The New Nation - Internet Edition

Lowering tariff on MS rod, lifting duty on pay channels not possible: NBR chairman tells at press conference

ECONOMIC REPORTER

National Board of Revenue (NBR) will conduct a campaign throughout the country to generate awareness and encourage people to pay tax.

Mohammad Abdul Mazid, Chairman of NBR, said this at a press briefing at the NBR office in the city yesterday.

"We are looking for new taxpayers and also becoming successful in this regard," he said. "Many people supported our activities and showed enthusiasm for paying taxes."

Mazid said they would organise the campaign at the district and thana levels. He said the NBR is sincere to bring down the harassment of people in paying taxes.

Contradicting a news item titled "VAT net expands widely', published in some dailies, he said it is not true at all.

He said the NBR had proposed to bring only three products and services under the sphere of Value Added Tax (VAT). These are Jarda, Gul and the taxable products servicing organisations.

Mazid said there was no proposal on raising the tariff of MS rod in the proposed national budget of FY2008-09.

He said since the amount of VAT on MS rod ranges between Tk 375 and Tk 450 per ton locally. It is insignificant against the existing market price of Tk 70,000 per ton of MS rod. So, there is no need to reduce VAT on MS rod.

Referring to the imposition of VAT on local proprietors of satellite channels, Mazid said since it is impossible for the NBR to collect VAT from the original owners of satellite channels, the government has proposed imposition of 35 per cent VAT on the local distributors.

In this regard, he further said it is totally impossible to realise VAT imposed on advertisements from the owners of foreign satellite channels. That is why additional 20 per cent supplementary duty has been proposed on the local distributors of satellite channels.

"It's a business-related matter between the satellite channel owners and distributirs. It should not be considered as indirect tax and it will also not be logical to put the burden of this VAT on the consumers," he said.

The NBR chief said that they proposed to reduce the import duty on printing paper 12 per cent from 25 per cent and incraese the rate of import duty on printed paper to 25 per cent taking into acount the losses of the printing industry in the country.

In response to a question he said, "The opportunity and facility for legalising the undisclosed money will certainly not help the people to as the rate of taxes increases by 10 per cent every year."

More allocations for children welfare in budget demanded

ECONOMIC REPORTER

Save the Children Sweden-Denmark (SCSD) yesterday urged government not to trim the ADP allocations for the sectors under the Primary and Mass Education Division and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs in the revised budget as children are the future of the nation.

Addressing a press conference on "Child Rights Perspective" at the Dhaka Reporters' Unity, the Save the Children Sweden-Denmark officials called upon the government to allocate adequate amount for the ministries concerned to run necessary programmes for the children with disabilities, introduce designed education programmes, allocate more money for the betterment of street children and for their shelter, education etc.

Chairman of Shamunnay, Prof Atiur Rahaman, "If we invest on children, we will get better fruit in the near future."

Dr Atiur said proposed to introduce public-private partnership that would be useful to implement ADP properly, increase share of primary education both in the budget and GDP consistently, establish health centres in the vulnerable areas like char, haor, Chittagong Hill Tracts, coastal areas for providing basic health services to children.

Besides, Dr Atiur Rahman, the conference was attended, among others, by Executive Director of Jatiya Mahila Ainjibi Samity Salma Ali, Acting Country Director of the SCSD Shamsul Alam Bakul, Executive Director of Uddipan Imranul Haq Chowdhury and Executive Director of INCIDIN Bangladesh Ratan Sarkar.

DBBL takes care of 12,000 cataract patients

BUSINESS REPORTER

As a part of DBBL's philanthropic activities to serve distressed humanity, the Bank has taken a noble initiative of operating 12,000 cataract patients across the country, specially the rural poor who have means to undertake cataract operation by themselves.

A 3 day-long Eye Camp has been launched for cataract patients at the premises of Bangladesh National Society for Blind (BNSD) Mirpur-l, Dhaka on June 15, 2008. National Professor Dr. M. R. Khan opened the operation camp. Managing Director of Dutch-Bangla Bank Limited Md. Yeasin Ali and other senior executives of the bank were present on the occasion.

In this connection, a discussion meeting was also held at the conference room of the hospital. Among others, National Prof. Dr. M. R. Khan took part in the discussion and lauded the role of DBBL's philanthropic activities. He congratulated the Board of Directors, sponsor shareholders and other shareholders for taking such benevolent programme.

In his address, the Managing Director categorically mentioned that the Bank, instead of spending money inconventional ways for observing birth anniversary, has taken a number of philanthropic and social programs for the betterment of the distressed people.

