Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) – Highlights of Friday’s newspapers:

The Financial Express:

— The central bank Thursday issued a circular allowing the commercial banks to invest more in the stock market through relaxation of its relevant rules and regulations, officials said.

— A two-day meeting of the General Council of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) will decide next week whether Pakistan, a developing country — not a least developed one — will get duty-free access to the European Union (EU) or not, officials said on Thursday.

— Bangladesh Telecommunication Regularity Commission (BTRC) would issue International Terrestrial Cable (ITC) licence to six companies next week.

The Daily Star:

— Although the Power Development Board (PDB) is successfully reaching its target of zero load shedding by the end of this year, its financial condition has turned precarious due to the delayed release of government subsidy for the costly power and a sharp rise of power generation cost.

— Agitated activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) allegedly hurled shoes and brickbats at Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) chief Oli Ahmed’s car on the Chittagong court premises yesterday.

— Indian Tata Motors yesterday launched its low-floor air-conditioned bus in Bangladesh to attract city bus service providers. India’s largest automobile company said it wants to market 300 AC buses, especially among the bus service providers in Dhaka.

The New Age:

— The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission on Thursday increased bulk power prices by 33.57 per cent on an average for distribution agencies with effect in two phases — in December and February.

— Bangladesh observes International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women today in the backdrop of rising crimes against women in the absence of due enforcement of the law for curbing the crimes.

— Dhaka stocks ended flat in volatile trading on Thursday with the bourse’s turnover falling heavily as jitters returned among many of the retail investors who became sceptical about the impact of the stimulus package unveiled by the government to stabilise the ailing market.

BBN/SSR/AD-25Nov11-1:03 pm (BST)