Local-Business
upay, Guardian Life Insurance sign agreement
Upay, a recognized digital financial service provider in the country has recently signed an agreement with Guardian Life Insurance Limited to facilitate upay customers with its insurance policies using the upay app.
Sydul Haque Khandaker, Managing Director and CEO of upay, and Sheikh Rakibul Karim, Deputy Managing Director and Acting CEO of Guardian Life Insurance signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations at the head office of Guardian Life Insurance.
Also read: Land ministry, upay sign MoU on land fee payment
Amid the growing popularity of ‘Micro Health Insurance’, upay customers can now buy the ‘Easylife’ products of Guardian Life from its app under this agreement.
upay is a subsidiary of the United Commercial Bank that launched its service in March 2021 offering a broad range of mobile financial services to people from all walks of life.
Also read: Upay to offer lowest ATM cash out charge
Shamim Ahmed, Chief Operating Officer, Yeasin Arafat, Head of Digital Channels and ADC, Shariar Akanda, Key Lead, Digital Channel and ADC, Ariful Hoque, AVP, Digital Channel and ADC from Guardian Life Insurance Limited and Md. Nur-E-Alam Siddiquee, Chief Financial Officer, Saad Mohammad Faizul Karim, Director, Business Sales, Md. Nazim Uddin Ahmed, Deputy Director, Business Sales, Md. Rezwanul Hoque, Assistant Director, Business Sales of upay were present at the signing ceremony.
Read Top Insurance Companies in Bangladesh in 2021
BHL’s All New CBR 150R hits streets
Bangladesh Honda Private Limited (BHL) on Tuesday launched the All New CBR 150R high-performance full fairing sports motorcycle with a racing character that has a lot of new attractions for Bangladeshi customers.
The world’s largest bike manufacturer company unveiled the All New CBR 150R through a simple programme with global model changes to exceed the customer’s needs, said a press release.
“CBR has historical legacy worldwide for its outstanding sporty and racing sensational performance. CBR comes 1000RR, 600RR, 500RR, 300RR, 250RR and from same DNA Honda R & D developed CBR 150R to give racing riding pleasure to the customers, said Mutsuo Usui, Managing Director & CEO, Bangladesh Honda Private Limited.
SBHL’s senior Vice President Naresh Kumar Rattan said CBR 150R customers expect latest technology, superior features & enhanced style. To meet customer’s need, R&D developed the all new CBR 150R as the “Agile Partner” with Total Control of driving pleasure in every situation.
He also announced that the All New CBR 150R is marketed in ABS type gets Tricolor can be availed from 8th June 2021 at any Honda Exclusive Authorized Dealer showroom nationwide at an attractive price of BDT. 538,000.
Naresh said the best performance and handling emphasize the strength of a true sports motorcycle, have more advanced features, and come with a big bike-style design that creates an aggressive impression at the first sight
“The concept of "Total Control" which is the basis for the development of every part of this full fairing sports motorcycle boils down to one goal, which is to provide complete control that is fun as the rider desires,” he added.
The All New CBR 150R is the answer to the growing needs of sports motorcycle lovers who like an aggressive, sophisticated, up-to-date, lightweight, agile, comfort and sporty design for everyday use in urban areas. The agility of this latest model is also supported by the embedding of the latest assist/slipper clutch and inverted front suspension features.
The design package of The All New CBR 150R maintains an aggressive body with lots of sharp angles. Some parts are getting more muscular, but still light. The feel of the big bike is very thick, thanks to various changes on almost all sides, especially obtained from the aggressive design LED lights that adopt the CBR 250RR DNA.
The new model BHL bike is a full fairing sports motorcycle with the best riding position in its class. The latest changes have led to an increasingly aggressive forward-leaning style, presenting the imagination of a racer who is ready to make a start.
The "racy" riding style is supported by the inverted front suspension. This component can increase daily riding stability, especially when riding at high speeds. In addition, the new suspension makes handling even more agile, confirming this model as a full fairing sports motorcycle with the best control that fits the needs of urbanites.
IBBL Dhaka Central Zone hosts webinar on Shariah compliance
Dhaka Central Zone of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited (IBBL) organised a webinar on ''Compliance of Shariah in Banking Operation'' Saturday.
Dr Md Nazmul Hassan, chairman of the bank, addressed the webinar as chief guest. Mohammed Monirul Moula, managing director and CEO of the bank, addressed the event as a special guest.
