business
Interbank dollar exchange rate jumped to Tk109
The interbank exchange rate of the US dollar jumped to the highest ever Tk109 in the banking channel amid the scarcity of foreign currency.
Bangladesh Bank (BB) on Thursday revealed the data that interbank transactions occurred at Tk109 on Wednesday. Earlier in May this year, the dollar was exchanged at Tk108.75.
According to the latest data, on Wednesday, banks exchanged dollars among themselves from Tk 108.3 to Tk 109.
Read:Nagad became a billion-dollar company in just 3 years, 5 more Bangladeshi unicorns by 2025: Palak
Analysis of the data, the exchange rate of the dollar in inter-bank transactions has increased almost every working day in the current month. On June 1, the price per dollar was Tk108.
A year ago, the exchange rate for US dollar in interbank transactions was Tk92.8. That is, the domestic currency (Taka) has depreciated by 14.86 percent or Tk16.2 in contrast to a year.
Read: US Dollar rate Tk108.5 for remittance, Tk107 for exports from Thursday
The sector concerned said, the reasons for declining the price of the Taka against the US dollar, affected import costs and pushed the commodities price further in the local market. But on the contrary, there is not much momentum in export and remittance earnings.
Read more: Interbank dollar exchange rate hit another record high
Chinese company to invest US$ 76.41 million at BEPZA Economic Zone
Chinese Company Mingda (Bangladesh) New Material Co Ltd is going to invest USD $76.41 million at BEPZA Economic Zone for producing diversified products.
The company signed an agreement with Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) to this effect at BEPZA Complex, in Dhaka on Thursday.
Ali Reza Mazid, Member (Investment Promotion) of BEPZA, and Huang Shangwen, Director of Mingda (Bangladesh) New Material Co. Ltd signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations.
Also read: Chinese envoy lauds FAO’s role in Bangladesh’s agriculture development
BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman witnessed the signing ceremony.
BEPZA Executive Chairman thanked Mingda (Bangladesh) for choosing Bangladesh as well as BEPZA EZ as their investment destination.
He said that BEPZA mainly emphasized on three things to establish a factory in EPZ- diversified products, amount of investment, and employment. He urged Mingda (Bangladesh) to start the construction of the factory as early as possible and requested for the optimum use of land.
Also read: Chinese company to invest $6 million in BEPZA Economic Zone
Huang Shangwen, Director of Mingda (Bangladesh) said that they have some factories in China. Now they are going to set up factories in Bangladesh due to increasing wages of workers of China.
Mingda (Bangladesh) will produce different Cotton products including Imitation Silk Cotton, Tile Cotton, Needle Punched Cotton; different types of Artificial/Manmade Fabric, Artificial Fabrics including Geotextile; different Hospital products and Bags & Packaging Items including Geo-bag, Non-woven bag etc. 2830 Bangladesh nationals will get employment opportunity in the factory.
Also read: China says PM Hasina's remarks against sanctions reflect a ‘large part of int'l community's mind’
Among others, Member (Engineering) Mohammad Faruque Alam, Member (Finance) Nafisa Banu, Executive Director (Investment Promotion) Md. Tanvir Hossain, Executive Director (Enterprise Services) Md. Khorshid Alam and the Project Director of BEPZA EZ Mohammad Anamul Haque were present during the signing ceremony.
Including Mingda (Bangladesh), BEPZA signed lease agreements with total of 21 companies of home and abroad to establish factories in BEPZA EZ and their total proposed investment exceeded over US$ 500 million.
Also read: Bangladesh, China interested in contributing to regional connectivity under BRI
10 Ways You Can Improve Your English Pronunciation
Mastering good English pronunciation is vital for better communication. It enables you to effectively convey your ideas and engage others better. Unfortunately, some underestimate the significance of pronunciation and believe it to be less important than other components of the English language. With better English pronunciation, one can gain confidence, enhance overall communication skills, and boost social abilities.
10 Tips for Improving Your English Pronunciation
To speak English fluently, developing a clear pronunciation is a must. However, pronunciation and accent are not the same. Pronunciation involves producing sounds, articulating words, and mastering intonation. Accent encompasses pronunciation, word usage, and grammar. Non-native speakers often have accents influenced by their native language's sounds. Pronunciation is a physical skill. Here are some tips to improve pronunciation.
Listen and Incorporate
To improve your English pronunciation, start listening to native English speakers in real life or virtually. Pay attention to how they pronounce words and sentences. Then, practise repeating what you hear to develop a better understanding of the language's natural rhythm and intonation.
Read more: Duolingo English Test: Everything You Need to Know
By imitating native speakers, you can train your mouth and ears to reproduce English sounds more accurately. This will help you communicate more effectively and with more confidence. Remember, practise makes perfect, so keep practising, and you will see improvements in your pronunciation.
