The New Nation - Internet Edition

Standard Chartered Bank School Chess Competition to begin

UNB, Barisal

Standard Chartered Bank School Chess Competition 2008 will begin at Halima Khatun Girls School premises here Tuesday.

Bangladesh Chess Federation, Barisal organized the competition.

The competition would be held in two groups of boys and girls and interested competitors could register their names within August 25 with the sub-committee convener.

Japan gives Tk 3.88cr for National Museum

STAFF REPORTER

The Japan government and the Bangladesh government exchanged notes on Japan's grant aid for the Projectof Improvement of Audio-Visual Equipment of Bangladesh National Museum, amounting to 62.3 million Japanese yen (approximately Tk 3.88 crore).

Masayuki Inoue, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, and Md Aminul Islam Bhuiyan, Secretary, Economic Relations Division, Ministry of Finance signed the notes on behalf of their respective governments.

Under the exchange of notes, the Government of Japan would extend grant assistance to the Government of Bangladesh for providing National Museum with audio-visual equipments like video shooting system, studio editing system, projection system, sound and lighting systems and all.

Video shooting system and studio editing system would make it possible to record high-quality image and quality editing. This is how the museum can preserve national and cultural heritage of Bangladesh. These equipments would help Audio-Visual Section of the museum to make documentary films/movies on tangible and intangible heritages, on places of historical importance for long-term preservation and documentation. Projection system would enable the museum to

present screen image attractively for audiences that has not also been materialized as yet.

Sound and lighting systems in the Shahid Zia Auditorium of the museum will also be improved.

Nari Uddug Kendra opts for GP Business Solutions

Grameenphone Ltd. has recently signed an agreement with the Nari Uddug Kendra to provide complete communication facilities under its Business Solutions package.

Grameenphone Business Solutions is an integrated telecommunications service specially designed for the business entities of Bangladesh, providing customized telecommunications solutions through a consultative approach, tailored to the needs of individual businesses or organization.

Nari Uddug Kendra is one of the leading human rights organizations especially focused towards women's rights with a focus to create an enabling environment for gender mainstreaming, promotion of human rights, and socio-economic and political empowerment of women.

Grameenphone Business Solutions, comprising of modern mobile telecommunications services for any business, needs, provides voice, text messaging and mobile data and internet services.

Also an offer is a complete Mobile-Office solution, including mobile email, mobile high-speed data access, internet access, mobile fax and more, providing the freedom to work from anywhere within Grameenphone's wide network coverage.

According to the agreement, Sharif Nari Uddug Kendra is being provided complete communications solutions tailored to its needs, including voice, data and other services. Nari Uddug Kendra (NUK) will use the services to further improve communication amongst its different businesses, at an affordable cost.

The agreement was signed by Ms. Mashuda Khatun Shefali, Executive Director of Nari Uddug Kendra (NUK) and Khandaker Omar Farhan, Deputy General Manager, Direct Sales of Grameenphone Ltd, on behalf of their respective organisations.

Md. Maruf Uddin Khandaker (Manager- Administration), Mahmudul Haq Manik (Manager- Training and Resource Development Centre), Ms. Shamima Afrose (Associate Program Coordinator), Ms. Selina Akhtar (Associate Program Coordinator) of Nari Uddug Kendra (NUK) and Imtiaz Hossain (Group Manager), Rajib Khan (Group Manager), Md. Mahmud Alam (Account Manager) of Grameenphone Ltd. were present at the signing ceremony.

IBBL organises awareness programme

Three Meetings on 'Awareness Programme for Business Promotion' organised by Dhaka Central, South and North Zones of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited were held recently at Savar Branch & Kanchpur Branch premises of the Bank and Jobeda Community Centre of Mymensingh respectively.

Mohd. Shamsul Haque, Deputy Managing Director and Head of Operations Wing and Mohammad Abul Sashar, Executive Vice President & Head of Dhaka Central Zone were present in the meeting as Chief Guest and Special Guest respectively organised by Central Zone of the Bank. Presided over by Md. Shafiuddin Talukder, Assistant Vice President of Savar Branch the meeting was addressed by Jillur Rahman, Assistant Vice President & Manager of Manikganj Branch and Zillur Rahman, Manager of Ganakbari Branch. Officials and Staff of all segments of Savar, Manikganj and Ganakbari Branch participated in the meeting.

