Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) - The BBN (Bangladesh Business News) has prepared the morning business round up compiling reports, published by different newspapers and news portals in Bangladesh.
Public servants' pension scheme to undergo changes in FY '18
The government has planned to reform the existing pension scheme that would bar the retired public servants from withdrawing more than half the gross pension money at one go. The remaining half would be retained and paid on monthly basis with annual increment. Officials said the new plan, if approved by the government, is likely to take effect from next fiscal year (FY 2017-18).
Bangladesh’s forex reserve crosses $32 billion
Bangladesh’s foreign exchange (forex) reserve has crossed the US$32 billion-mark for the first time following lower import payment pressure on the economy, officials said. The forex reserve rose to $32. 05 billion on Thursday, setting a new record, from $31.97 billion of the previous working day, according to the central bank latest statistics. The forex reserve was $31.16 billion on August 31 last.
Garment exports to US rise
Bangladesh's garment exports to the US increased slightly in the first nine months of 2016, according to data from the US Department of Commerce. Between the months of January and September, $4.32 billion worth of garment items were shipped to the US, up 0.32 percent year-on-year. However, garment import by the US dropped 6.25 percent year-on-year to $80 billion during the period.
No anti-skimming tools at 2,526 ATMs as Oct deadline ends
Banks continue to flout the Bangladesh Bank directive about installing anti-skimming devices at all of their automated teller machines as 2,526 ATMs still remain without the devices after the extended deadline ended on October 31. BB officials said only four scheduled banks installed the devices at all of their ATMs by the October 31 deadline while 47 banks failed to comply with the directive.
Bangladesh’s stocks return to green after two weeks
Bangladesh’s stocks finished marginally higher last week that ended on Thursday, breaking a two weeks losing spell, as investors began to take position after earnings season. The week witnessed five trading sessions as usual. Of them, first two sessions saw correction, while last three closed higher. DSEX, the benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), went up by 36.64 points or 0.79 percent to close at 4,672.88 points.
51 companies recommend dividends upto 75pc
Some 51 companies last week recommended dividends ranging from 2.0 per cent to 75 per cent in the form of cash or stock or both for different periods ended on June 30, 2016. Out of 51 companies, 34 recommended dividends below 20 per cent, according to information of Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE).
BTRC to hold 4G auction next year
The telecom regulator is planning to hold an auction of 700MHz band spectrum, currently specified for 4G or LTE services, in next year as the guidelines for 4G services will be prepared soon. Officials of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission said the commission last week agreed in principle on the formulation of 4G guidelines.
Tax fair receives huge response on weekends
The ongoing income tax fair drew a huge crowd of taxpayers on the weekends, Friday and Saturday, while NBR collected Tk259,93,03,819 on the fifth day yesterday. In the week-long fair, people are turning up at the fair venue and standing in long queues to receive services from taxmen, pay tax in bank booths and do other online and e-filing works.
BBN/SSR/AD