The New Nation - Internet Edition

Good for business, good for Bangladesh : UK supports corporate social responsibility drive

BUSINESS REPORT

The British High Commission in Dhaka launched a project on 16 January last which will help Bangladeshi businesses to maintain a leading edge, through recognising and harnessing the commercial benefits of adopting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices.

The UK's Minister for Trade and Investment, Lord Digby Jones, said, "In today's growing global economy, businesses - large and small - have an impact on society and the environment in which they operate. Consumers, when making a purchasing decision, are increasingly influenced by a company's record of social awareness. Ethical policies have become a strong selling point.

It is essential that companies that wish to retain a competitive edge have a CSR strategy in place. I believe that Bangladesh, like any other market in the world, stands to benefit, as CSR becomes an integral part of the wealth creation process. It sends a powerful message to business and consumers that Bangladesh is a place do business with".

In collaboration with local partners, the British High Commission's CSR project offers practical support to businesses looking to enhance their commercial edge. Activities include interactive workshops with CSR experts, company surveys and sharing publications and relevant case studies from successful local companies and members of the British Business Group, setting out the business case for CSR in Bangladesh and how this can be applied in practice.

The project will also provide an opportunity for businesses to learn about ISO 26000, the new voluntary international standard for Social Responsibility, which will shortly come into effect.

The British High Commissioner, Anwar Choudhury, stressed the benefits of CSR both for Bangladeshi businesses and for the country more widely.

"CSR is not only morally the right thing to do; it is also the smart thing to do. Applying CSR practices helps to enhance the rights and dignity of Bangladeshi people as well as build a motivated, healthy and skilled workforce. And it's also smart because it concerns the bottom line.

Buyers from Europe and North America are explicitly choosing to source goods from socially compliant factories. Having a CSR strategy gives a strong and positive message that the company is socially and ethically responsible and contributing to the country's overall economic development and welfare."

DBBL's Smile-Brighter program starts at Pabna

BUSINESS REPORT

Under the DBBL Smile-Brighter Programme, Dutch-BangIa Bank Limited has organised a four-day long plastic surgery operation camp at the bank's own cost at Popular General Hospital in Pabna district town from April 11 through 14 last. A plastic surgery team consisting of 10 members headed by the eminent plastic surgeon Dr AJM Salek has conducted the operation.

In this connection, a discussion meeting was arranged at Rashid Hall of Pabna District Council Bhaban on April 11 where a large number of participants and local elites attended the meeting. Dr. AB Mirza Md Azizul Islam, adviser for Finance and Planning, was present as the chief guest while Md Yeasin AIi, managing director of the bank presided over the function.

Dr Mirza Azizul Islam lauded the plastic surgery program of Dutch-Bangla Bank and recalled other philanthropic activities of the bank. He expected that all the corporate bodies of the country would come forward with such programs for the benefits of the underprivileged groups of the society which can help to reach to the ultimate goal of the government. He also mentioned that government has taken initiatives to improve the health sector of the country on priority basis which is not up to the mark at present.

Yeasin Ali said that DBBL has taken this initiative since 2003 to bring back smile on the faces of the boys and girls; cursed with cleft-lipped face which creates lot of problems in their social life. He informed that more than 3500 cleft-lipped boys and girls have been operated under the DBBL Smile-Brighter program at bank's cost. Dutch-Bangla Bank has been discharging its corporate social responsibility by way of charring out humanitarian activities in the field of health sector, education and community based activities for the overall betterment of the society, Ali added.

Dr Mozammel Hossain Khan, medical consultant of Dutch-Bangia Bank informed that about 120 cleft-lipped boys and girls of the poor parents have been enlisted for operation.

Among others, Khandoker Md Moklesur Rahman, deputy commissioner of Pabna, Dr Abdul Wadud Mia, civil surgeon of Pabna, plastic surgeon Dr AJM Salek and local elites also spoke at the meeting.

Bangladesh Bank and Premier Leasing sign house loan deal

BUSINESS REPORT

Premier Leasing and Finance Limited has signed a participation agreement with Bangladesh Bank recently for providing home loans to lower-middle and middle-income people in six divisional cities and four municipal towns-Tongi, Gazipur, Savar and Narayanganj-- under 'Bangladesh Bank Refinance Scheme for Housing Sector' to purchase apartments with unit size of 1,250 sft or less.

The signing ceremony washeld at Bangladesh Bank. M Abdul Haque, General Manager, Agriculture Credit and Special Programs Department, Bangladesh Bank and Kazi Emdadul Hoque, Managing Director of Premier Leasing and Finance Limited signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations.

