The New Nation - Internet Edition

Taiwan seizes milk powder from China

AFP, Taipei

Taiwanese authorities yesterday seized nearly 10 tonnes of milk powder imported from China which was suspected of killing one baby and sickening dozens there. "We seized 393 of the 1,000 bags of milk powder totalling 25 tonnes from Chinat We will track the rest and recall them," said a health official at northern Taoyuan county. Television footage showed health inspectors removing bags from a storage unit in Taoyuan, while some of the milk powder reportedly had already been sold to bakeries, pharmacies and schools. Officials here said the milk powder was produced by China's Sanlu Group, which has acknowledged that some of its milk powder was tainted by the chemical tripolycyanamide that can cause kidney stones.

Chinese authorities announced a nationwide probe Friday into Sanlu milk powder suspected of killing one baby and sickening dozens of others, in the latest safety scandal to rock China's food industry.

There have been no reports of babies in Taiwan becoming ill from the milk powder.

Record rise in remittance from Bangladeshis in Malaysia

BUSINESS REPORT

Remittances from Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia have marked a record increase in recent times, a spokesman of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare & Overseas Employment said on Friday.

"In the year 2006-2007, it was US dollar 11.8 million. During 2007-2008 it rose to US dollar 92.44 million, which is nearly a nine fold increase," the spokesman stated.

In addition, during the past year over 370,000 Bangladeshis have found employment in Malaysia.

"It has been learnt that a further 100,000 may also able to go within this year, according to information received informally," the spokesman added.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, who is also in-charge of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare & Overseas Employment observed: "This is very good news for both countries. During a recent transit stopover in Kuala Lumpur, I have instructed the High Commissioner that apart from such increases in numbers and remittance amounts, workers' welfare must be accorded the highest possible priority."

A senior Malaysian official, Suhakam Commissioner Datuk N Siva Subramanium has recently said that all embassies, including the Indian Mission, should follow the example of the Bangladesh High Commission in welfare activities, particularly "in setting up a camp to help their citizens who are looking for employment and facing problems in the country."

SIBL declares 17pc stock dividend, 1:1 right share: Social Investment Bank Ltd turns into Social Islami Bank Ltd

BUSINESS REPORT

The 13th Annual General Meeting of Social Investment Bank Ltd (SIBL) was held on September 11 at City Grand Hall, Bashundhara City, Dhaka.

At the AGM, 17 percent stock dividend for the financial year 2007 was approved by the ordinary shareholders.

Besides, 5th Extraordinary General Meeting was also held where 1:1 right share and change of bank's name from Social Investment Bank Ltd to Social Islami Bank Ltd were approved. SIBL Chairman Abdul Awal Patwary presided over the meetings. SIBL Vice Chairmen Md Saidur Rahman and Alhaj Nasiruddin, Directors Major (Retd) Dr Rezaul Haque, Kamaluddin Ahmed, Sultan Mahmud Chowdhury, Md Anisul Islam, Mrs Nargis Mannan, Md Rabban Ali, Md Humayun Kabir Khan, Managing Director KM Ashaduzzaman, Deputy Managing Director Abu Sadek Md. Sohel, Company Secretary Mahamud Hassan, shareholders and other senior executives of the bank attended the meetings.

SIRL Chairman Abdul Awal Patwary said that as a joint venture Shariah based bank, SIBL has defined its operation in three different sectors--formal, non-formal and voluntary. While formal sector deals in full- fledged commercial activities as a scheduled bank, non-formal sector aims at "Empowering Family"- by creating investment opportunities to micro and SMEs clients and voluntary sector deals in cash waqf certificate scheme--an innovative financial product to do welfare to the mankind.

He thanked all the shareholders for showing their interest to the bank.

The managing director gave vivid description of the achievements performed during the year 2007 and expressed confidence that the bank is moving towards the right direction with the cooperation of all.

StanChart scoops major Euromoney Awards

BUSINESS REPORT

Standard Chartered Wholesale Banking has won a number of awards from Euromoney at this year's Awards for Excellence. The Bank was named:

* Best Private Bank (global award)

* Best Foreign Exchange Bank in Africa

* Best Cash Management Bank in the Middle East

* Best Debt House in the UAE

* Best Debt House in Kuwait

The Euromoney Awards for Excellence are given to banks which set the standard of excellence for their high quality products and services across all areas of investment and commercial banking. These awards for world class banking recognise outstanding performance, top quality service, strong business momentum and innovative products.

