Press-Releases
Bongo’s logo to be displayed on Shakib Al Hasan’s bat
Video streaming platform Bongo has announced a partnership with Cricket star Shakib Al Hasan.
As part of the partnership, Bongo's logo will be prominently displayed on Shakib's bat for two years including during the upcoming Zimbabwe series, which kicks off on May 3, according to a press release on Friday.
Bongo unveils heartwarming Valentine’s Day Campaign: "Love Stories""This is a momentous occasion for us," said Bongo founder and CEO Ahad Mohammad Bhai.
"Shakib Al Hasan has been the brightest star in the Bangladesh Cricket team for a long time, and we are thrilled to be the 'Sticker Partner' for his bat. At Bongo, we always strive for excellence, innovation and creativity. We try to push the boundaries, think outside the box, and give our millions of users something special and unique. This partnership with Shakib Al Hasan is just the beginning of what we feel will be a very special journey together," he added.
Ananta Jalil‘s ‘Din: The Day' now on digital OTT platform Bongo"Bongo has become a staple in our entertainment industry, setting a new standard with its diverse content. Cricket, as we all know, is not just a game but a source of entertainment and inspiration for billions. This alliance with an entertainment platform like Bongo will hopefully fortify the bond between sport and entertainment," Shakib said while sharing his thoughts on the partnership.Bongo boasts a vast library of full-length movies, dubbed content, dramas, TV shows, and series. Recently, they launched the Bangladeshi version of the globally acclaimed business reality show “Shark Tank’', further solidifying their position as a pioneer in the entertainment industry, the release said.
Bongo BD presents heartwarming love story of two nameless tourists in "Hello Stranger"Bongo stated that there are some more exciting announcements coming with Shakib Al Hasan. Details would be given later.
Grameenphone now offers 35 days of validity upon recharging Tk20
Telecom operator Grameenphone is now offering 35 days of validity for a minimum recharge of Tk. 20, thereby catering to the diverse needs of its customers, enhancing the overall experience, and making their lives simpler.
Moreover, considering the diverse requirements of customers, Grameenphone has extended the validity periods for various recharge denominations. For Tk. 30-49 recharge, the validity is now 35 days, which previously was 15 days. For Tk. 50-149 recharge, the validity has now been extended to 45 days from 30 days, and for Tk. 150-299, it has been extended to 65 days from 45 days. Finally, for any recharge above Tk. 299, the validity is now 395 days, according to a press release.
Any prepaid customer can avail of this offer by recharging through the Electronic Recharge System (ERS), Mobile Financial Service (MFS), or online recharge. The validity period for recharge starts counting from the day of recharge, it said.
“Keeping customers at the heart of what we do, Grameenphone constantly strives to provide customers with simple and flexible offers with more value, catering to their diverse connectivity needs,” said Mohammad Sajjad Hasib, chief marketing officer of Grameenphone.
“We are excited to introduce these new offers with extended validity, ensuring that our customers remain connected, and productive in today's fast-paced world. These new offers reflect Grameenphone’s pledge to enhance the customer experience by offering meaningful value and paving the path towards a future where connectivity is a key enabler for everyone," he added.
To know more about the latest plans and other offers, customers can visit the Grameenphone website and MyGP app.
Nagad partners with Pran-RFL Group to foster greater operational efficiency
Mobile financial service provider Nagad has forged a corporate partnership with Pran-RFL Group.
To this end, both the organisations signed an agreement at Nagad’s head office. Executive Director of Nagad Ltd. Maruful Islam Jhalak and Finance Director of Pran-RFL Group Uzma Chowdhury, CPA represented their respective sides at the signing ceremony, underscoring the shared vision and synergy driving this alliance, according to a press release.
Mohammad Mahbub Sobhan, head of Business Sales at Nagad Ltd, and other high officials of the two companies were also present at the event, among others.
This collaboration signals a joint commitment to revolutionizing the way digital financial services are integrated with consumer goods and supply chain operation. The signing ceremony has marked the beginning of a collaborative journey towards shaping the future of digital financial services in Bangladesh, said the release.
With the convergence of Nagad’s innovative mobile financial solutions and Pran-RFL Group’s extensive industry footprint, this partnership promises to streamline transactions, enhance accessibility to digital financial services, and foster greater operational efficiency across the supply chain.
Capitalizing on Nagad’s state-of-the-art technology and Pran-RFL Group’s market expertise, both companies are poised to deliver unparalleled value to consumers and stakeholders alike, the release added.
