a stretcher on Biman's BG388 flight on November 7 2024 under special arrangements for advanced treatment, it said. Due to his illness, he was given special handling at both Dhaka and Bangkok airports, it added.

BAT Bangladesh (BATB) has recently appointed Masud Khan as its new Independent Director. With more than 43 years of experience in multinational and domestic companies, Masud Khan brings a wealth of expertise and strategic vision to the board, according to a press release on Friday. Masud’s career spans a range of leadership roles, including his current positions as Chief Adviser to the Board at MI Cement Factory Limited (Crown Cement), Chairman of Unilever Consumer Care Limited, and Independent Director at Marico Bangladesh and Singer Bangladesh, it said. He also chairs the Audit Committees of Berger Paints and Singer Bangladesh and previously served as the Chief Financial Officer at LafargeHolcim Bangladesh Limited. Across these roles, he has consistently provided exceptional strategic oversight and governance. As a former employee of BAT Bangladesh, Masud has held multiple key positions within the company, like Management Accountant, Plant Controller, Chief Accountant, Audit Manager, and MRPII Programme Manager. During his time at BAT Bangladesh, he has introduced evolutionary systems in sales, finance, and operational planning, contributing significantly to the organisational and financial growth of the company, said the release. Being a Chartered Accountant, Fellow Member of FCA of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Cost Accountant, Fellow Member (FICWA) of the Institute of Costs and Works Accountants of India, Fellow Member of both CMA (Australia and New Zealand), Masud Khan is a renowned figure in Bangladesh’s corporate and professional circles. His involvement as a speaker, contributing writer, and guest lecturer in multiple platforms highlights his commitment to promoting business excellence and thought leadership. “I feel honoured to rejoin BAT Bangladesh and become part of the board. I am excited to bring my expertise in corporate governance, strategic finance, and operational excellence and look forward to working with the talented team to attain impactful and sustainable growth in the country,” he said.

Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline and a member of the Star Alliance, is set to officially enter the Bangladeshi market with the arrival of its inaugural flight on the new Addis Ababa-Dhaka-Addis Ababa route this Sunday. The launch of this route will significantly enhance Bangladesh’s connectivity with Africa and beyond, aligning with Ethiopian Airlines’ mission to “Connect Continents, Cultures, and Communities.” The airline will operate five flights weekly, providing travellers from Bangladesh with convenient access to over 155 destinations worldwide, including major cities across Africa, Europe, North America, and other regions. The inaugural flight, ET 678, will be operated by a state-of-the-art Boeing Dreamliner 787-9, scheduled to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) at 8:30 am on November 3, with a return departure to Addis Ababa at 9:40 am the same day. Regular flights on this route will depart Dhaka in the mornings on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, with additional evening departures on Mondays and Fridays. Air Vice Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), will be present at the launch ceremony at HSIA, alongside Ethiopian Airlines’ Group Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), Lemma Yadecha. “Bangladesh is a vibrant and rapidly expanding market, and we are confident that our modern fleet and exceptional service will meet the travel needs between our two regions,” said Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, in a statement marking the occasion. He noted that the launch of Ethiopian Airlines’ new service connecting Bangladesh and Ethiopia will greatly strengthen socio-economic ties between the two nations and extend benefits to the broader region. “This is more than just a flight; it is an opportunity to bring Bangladesh and the world closer together,” said Shohag Hossain, Managing Director of Rhythm Group, Ethiopian Airlines’ General Sales Agent in Bangladesh. “With competitive fares and a vast global network, Ethiopian Airlines is set to become a preferred choice for Bangladeshi travellers,” he added. With a fleet of 147 aircraft, Ethiopian Airlines stands as Africa’s largest airline by passenger volume, fleet size, and revenue, and ranks as the fourth largest globally in terms of countries served. Already a major player in South Asia, with destinations including Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, and Karachi, the addition of Dhaka marks a significant step in the airline’s Asian expansion strategy.