Khurshid Alam, Deputy General Manager, Agriculture Credit and Special Programs Department of Bangladesh Bank, and Md Shafiqur Rahman, Vice President and Md Shah Alam Reza, Senior Principal Officer of Premier Leasing and Finance Limited and other senior officials of Bangladesh Bank were present at the signing ceremony.

Pahela Boishakh at Sonargaon, Westin Dhaka Hotels

In tune with the heritage of Bangladesh the Pan Pacific Sonargaon is going to wear a festive look to say 'Shuva Nabobarsha' on the occasion of Bengali New Year on 14 April 2008.

Among other events, Sonargaon Hotel will hold a five-day mini mart 'Bangladesh Bazaar' and will come out with uniquely blended Bengali meals both at lunch and dinner in combination with cultural shows and soirees. The 'Bangladesh Bazaar' will continue from 12-16 April from 10:00 am till 10:00 pm. There will be a cozy collection of Bangladeshi art, handicrafts, jewelry and accessories including Mehedi Utshav.

Special Bangladeshi buffet will be serve in combination with international dishes, priced at Tk 1353++ per person and Tk.680++ for children. Cultural shows marking the traditional observance of Bangla New Year will be staged with folk songs, instrumental presentations, dance and music.

Meanwhile, the Westin Dhaka has taken a different look on coming April 14 to introduce the Bangladesh culture and to welcome the Bangla New Year 1415.

If anyone wants to feel a traditional Bengali feel in the heart of Dhaka city, Westin Dhaka is ready to give him or her the opportunity. To greet the Bengali New Year, the Westin Dhaka will be decorated in a traditional Bengali style. The all day dining 'Taste' of The Westin Dhaka will serve special Bengali lunch and dinner menu on the occasion of Bengali New Year. Take the taste of various kind of Bhartta like Aloo Bhartta, Sim Bhartta, Tomato Bhartta, Bhendi Bhartta and many more. Salaad made by all local ingredients will be the special addition in the appetizers.

The very traditional dishes with Hilsha Fish will bring water to your mouth. Not only Hilsha, but other local fishes will wait for you to taste. Bhuna Khichuri, Gosht Biriyani with Naricali Sukka Mutton or Chingri Malai Curry or Chicken korma, all will be a magnifcent combination to feel the guests taste bunds on the special day.

And of course, how can we forget the delicious Pithas. You cannot just choose to taste from the variety of Pitha waiting for you.

SJIBL extends Tk 15cr investment facility to Phoenix Finance

BUSINESS REPORT

An agreement was signed between Shahjalal lslami Bank Limited (SJIBL) and Phoenix Finance and Investment Limited (PFIL) at the Head Office of SJIBL on April 10 last. Under the agreement, Shahjalal Islami Bank extends an investment facility worth Tk 15 crore to Phoenix Finance and Investment Limited for Purchasing Lease Assets.

The Agreement was signed by Muhammad Ali, Managing Director of SJIBL and SM Intekhab Alam, Managing Director of PFIL on behalf of their respective organisations.

Deputy Managing Director of SJIBL Md Jillur Rahman, SVP and Manager of Motijheel Branch of SJIBL Shahabuddin, Deputy Managing Director of PFIL M Shah Alam and high officials from both organisations were present on the occasion.

Al-Arafah Islami Bank holds training course on Asset Liability Management'

A two-day long training course on 'Asset Liability Management' for the officers of Al-Arafah Islami Bank Ltd was held at AIBL Training and Research Academy on April 9 and 10 last.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of the bank Alhaj Md Anowar Hossain was present as the chief guest and inaugurated the course on April 9. Managing Director MA Samad Sheikh was present as special guest. Among others AKM Fuzlul Hoque, Senior Vice President and Principal of Training Academy was present on the occasion.

Lead Auditor Course on ISO 22000 held

International Finance Corporation-South Asia Enterprise Development Facility (IFCSEDF) works with SMEs to improve their access to international markets and increase the competitiveness of their exports. For SMEs working in the food and agro-processing sector, quality assurance and certification are critical in order to gain access to international markets.

However, obtaining certification such as the RACCP or ISO 220000 was an obstacle as there was a lack of service providers who could conduct the audits necessary and assist SMEs to obtain this certification.

As such, IFC-SEDF organised a five-day long Lead Auditor Course on HACCP and ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System at Royal Park Residence, Dhaka. The course was conducted by Quality Institute of America (QIA) and URS Bangladesh Limited, in association with CMC International (UK) Limited.

