$

TT-Clean: 77.1 | TK BC-Selling: 78.1
TK OD-Sight: 76.88 TK | TC-Selling: 78.1 TK

TT-Clean: 77.1 | TK BC-Selling: 78.1
TK OD-Sight: 76.88 TK | TC-Selling: 78.1 TK

£

TT-Clean: 77.1 | TK BC-Selling: 78.1
TK OD-Sight: 76.88 TK | TC-Selling: 78.1 TK

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Rate last updated: 02/01/2014 11:15:04 AM

Important Business News Extracts February 19, 2018

Investments with Islamic Banking soar 19%

Investments with the Islamic banking accounts have increased by 19.03 per cent in the October-December quarter of 2017, compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. “The Islamic banking segment continued to show rapid expansion in terms of growth of assets, deposits, investments and number of account holders,” a Bangladesh Bank (BB) senior official told BSS on Sunday. According to the latest BB data, total investments (loans in conventional sense) in Islamic banking sector stood at over Tk 2.011 trillion at the end of October-December 2017 quarter, up 4.07 per cent from the previous quarter. During the October-December period of 2017, total deposits in the banking industry stood at over Tk 2.142 trillion, up 5.03 per cent from the previous quarter and 14.15 per cent from the corresponding quarter of 2016. The Investment-Deposit Ratio (credit-deposit ratio in conventional sense) reached 0.94 in October-December quarter, which was 0.95 in the previous quarter of 2017 and 0.90 at the end of December 2016. The total remittances mobilised by the Islamic banking sector stood at Tk 110.70 billion at the end of October-December quarter, up 12.06 per cent from the previous quarter and 20.73 per cent from the same quarter of the previous year. The number of branches of Islamic banking sector, including Islamic branches or windows of conventional commercial banks, stood at 1,168 at the end of the October-December quarter, which was 1,126 during the previous quarter and 1,050 during the same quarter of 2016.

Source: http://today.thefinancialexpress.com.bd/trade-market/investments-with-islamic-banking-soar-19-per-cent-1518971190

Agrani Bank’s efforts pay off

Only 7 percent of the fresh loans given by Agrani Bank in the last three years had defaulted as the government’s move to appoint more competent persons to steer the state bank seems to be bearing fruit. In the last three years, Tk 8,500 crore of fresh loans were given, of which only Tk 490 crore had defaulted, said Agrani Bank Chairman Zaid Bakht. Between 2015 and 2017, the total outstanding loans were Tk 6,500 crore. The credit goes to the government, the Bangladesh Bank and Agrani itself, all of whom had taken some corrective measures, Bakht said at the state bank’s annual conference on Saturday.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net/business/agrani-banks-efforts-pay-1536796

From excess to crisis: Where is the private banks’ Tk 45,000 crore liquidity?

A year ago, the banking sector was awash with excess liquidity of around Tk1,27,000 crore, while it stood at around Tk 82,000 crore at the end of January this year, which means around Tk45,000 crore has been disbursed during the period. According to the Bangladesh Bank data, the surplus money has been channeled through the private commercial banks and they are now running out of money for lending. Now, the question is why the banks have been facing liquidity crunch within a few months from a position of liquidity excess? Economists, bankers and experts blamed aggressive lending against lower deposit, money laundering under the cover of import, hike in dollar price, adjusting the new advance deposit ratio (ADR), withdrawal of deposits, and failure in default loans recovery for the crisis.

Source: http://www.dhakatribune.com/business/banks/2018/02/19/excess-crisis-private-banks-tk45000-crore-liquidity

Pubali Bank re-appoints MD & CEO

Md. Abdul Halim Chowdhury has been re-appointed as Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Pubali Bank Limited for 3 years. He has been serving as Managing Director & CEO since December 7, 2014, said a statement. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Chowdhury was AMD of the Bank. He joined in Pubali Bank Ltd. as Principal Officer in 1988.

