Good morning. Here's what happened overnight and what you need to know today.
1.
BB feeds four cash-hungry banks with Tk 185 billion: High-powered money makes a big comeback in banking aid with the central bank already feeding four cash-hungry banks with Tk 185 billion under government policy to protect some crisis-ridden lenders. Sources at the Bangladesh Bank say the liquidity support is meant solely for "safeguarding depositors". The recipient banks cannot use the credits for fresh lending or facilitating any borrowers. "The money will only be used for meeting depositor obligations," said one BB official about the tag. (The Financial Express)
2.
Overdue Import Payment Obligations Stand at $500m: Bangladesh Bank has sought clarification on overdue import-payment obligations from 35 scheduled banks as the amount stood at around US$500 million, officials said. The banks have also been instructed to submit the clarification to the central bank by Sunday next, according to a directive issued on Monday. "We'll take the next course of actions after receiving the clarification," a senior official at the BB told the FE on Tuesday, adding that it is a priority move to brighten the country's image abroad. (The Financial Express)
3.
Lower Revenue Collection Narrows Fiscal Space: Revenue collection in the first four months of the current fiscal year declined by 1 percent year-on-year, according to official data, which is likely to complicate the government's plan to revive the economy by accelerating development spending. Lower revenue mobilisation has resulted in a tight fiscal space, which, according to economists, might force the interim government to curtail the development budget instead of increasing public works spending to avert a further economic downturn. (The Daily Star)
4.
Deal with Adani: Govt Directed to Conduct Inquiry, form Committee: The High Court, in the full text of an order, issued three directives over the government's electricity purchase deal with India's Adani Power Limited in 2017. The four-page full text of the order, which was delivered by the HC bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debasish Roy Chowdhury on November 19, was released on Monday. (The Daily Star)
5.
Inefficient Chemical Use in RMG Costs Billions, Pollutes Environment: Inefficient use of chemicals in dyeing fabric in the export-oriented garments and textile industry results in nearly 70% of chemicals being wasted, amounting to billions of dollars, experts and entrepreneurs have said. These wasted chemicals are either treated at Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) at high costs or discharged into rivers and canals, causing significant environmental pollution. (The Business Standard)
6.
BB rejects reappointment of ICB Islamic Bank MD: Bangladesh Bank (BB) has rejected a proposal for the reappointment of ICB Islamic Bank's managing director and directed taking legal measures against him, saying it had found proof of his involvement in mismanagement, money laundering and embezzlement. The chairman of the bank's board of directors had sought the reappointment of Muhammad Shafiq Bin Abdullah, who had been appointed to the post in 2013. (The Daily Star)
----Saju Sarker
BBN/SSR/AD