Focus on Individual Sounds
Focus on specific sounds that you find difficult to enhance your English pronunciation. Identify the consonants, vowels, or combinations that challenge you. You can utilise online resources or language learning apps that offer exercises for each sound. Practise saying these sounds out loud, paying attention to how your mouth moves. Repeat them regularly to build muscle memory.
Also, concentrate on individual sounds and practise them consistently. Gradually, you will overcome pronunciation difficulties and speak English more clearly. Do not give up; keep practising, and surely you will see the results soon.
Read more: 10 Best Free Android Apps to Learn English Vocabulary
Slow Down
Take a moment to slow down and embrace the art of deliberate speech. Take a moment to slow down and give yourself the time to think through each word's pronunciation. By speaking at a more relaxed speed, you can ensure that you are articulating each sound correctly.
Deliberately pausing between words and phrases creates a space for conscious reflection. Take advantage of this time to mentally review the sounds and patterns, refining your pronunciation with each utterance. Enjoy the journey, savouring each step towards confident and accurate pronunciation.
Use Pronunciation Guides
Look for dictionaries, online tools, or resources that provide simple explanations and symbols to show how a specific word should be pronounced. You can learn from YouTube channels where tutors discuss pronunciation guides.
Read more: Everyday Habits to Learn English Successfully
The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) symbols can help you understand the correct way to say the word. By using these guides, you can learn the right pronunciation for each word’s sound and confidently apply it to your speech.
Record and Compare
Record yourself speaking using mobile apps or recorders. Then listen attentively, comparing it to recordings of fluent English speakers. Pay close attention to any discrepancies in pronunciation and identify areas for improvement. By pinpointing the gaps, you can work diligently to refine those specific areas of pronunciation.
Embrace this self-assessment process as a valuable tool for enhancing your pronunciation skills. With each comparison, you will gain a clearer understanding of the differences and take crucial steps towards bridging the gap between your current pronunciation and that of native speakers.
Read more: Best Free Websites to Improve English Writing Skill
DESCO Job Circular: 122 people will be recruited in 3 category positions
Dhaka Electric Supply Company Limited (DESCO) will recruit circular 122 people in three category positions on full temporary basis under outsourcing in Gulshan zone for the next three years.
Interested candidates should apply online.
2023 DESCO Recruitment Cicruclar (Temporary Posts)
1. Post Name: Security Inspector
No of Posts: 2
Qualification: Minimum HSC or equivalent pass. Height minimum 5 feet 4 inches. Weight minimum 55 kg and maximum as per BMI. Must be in good health and the final selected candidate will have to pass the medical examination conducted by the Retainer Doctor appointed by DESCO.
Retired minimum JCO rank officer from Army, Navy, Air Force, BGB, Police/Prison Guards and Ansar forces or with minimum three years working experience as officer in reputed security service provider. Previous service record should be good and certificate from appropriate authority should be submitted in this regard. Security guards must be qualified to provide training and supervision. Should be proficient in driving a motorcycle and should have a driving license.
Age:
18 to 55 years (Age limit 47 years at the time of application).
Salary:
Gross monthly salary is TK.27,000.
Also read: Jobs in Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Post 40
2. Post Name: Security Guard (Male)
No of Posts: 110
Eligibility: Class VIII or equivalent pass. Height minimum 5 feet 4 inches, weight minimum 55 kg and maximum as per BMI. Must be in good health and the final selected candidate will have to pass the medical examination conducted by the Retainer Doctor appointed by DESCO. Must be proficient in writing, reading and speaking Bengali.
Age: 18 to 50 years (age limit 35 years at the time of application).
Salary:
Gross monthly salary is TK.18,000.
Alsoc read: Job Circular in Rampal power plant 2023: 12 people will be appointed in five category posts
3. Post Name: Security Guard (Female)
No of Posts: 10
Eligibility: Class VIII or equivalent pass. Height 5 feet, weight minimum 50 kg and maximum as per BMI. Must be in good health and the final selected candidate will have to pass the medical examination conducted by the Retainer Doctor appointed by DESCO. Must be proficient in writing, reading and speaking Bengali.
Age:
18 to 50 years (age limit 35 years at the time of application).
Salary:
Gross monthly salary is TK.18,000.
Also read: Job Circular: Bangladesh Police to recruit sub-inspectors
How to apply
Interested candidates have to apply by filling the 'Online Application Form' on the DESCO website (https://www.desco.gov.bd/) .
Scanned photograph, signature, latest educational qualification, copy of experience certificate (if applicable) should be uploaded along with the online application form.
Instructions displayed on the DESCO website should be duly followed for filling the application form. Detailed information regarding recruitment can be found in this link (http://desco.portal.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/desco.portal.gov.bd/job_information/06c53a9a_fd5b_4ba2_848b_c9323608c4d4/2023-06-06-11-55-aa01c6f6505e05f65fd63ae3362ac8ed.pdf) . Before applying DESCO Outsourcing Recruitment Policy-2023 and related terms and conditions should be read carefully.
