The New Nation - Internet Edition

14,219 hectares land brought under spices cultivation in Bogra

UNB, Bogra

Some 14,219 hectares of land have been brought under common spices cultivation in the district this season, which is nearly double than that of the previous season. Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) sources said due to high prices in the local market growers cultivated spices in large scale this season to earn windfall profit. They said spices were cultivated last year on some 12,891 hectares of land. Of the total land, this season onion was cultivated on 2,201 hectares against last year's 1,705 hectares, garlic on 615 hectares against last year's 458 hectares, chilli on 10,464 hectares against last year' s 5317 hectares, ginger on 278 hectares against last year's 210 hectares. The farmers also cultivated turmeric on 498 hectares of land which is 288 hectares higher than the last year. Coriander was also cultivated on 163 hectares this year.

Most of commercial wings fail to attain export earning targets

BUSINESS REPORT

Bangladesh missions abroad and their commercial wings have failed to play any effective role in expansion of the country's export earnings.

During the last fiscal year of 2007-08, ten commercial wings of the country's foreign missions earned less than 52.45 percent of their export earning targets. As a result, Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) has been failing to fulfill its annual export targets.

According to the information available with the EPB, three Bangladesh missions in Washington, Berlin and London, and their commercial wings were asked to fulfill export targets worth several hundred crores of dollars. But, they have failed to fulfill their targets.

Only six, out of 16 commercial wings at Bangladesh missions abroad succeeded to fulfill their respective export earning targets in 2007-08 fiscal year. These were Moscow, Canberra, Dubai, Paris, Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo commercial wings. They succeeded to achieve the export earnings of US$136.12 crore against their targets of US$118.20 crore. The growth in export earnings of these commercial wings was 120.72 percent.

But, the commercial wing at Washington was given an export earning target which was more than three times higher than these six missions and commercial wings.

Ten commercial wings which could not achieve their export earning targets in last fiscal year are Washington, Berlin, London, Brussels, Ottawa, Madrid, Beijing, New Delhi, Yangon and Tehran. The total export earning targets of these 10 commercial wings was US$1,270 crore. But, they succeeded to achieve real export earnings of US$964.99 crore, which was 52.45 percent lower than the export earning targets. However, the targets were 181.2 percent higher than the preceding year.

Sources at the EPB said although Bangladesh has 44 missions abroad, they have been failing to play effective roles in raising the country's export earnings. Some half of these missions have been failing to achieve their export earning targets every year.

Islami Bank introduces mobile banking services

Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited and SSL Wireless are going to inaugurate Mobile Banking Service through an agreement.

Mohd Shamsul Haque, Deputy Managing Director and Head of Operations Wing of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited and Sayeeful Islam, Managing Director of SSL Wireless signed the agreement on behalf of their respective sides in a signing ceremony held on August 23 last at the Board Room of Islami Bank Tower in the city.

Top executives and officials of both sides including M Fariduddin Ahmad, Managing Director and Md Habibur Rahman, Deputy Managing Director and Head of International Banking Wing of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited were present on the occasion.

With this agreement clients of IBBL will be able to know different information along with their Balance of Bank Account, alert SMS and mini statement by sending SMS to 6969 number from any mobile operator.

In near future the customers of IBBL will receive the money sent from any place of home or abroad through this service. The village folks will be emerged under the Mobile Banking service having payment of bills and other facilities.

M Fariduddin Ahmad, Managing Director of IBBL in his speech said that IBBL has launched a benchmark in the arena of information technology. He hoped that IBBL will work for providing more developed service through rendering Mobile Banking Service side by side online banking.

Sayeeful Islam, Managing Director of SSL Wireless said that SSL Wireless is coming with new services gradually. Among the services mobile banking, payment of bills and recharge of mobile account are main.

Govt to earn Tk 1,500cr a year thru' ICX, IGW, IIG operations: Operations of ICXs of GETCO Telecom and M&H Telecom, IGWs of Novotel Telecom and Bangla Trac Ltd formally launched

BUSINESS REPORT

The government will be able to earn Tk 1,500 crore revenue each year through the operations of Interconnection Exchanges (ICXs), International Gateways (IGWs) and International Internet Gateway (IIG) without making any investment, said Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) chairman Major General (Retd) Manzurul Alam.

