The New Nation - Internet Edition

Tk 19.92 crore budget proposed for Joypurhat pourasabha

UNB, Joypurhat

A total of Tk 19.92 crore budget has been proposed for Joypurhat pourasabha for the fiscal 2008-09 without imposing any new tax. Pourasabha Chairman Alhaj Fazlur Rahman proposed the budget at poura auditorium on Friday and sent it for the government approval on Saturday. A total of Tk 38.98 lakh has been shown surplus in the proposed budget as Tk 20.31 crore has been shown as income in revenue and development sectors while Tk 19.92 crore as expenditure. The chairman said various development projects, including construction of a children park, community center and renovation of roads, culverts, bridges and water supply system would be implemented during the next fiscal year for the welfare of the dwellers.

National Bank declares 55pc bonus shares at its 25th AGM

BUSINESS REPORT

The 25th Annual General Meeting of National Bank Limited held on March 30 last at BDR Darbar Hall, Dhaka.

Parveen Haque Sikder, Chairperson of the bank presided over the meeting. More than three thousands shareholders induding Directors of Bank attended in the meeting. The Shareholders approved 55 per cent bonus shares for the year ended 31st December, 2007.

The Chairperson in her inaugural speech said that the bank has achieved a remarkable success in the year 2007 because of timely implementation of appropriate measures and directives of Board of Directors, good advices of shareholders and concerted efforts of bank's employees of all level.

The Earning Per Share (EPS) stood at Tk 102.47 in the year 2007 while the EPS for the year 2006 was Tk 63.01 despite 50 per cent increase of paid-up capital of the bank, she also added. Besides a large numbers of the shareholders, directors MG Murtaza, AM Nurul Islam, Prof Mahbub Ahmed, Shahadat Hossain, AB Tajul Islam, Lt Col (Rtd) Md Azizul Ashraf, psc, Capt Abu Sayeed Monir, Zakaria Taher and Helena Rahman, Managing Director Md. Abdur Rahman Sarker and Secretary to the Board AKM Shafiqur Rahman were present at the meeting.

Grameenphone CEO hands over clinic-on-wheels

BUSINESS REPORT

Grameenphone Ltd handed over two clinic-on-wheels to NGOs Family Development Services and Research (FDSR) and Swanirvar on March 27 last as part of the 'Grameenphone Safe Motherhood and Infant Care' project.

Handing over the mobile clinics, Anders Jensen, CEO, Grameenphone said that 'the clinic-on-wheels are expected to increase the accessibility of maternal and infant healthcare services to the hard-to-reach economically disadvantaged population.'

The clinic-on-wheels concept is unique and is perhaps this is being deployed for the first time in the country. The clinic-on-wheels will provide free antenatal care, delivery and postnatal care to the mothers, and basic healthcare services to infants. The vehicles are equipped with professional staff, clinical aides and logistics to provide basic essential healthcare to the coastal belt communities of Bangladesh. Facilities for consultation, physical examination, a mini-pharmacy, and few basic laboratory investigation services will be available in the mobile clinics. It will also be equipped with provisions for minor surgeries. Each of the clinic-on-wheels will cover 4-5 clinic catchments areas' and the route plan will be announced in advance to the target communities through public service announcements.

Yamin Bakht, Director PR Division and Shuvashish Priya Barua, Head of CSR, were present on behalf of Grameenphone. Belayet Hossian, Senior Health Advisor from USAID, Prof. Dr. Zahid Hasan, Member, Executive Committee and Treasurer of FDSR, AI-Husainy, Executive Chairman of Swanirvar Bangladesh, officials from Pathfinder International were also present at the ceremony.

Under the 'Grameenphone Safe Motherhood and Infant Care' project, jointly with Pathfinder International and USAID's nationwide 317 'Similing Sun' clinics, Grameenphone aims to provide free comprehensive primary healthcare services to the poorest of the poor mothers and infants of Bangladesh. GP is further investing in improving service quality and extending access to healthcare by recruiting additional community-based health-workers, upgradation of some of the existing static clinics into emergency obstetric care centers, and providing motorized vans and clinic-on-wheels.

From August 2007 to January 2008, around 558,143 economically disadvantaged mothers and infants have received free healthcare services under this project. The project aims to reach around 800,000 poorest of the poor mothers and infants annually.

Previously, Grameenphone provided financial assistance to FDSR and Swanirvar to set up Emergency Obstetric Care Centers and Ultrasonogram Machines at its Patiya and Bhola Clinics respectively. The recruitment of physicians and consultant physicians in these clinics were also sponsored by Grameenphone.

Etihad launches luxury transport for Ctg, Sylhet passengers

BUSINESS REPORT

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will use luxury air-conditioned buses of Shyamoli Paribahan to carry its passengers of Sylhet and Chittagong from today (Tuesday).

The airline earlier provided the service to its passengers of Sylhet and Chittagong with Saudia coach service, said a press release.

Passengers who fly by Etihad Airways to travel abroad or to visit Bangladesh will enjoy this complementary service.

The buses will leave Chittagong Shyamoli Paribahan's Dampara office at 10 pm and reach Dhaka at 4.30 am. Buses will leave Dhaka for Chittagong at 10.45 am and reach Chittagong at 4.45 pm. Similarly buses from Sylhet will leave Shyamoli Paribahan's Sobahani Sylhet Sadar office for Dhaka at 10 pm and will reach Dhaka at 5.00 am. Buses will leave Dhaka for Sylhet at 10.45 am and will reach there at 4.45 pm.