Nagad, with a customer base of 9 crore and daily average transactions at Tk 1,800 crore, has already made partnerships with businesses of different sectors as it believes collaborative efforts matter the most when it comes to succeeding in the ever-evolving digital financial landscape, it said.
upay and UCB focus on solutions for the freelancing industry
Mobile financial service provider "upay" and United Commercial Bank PLC have recently organised a freelancer meeting to highlight the growth of the industry.
The event discussed the different struggles of those involved in freelancing, and the need to address the issues through time-befitting solutions and banking services, according to a press release.
The meeting was organised at The Comilla Club, located in Kandirpar of Cumilla.
Around 100 freelancers from adjoining areas took part in the event and shared their woes. Along with the freelancers, upay and UCB's local branch officials were present at the event.
Themed "Freelancers’ Contribution to Building Smart Bangladesh and MFS as Growth Facilitator," the event focused on different pertinent issues related to freelancing.
Freelancers in the country face different problems, including payment issues through banking channels and a lack of recognition, said the release.
Speakers at the event underscored the need for giving due importance to freelancers for materialising the Smart Bangladesh vision and, at the same time, talked about the role of banks and MFS providers in facilitating them.
During the session, freelancers shared how they often face different issues related to payment and recognition, said the release.
The upay and UCB strongly support freelancers and feel that their problems must be minimised for the betterment of our country.
Through the UCB Swadhin Account (Foreign Currency Account for the freelancer) and MFS platform, freelancers will find convenient solutions to address their problems, and the authorities concerned are committed to continuing to do so in the future as well, the release also said.
Other topics, such as the overall situation of the freelancing industry, its prospects, development areas, and how UCB and upay have been stepping up their efforts to help freelancers through various services, were discussed at the meetup.
It is mentionable that "upay" has brought in a "UCB-upay" co-branded prepaid card, through which freelancers can utilise the fund for foreign currency transactions, make merchant payments (online and offline), and complete global ATM cash withdrawals with the help of this card.
They can also receive payments from Payoneer and avail cashout service at the lowest charge using upay accounts. These tailored features have the potential to make the lives of freelancers more easeful, added the release.
Walton extends 'Nonstop Millionaire' campaign by 2 months
Walton has extended the tenure of its ‘Nonstop Millionaire' campaign’ by another two months following a huge response from customers and centring the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha.
With the slogan of ‘Best product, Best offer’, the Walton launched 'Digital Campaign Season-20' across the country with the offer of 'Nonstop Millionaire' benefit. The tenure of the campaign was scheduled to end on April 30 this year.
But now, the local brand has extended the campaign’s timeframe up to June 30, 2024.
Under the season-20, customers will get the benefits of being a millionaire for more two months through purchasing Walton brand fridge, television, air conditioner, washing machine or fan from any Walton Plaza, distributor outlet or online sales platform 'E-plaza' across the country. In addition, crores of taka sure cashback are also available.
Dwelling on the extension of the campaign period, Walton's Chief Marketing Officer Didarul Alam Khan said, "Walton has been giving special benefits to customers on the eve of every major festival occasion. Following the last month's Eid-ul-Fitr, Walton offered 'nonstop millionaire' to the customers under the Digital Campaign Season-20.
He said the campaign witnessed huge response among the consumers of electronics products across the country. The period of the campaign has been extended by two more months in view of the huge interest of the customers and ahead of Eid al-Azha. As a result, more customers will get the chance of being a millionaire by buying Walton products.
During the Season, the digital registration of the product is being done after the customers buy the product from any Walton Plaza, distributor showroom or online e-plaza in the country. Then through computerized system, buyers are awarded Tk10 lakh cash or sure gifts through a return SMS from Walton. The awards are delivered to customers from the respective Walton Plaza or distributor showroom.
During the campaign, detailed information like buyer’s name, mobile number and product model number is being stored on Walton’s server through digital registration system. As a result, customers can get quick service from any Walton service center in the country even if they lost the warranty card. Besides the representatives of the service center can also know the customers’ feedback.
National roadmap aims to advance condition of Dalit, Cobbler communities
Over 50 civil society leaders and activists, Dalit and Cobbler community leaders, former and current policymakers convened for a national roundtable discussion titled “Citizen Roadmap to Advance the Rights and Sustainable Development of Marginalized Communities.”
The event was held at the Lakeshore Hotel in Dhaka on Tuesday.
At the discussion, young women leaders from the Dalit and Cobbler communities presented their recommendations for the roadmap to include enacting the anti-discrimination and minority rights acts, establishing a platform or caucus in parliament to advance minority rights, and expanding access to social safety net benefits and programs for marginalized communities.