The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) has appointed Nahian Rahman Rochi as its new head of business development. This appointment announced in an official notification from BIDA, aims to support the agency’s mission to foster economic growth and enhance Bangladesh’s appeal as an investment destination, according to a press release on Wednesday. "I am pleased to join BIDA and excited about the opportunity to contribute to Bangladesh's transformation. I am committed to showcasing Bangladesh as a thriving investment destination and fostering an environment that supports businesses while stimulating economic development for the benefit of all citizens," said Nahian. Nahian has a background in finance and extensive experience in leading investment initiatives. He previously served as finance director at British American Tobacco Rothmans in South Korea and has held leadership positions in Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Bangladesh. His credentials include a bachelor’s degree from the Institute of Business Administration at the University of Dhaka, as well as CIMA and CPA certifications.

In anticipation of the upcoming COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan this November, Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) held a high-level consultation on Tuesday with youth climate leaders to discuss Bangladesh’s position paper for the summit. This event took place at the CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka, with support from the Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Research (C3ER) at BRAC University, said a media release sent on Tuesday. The consultation brought together government officials and young climate advocates from across Bangladesh to ensure the country's voice reflects the urgent concerns of its youth. The event was chaired by Additional Secretary Iqbal Abdullah Harun and moderated by Deputy Secretary Dharitri Kumar Sarkar. MoEFCC Joint Secretary Mohammad Abdul Wadud Chowdhury also joined the dialogue, sharing insights on Bangladesh’s commitment to the climate agenda. This consultation underscored the Bangladesh government’s commitment to youth inclusion, marking a milestone in aligning national climate policy with the vision of its youth leaders. It serves as a significant step in empowering Bangladesh’s young voices to shape the global climate agenda at COP29, said speakers. Shawkat Ali Mirza, Director of Climate Change and International Convention at the Department of Environment, presented Bangladesh’s COP-29 position. He addressed key themes, including adaptation, finance, loss and damage, mitigation, Article 6, and the just energy transition work programme, emphasizing Bangladesh’s role in advocating for climate justice and resilient development. Youth leaders present voiced the urgency of climate action, with Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, urging bold action and inclusion. Climate change is not merely an environmental issue for the youth of Bangladesh; it’s a fight for survival and a claim to a future. As COP-29 approaches, He urged the Bangladesh government to champion climate justice, ensuring bold protections and adaptation measures for those most affected. He added, "Investing in youth-led climate action and equitable transition is vital. Let us not just hear the voices of young people but empower them with a seat at every decision-making table, shaping a resilient and just world.” Farzana Faruk Jhumu, a youth advocate from UNICEF Bangladesh, added, “Youth engagement is not just a buzzword but a process. I am really excited to see that the Bangladesh government took the process seriously. The position paper from Bangladesh will help us to advocate, follow negotiation, and intervene for our own land.” Other participants included Saila Shabnam Richi from YouthNet Global, Shah Rafayat Chowdhury, Co-Founder of Footsteps, Sadia Jahan Rothi, CVF Youth Fellow and Board Director at Eco-Network Global, and Fariha Sultana Aumi from Brighters Society. The activists urged the government to prioritize adaptation and resilience, particularly for vulnerable communities, and called for enhanced collaboration with young leaders on climate policy. Iqbal Abdullah Harun, in his concluding remarks, emphasized the need for the Global North to address funding disparities, noting, “It’s a long-standing struggle on climate change issues between the global North and South. Global fund allocation often follows the political decisions from the North, rather than the vulnerability of nations. But youth have the power and willingness to bring change." He also said, "All young people across the country need to mobilize to advocate to the North. We have no choice but to adapt, and we must enhance our adaptive capacity, aiming for a 200% increase.”