Among others, AHM Nazmul Quadir, Additional Managing, K. S. Tabrez, Deputy Managing Director (Operation), Abul Kashem Md. Shirin, Deputy Managing Director (Administration) of DBBL, Khandker Mahbub Hossain, Chairman of BNSD, Dr. Mozammel Hossain Khan, Medical Consultant of DBBL also spoke on the occasion.

GMG to add another jet to its fleet

AVIATION REPORTER

GMG Airlines will add another aircraft to its fleet to carry more passengers towards the Middle East, a company official said yesterday.

The new addition will help the country's first and the biggest private sector airliner increase flights towards various destinations, including Dubai, said company spokesman ATM Nazrul Islam.

The company yesterday ssigned a Letter of Intending deal for seven years with the US-based General Electric Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS) under a "dry lease" system to bring in the aircraft.

The dry lease means GMG will have to carry all responsibilities of the aircraft after the GECAS supplies it.

"With this MD-83 aircraft GMG Airlines will increase its flight frequency to the Middle East," the spokesman said.

The aircraft is expected to reach at the end of July, he said.

The aircraft has 150 seats, including 16 business class and 134 economy class seats.

GMG that started its operations nearly one decade ago has seven aircraft in its fleet.

Currently GMG flies to various international destinations such as Kolkata, New Delhi, Katmandu, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur and Dubai.

GMG faced troubles in recent months when its Boeing 747-300 on Dhaka-Dubai-Dhaka route developed technical faults.

The aircraft was grounded on May 26 because of the technical glitches but resumed its operation on June 10.

Citycell customers can now enjoy faster after sales service

BUSINESS REPORTER

Citycell has recently signed an agreement with Sundarban Courier Service (Pvt) Limited for movement of Citycell products within Citycell Customer Care Centers and Points located all across the country.

Sk Tanvir Ahmed Rony, Director of Service and Finance of Sundarban Courier Service (Pvt) Limited and Saiful Amin, Deputy General Manager, Front Office Operations of Citycell signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations.

Under this agreement, Sundarban Courier will collect new and faulty handsets, accessories, documents, and relevant items from all Citycell Customer Care Centers (CCC) and Points (CCP) and will deliver it back wherever necessary. As a result, Citycell customers will now be able to get faster handset-related after sales service from all CCPs covering more than 500 thanas throughout the country.

On the occasion, Citycell's Saiful Amin said, "This is yet another step for us in keeping our promise to deliver the best possible telecommunications service to customers. We are the only operator to provide handset servicing, and the agreement with Sundarban helps to take this service even closer to our valued Citycell subscribers."

Abidur Rahman, General Manager, Marketing and Operation, Taufiqul Islam, Deputy General Manager of Sundarban Courier Service (Pvt) Limited and Md. Abu Bakar Siddique, Regional Workshop Manager of Citycell, were also present in this signing ceremony.

IBBL opens Nazumeah Hat Branch in Ctg

BUSINESS REPORTER

Nazumeah Hat Branch of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited was inaugurated as its 196th Branch yesterday at Branch Premises, Ali Shopping Centre, Nazumeah Hat, Kaptai Road, Hathhazari, Chittagong. Hossain Jamil, Divisional Commissioner of Chittagong Division inaugurated the Branch as the chief guest.

Presided over by Engr. Md Eskander Ali Khan, Director of the bank the function was addressed, among others, by M Fariduddin Ahmad, Managing Director, Abul Hossain, Executive Vice President and Head of Chittagong Zone of the bank.

Advocate Nasir Uddin, renowned businessman and Secretary of Businessman and Welfare Foundation, Chittagong and Amiruzzaman, Principal, Barrister Sultan Ahmad College and renowned Islamic thinker addressed on behalf of the clients and well wishers.

Hossain Jamil in his speech thanked Islami Bank authorities for starting interest free banking system in the country and opening branch in Nazumeah Hat, a glorious place of Chittagong. He urged the bank authorities to play important role in national development like the past.

M Fariduddin Ahmad said Islami Bank is the first interest free bank of the country. He mentioned that Islami Bank was established with a view to emancipating the people of the country from the curse of interest.

Engr Md Eskander Ali, Director of the bank said in his presidential speech that Islami Bank is doing rapid progress which is a blessing of Almighty Allah. Islami Bank achieved lots of deposit, investment and profit every year. He said that the bank will undertake more mass welfare oriented activities to continue its advancement.