Subsequently, policymakers shared their thoughts on how best to implement the roadmap recommendations.
Lawmaker MA Mannan, Chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Planning and lawmaker Mohibur Rahman Manik, Chair of Government Assurance Committee, both enthusiastically endorsed the initiative to develop the roadmaps and expressed their commitment to helping implement their recommendations.
Unilever with IBA for research on plastic circularity, academic facilities enhancement
Unilever Bangladesh (UBL), the country’s leading Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company, is collaborating with the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), University of Dhaka, on two new areas under its industry-academia partnership.
The initiatives include commissioning research to increase understanding of plastic circularity in the context of Bangladesh and providing brand sponsorship to enhance the university academic building, said a press release issued on Monday.
A multidisciplinary team of esteemed faculty members from IBA, including Professor Sheikh Morshed Jahan, Professor Dr Melita Mehjabeen, Prof. Dr Khaled Mahmud, Prof. Dr Rezaul Kabir, Kaniz Fatema, and Orpita Oysharja, will conduct the research on plastic recycling and waste management.
Ethiopian Airlines and Air China to commence operations in Bangladesh from May: CAAB
The research will aim to develop a methodology that addresses challenges faced by recyclers, while also emphasizing producers and consumers’ accountability and responsibility in plastic waste management.
Additionally, it will seek to assess Bangladesh's position in the evolution of plastic circularity within the market and identify feasible models tailored to the local context.
Furthermore, the research will outline gaps in current infrastructure and propose the role of public and private entities in constructing a sustainable model for plastic recycling.
By leveraging their collective expertise and innovative methodologies, the team is poised to make significant strides in advancing sustainable practices and shaping the future of plastic recycling in Bangladesh.
Speaking about the collaboration, Zaved Akhtar, Chairman and Managing Director of Unilever Bangladesh Limited said “At Unilever, sustainability is at the heart of our business. As a part of our global commitment to improve the health of our planet, we have been driving innovative approaches to plastic waste management since 2020, which includes innovation in packaging, creating a sustainable model for plastic waste collection and management, and creating common platforms for multi-stakeholder dialogues and knowledge sharing. As we continue to explore avenues to create a sustainable plastic management ecosystem, it is essential to collaborate with academia, which plays a critical role in driving progress in these areas.”
“We are pleased to join hands with IBA and collaborate to help us understand the industry’s current challenges and guide us toward our collective goal of sustainable plastic waste management.
ERF demands withdrawal of ban on reporters entry into central bank
Through our joint effort, we can have a lasting impact on our economy, achieve our Vision 2041 and create a Bangladesh that will be a model to the rest of the world,” he said.
On the prospects of this collaboration with Unilever, Professor Mohammad A Momen said “Industry and academia collaboration serves as the foundation for fostering innovation and merging the theoretical knowledge with the practical application. The active involvement of corporates will provide IBA with valuable insights and real-life experiences, enhancing the learning and development opportunities for students and faculty alike. I am hoping that this collaboration between Unilever and IBA will cultivate a rich exchange of ideas, foster mutual learning, and pave the way for innovative solutions that address contemporary challenges in the fast-changing business world. This is just the beginning and I sincerely expect to walk a long way together.”
Built on the back of strong, well-established and purposeful brands, Unilever Bangladesh has also decided to extend this partnership by branding the premises with important reminders across health and hygiene, with the presence and usage of notable brands such as Lifebuoy (germ-free handwashing), Pureit (access to purified water), Knorr and Horlicks (nutritional enhancement).
Apart from the formal scope of collaboration, Unilever Bangladesh regularly engages with students and graduates of IBA in areas of skills development and career opportunities.
Known to nurture the league of future leaders in Bangladesh, Unilever has flagship initiatives on leadership development such as Unilever Leadership Internship Programme, Unilever Future Leaders Programme, and BizMaestros – a campus business competition that has been running for 14 years now and providing the thrill of real business and the platform for the country’s youth to showcase their merit at a global stage.
Walton Hi-Tech honoured with Green Factory Award-2023
The country's electronics giant ‘Walton Hi-Tech Industries PLC’ has been honoured with Green Factory Award-2023 for enhancing productivity through the use of skilled workforce and eco-friendly technology in safe environments.
The Ministry of Labour and Employment gave the award to Walton in the electrical and electronics product manufacturing category at a programme held at Bangabandhu International Convention Center in the capital on Sunday, reads a press release.