Also read: IBBL board recommends 10pc cash dividend for shareholders
Professor Dr Mohammad Gias Uddin Talukder, chairman of Shariah Supervisory Committee of the bank, addressed the meeting as chief discussant.
Mahmudur Rahman, head of Dhaka Central Zone of the bank, presided over the webinar, read a press release.
Also read: IBBL signs MoU with Titas Gas
Vision AC offers 15% discount for frontliners
Vision Electronics is offering a 15% discount to health workers, members of law enforcement agencies and media workers on the purchase of air conditioners (ACs).
Read: DITF 2020: Vision offers 20 percent discount, free home delivery
Rakib Ahmed, senior brand manager at Vision Electronics, said: "AC has become an important element of life as the temperature has risen recently. We have introduced the campaign in recognition of the frontliners who are performing their professional duties, risking their lives."
Read: Air Cooler price in Bangladesh with Buying Tips
The offer, which was started on June 1, will continue till July 31, read a press release.
Daraz hires 3 differently-abled people
Online marketplace Daraz has recently recruited three differently-abled persons to encourage the inclusion of these people into mainstream society.
People with disabilities are among the most vulnerable and economically disadvantaged groups in Bangladesh. However, different organisations are now stepping forward to create employment opportunities for these individuals.
Read Autistic children not ‘burdens to society’: Dipu Moni
Daraz has collaborated with such an organisation, Adamya Foundation, which is providing necessary training to differently-abled people since 2013.
The online marketplace has hired three persons who have all the acumen and calibre necessary to work in a competitive office defying their physical challenges. They went through a rigorous recruitment process and matched all the job requirements.
These individuals joined Daraz as quality control officers under the operations department.
Read No more negligence to autistic persons: PM
Entrepreneur Vs Wantrepreneur: 8 Ways to Tell Them Apart
The idea of running your own business may seem lucrative for many. In recent times, there has been a surge of people who want to move away from the traditional 9 to 5 jobs to become their own boss. This is a welcoming idea that helps to drive personal as well as economic development. However, to become your own boss means to become a successful entrepreneur, you need to have a market-disrupting idea that will change how business is done. The paradigm shift is what will drive your entrepreneurial venture. However, some people think they have that idea but in reality, they’re simply following a proven and established business model, people known as wantrepreneurs.
Are You an Entrepreneur or Wantrepreneur?
Let's know the key differences between an entrepreneur and a wantrepreneur.
Business-centric Vs Self Centric
To an entrepreneur, the business is of the highest priority. An entrepreneur understands that the success of a business isn’t about themselves, rather it is the combined effort of the employees and other stakeholders. In short, an entrepreneur doesn’t make the business about themselves rather works in correlation with others.
This is where a wantrepreneur is different. They make everything about themselves and think that the entire business prospect revolves around them, not to mention the micromanaging tendencies which not only disrupt the business process but also disrupts the free working condition of the employees.
Read The World's 10 Self-made Youngest Billionaires in 2021
Working Vs Whining
There are doers and there are whiners. And wantrepreneurs tend to fall into the whiners' list. An entrepreneur is a person that drives change. They strive to make things better no matter what the obstacles. Rather than pondering over constraints, an entrepreneur will find ways to move past them and work for growth.
But the same isn’t true for wantrepreneurs, they tend to complain about micro issues and blames everything on others. This hampers the overall growth mentality of the organization and dries down performance.
Motivated Vs Demotivated
It's nothing new that an entrepreneurial venture comes with its own set of risks. There is no easy way to climb the ladder of entrepreneurship and truth be told, there will be a lot of setbacks. But these setbacks work as a motivation for the entrepreneurs to do better and find solutions to the setbacks.
But a wantrepreneur tends to get discouraged easily. The lack of self-conviction makes them fearful of their action and minor setback discourages them from taking any risks.
Also read: Top Baby Products based eCommerce Sites in Bangladesh
Being Best Vs Being Rich
An entrepreneur isn’t focused on personal development alone, rather to them the growth of the company, as well as the employees, matters the most. A successful entrepreneur leads by example which becomes ideal for the employees. A motivated leader in turn helps to motivate the subordinates to make sure they are performing at their level best. Profit doesn’t act as a central margin and this is what distinguishes a successful entrepreneur.