Source:
http://today.thefinancialexpress.com.bd/stock-corporate/pubali-bank-re-appoints-md-ceo-1518968061
http://www.thedailystar.net/business/pubali-bank-reappoints-md-1536787

New DMD for Union Capital

Chowdhury Manzoor Liaquat has recently been appointed as deputy managing director of Union Capital Ltd, a multiproduct financial institution. Prior to the appointment, Liaquat was senior executive vice president of Bank Asia, Union Capital said in a statement yesterday. He started his career as a probationary officer of AB Bank.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net/business/new-dmd-union-capital-1536784

MTB signs PFI agreement with Bangladesh Bank

Mutual Trust Bank Limited (MTB) has signed a Participatory Financial Institutions (PFI) agreement with Bangladesh Bank (BB) recently under JICA-assisted ‘Foreign Direct Investment Promotion Project BDP86’. Anis A. Khan, Managing Director & CEO, MTB and Md. Rezaul Islam, GM, Foreign Exchange Investment Department, Bangladesh Bank signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations. Fazle Kabir, Governor of Bangladesh Bank was present on the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Source: http://today.thefinancialexpress.com.bd/stock-corporate/mtb-signs-pfi-agreement-with-bangladesh-bank-1518968190

Azizur Rahman Khan, Mahbub Hossain get BB Award 2017

Dr Azizur Rahman Khan and Dr Mahbub Hossain (posthumous) have jointly received the Bangladesh Bank (BB) Award 2017 in recognition of their contribution to the economy. Mr Khan is Professor Emeritus of University of California, USA, and Mr Hossain was former executive director of Brac. Finance Minister A M A Muhith handed over the awards at a ceremony, held at Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management (BIBM) in the capital on Sunday. Each of the award recipients has got a gold medal, a crest and Tk 0.2 million cash. Ms Parvin Hossain, wife of Dr Hossain, received the award on behalf of him. A four-member jury board, led by BB Governor Fazle Kabir, selected the recipients. The BB governor, Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation Chairman Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, and BIBM Director General Dr Toufic Ahmad Choudhury, among others, were present at the award-giving ceremony.

Source: http://today.thefinancialexpress.com.bd/last-page/azizur-rahman-khan-mahbub-hossain-get-bb-award-2017-1518975555

Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) likely to reconfirm share sales to Chinese group today

The Dhaka Stock Exchange board at a meeting today is likely to reconfirm its selection of a Chinese consortium for selling 25% of its stake unless the government intervenes. DSE shareholder director said that there is no way to back down from their earlier position and they expect that the commission will protect the interest of our members and investors. The DSE board on February 6 approved the offer submitted by the consortium of Shenzhen Stock Exchange and Shanghai Stock Exchange to sell the stake to make it the bourse’s strategic partner. The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission has been pressurizing the DSE to select the second-highest bidder, India’s National Stock Exchange-led group. • Meanwhile, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Friday raised concern following media reports on subsequent move by the regulatory body to select the second-highest bidder as strategic partner of the country’s premier bourse. The TIB also asked to blacklist the Indian bidder as they were lobbying and pressing to win the deal despite the losing in the bid.

Source: http://www.newagebd.net/article/35051/dse-likely-to-reconfirm-share-sales-to-chinese-group-today

DSE likely to reconfirm share sales to Chinese group today

The Dhaka Stock Exchange board at a meeting today is likely to reconfirm its selection of a Chinese consortium for selling 25 per cent of its stake unless the government intervenes, DSE sources said. The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission has been pressurising the DSE to select the second-highest bidder, India’s National Stock Exchange-led group, they said.

Source: http://www.newagebd.net/article/35051/dse-likely-to-reconfirm-share-sales-to-chinese-group-today

Japan eyes big projects

Under a new government-to-government initiative, more than a dozen Japanese companies have shown interest in investing in eight infrastructure projects, including a second Padma bridge and another metro rail. More than one Japanese company has expressed interest in each project and sought detailed information on those, said several officials of Bangladesh’s Public Private Partnership Authority (PPPA).

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/japan-eyes-big-projects-1536736

UK lifts ban on direct Dhaka-London freight flight

The UK Sunday withdrew the ban it had imposed on direct Dhaka-London freight flights two years back on security grounds, excepting Biman trips for now. In the wake of some untoward happenings, the UK government had imposed the restrictions citing poor security at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka.