Mohammamd Abdul Mannan, Deputy Managing Director and Head .of Investment Wing was present in the meeting as Chief Guest organised by Dhaka South Zone of the Bank. Presided over by Abu Taher Mohammad Saleh, Executive Vice President & Head of Dhaka South Zone the meeting was attended by the Officials and Staff of Nawabgonj, Munshiganj, Dohar, Madhabdi, Palash, Kanchpur and Bhulta Branch Md. Habibur Rahman, Deputy Managing Director & Head of International Banking Wing was present in the meeting as the Chief Guest organised by Dhaka North Zone of the Bank. Presided over by Abdul Kader" Executive Vice President & Head of Dhaka North Zone the meeting was addressed by Zakir Hossain, Assistant Vice President of Gazipur Chowrasta Branch, Masudur Rahman Khalifa, Assistant Vice President of Mymensingh Branch and Rezaul Karim, Assistant Vice President of Netrokona Branch. Officials and Staff of all segments of Bhairab, Gazipur Chowrasta, Jamalpur, Kishoreganj, Madhupur, Mawna Chowrasta, Mymenshingh, Netrokona, Sherpur, Tangail, Tarakandi and Tongi participated the meeting.

Emirates offers special Dubai packages during Ramzan

BUSINESS REPORT

Dubai, UAE: Emirates' passengers travelling to Dubai during the religious month of Ramadan can enjoy two nights accommodation from as little as US$57 a night per person.

The offer, which runs from September 1 to September 30, involves six select hotels in Dubai, including the Marco Polo Hotel, Novotel World Trade Centre Dubai and Hyatt Regency Dubai.

Extra nights with bed and breakfast are also available at excellent value rates, providing bookings are within the offer period. All accommodation-related taxes and charges are included in the offer.

The packages, which are available worldwide to all Emirates passengers travelling in any class, include a meet and assist seNice at Dubai International Airport. A uniformed representative of Emirates' destination management company Arabian Adventures will attend to passengers upon arrival.

Passengers taking advantage of this offer, which is invalid for groups, will also receive an Arabian Adventures Welcome Pack and Privilege Discount Card, providing special rates and discounts at numerous shops and restaurants across Dubai. Elsewhere, passengers will receive chauffeur-drivel") transfers between Dubai International Airport and the hotel.

Adnan Kazim, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Gulf Middle East and Iran, said: "Offering the best value deals possible to customers during the holy month of Ramadan is a longstanding tradition for Emirates. As a tourist destination, Dubai is fast becoming one of the most popular for passengers travelling from around the world. Our offer gives them the opportunity to visit world-leading malls, restaurants and hotels, and enjoy excellent shopping discounts."

Bookings are subject to availability, with passengers having to travel inbound and, outbound on Emirates flights to be eligible for the offer.

Foundation course for probationary officers

A four weeks long "Foundation Course for 9th Batch Probationary Officers (1st phase)" of IFIC Bank Ltd. concluded on August 19 at its Academy at Chamber Building 8th floor, 122-124, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka. Alhaj Mohammad Lutfar Rahman, Chairman of IFIC Bank Ltd. was present as chief guest on the occasion and delivered his valedictory speech before the participants.

Among others, Managing Director Mosharraf Hossain and Deputy Managing Director Mohammad Abdullah also attended the ceremony and delivered their speeches.

The main objective of the course was to impart different operational aspects of General Banking, Marketing and Accounting to the participants. A total number of 52 newly recruited probationary officers of the Bank attended the course. It may be mentioned here that this was the 22nd programme of IFIC Bank Academy in the year 2008.

Course Directors were Md. Abu Tayeb Senior Vice President and Incharge of Training & Research Division, A.K. Mojibur Rahman, Assistant Vice President and Omar Sharif, Senior Staff Officer.

Pragati Life Insurance declares 10% dividend

Pragati Life Insurance Limited declared 10% dividend for its shareholders for the year 2007. The dividend was approved at the 8th Annual General Meeting of the company held at the Jamuna Resort Ltd. near by Jamuna Bridge on August 21, 2008. The Chairman of the company Syed M. Altaf Hussain presided over the meeting.

Abdul Awal Mintoo, Chairman of Pragati Insurance Ltd. (General), Chairman of Bangladesh Insurance Association & Director of Pragati Life A.K.M Rafiqul Islam, FCA, Directors Tabith M. A wal, Mabroor Hossain, Imam Shahed Hossain, Patrons Al-haz Khalilur Rahman, Capt. Imam Anwar Hossain and Prof. Jahangir Chowdhury and newly appointed Managing Director Jafar Halim were also present in the AGM.

Swapan Kumar Sarkar, FCA, Deputy Managing Director of the company answered the queries of the shareholder present in the AGM.