Read more: Jobs in Dhaka Metrorail 2023: Written-Practical Exam Schedule Released for 3 Posts of Metrorail
Application fee
The application fee of Tk 500 should be paid through Dutch-Bangla Bank Limited's mobile banking service 'Rocket' following the guidelines displayed on the DESCO website.
Last date of application: June 26 2023, up to 12 midnight.
Reduce tax burden on individuals and corporates: FICCI
The Foreign Investor’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has expressed some concerns about the proposed national budget for the fiscal year 2023-2024 and draft Income Tax Act (ITA), 2023 which will have implications for the businesses and individuals in Bangladesh.
FICCI expressed concern over perceived inadequacy of allocations for the health, agriculture and education sectors in the budget at a press briefing on Wednesday.
The draft Income Tax Act (ITA), 2023 also required extensive reviews as some of the provisions in the law seems unreasonable as compared to the Income Tax Ordinance, 1984, they said.
Also read:Proposed budget targets are challenging: FICCI
“The progressive changes proposed by our government is applaudable, however, the growth of the businesses and individuals may slow down with the disclosure of some of the provisions which will raise more tax burden,” said FICCI President Ezaz Bijoy.
“The imposed vat on locally manufactured mobile phones and increasing tax burden on loss making companies may aggravate the situation. We have some recommendations regarding solutions that may prevent the probable adverse situation. We hope that the recommendations are taken into consideration and allow the chamber to extend its continued support to the Government of Bangladesh and work together toward the development of the country by developing a tax-friendly environment,” he said.
FICCI also expected gradual withdrawal of minimum tax provisions in the new law instead it has been increased significantly, particularly on carbonated beverage industry from 0.6% to 5% of Gross Receipts (8X increase).
Also read: FICCI roundtable upholds importance of FDI to Vision 2041
Limiting cash transaction for corporates and organizations will put a cap on development as the country is yet to achieve total cashless transaction. Government should allow companies to spend a minimum percentage of its expenses rather than setting a definite number and set a target to achieve the 100% cashless goal in next 5 years, the press briefing also said.
FICCI also proposed reduction of arbitrary power of officers in tax procedure and suggested implementation of comprehensive digitalization of the three wings of NBR and externally connected systems for seamless transaction.
FICCI officials including Deepal Abeywickrema, Sr VP, Engr Abdur Rashid, member of Board of Directors, Sazzad Rahim Chowdhury, coordinator of Tarrif-Taxation and Regulatory Affairs Committee, were present at the press conference, among others.
Also read: 50 years of Bangladesh: FICCI to unveil 3 growth drivers on FDI
Workers of Forest Department’s SUFAL project to get wages through Nagad
From now on, wages of those working under Sustainable Forests and Livelihoods (SUFAL) Project run by Bangladesh Forest Department will be disbursed through Nagad.
A tripartite agreement was recently signed among Directorate of Posts, Nagad Ltd and Bangladesh Forest Department at Bana Bhaban in the capital’s Agargaon area, according to a press release on Wednesday.
Also read: Nagad became a billion-dollar company in just 3 years, 5 more Bangladeshi unicorns by 2025: Palak
Gobinda Roy, deputy chief conservator of Forests and project director of SUFAL, Parvin Banu, director (Planning) of Directorate of Posts, and Md Shafayet Alam, executive director of Nagad, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations, it said.
Workers of SUFAL project will instantly get their wages through Nagad. A day labourer will get Tk 500 in wage per day, a watcher Tk 3,000 per month and one tasked with community patrolling Tk 1,800 per month. The annual disbursement for paying salaries and other allowances among the people engaged with the project stands at more than TK 200 crore, said the release.
Also read: Establishing Digital Bank paramount to build smart Bangladesh: Nagad MD
“Nagad has become people’s favourite service provider within a short time. That is why the government is disbursing various types of allowances through Nagad. Besides, many government institutions and agencies use Nagad to pay salaries to their employees, which inspires us to do better,” said Md Shafayet Alam, executive director of Nagad.
Also read: Nagad welcomes govt’s move to increase safety net allocation
Jobs in Dhaka Metrorail 2023: Written-Practical Exam Schedule Released for 3 Posts of Metrorail
Written and practical test schedule for three vacancies in Dhaka Mass Rapid Development (Line-1) project under 100% government-owned Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), the owner of Metrorail, has been released. The company has released this information through a circular.
2023 Dhaka Metrorail Recruitment Exam Schedules
Written-Practical Exam Schedule
According to the circular, the practical examination for the post of office assistant cum computeroperator, storekeeper and accountant will be held on June 23 in the morning and afternoon.