The opening session was presided over by Afifa Raihana, Coordinator, Sustainability, IFC-SEDF. Wazir U Alam, Executive Vice President, QIA, Chris McHale, Registered Lead Auditor and Managing Director, CMC International (UK) Limited, Rashid Munir Akhter, Registered Lead Auditor and Managing Director, URS Bangladesh Limited also spoke on the occasion.

Ms. Raihana asserts "Our processed food and agribusiness sector has great potential to grow. This course is a critical step to help SMEs in the sector access service providers who can help them reach their potential."

The Lead Tutor for the course was Chris McHale of CMC International (UK) Limited, Co-Tutor, Rashid Munir Akhter of URS Bangladesh Limited, Co-Tutor, Mukesh Singhal of URS Group, India and Dr Ashis Ratan Sen, local food law expert.

Senior management, production and quality control executives from BSTI, Food Industries and Consulting firms participated in the training course. The course tutors discussed at length the basic and fundamental guidelines of ISO 22000 as well as the mandatory regulatory requirements.

Group CEO Peter Sands due today: Review StanChart business, strategies in Bangladesh

BUSINESS REPORT

Peter Sands, Group Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered PLC will arrive in Dhaka today (Monday) on a two-day official visit to Bangladesh. He will be accompanied by Neeraj Swaroop, Regional Chief Executive, India and South Asia.

This will be the Group CEO's first visit to Bangladesh and he will be reviewing Standard Chartered's business and strategies in Bangladesh.

Peter Sands joined the Board of Standard Chartered PLC as Group Finance Director on May 14, 2002 and was appointed as Group Chief Executive on November 20, 2006. Before his appointment as Group Chief Executive he was responsible for Finance, Strategy, Risk and Technology and Operations. Prior to this, Peter was a Director with worldwide consultants McKinsey & Co.

Mamoon Mahmood Shah appointed as EBL DMD

Mamoon Mahmood Shah has been appointed as Deputy Managing Director of Eastern Bank Ltd recently.

Prior to this assignment, he served as Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Consumer Banking at the same bank. During his long and successful banking career, Shah has worked with HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, ANZ Grindlays and IFIC Bank in different responsible positions.

Islami Bank signs arrangement of remittance with Maybank Malaysia

BUSINESS REPORT

An arrangement of remittance was signed recently between Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited and Maybank, Malaysia.

The signing ceremony was held at the head office of Maybank in Kuala Lumpur.

Md. Habibur Rahman, Deputy Executive President and Head of International Banking Wing of IBBL and Omr Awang, Head of Financial Institutions of International Banking of Maybank signed the agreement on behalf of respective banks.

The program was attended, among others, by Md Siddiqur Rahman, Vice President of IBBL, Ahmed Azhar Bin Shamsuddin, Assistant Vice President and Chief of Consumer Banking of Maybank and Senior Relationship Manager of Maybank Nurain Yatim.

Now it has become easier for the expatriates to send fund to the recipients for introducing Central Remittance Processing Division and online banking, internet, e-mail and developed technology based services in the branches.

Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited has by now signed Instant Cash Agreement with 71 banks and exchange houses and spot cash agreements with 42 institutions in the globe.

Hayes and Haier brand's showroom at Dhanmondi

In order to make the world-renowned Hayes and Haier brand of products available to the people living in Dhanmondi and its adjoining areas, a new showroom has been opened at Dhanmondi.

This new showroom has been set up at Plot No. 28-B, Shop No. G 3 and 4, Road No. 27 (Old) and 16 (New), Dhanmondi Residential Area. It is expected that customers will get improved quality of services from this new sales and marketing center.

Former Adviser to Caretaker Government and Editor of the Independent Mahbubul Alam inaugurated the showroom as the chief guest Saturday afternoon.

Hayes (Bangladesh) Ltd chairman Maj (Retd) TIM Nurunnabi, senior officials of the company and local elite were present.

Hayes and Haier brand of colour televisions, refrigerators, freezers, air-conditioners, washing machines and other electronics goods will be sold at this showroom at Dhanmondi.

If anyone buys air-conditioners, televisions, LCDs, freezes,

under the ongoing summer promotion of Hayes and Haier, he or she will surely get minimum Tk 500 to maximum Tk 50,000 free or free air-conditioner if an LCD is bought, or mobile air-conditioner free if a three-door freeze is bought or installation free if an air-conditioner is bought. This offer will remain effective on specific models of goods till April 30.