Rahimafrooz gives away awards to 200 students on Environment Day

BUSINESS REPORTER

Rahimafrooz, through its social development wing RSF (Rural Services Foundation), has organised "Poribesh Utshob 2008." The programme involved a quiz competition (on topics like climate change, renewable energy and 3R) among students from Khulna, Shatkhira and Bagerhat districts. Two hundred winners from the competition were awarded with Tk 5000 each, certificates and crests in a ceremony held in Khulna on June 5.

Dr Md Nowsher Ali, Vice Chancellor of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) distributed awards among the students as chief guest. Eminent educationist Professor Anwarul Kadir, Daily Purbanchal Editor Alhaj Liakat Ali, Environment Science Department head of Khulna University Professor Md. Salequzzaman attended the ceremony as special guests. Rahimafrooz Group Director and RSF Managing Director Munawar M Moin presided over the ceremony. RSF General Manager Md Ruhul Quddus delivered the welcome speech in the programme.

The speakers emphasised the need for mass awareness building on environmental issues, private-public sector partnership for better environmental management, and over all corporate social responsibility. They anticipated adverse impact of climate change and environmental pollution if collective and coordinated efforts were not undertaken fast.

Mukhter Hossain joins as DMD of Shahjalal Islami Bank Ltd

Md Mukhter Hossian joined as Deputy Managing Director of Shahjalal Islami Bank Limited on June 10 last. Prior to joining Shahjalal Islami Bank Limited, he was the Senior Executive Vice President of Prime Bank Limited.

Upon completion of Masters Degree with honours in History from Dhaka University, Hossian started his career in National Bank Limited in 1984 as Probationary Officer. He served there in different capacities.

He joined Prime Bank Limited as Assistant Vice President in 1996. During the period from 1996-2007 he served Prime Bank Limited as Head of its Khulna Branch, Kawran Bazar, Foreign Exchange and Motijheel (Main) Branch. Then he posted at Head Office where he was looking after International Division, Retail Banking Division, and Head of branch operation of Greater Dhaka Region.

He participated in a number of training programmes, workshops and seminars on banking at home and abroad. He visited Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, China, UK, UAE, Germany, Austria, France, Sri Lanka, India etc.

It may be mentioned here that Hossain is the younger brother of RA Howlader, an eminent banker and former Managing Director of National Bank Limited.

Igloo Sugar launched

Abdul Monem Sugar Refinery Limited has launched IGLOO premium refined sugar in retail pack (1 kg and 500gm), with a launching event at Samarai Convention Center, on 11 June 08.

The programme was inaugurated by Abdul Monem, Chairman and Managing Director, Abdul Monem Limited.

In his speech, he has given his valuable directions to sales and marketing team, so that Igloo Sugar could be successful in the market. He has expressed his satisfaction; since IGLOO could be able to provide premium quality sugar to the consumers and industrial users. He has put his gratitude to almighty and thanks to all concerns, who are directly and indirectly involved in the Sugar retailing business. He also hoped that consumers would accept IGLOO Sugar as like as IGLOO Ice Cream.

GM Kamrul Hassan, Head of Marketing- Igloo Category, has presented the marketing and sales strategy before the sales and marketing team and distributors. A colorful cultural event was organized following the launching programme.

Electrical products fair 2008 begins June 26

BUSINESS REPORTER

A three-day electrical products fair begins in the city on June 26 to display various high-standard homemade electrical goods for further expansion of the industry.

Commerce and Education Adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman is scheduled to inaugurate the Bangladesh Electrical Products Fair 2008, organised by Bangladesh Electrical Merchandise Manufacturers Association (BEMMA), at Hotel Sonargaon.

Organisers expect 60 to 70 industrial units will take part in the exhibition, second of its kind, with a plethora of their electrical products of variegated designs.

Wireless Communication Laboratory at BUET soon

A deed of agreement signed between Huawei Technologies (Bangladesh) Ltd and Dept of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, BUET to establish a Wireless Communication Laboratory in the Dept of EEE for Training, Research and Development on Tuesday at the office of the Vice-chancellor, BUET at a simple ceremony. Prof Dr Aminul Hoque, Head of the Dept of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE), BUET and Wonder Wong, Asstt Country Representative, Huawei, Technologies (Bangladesh) Ltd signed the agreement on behalf of the respective authorities. Huawei Technologies (Bangladesh) Ltd has agreed to donate modem wireless equipment valued at US$3 million (Tk 20 crore) to BUET regarding the purpose. Prof. Dr AMM Safiullah, Vice-Chancellor, BUET, Deans of the Faculties, Senior Professors, DAERS, Registrar, BUET and Huawei Representatives Asif Zaman, GM Mahbub Alam and Rubayed Adnan were also present on the occasion.