Source: http://today.thefinancialexpress.com.bd/first-page/uk-lifts-ban-on-direct-dhaka-london-freight-flight-1518974565

Insurers dodged Tk345 crore tax using five means

Eight insurance companies have allegedly avoided around Tk345 crore in Value Added Tax (VAT) in four years, according to officials at the Large Taxpayers Unit (LTU) for VAT under the National Board of Revenue (NBR). The insurers evaded the tax between 2013 and 2016 in these five ways – presenting low insurance tariff, reporting false tariff codes, issuing partial coverage against single bonds, and dodging VAT on agent commission and reinsurance commission.

Source: http://www.dhakatribune.com/business/2018/02/19/insurers-dodged-tk345-crore-tax-using-five-means/

NBR: Insurers resorting to new ways of VAT evasion

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) is alleging that many insurance companies are using new ways to avoid value-added tax (VAT), according to sources at the board. NBR’s Large Taxpayers Unit for VAT (LTU-VAT) recently found tax evasions totaling Tk4.37 crore by seven insurance companies in four years in an internal audit.

Source: http://www.dhakatribune.com/business/2018/02/19/nbr-insurers-resorting-new-ways-vat-evasion/

Bangladesh enters 4G era today

Mobile phone users will be able to experience the fastest data service from today (Monday) following the handover of 4G/LTE license by the telecom regulator in the evening. Private mobile phone operators – Grameenphone, Robi and Banglalink – are set to introduce the service immediately after receiving the license. Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman said they will hand over the 4G/LTE licenses to the operators in a ceremony in the city Monday evening. Earlier, BTRC declared Grameenphone, Robi, Banglalink and state-owned Teletalk as eligible for the 4G/LTE license following their plea. The regulator held 4G spectrum auction on February 13 and provided spectrum technology neutrality which the operators had been requesting since long. BTRC had put up 46.4 Megahertz (MHz) of spectrum for sale in the auction. After the auction, now the market leader Grameenphone has totaled 37 MHz of which 7.4 MHz in 900 band, 15.6 MHz in 1800 band and 10 MHz in 2100 band to serve 65.32 million subscribers while Banglalink owns a totaled 30.6 MHz — 5 MHz in 900 band, 15.6 MHz in 1800 MHz and 10 MHz in 2100 band to serve 32.38 million customers. Robi which merged with Airtel has totaled 36.4 MHz spectrum in three different bands – 9 MHz in 900 band, 17.4 MHz in 1800 band and 10 MHz in 2100 band to serve 42.9 million customers.

Source:
http://today.thefinancialexpress.com.bd/trade-market/bangladesh-enters-4g-era-today-1518971171
http://www.thedailystar.net/business/4g-goes-live-today-1536802
http://www.newagebd.net/article/35050/4g-mobile-services-start-today

Grameenphone introduces two 4G smartphones

Grameenphone has introduced two 4G-enabled smartphones in Bangladesh, which will be available in the market from tomorrow, on the eve of the launch of 4G services, a press statement announced. 4G services would be launched as soon as Grameenphone receives the licence. The co-branded smartphones were introduced at a ceremony at a city hotel in the capital yesterday (Sunday). Speaking at the ceremony, Grameenphone’s chief executive officer (CEO) Michael Foley said, “Our 4G journey starts when we have the licence in hand, and so does the journey for many of our valued customers. It is our intention to provide the best 4G experience for our customers on the most affordable handsets. GP strives to give its customers the best experience on the best technology and product.” Describing the essentiality of 4G services, he said, “4G services can be a game changer for many data users, and for customers to get the best experience on our network, they will need to have the right smartphone in their hands.” Grameenphone deputy CEO and chief marketing officer (CMO) Yasir Azman said, “In the last two years, we have introduced seven 3G smartphones in four phases, which have made access to 3G data services affordable. We intend to do the same today with our first co-branded 4G smartphones.”

Source: http://www.theindependentbd.com/post/137954

Doubling tax-GDP ratio essential to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Bangladesh ought to double its tax-GDP ratio from the current 10% or miss the UN-mandated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a leading economist forewarned, citing some recent target failures. Noting that the Delta Plan has set the Tax/GDP ratio at 19.4% to be achieved by fiscal year 2031, Executive Director of Policy Research Institute (PRI) said that the given that recent failure of the government in realizing revenue targets and in reforming the tax systems or tax administration, that would be a daunting task. The country needs significant reform in domestic resource-mobilization mechanism if to achieve the SDGs — the universal 2015-30 development matrix designed for all nations. Mentioning that in-between fiscal years 2006 and 2016 gross investment had only risen from 26% to 29.4% of GDP, he also added that investment has remained low and that cannot help the country to achieve SDGs.