However, for a wantrepreneur, it's all about money. All they care about is how to make more money regardless of the means. This strains the employee-employer relationship and the overall development of the company takes a back seat. Needless to say, there are no future growth opportunities for such a mindset.
Business Growth Vs Image Growth
Business growth is the central focus point for any entrepreneur. For an entrepreneur, the journey is of constant self-development as well as business development. The primary focus should always be on the overall growth of the company. But for a wantrepreneur, things are different. To them, personal branding and image take the front seat. They fail to understand that there is no such thing as overnight success.
Whereas an entrepreneur would stay true to their conviction regardless of what people are saying, a wantrepreneur would rather be conscious about what people are saying and put those before the growth of the business.
Read The 7 Most Promising Tech Startups in Bangladesh
Striving Vs Waiting
The basic idea behind entrepreneurship is self-dependence. Here you are working with an idea to realize your vision. Sure enough, it won't be a cakewalk and you will face a lot of troubles and struggles. The idea here is to persevere and strive to get what you don’t have today. That is how you lead by example and initiate a growth mentality in your subordinates.
However, a wantrepreneur would rather just wait for the issue to resolve on its own, or wait for someone to step up and solve it for them. Needless to say, this is just an example of organizational bad practice and something that will affect the business in the long run.
Adapting Vs Staying Adamant
The scope of business and business prospects are ever dynamic. There are always some factors that might force the business to take a new direction. Popular ride-sharing app of Bangladesh, Pathao as a startup had to remodel their business strategy five times before they stumbled onto something that works. As an entrepreneur, you need to have that mentality to adapt yourself to the changing environment. This will not only help you to better manage your business but ensure that you bring the best out of your idea. A wantrepreneur however would stay stuck on the idea of whether it works or not.
Read The Difference Between a Startup and a Small Business
Innovation Vs Procrastination
This is tailing onto the previous point that we mentioned. Whereas as an entrepreneur you have to prepare yourself for an ever-changing business landscape, a wantrepreneur doesn’t do that. The driving factor behind any change in a company is its innovation. You as an entrepreneur have to come up with ideas that will assist the growth of your business.
A wantrepreneur would rather stick to an established business model regardless of whether it works out or not. We don’t need to tell what the consequence of procrastination is in entrepreneurship. You can pretty much guess where the business is heading.
Bottom Line
As the idea of entrepreneurship becomes more and more popular, everyone can claim to be one nowadays. However, the process of entrepreneurship is much more intricate and effort-consuming than simply using the tag of it. Some people would just call themselves an entrepreneur without putting in the actual work that goes behind being one. So are you an entrepreneur or a wantrepreneur? Hope this article gives a clear idea about which is what.
Read Top 10 Co-working Spaces in Dhaka
Robi, DNCC sign deal 'to build a smart Dhaka'
Robi Axiata and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) Thursday (June 03, 2021) "to build a smart Dhaka."
DNCC Chief Town Planner Maqsud Hashem and Robi Managing Director and CEO Mahtab Uddin Ahmed signed the MoU at Nagar Bhaban in Gulshan.
Also read: Robi deploys 4.5G technology in all its network sites
Under the agreement, initially, there are plans to set up active network infrastructure in 100 lampposts of DNCC as per the policy of the regulatory body and build smart city surveillance or digital surveillance systems for the safety of the citizens.
Under the Robi Smart City Internet of Things (IoT) technology, there are plans for setting up smart street lamps, smart waste management, smart parking facilities, shuttle services for students, digital displays; and reducing noise pollution.
Also read: Robi gets strong growth momentum with Tk 155 cr profit
DNCC Mayor Md Atiqul Islam, who was the chief guest at the event, said, "DNCC and Robi have signed an MoU to construct a smart city. Other telecom companies should also come forward for the welfare of the city dwellers."
Mahtab Uddin Ahmed said, "To improve public services, we have no choice but to turn our cities into smart cities. In that sense, we applaud DNCC's initiative and are proud to be involved in it to build a smart city."
Read DNCC teams up with Young Bangla to make masses embrace masks
Walton opening branches in 6 countries
The Walton Hi-Tech Industries Ltd has decided to open branches or liaison offices in six countries, including India, Nepal, the UAE and South Korea, for market expansion and technology sourcing.
The company has also decided to apply for the enhancement of foreign currency limit to operate the proposed Foreign Branches/Liaison Offices subject to approval of Bangladesh Bank, Walton said in a statement.