"The government did not spend a single penny. If the six operators which were given licences can work properly, the government will be able to earn revenue of Tk 1,500 crore each year," he said while formally launching the operation of ICX of GETCO Telecommunication Ltd on Saturday at Quaderia Tower, Mohakhali in the city.

Launching the operation of ICX of GETCO Telecommunications Ltd, the BTRC Chairman said, "Today is a remarkable day for the telecommunication sector of the country."

Because our people will now be able to talk with our over 60 lakh expatriates who are scattered across the world. Illegal VoIP business has ended and the six licensed companies are supposed to generate about Taka 1,500 crore revenue for the government annually."

"Telecommunications will change Bangladesh's socio-economic conditions. I believe this and other should also believe so," he said.

Managing Director of GETCO Telecommunications Ltd KM Khaled presided over the inauguration ceremony.

BTRC Commissioner Ali Bardi Khan, Directors of GETCO KM Rakib Hasan and Hafizur Rahman were present at the function.

Apart from the Dhaka ICX, the GETCO Telecommunication has also set up ICX exchanges at Sylhet and Bogra to provide nationwide services.

The GETCO Telecommunication ICX is designed to carry daily traffic of 5 million minutes of international traffic and 17 million minutes per day of inter-operator traffic.

The exchange is also designed to carry one-third of international and inter operator traffic and 50 percent traffic at Bogra and Sylhet. The switch is capable of handling a total 16 million busy hour call attempts (BHCA).

"ICX technology is still rare in this subcontinent and we introduced it with high hopes to change socio-economic condition of the common people through improving telecommunication of the country," Manzurul Alam who played the key role of massive crack down on illegal VoIP business added.

"However, we are lagging behind for lack of trained people in the telecommunication sector. Students of only one or two universities are found to be qualified at the time of their interview for jobs. So my request to the IT teachers is to build up students with the knowledge of modern technology instead of selling certificate. For some sort of prejudices we are not adopting the latest technology at right time. But this is a must for the development of the country, the chairman pointed out." ICX is the suitable hi-tech option for lowering infrastructure cost for connecting operators, eliminating monopolies and facilitating competitions. Effective monitoring is possible as all the traffic is routed through the ICXs.

Rakib Hassan, Director of GETCO Group, said, "GETCO Telecom was awarded licence by BTRC in February 2008 to operate ICX and BTRC fixed a time limit for us to start the operation within six months. We are proud to start the operation ahead of time."

Apart from the launching of ICX operations of GETCO Telecommunications Ltd, operations of the interconnection exchange (ICX) of M&H Telecom Limited and two other international gateways (IGWs)-Novotel Limited and Bangla Trac Communications Ltd-were also formally launched by BTRC Chairman Major General (Retd) Manzurul Alam on Saturday.

Tarique E Haque, Managing Dircetor of Bangla Trac said: "We have installed state-of-the-art Ericsson's technology including AXE-810 based telephony server operating on EIN 3.1."

Standard Bank opens 30th branch at Mirpur

BUSINESS REPORT

The 30th branch of Standard Bank Ltd was inaugurated at Mirpur in the city on August 19 last.

Chairman of the bank Kazi Akramuddin Ahmed inaugurated the branch as the chief guest while Vice Chairman Abdul Ahad was present as special guest.

Executive Committee Chairman Kamal Mostafa Chowdhury, Audit Committee Chairman Alhaj Mohammad Shamsul Alam, among the directors Shaikh Mesba Uddin and Sahazada Syed Nizamuddin Ahmed and sponsors Muhammad Nurul Islam, Ferozur Rahman, SAM Hossain, Mohammed Abdul Aziz Harun-or-Rashid and Mrs Monowara Begum were present as guests of honour.

Managing Director (cc) SA Farooqui presided over the function. DMD Md Nazmus Salehin, valued clients, prominent industrialists, business personalities and local elites of Mirpur were present on the occasion.