In addition, Etihad Airways has started its summer schedule recently. With this latest schedule the passengers will be able to reach their destinations more easily and comfortably.

Etihad Airways is now operating seven flights on the Dhaka-Abu Dhabi route.

Sri Lanka-Bangladesh Chamber holds AGM

BUSINESS REPORT

The annual general meeting of Sri Lanka-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SLBCCI) was held on Saturday (March 29) at Royal Park Residence in the city.

S Renganathan and TD Packir were reelected as president and secretary of the bi-national chamber for 2008-09 term.

Other office-bearers of the chamber are Fahim Sinha and Harikesha Wijesekara (vice-presents), Lalindra Wijekoon (treasurer) and Md Salim Ullah, Syed Tanvir Asan, Muhammadul Haque, Atula Talagala and Priyan Seilman (directors).

The chamber president S Renganathan presided over the AGM held under the patronage of Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Dhaka V Krishnamoorthy, who graced the meeting as the chief guest.

At the AMG the secretary submitted the annual report and the treasurer presented the financial report.

TD Packir, Other office-bearers of the chamber are Fahim Sinha and Harikesha Wijesekara (vice-presents), Lalindra Wijekoon (treasurer) and Md Salim Ullah, Syed Tanvir Asan, Muhammadul Haque, Atula Talagala and Priyan Seilman (directors).

Janata Bank holds Branch Managers' Conference

SM Aminur Rahman, CEO MD of Janata Bank Limited inaugurated Dhaka Zone-B Regional Branch Managers' Conference-2008 at BIAM Auditorium, Dhaka recently. The CEO instructed all to expand bank business and ensure better service for meeting customers' demand. Mizanur Rahman, DMD, AK Rashiduzzaman, GM, Dhaka Division and Md. Mohsin, DGM, Dhaka Zone-B including other executives were present on the occasion.

Clemon Beach Carnival ends in Cox's Bazar

BUSINESS REPORT

A four day Clemon Beach carnival, under the banner; of clear lemon drink Clemon, held at the vast sea side of Cox's Bazar came to an end on the 29th of March' 08. Everyday a lot of exciting events were arranged for the innumerable spectators. Some of the exciting events at the beach carnival were beach car race, golf, dart, volleyball and cricket. There were also sand castle and under the sea competition. A wonderful display of fireworks also took place at the beach. On the 28th March a gala musical show was held performed by the popular bands of the country.

The main attraction to the visitors at the beach carnival was the online voting booth to make Cox's Bazar, the longest beach, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Other than this spectators participated in different games and events and later prizes were distributed among the winners.

High officials from AFBL were present at the Carnival and they of the opinion that in future a more better and bigger carnival would be arranged.

ATN Bangla, media partner of this carnival arranged a live telecast of this program. Besides the other two partners was Daily Jugantor from press and Radio Today from radio.

It maybe mentioned here that this four day Clemon Beach Carnival was open to all throughout the day.

EWU signs deal with Pragati Life

BUSINESS REPORT

Pragati Life Insurance Limited has recently signed Group Life Insurance contract with East West University (EWU). Managing Director and Actuary M Shefaque Ahmed, FSA, MAAA of Pragati Life Insurance and KM Safiuddin Chowdhury, Chief of HR & Logistics of EWU signed a contract on behalf of their respective organisations.

Under the agreement Pragati Life will provide both Group Life and Group Hospitalisation insurance coverage to the teachers, officers and staff of East West University.

Dr. Mohammed Sharif, Vice Chancellor of EWU has expressed that they have chosen Pragati Life as it is now the leading health insurance provider of the country and its cost & benefit structure is better than that of its competitors. Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Md. Kamrul Hasan, PhD, Mrs. Razia Samad, Member, Board of Directors, Prof. Md. Entazul Huque, PhD, Treasurer, Colonel Shah Murtoza Ali (Retd.), Registrar, Professor Anisul Haque, Dean, Faculty of Science & Engineering & Chairperson, Dept. of EEE and SK Sarkar FCA, Deputy Managing Director, MM Monirul Alam Tapan, EVP & Head of Group Insurance Division, Md. Rafiqul Alam Bhuiyan, VP (Group Health), Mir. Md. Shafiul Alam Kamal, AVP (Group Health) of Pragati Life Insurance were present on the occasion.

IFC encourages global linkages to boost light engineering sector

BUSINESS REPORT

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, has brought together representatives from the Bangladesh Engineering Industries Owners' Association, the Bangladesh Electrical Merchandise Manufacturers Association, and the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia to facilitate global business linkages and knowledge sharing in the light engineering sector.

The meeting reinforces IFC's commitment to supporting small and medium ertterprises in Bangladesh's light engineering sector. While the sector has great potential for growth in export and import substitution, it lacks the necessary technology, training, and business linkages to compete globally.

Representatives from Malaysia expressed interest in collaborating with Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to bring about mutual benefits for the two countries. They invited members from the two associations to visit Malaysia and meet key parties. Tan Sri Dato' Soong Siew Hoong, Secretary General of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia, said, "We are keen to work together to manufacture spare parts and electrical goods, transfer technology, and provide training facilities to Bangladeshi SMEs." This effort will help link smaller businesses in Bangladesh to the global supply chain. "This meeting was part of IFC's initiative to promote and develop Bangladesh's light engineering sector by facilitating effective business linkages with the global supply chain," said Deepak Adhikary, Deputy General Manager and Head ofIFC Advisory Services in Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.

The initiative is led by IFC Advisory Services in the region - the SouthAsia Enterprise Development Facility.