On winning Best Private Bank

Peter Flavel, Global Head of The Standard Chartered Private Bank, said: "We are excited with this win, and we're excited by the future for private banking at Standard Chartered. The award recognises our strong performance over the past 12 months. It also supports the powerful combination of Standard Chartered's growth market network with the newly integrated platform capabilities of American Express Private Bank (AEB).

The Standard Chartered Private Bank launched in 11 markets across five weeks in 2007, a speed and scale unprecedented in the private banking world. With AEB, the Private Bank tripled its distribution strength to 33 offices with over US$40 billion Assets Under Management in under 12 months.

With strong credit ratings and a 150-year history, Standard Chartered is a strong and stable partner to private bank clients throughout every stage of their financial life."

On winning Best Foreign Exchange Bank in Africa

Richard Leighton, Global Head of Foreign Exchange, said: "This award is a validation of the success and strong performance of Standard Chartered's FX business in Africa. Standard Chartered plays a leading role in providing risk management and FX services to African companies."

On winning Best Cash Management Bank in the Middle East

Chris Furness, Global Head of Cash Management, is delighted with the recognition of the Bank's cash management capabilities in the Middle East. "Standard Chartered Bank has a long history and deep commitment to the development of business in Middle East. This award demonstrates that commitment as well as the passion and knowledge that our teams bring to clients in addressing and improving their working capital requirements."

On winning Best Debt House in the UAE and Kuwait

Gilles Franck, Head for Capital Markets, Middle East, Pakistan and South Asia said: "Standard Chartered has established a leadership position in the UAE and Kuwait capital markets.

We have built upon extensive experience capabilities in structuring, underwriting and distributing innovative financing solutions for clients. Standard Chartered's unique client partnerships have generated many industry firsts and we are proud that these developments have been recognised."

Square Pharma marks its footsteps in Hong Kong

BUSINESS REPORT

Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd., the market leader of the Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Industry and the first Bangladeshi pharmaceutical company to attain the UK MHRA certification has very recently started exporting its world-class pharmaceutical products to Hong Kong. Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region of China, enjoying first world living conditions with GDP Per Capita USD 42.000, has a pharmaceutical market worth around USD 715 million.

Square Pharma has already registered 05 products in Hong Kong and has exported its pharmaceutical consignment to Hong Kong in July 2008. SQUARE has more than 20 products in queue in the office of the registration approval authority of the Department of Health, Hong Kong.

Hong Kong IS a moderately regulated market with strict enforcement of the International Patent Regime. So, SQUARE's products had to undergo the rigor and complexity of its highly meticulous regulatory screening system before attaining registration approval.

With the inclusion of another strategically important market in its export distribution like Hong Kong, SQUARE continues to maintain its stride for adding more premium export markets in its overall global international market presence.

'Balance Transfer Request Service' for all Aktel prepaid customers : Another first time service in Bangladesh

BUSINESS REPORT

The leading telecommunications solution provider, AKTEL has made its "Balance Transfer" service faster and easier for the convenience of its customers. For the first time in Bangladesh, a prepaid customer can also send request for balance transfer. This service will allow the customer to transfer balance or send request for balance without any hassle. This new service is now within the reach of all AKTEL prepaid customers.

To transfer balance, a user has to type the amount in a text message body and send an SMS to 1212018XXXXXXXX (where 018XXXXXXXX is the balance receiver's number). To send request, user has to type the request amount in the text message body and send it to 1211018XXXXXXXX (where 018XXXXXXXX is the balance sender's number). For sending balance request the customer need to have a balance of 58 paisa. For both Prepaid and Post paid clients a minimum transferable amount is Tk.l0.

When the customer receives the request for sending balance, he/she just has to reply the SMS with Y to transfer balance or N to reject the request. A customer can also block a requestor for further request by replying with B.