Kazi Akramuddin Ahmed, in his address, said that Standard Bank Ltd has been able to achieve steady growth maintaining high ethical standards of banking and by extending modern and prompt banking services to its respected clients.

Within a short span of time, the bank has succeeded to stand as a modern, progressive, sound, strong bank in the country. The bank is always keen to patronise the new, medium and small entrepreneurs and businessmen.

He also assured the clients of offering quality services of high standard through introducing fully computerised and on-line banking services besides and launching of more innovative attractive new banking products from time to time.

It may be mentioned that the newly opened Mirpur Branch of the bank is directly connected with centralized on-line banking network system of the bank utilizing the world class software 'STELER' as a result of which any client of the Mirpur will be able to transact outside of his area very smoothly.

Vice Chairman Abdul Ahad, Managing Director (CC) SA Farooqui, Director Sahazada Syed Nizamuddin Ahmed, Sponsor Muhammad Nurul Islam, Ferozur Rahman, Mohammed Abdul Aziz, among the valued clients of the bank prominent social worker and former DCC No. 11 ward commissioner AKM. Delwar Hossain, prominent businessman and former president of Mirpur Businessmen's Association MA Salim Khan, prominent businessman and former AIG of Police Bazlul Karim spoke on the occasion and explained in details about the bank's activities, plans and programs and suggestions for better clientele service of the bank and also invited to all to avail bank's quality services for mutual benefits and interest.

DMD Md Nazmus Salehin thanked the valued clients and guests for their presence at the opening ceremony of the branch and requested them to take latest technological banking services by banking with Standard Bank Ltd.

AKTEL's new customer care centre at Bashundhara City

BUSINESS REPORT

One of the country's leading mobile operators, AKTEL has inaugurated its new customer care center at Bashudhara city, Dhaka.

AKTEL's CEO and Managing Director Jefri Ahmad Tambi formally inaugurated the center on August 22.

Now all AKTEL customers will get all kind of services from the newly open center. Services will include SIM change, address change, ownership change, scheme migration, market transfer, permanent deactivation, re-connection, scratch card sales, direct sales, corporate sales, voucher refill. Customer can also get bill related information from this center.

While inaugurating the new care center, CEO and MD of AKTEL, Jefri Ahmad Tambi said, "Customer satisfaction is our key focus and we are opening the new center to serve our customer even better. We are there at our call center 123 twenty four hours and in more then 400 centers across the country to hear and serve you".

While addressing the media, Chief Commercial Officer of AKTEL, Bidyut Kumar Basu said, "AKTEL gives greatest importance to the needs of the customers, and by expanding customer service centers we are taking our efforts at our customers doorsteps to serve them better".

Ms Nora Junita Hussaini, Chief Financial Officer and Ms Segufta Yesmin, Head of Customer Care, 3rd other high officials of AKTEL were also present at the press conference.

Emirates SkyCargo keeps cargo cool

Dubai, UAE

As part of its commitment to provide shippers with the highest standard of service, Emirates SkyCargo has teamed up with a leading US research institute to develop a ground breaking new product for the shipment of temperature sensitive cargo.

It is a low-cost, light weight, breathable and reusable protective 'White Cover' designed to shield these shipments from heat during door to door transport.

With its hub in the hot climes of the Middle East, Emirates SkyCargo has always had to pay special attention to its temperature sensitive traffic. It has made continual improvements to its Cool Chain processes and infrastructure including the door to door use of temperature controlled containers; the introduction of Cool Dollies (aluminium insulated containers on steel trailers) to protect perishable cargo during ramp handling at its Dubai hub; dedicated handling teams; and a major investment into 7,000 square metre refrigerated area in the new Cargo Mega Terminal. The 'White Cover' is another innovative addition, although at a fraction of cost.

Emirates SkyCargo, together with perishables and pharmaceutical shippers trading throughout its worldwide network, is conducting a pilot programme during the northern hemisphere's hot summer months.

"This is the first time this unique type of protection which completely encloses the shipment has been used for the air freight of temperature sensitive goods," said Therese Puetz, Manager Cargo Business Development and Projects.