Community Bank Bangladesh PLC has hold its 58th Board Meeting The board meeting was held at the Police Headquarters on Monday, according to a press release on Tuesday. Md. Mainul Islam, ndc, inspector general of Bangladesh police, Bangladesh and chairman of the bank, chaired the meeting. During the meeting, important decisions were made regarding investment proposals and various policy matters of the .ank. AKM Shahidur Rahman, PPM, ndc, Director General, Rapid Action Battalion; Abu Hasan Muhammad Tarique, BPM, Additional IG; and Md Tawfique Mahbub Chowdhury, BPM, Additional IG, Bangladesh Police were present at the time, among others.

BlackBerry QNX Research on October 8 unveiled new research highlighting the mounting pressure on software engineers and developers to balance rapid innovation with safety and security. The comprehensive survey of 1,000 embedded software developers and engineers from around the world revealed the growing tension between meeting tight project deadlines and maintaining functional safety, with 75% of respondents acknowledging that urgency often forces them to compromise on key safety requirements. Widespread Frustration Leads 74% of Developers to Consider Switching Operating Systems While developers cite security (54%), cost control (52%) and safety certifications (48%) as their ‘top' considerations when selecting an operating system, the survey also highlights significant downstream challenges in each of these areas that have made the vast majority (74%) of respondents open to changing their existing OS. Indeed, of those required to meet international safety standards, 61% say it is extremely or very challenging to meet these specific standards with their current OS. Security concerns (36%) and lackluster performance issues (28%) are the two main reasons respondents are considering changing their current OS. Open-Source Platforms Preferred Yet Fall Short on Safety Standards Open-Source operating systems are the preferred foundational platform for almost half (44%) of developers, with an additional 25% indicating no preference for either Open-Source or proprietary offerings. Open-Source platforms are often adopted within development environments due to widespread familiarity with the technology and their open availability, but critically, they do not carry the same safety certifications as many proprietary options which go through rigorous verification and testing to achieve; validating and verifying each stage of the development process to ensure stringent international safety requirements are met. "As we enter the era of 'Software-Defined Everything,' where devices and infrastructure increasingly rely on software for operations, new features, and innovation, the importance of functional safety (FuSa) and security are paramount," said John Wall, SVP and Head of BlackBerry QNX. "While 90% of organizations surveyed recognize this as a priority, developers are under growing pressure to meet deadlines and budgets, which is why pre-certified software is so important to enabling organizations to not only meet their goals but do so without compromise." Safety Certification Gaps Cause Costly Delays and Compliance Issues Worryingly, the survey also revealed that nearly a third (31%) of all respondents admitted that their OS lacked the necessary safety certifications or only had ‘some' of them covered. This gap has no doubt contributed to delays for two-thirds of organizations as they grapple with the complexity, time, and cost-averaging $591,000 and 154 hours of company resources-needed to meet evolving safety standards. Security Vulnerabilities and Breaches Lead to Project Delays Security also remains a pain point for developers, particularly for Open-Source operating systems, which are more likely to experience a breach (46% vs. 40% for proprietary systems). Of those who have encountered a security breach or vulnerability in their OS, 72% reported delays in project timelines directly due to security vulnerabilities, further exacerbating the challenges of maintaining both innovation and robust, secure systems. "To thrive in a software-driven world, developers need an OS that prioritizes safety and security," added Wall. "Pre-certified, secure-by-design solutions allow teams to focus on innovation rather than troubleshooting. Choosing the right OS can significantly transform your business by minimizing headaches and enhancing efficiency." Other key findings include: •        While 73% of organizations prioritize operating system security, the frequency of applying security patches varies, with a notable average of 5 weeks between updates. •        Operating system issues can have a significant impact on project timelines, with 34% of organizations reporting that they have missed deadlines due to OS-related problems, with the average delay globally being one month. For more information on how BlackBerry QNX's portfolio of embedded software solutions can help accelerate safety-certification, ensure reliability and reduce development time, visit BlackBerry QNX. Methodology: Research was conducted in from July to September by Coleman Parkes and commissioned by BlackBerry QNX, surveying 1,000 embedded software developers and engineers across North America (USA and Canada), Europe (UK, France, and Germany), and APAC (Japan, South Korea).