According to Dhaka Stock Exchange data on Monday, Walton shares went up 1.61 percent to Tk 1,269 till noon.
Read Walton AC free for writing slogan or tagline
The Board of Directors also has decided to invest US$500,000 in Walton Corporation United States of America to purchase ordinary shares and preferential shares subject to approval of Bangladesh Bank and other relevant regulators.
The mentioned company will provide imports, exports and procurement services in North America.
The company sources said its profit increased 34 percent year-on-year to Tk 34.14 a share in July-March period of the 2020-21 financial year.
Read Walton crosses 2020 exports during Jan-March 2021
Top Baby Products based eCommerce Sites in Bangladesh
The pandemic has brought a drastic change in our lifestyle. Whether it's wearing a mask or maintaining social distance, we have adopted many things that weren’t a common practice before. The change is seen in our shopping habits as well and baby care products being an essential need for many households, it was a matter of time before people shifted to e-commerce platforms. Countless e-commerce sites sell baby products. But how do you know which ones are reliable? In this article, we will take a look at the 8 best Bangladeshi e-commerce sites to find baby products in 2021.
Some Popular Bangladeshi eCommerce Sites to Find Kids and Baby Products in 2021
Baby Care
Babycare.com is one of the premier baby product shops in Bangladesh. The e-commerce platform was founded back in 2012 when there were hardly any e-commerce sites in the country. However, over the years, the company built its trust and customer base and has been recognized as a PLC in 2018.
You can find all sorts of baby products on their site. The site is well categorized and you can navigate as per your requirements. The products section has categories for toys, food, diapers, dress, skincare, etc. there is also a separate mother’s care section and fresh fruits section which is pretty handy as well.
Read Some Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs in Bangladesh in Diverse Sectors
Baby Shoppers
Another pioneering e-commerce site for baby products is babyshoppers.com.bd. Baby shops have a wide range of products to completely ensure the overall care of your baby. The company was founded with the motto that every child is special. Over the years, baby shoppers have established themselves as the one-stop solution for all your baby care needs.
Their website is very intuitive and categories are also detailed. You will find everything related to baby care, some you didn’t know you needed even. They have a range of delivery options inside and outside Dhaka that you can avail of.
BD Baby Mart
BD Baby Mart has been a reputable baby care name for two reasons – their on-time delivery and the range internationally. The company boasts of working with over 100 foreign brands to source its products. So naturally, you will be able to get the best for your baby without worry.
The pricing of the site is also reasonable, nothing that will break your bank. The site is also extensively categorized and you can avail of the live chat feature to get a better understanding of a product. they provide cash on delivery inside Dhaka and full or partial payment for products delivered outside Dhaka.
Read Top Bookstore Cafés in Dhaka: 6 Places Bringing Back the Joy of Reading
Some Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs in Bangladesh in Diverse Sectors
Whether it is the social structure or lack of proper importance to female empowerment, women in Bangladesh were always on the back foot when it came to education, job or business. This has been the case for centuries without much change. However, the scenario is changing. Due to widespread incentives and facilitations women, today are now getting access to proper education. The government of Bangladesh is also championing gender balance in the workplace. Defying all the odds set against women, there are a few who stood against the patriarchy and established themselves as successful women. Let's take a look at some of the admired women entrepreneurs of Bangladesh and what made them what they are today.
Some Successful Bangladeshi Women Entrepreneurs
Bibi Russel
The contribution of Bibi Russell to the fashion industry of Bangladesh is undeniable. One of the pioneering figures in the fashion and ethnic culture of Bangladesh, Bibi Russell was born in 1950 and completed her higher education at London College of Fashion. She organized several fashion shows in Paris and Spain and has been the face of many leading fashion brands of the world in the late 70s.
Bibi Russell came back to Bangladesh in the late 90s and has since started her entrepreneurial venture, the Bibi Russell Production House. The distinct design element of her line incorporation elements of Bengali and Ethnic culture gave her products a unique position in the Bengali fashion landscape. Today her fashion house employs over 35000 rural artisans. Bibi Russell is a glaring example for the women who want to venture into the world of fashion designing.
Read: Graphic Designer Salaries: How Much Can You Earn from Graphic Design?
Ivy Haque Russell
There is an acute lack of female health-related service in Bangladesh. Ivy Haque Russell, a former investment banker felt there should be changes to the current state and hence founded the Maya Limited in 2017.