A patent for the 'White Cover' application is pending.

One of the 'White Cover's' distinct properties is its breath ability - it resists air and water penetration while enabling trapped moisture to escape - making it ideal for 'living' food and flower products, while its low cost has made it popular with shippers of pharmaceuticals, especially room temperature pharmaceuticals.

"It works on the principle of solar radiation and offers significant thermal protection" explained Ms Puetz. "It also allows cooling of the shipment during transport and cold storage operations."

As well as being environmentally friendly - the cover is 100 per cent recyclable - its application is straightforward, taking two people a maximum of eight minutes for application on a pallet.

Feedback from customers involved in the pilot programme has been very positive, with the fact that it weighs no more than 3kg proving a strong selling point. The White Cover is available in two pallet sizes: PLA, which weighs 2kg, and PMC, which is 3kg. It is around one tenth of the weight of other insulated covers available in the market today, making the additional shipping cost negligible.

The 'White Cover' is for the exclusive use on Emirates SkyCargo flights.

Presentation on 'Graduate Education in USA' at Eastern University held

A presentation on 'Graduate Education in the USA' was held at Eastern University auditorium (Campus-2, H#8/A, R#4, Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka) on August 20.

Mrs Linda Das Quamar, Student Advising Out Reach Coordinator, US Embassy, Bangladesh and Mrs Ariel Vaagen, Visa Officer, US Embassy, Bangladesh were the speakers.

They delivered presentations on how a student can pursue his or her studies in the USA and what are the requirements to get a student visa.

After the presentation, they answered the questions of the students.

Lt Col (Retd) Md Ali Ambial Haque Khan, Registrar, Eastern University, Mrs Farida Yasmin, Deputy Registrar, Eastern University, faculty members and students were also present at the programme.

Johnson & Johnson launches ONETOUCH Ultra Easy

BUSINESS REPORT

Johnson & Johnson Medical announced the launch of its new product 'ONETOUCH Ultra Easy' blood glucose monitoring system on August 20 at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel.

Prof AK Azad Khan, President, Bangladesh Diabetic Association was present as chairperson.

Syed Azizul Karim, Managing Director, Sonargaon Healthcare Pvt Ltd, PK Mitra, Business Development Manager (International Business) Johnson and Johnson Medical were also present on the occasion.

'ONETOUCH Ultra Easy' Blood Glucose Monitoring System is a unique solution to the diabetic patients through which one can easily monitoring blood glucose level self in home and keep fit. It is reasonable in price with lifetime replacement and its test strip is available in every where.

ONETOUCH Ultra Easy is easy to use. It requires only one micro liter blood to test glucose level. It gives accurate results in just 5 seconds. Records lasts 500 test memory with date and time. It is easy to read and easy to carry. It is small to fit in handbag or suit pocket. It has unique design and 4 fashionable colours.

Agora's 7th founding anniversary celebrated

BUSINESS REPORT

The seventh founding anniversary of Agora, country's first and largest superstores, was celebrated yesterday.

Agora started its journey on this day in 2001 through the launch of its first outlet on around 8,000-sft area in Rifles Square at Dhanmondi with the objective to offer all range of daily needs under one roof and to give the customers hassle-free shopping experience.

Dhanmondi outlet was followed by outlets at Gulshan, Moghbazar, Sobhanbagh and Mirpur. Though it set the journey with 10,000 variety of products now there are 30,000 varieties in its basket.

Rahimafrooz, one of the country's leading service-sector conglomerates, went for superstore business by setting up Agora with the view to bringing changes in the traditional bazaar system. In the initial years its slogan was "A New Way to Shop" and the slogan has been changed to "Quality Shopping Everyday".

Since the founding of the first Agora outlet, massive changes have taken place in the bazaar situation -- customers have been more conscious about the quality of products as well as of the shopping places, and producers have got more serious about the quality of their produces.

In celebration of the seventh founding anniversary, Rahimafrooz Superstores Ltd, the holding company of Agora, carried out a massive promotional campaign yesterday. Under the campaign every 77th customer were given attractive gifts.