Attending as the chief guest, Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury handed over the award to Walton Hi-Tech Industries’ Additional Managing Director Eva Rezwana Nilu.
State Minister for Labour and Employment Md Nazrul Islam Chowdhury and ILOs Country Director Tuomo Poutiainen also attended the function as special guests while Labour and Employment Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain was in the chair.
As the Green Factory Award-2023, Walton received Tk 1 lakh, a medal, a memento, and a certificate.
Walton Hi-Techs Additional Managing Director Eva Rezwana Nilu thanked the authorities of the Ministry of Labour and Employment for the prestigious award.
The Ministry of Labour and Employment has announced ‘The Green Factory Award-2023’ encompassing a diverse range of industries, with the 29 factories spanning across 12 different sectors.
Subscription of BEXIMCO Bond opens Sunday
Bangladesh Export Import Company (BEXIMCO) has announced the commencement of the subscription of ‘Beximco 1st Unsecured Zero Coupon Bond’ on Sunday (April 28), aiming to issue bonds totalling Tk1,500 crore.
The first tranche of the subscription will be closed on May 15, according to a media statement.
IFIC Investment Limited is the arranger and Sandhani Life is the trustee of this bond. The BEXIMCO 1st Unsecured Zero Coupon Bond offers an unprecedented discounted rate of 15%, the highest in the market, translating to a monthly return of Tk1,250 per lakh.
This non-convertible, redeemable, unsecured bond aims to raise Tk1,500 crore, of which Tk1000 crore will be used for providing as a loan to Sreepur Township Limited for the development of the Mayanagar project, while the remaining Tk500 crore will be used to repay existing bank loans of BEXIMCO Ltd.
The investment is particularly attractive due to its high return rate, where an investment of one lakh taka will yield a total return of Tk 1,75,000 at the end of five years, including the principal amount. The returns are especially appealing for Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) and local wage earners, offering one of the best investment avenues available.
The bond subscription has a minimum investment threshold of Tk 50,000, with no upper limit, making it accessible to a broad range of investors. This opportunity is available on a first-come, first-served basis, emphasizing its limited nature and the potential for a quick sell-out due to its attractive features.
Investors interested in the BEXIMCO 1st Unsecured Zero Coupon Bond can begin subscribing on April 28, 2024 and the first tranche of subscription will be closed on May 15, 2024. For further details or to begin the subscription process, interested parties are encouraged to call 16900 or scan the QR code available in promotional materials.
BEXIMCO is committed to contributing to the economic development of Bangladesh through such robust financial instruments, inviting investors to participate in this venture that promises excellent financial returns and supports significant developmental projects across the nation.
Customer becomes Walton Digital Campaign's 34th millionaire by buying AC
Abdul Ali, a sanitary businessman at Rajabari Bazar of Sreepur Upazilla in Gazipur, became millionaire after he had purchased a Walton brand air conditioner under the company’s “nonstop millionaire” benefits in the nationwide ongoing “Digital Campaign Season-20.”
A total of 34 customers, including Abdul Ali, became millionaire through the Walton Digital Campaign, according to a press release.
Actor Amin Khan and veteran actor Monwar Hossain Dipjol officially handed over a cheque of Tk10 lakh to Abdul Ali at a programme held in front of Rajabari Bazar Walton Plaza on Thursday, it said.
With the slogan of ‘Best product, Best offer’, Walton has been conducting the campaign’s season-20 across the country with the offer of ‘Nonstop Millionaire’ benefit.
In Season-20, customers are offered “nonstop millionaire” on the purchase of Walton brand fridge, television, air conditioner, washing machine or fan from any Walton Plaza, distributor outlet or online sales platform ‘E-plaza’ across the country.
In addition, crores of taka sure cashback are also available.
"I bought an AC for my daughter's room to get rid of the sweltering summer heat wave. At my home, most of the electronics and electrical products are of Walton brand. I am getting very good services from those Walton products. That's why this time I have bought AC from Walton. But I never imagined that I will get Tk 10 lakh by buying AC from Walton. Thanks to Walton. A portion of the awarded money will be used for the development of my local area's mosque. With the rest of the money, I have a desire to perform Umrah,” Abdul said.
"Walton is the product of our country. Walton is a reputed brand and successfully conducting business across the country. The quality of Walton products including fridge, TV, AC, mobile is very good. They are contributing to the economic development of the country,” said Dipjol
The function was also attended, among others, by Walton's Senior Additional Operative Director Shahadat Hossain, Senior Deputy Director Saleh Ahmed and Walton AC's Brand Manager Khalilur Rahman.