While announcing this service the Chief Commercial Officer of AKTEL, Mr. Bidyut Kumar Basu said, "AKTEL is happy to be the first operator in Bangladesh to be able to introduce this new addition in Balance Transfer which will allow our all Prepaid customer to transfer balance or send request for balance without any hassle. At AKTEL, all our effort revolves around our customers- to keep them ahead and make their lives easier. And in line with this, AKTEL Balance Transfer Request is just another exclusive and innovative service that will serve our customers like a friend".

The new service was announced in a press conference in the city today. Mohamad Sukeri Abdullah-General Manager Information Technology, Head of Corporate Affairs - Mr. Javed Tariq and other officials were also present at the press conference.

To know more about the service, customers can call 123(from AKTEL number) or 01819400 400 (from any mobile) or sms HELP to 1210.

Unsafe abortion practices go on at unregistered maternity clinics: Substantially contributing to maternal deaths

STAFF REPORTER

Unregistered maternity clinics have substantially been contributing to the growing number of maternal mortality and morbidity due to their unsafe abortion and menstrual regulation practices.

"Apart from the government registered maternity clinics, there are many unregistered maternity clinics which have been contributing to the growing number of maternal deaths in the country every year," said Quazi Suraiya Sultana, Executive Director of Reproductive Health and Training and Education Programme (RHSTEP) while speaking at an information sharing meeting with journalists on 'Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights' at National Press Club in the city yesterday.

(RHSTEP, in collaboration with Health and Environment Journalist Forum, Bangladesh (HEJFB) organised the information-sharing meeting.

"Abortion remains an important cause of maternal mortality. We can save lives of many women and girls if we can check unsafe abortion practices in Bangladesh," she said.

Quazi Suraiya Sultana also laid emphasis on the role of both print electronic media to create awareness among women and adolescents for improving their sexual and reproductive health.

An UNFPA study shows that the health and family planning programme of Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in the last two decades. It says that the reduction in maternal mortality in the past 15 years is 22 percent, right on towards Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of a 75 percent reduction between 1990 and 2015. However, maternal mortality ratio is still high (320 per 100,000). An estimated 600,000 suffer from pregnancy related complications every year.

In this backdrop, concerted efforts by the government, development partners and other stakeholders become very essential to reduce the maternal mortality and morbidity to achieve the MDG target.

Dr Luna Chakma, Manager-Programme, Project Management Team of RHSTEP made a presentation on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights in Bangladesh.

Manjurul Ahsan Bulbul, Head of News, ATN Bangla took part in the discussion on the presentation as the lead discussant, while Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury, senior journalist and columnist conducted the discussion as a moderator.

With HEJFB President Mustafiz Shafi in the chair, the information-sharing meeting was also addressed by HEJFB Secretary Saiful Islam Shameem, former president Naimul Huq, and former secretary Masud Kamal.

Senior journalists from different newspapers, news agencies and televisions, including those who cover health related issues participated the daylong programme.

9 cos vie to sell wireless broadband

bdnews24.com, Dhaka

Nine companies are vying to operate Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) services in Bangladesh.

Thursday was the deadline for submission of bids to Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), who will issue three licenses.

BTRC, who invited bids in August, said a total 12 bid documents were sold, with nine companies eventually submitting bids.

Auction for the licenses will be held on Sept 24.

According to the BWA guidelines, foreign equity is limited to a maximum 60 percent for set up. For non-resident Bangladeshis a maximum 70 percent foreign direct investment is allowed.

Foreign investment shall be made in foreign currency directly equal to percentage of ownership. No bank loan from any Bangladeshi scheduled bank, financial institution or leasing company can be raised for the foreign portion of the investment. Mobile operators in Bangladesh and anyone having invested in any of these companies will not be allowed to bid for a BWA license.

The licensee has to file for initial public offering (IPO) within three years of the issuance of a license.

The licensee shall not be allowed to transfer any shares before issuance of the IPO without prior written permission from the commission.

The license acquisition fee is to be fixed by auction, and annual License Fee Tk 3 crore [BDT 30 million].

Dialogue on public-private partnership for economic

development today

BUSINESS REPORT

A dialogue on public-private partnership for economic development will be held here tomorrow (Sunday) aiming at sustained economic growth and improvement of business climate.

Bangladesh Better Business Forum (BBBF), a government initiated private-public interface, in association with Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) has organized the dialogue, which will begin at 10am at Radisson Water Garden Hotel, said a press release.

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed will attend the occasion as chief guest.