Maya limited is an online platform that provides females with all types of services and help. Initially, Ivy Haque started working with the healthy development of pregnant women. The idea was to enlighten them on self-care and seeking medical counsel when necessary. With its success, Maya has ventured into other health services as well as legal aides. Anyone can check their app or website to access information as well as seek legal help by keeping their identity hidden. The contribution of Maya has added to the stride of women empowerment in Bangladesh and it's a commendable step towards the right direction.
Read Best Credit Cards in Bangladesh: A Comparative Analysis
Rubaba Dowla
Rubaba Dowla is an exemplary figure in the corporate world of Bangladesh. Graduating from Stockholm University in Economics, she entered into the corporate world in 1998 as a marketing executive in Grameenphone. In a career expanding over 23 years, Rubaba Dowla has redefined what it means to strive for excellence and that women are no less compared to men in the corporate world.
Rubaba is the founder of Pulse Healthcare Service and has also been acting as the country manager of Oracle. Her startup aims to ensure healthcare service for all through their medical center as well as an online platform. The organization has gained popularity under the able leadership of Rubaba.
Read: Online Business: How to Get Started from Home?
Taslima Miji
In the social fabric of Bangladesh which somehow shares a negative impression towards female entrepreneurship, the successful and striving female entrepreneurs are breaking the long-held stereotypes. And among them, the story of Taslima Miji is even more inspiring.
Taslima Miji is the founder of Techmania. A company that provides computer-related hardware solutions for organizations. From repairing to assembling, the range of service offered by Techmania is diverse.
Taslima Miji completed her higher studies at the University of Dhaka. Although hailing from a family of businessmen, she decided not to get into the family business line. Rather Miji started her entrepreneurial venture with tech, completely unrelated to her family business line. Over time, Miji was able to establish Techmania as a leading tech solution for a range of organizations and corporations.
Read Small Business Ideas for F-commerce Startups in Bangladesh during Pandemic
Selima Ahmed
The path towards female entrepreneurship is still growing. Though it is yet to be on par with male entrepreneurship, the development that has been done to this point in this sector for women can be largely attributed to the Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry or BWCCI. Selima Ahmed is the founder of BWCCI. In her long and illustrious career of entrepreneurship in the private sector.
In her early days of entrepreneurship, Selima Ahmed understood that the situation was not favorable for women entrepreneurs at all. Through her struggle to establish her ventures, she also focused to make the situation better for others. Over the years, BWCCI has helped countless women to kickstart their entrepreneurial ventures and provide any form of support necessary. For her service to the industry, Selima Ahmed was awarded the Islamic Development Bank prize in 2012.
Read Top Insurance Companies in Bangladesh in 2021
Sabrina Islam
Just like Selima Ahmed, Sabrina Islam is also a shining example of women empowerment in Bangladesh. After completing her education in law from the University of Dhaka, Sabrina Islam decided to start her own business in the mid-70s. it was during a time where women's entrepreneurship was practically unheard of. Sabrina Islam faced many challenges to establish her ventures and simultaneously felt the need for mentorship to the aspiring female entrepreneurs.
Over four decades, Sabrina Islam paved the way for many female entrepreneurs and as an acknowledgment of her service, she received the Daily Star award for Most Outstanding Woman in Business in 2008. Currently, she is heading the Women's Entrepreneurship Association and acting as a managing director of a leading garments factory.
Read: Ways of Affiliate Marketing while Staying in Bangladesh
Salina Qadar
Salina Qadar is another pioneering figure in female entrepreneurship in Bangladesh. she started her first venture, Agriconcern back in 1985. This was a time when Bangladesh was having a tumultuous political situation and it was harming the agricultural sector. She observed that there was practically no form of incentivization of export of potato, even though it grows in abundance in Bangladesh.
Over the next decade, Salina Qadar facilitated the export of over 12000 metric tons of potato. For her achievement and service in the agricultural sector, she was recognized for her work by the Daily Star in 2004.
Bottom Line
The state of women's entrepreneurship in Bangladesh is still growing. In addition to government incentives, various private firms are also providing support for up-and-coming aspiring entrepreneurs. The accomplished female entrepreneurs can act as an inspiration for many. They stand to prove that no matter what the odds maybe if you have conviction, you will succeed.
Read Legendary Women in Bangladesh with Pioneering Contribution in Diverse Fields