Source:
http://today.thefinancialexpress.com.bd/first-page/doubling-tax-gdp-ratio-essential-to-meet-sdgs-1518974707
http://www.thedailystar.net/business/fix-private-sectors-problems-achieve-sdgs-experts-1536808

Local and Global Stock Indices *

Index NameClose ValueValue ChangePercentage Change
DSEX5,950.76↓ 99.44↓ 1.64%
DJIA25,219.38↑ 19.01↑ 0.08%
FTSE1007,294.70↑ 59.89↑ 0.83%
Nikkei 22522,009.01↑ 288.76↑ 1.33%

World Commodities *

CommodityClose ValueValue ChangePercentage Change
Crude Oil (WTI)$ 62.38↑ 0.7↑ 1.13%
Crude Oil (Brent)$65.29↑ 0.45↑ 0.69%
Gold Spot $1,350.31↑ 3.35↑ 0.25%

Major Currencies Exchange Rates Movement in Last Seven Days *

Exchange Rates
USD 1BDT 83.05
GBP 1BDT 116.64
EUR 1BDT 103.20
INR 1BDT 1.29

*CURRENCIES AND COMMODITIES ARE TAKEN FROM BLOOMBERG.

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM

EMRANUL HUQ

MANAGING DIRECTOR & CEO OF DHAKA BANK LIMITED

Dear Valued Patrons,

At the very onset, let me express my heartiest gratitude for allowing us to serve you and I also wanted to reach out to you directly with an assurance that Dhaka Bank is fully equipped to support you during this difficult time.

Last couple of weeks ago we all were living in a peaceful condition, performing our daily tasks freely and perfectly. Entire economy and business environment was also in a good shape, until COVID-19 put a forceful stoppage to the overall life style and economy of the world. We all know that social distancing and cleanliness are the keys to prevent this pandemic. Hence, we urge your conscious effort to limiting public interaction and suspending wherever possible.

YOUR SAFETY MEANS EVERYTHING TO US
In this current situation, Dhaka Bank and its employees are beside you where we are fully online, either working from home or at our offices under a robust Business Continuity Plan (BCP) to serve you with limited branch banking and a full-fledged alternate delivery channel services.

WE WILL TAKE CARE OF YOUR BANKING NEEDS
Our state of the art Mobile App, Dhaka Bank GO (Click https://bit.ly/2WVfieu) and Internet Banking - Dhaka Bank Direct gives you the freedom of banking online anytime from anywhere. You can check the balance and transfer money to any designated Banks including any Dhaka Bank or bKash Account, make utility bill payments and mobile top-up through our Mobile App and Internet Banking Services. Our ATMs are also running efficiently with availability of sufficient cash for your convenience where you can make cash withdrawals whenever the need arises. Mentionable, the withdrawal of cash from any ATMs within Bangladesh with Dhaka Bank Debit Cards are absolutely free of charges up till April 30, 2020 (Dhaka Bank will bear the cost). Our corporate customers can also use our completely safe and secured online platform Dhaka Bank C-Solution for Payments, Inter Bank Fund Transfers, etc.

Moreover, to fulfill your urgent requirement, we have a limited no. of branches up and running by ensuring all kinds of precautionary and safety measures for you.

GET IN TOUCH IF YOU ARE IN EXTREME EMERGENCY
In case of extreme emergency and facing difficulties in conducting banking transactions, please let us know through our 24/7 Contact Center number 16474 (or, dial +8809678016474 for ISD/Overseas Calls). We are always with you to combat your difficulties.

WE WILL FREQUENTLY UPDATE YOU
As you know we are going through a critical phase and the situation is novel to all of us. We are getting lot of new information from various sources everyday about COVID-19 which will be shared at www.dhakabankltd.com.

Thank you for your trust and continued support to us. I firmly believe that jointly we will be able to combat this situation and win against all the odds.

Please stay home, stay safe and take care of yourself and family.

Best regards,

Emranul Huq
Managing Director & CEO
Dhaka Bank Limited

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