READ: Jobs in Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Post 40
The written test of the candidates who have passed the practical test for these three posts will be held on June 24 in the morning and afternoon. Admit cards have already been sent to the addresses of the candidates by post.
READ: Job Circular in Rampal power plant 2023: 12 people will be appointed in five category posts
If a candidate does not receive the admit card by post by June 21, they should contact the Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project (Line-1) office with two copies of passport size photographs and attested photocopies of national identity cards.
READ: Here's how you can apply for a Canadian work visa from Bangladesh
If you do not receive the admit card, you must contact us between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM on June 22.
Contact Address
Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project (Line-1) office at Pravasi Kalyan Bhawan (Level 11) in Iskaton, capital.
READ: Job Circular in Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant
Transcom Digital launches Hitachi’s Eclipse washing machine
Transcom Digital, the largest partner of Japanese electronics company - Arcelik-Hitachi Home Appliances has launched a new series of Hitachi Washing Machines.
Officials of the company introduced two models of Eclipse washer at a function at Transcom Digital Showroom in the capital on Monday.
Read more: Walton exports ‘Made in Bangladesh’ ACs to Yemen and Mali
Transcom Digital head of business Ritesh Ranjan and head of category Saikat Azad were present as guests among other officials on the occasion.
To celebrate Eid-ul Azha, the company has announced special prices for its front loading washers. The eight-kilogram capacity machine is available at Tk 55,900, while the nine-kilogram machine is offered at Tk 61,900. In addition to the cash discount, customers have a chance to win up to Tk 50,000 in cash discounts, free gifts, or a Mega gift through a scratch card. Furthermore, customers can also take advantage of special credit card offers Up to 10% discount/cashback from selected banks including Bank Asia, Lanka Bangla, NRB Bank, Eastern Bank, and City Bank
Read more: Walton Orbit Y21 Review: Budget-friendly phone with a smart look
Special features of the Eclipse washing machine and washer dryer line are capable of cleaning clothes in rapid 15 minutes.
The users of Eclipse washing machines will get a 120-month warranty for the inverter motor and 24 months for spares parts and free service.
Read more: Walton inks deals with Lovello to supply ice-cream freezer
DCCI business delegation leaves Dhaka to join BIMSTEC Business Conclave’ in Kolkata
A 12-member business delegation from Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) led by the Chamber’s President Barrister Md. Sameer Sattar left Dhaka on Sunday to join the BIMSTEC Business Conclave in Kolkata.
The Conclave will be held on June 13-15 in Kolkata, India.
Also Read: BIMSTEC chief urges member states to boost trade within the region
Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICC) in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, is organizing this mega conclave with the theme “Quantum leap in business cooperation for shared prosperity and growth”.
The BIMSTEC region brings together 1.67 billion people and a combined GDP of around USD 2.88 trillion which offers a huge market to the investors and traders.
In spite of close proximity and historical linkages, the region has not witnessed major flow of FDI among BIMSTEC countries.
The conclave aims to chart out an actionable agenda to augment intra-regional trade and investment in this region as well as strengthen the value chains for mutual benefits through deeper economic engagement of the BIMSTEC countries, according to DCCI.
Also Read: Dhaka seeks Member States' greater commitments to implement BIMSTEC FTA soon
The inaugural session of the 3-day conclave will highlight the ‘25th glorious anniversary of BIMSTEC- towards a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable Bay of Bengal region’.
In addition, to steer the objective of the event, various interactive and high-level topical plenary sessions will be held focusing on trade and investment opportunities, agriculture, food security, infrastructure, logistics and connectivity, advancement of healthcare, sustainable tourism, women entrepreneurship, demographic dividend, textile, finance, digital connectivity, climate change and regional business cooperation. DCCI delegation will join some discussion sessions.
Also Read: Bangladesh for speedy implementation of BIMSTEC Free Trade Area
The DCCI delegation during their visit will also attend the B2B meetings and exhibition to explore wide-ranging cross-border trade and investment opportunities to make this trip successful.
IDRA appoints observers for Sun-Life, Progressive Life Insurance
The Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (IDRA) on Sunday appointed observers for Sun-life Insurance and Progressive Life Insurance companies.
The IDRA took the decision after complaints of not payment of insurance money to the clients even after the maturity, stated the IDRA letter to Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE).
REad: Ensure insurance claims are paid after proper investigation: PM Hasina
The insurance regulator sent a letter to inform the companies and the DSE on Sunday (June 11).
IDRA director Abdul Mazid has been appointed observer at Progressive Life Insurance company.
REad: 30 percent life insurance clients not getting their claims
IDRA director Shah Alam has been appointed as the observer of Sun-life Insurance company. Both are directors of IDRA and Deputy Secretary to the government.
The two companies have been accused of various irregularities, including non-payment of insurance claims.
REad: Meghna Life Insurance premium now through Nagad