Council of advisers, diplomat and mission heads, high civil and military officials, civil society representatives from different profession and strata of the society will attend the programme.

Brazil plans to build dozens of nuclear plants

AP, Brasilia

Brazil plans to build 50 to 60 nuclear power plants in the next half-century, the nation's top energy official said Friday, as a political crisis in Bolivia renewed doubts about the reliability of key natural gas supplies from the

Andean country.

Construction on some of the new plants may begin as early as

April. The plan aims to reduce dependence on other energy sources, Mines and Energy Minister Edison Lobao told the official government news service Agencia Brasil.

"The problem in Bolivia is more proof that we have to continue

with our nuclear program," Lobao said.

Street protests and invasions of energy installations have caused Bolivian natural gas shipments to Brazil to be temporarily suspended in recent days, and sparked fears of energy shortages. Fifty percent of Brazil's natural gas supply comes from Bolivia.

Lobao spoke during a visit to the construction site of Angra 3,

Brazil's third nuclear power plant, in Rio de Janeiro. The plant is expected to start functioning within five years.

The other two Brazilian nuclear power plants, Angra 1 and Angra 2, have an installed capacity of about 2,000 megawatts.

Each new plant will have a capacity of 1,000 megawatts, according to Lobao. He said four have already received initial approval.

BRAC boss gets another award

bdnews24.com. Dhaka

BRAC chairperson Fazle Hasan Abed and Jordan's Queen Rania Al Abdullah have been selected for this year's David Rockefeller Bridging Leadership Award, the Ngo said in a statement on Friday.

The award will be handed on Sept 23 in New York.

Abed was nominated for the award for his innovative activities to empower poor and help them secure human rights, the statement said.

The Synergos Institute gives the award every year since 2003.

The award was named after David Rockefeller, first recipient of the award.

Former South Africa president Nelson Mandela and Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates and William H. Gates Sr., co-chairs, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, were honoured with the award last year.

Humanity depends on human compassions : Appeal for financial assistance for a patient of blood cancer

Md. Faridul Islam (36), village: Bellkhoria, PO: Shampur, P.S: Charghate, Dist: Rajshahi has been suffering from blood cancer. At present, he is in Padma General Hospital to receive cameo therapy under Prof. Dr. Jalilur Rahman. Tk. 5 (five) lakh has already been spent for this purpose. Now, his family has become helpless and quite unable to bear treatment expenses as the patient is suggested to fly for Singapore immediately for better treatment. If any body comes forward with kindness to extend financial assistance to him, please send your financial assistance to SB N 0-121000 11796, Gulshan New North Circle Branch, Sonali Bank, Dhaka, Mobile No-01711192953.

India-Nepal trade can double by 2010: Assocham

PTI, New Delhi

Industry body Assocham yesterday said the forthcoming maiden India-visit by Nepalese Prime Minister Prachanda will give a filip to bilateral trade, which is expected to double to three billion dollar by 2010.

India-Nepal trade currently stands at 1.4 billion dollar and the neighbours need to upgrade their Treaty of Trade signed in 1995 to enlarge the scope of economic co-operation.

"India Inc is optimistic that with the first official visit of the Nepalese PM to India, industries from the two countries will forge closer economic ties, besides exploring possibilities for upgrading Nepal's infrastructure, water resources and agri- business," Assocham President Sajjan Jindal said.

Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' would begin his five-day visit to India from September 14.

Nepal's hydropower provides significant opportunity for India as the Himalayan kingdom has the potential to generate an estimated 83,000 MW of electricity, which however remains untapped due to resource constraints. Nepal's current installed capacity is 591 MW.

While four hydro electric schemes have been implemented in Nepal, with financial and technical assistance from India, Jindal said more domestic companies are keen to invest in the sector. Nepal has imported around 186 million units of energy from India and exported 138.90 million units. As per its water resources strategy 2,230 MW of hydropower would be generated by 2017, of which 400 MW would be exported to India.

Nepal exports vanaspati, jute goods, polyester, pulses, hides and skins, herbs, cardamom, rice bran oil, ginger, oil cakes and noodles to India, while it imports rice, mechanical equipment, cotton textile, cement, chemicals, electrical equipments, milk products, farm equipments and tobacco.