Al-Arafah Islami Bank holds board meeting

The 169th meeting of the Board of Directors of Al-Arafah Islami Bank Ltd was held at its head office board room on August 18 last.

Chairman, Board of Directors of the bank Alhaj Md Anowar Hossain presided over the meeting.

Among others, Directors of the bank, General Manager Bangladesh Bank Md Amzad Hossain and Managing Director of the bank MA Samad Sheikh were present.

The meeting reviewed the overall business position of the bank and took various important decisions.

MSc in Environment Management at IUB

The orientation of the new students of M Sc. in Environment Management Program, Autumn 2008 of the School of Environmental Science and Management, Independent University, Bangladesh was held yesterday at the University Campus. The Vice Chancellor, Pro Vice Chancellor, Directors from different schools and administration of IUB, faculties, guests from various government and non-government organizations and students were present on the occasion. The program was addressed by Vice Chancellor, Pro Vice Chancellor, Director, SESM , Coordinator of the M.Sc. Program and a student from the M. Sc. Program .

In his speech, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Bazlul Mobin Chowdhury spoke about the need of such M. Sc. program in the context of current state of the environment. He also recognized that IUB, being a pioneer in this field is really helping the students to become future skilled leader in managing the environment. He also acknowledged the design of the M. Sc. program with relevant and advanced learning to develop an understanding of the ever-changing and provisional nature of this field of knowledge.

The Pro Vice Chancellor, Professor M. Omar Rahman also spoke about the need and priority of this field of study in today's world. He congratulated the Coordinator of the M.Sc. program and all the associated faculties about the success of the program and welcome the new students whole heartedly.

The program was also addressed by Prof. Haroun Er Rashid, Director SESM. He recalled how this journey of learning was started back in 2006 single handedly by Prof. Dr. M. Ali Hossain, Coordinator of the Program and how it has achieved such academic excellence in present days. Ms. Shahnoor Hasan, a student of the M. Sc. program spoke on behalf of the students about how the institution's vibrant learning environment stimulates creative and critical thinking abilities of the students, fosters multiple skills and instills social values. She also acknowledged the support and utmost attention to each and every student given by the faculties with their excellent teaching skills.

A vote of thanks was given by Prof. Dr. Ali Hossain, Coordinator of the M.Sc. in Environment Management Program. Later, teachers and students had a lively interaction during refreshment.

Ahsania Mission Cancer Hospital Construction: Daughters of late Sirajul Islam Chowdhury donate Tk. 5 lakh

Donations continue for the construction of Ahsania Mission Cancer Hospital (AMCH). Four daughters of late Sirajul Islam Chowdhury Prof. Nazma Shams, non Resident Bangladeshis in Australia Tasneem Ahmed, Samia Ahmed and Dr. Nasrin Moin have jointly donated Tk. 15 lakh for the construction of AMCH at Uttara in the capital.

Prof. Nazma Shams, wife of former Chief National Commissioner of Scouts late Nurul Islam Shams and her younger sister Tasneem Ahmed on behalf of the sisters handed over a cheque for Tk. 5 lakh to Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM) General Secretary Md. Ziauddin yesterday at DAM Bhaban, Dhanmondi. For this donation one bed of the hospital will be dedicated in the name of their late grandfather Khwaja Khanbahadur Maharam Ali Chowdhury.

AMCH Managing Director M. Fazlur Rahman and Project Director Dr. Md. Lutfar Rahman were present on the occasion.

Accepting the cheque DAM General Secretary Md. Ziauddin said that a total amount of Taka 256 crore is needed to complete and commission the Hospital. He appealed to corporate sector and everybody to come forward with generous support for this humanitarian project.

New Deputy Managing Director of National Bank Ltd.

Eminent Banker Masqur Ahmed has recently been elevated to the rank of Deputy Managing Director of National Bank Limited. Prior to his promotion he was the Senior Executive Vice-President and In-charge of the Principal Branch (Dilkusha) of the Bank.

After completing Graduation with Hons and Masters in Accounting From Dhaka University in 1976 Masqur was recruited through Bank's Recruitment Committee of Bangladesh Bank in the year 1977 and started his career as Senior Officer in Janata Bank. Subsequently he. joined in National Bank Ltd. in 1985 and worked as Manager of different Branches of the Bank. He also held important positions and worked in various capacities at Regional Office & Head Office.

During his long banking career Masqur Ahmed widely travelled both at Home and Abroad and attended different seminar, Symposiums and also received training over there.