Footsteps Bangladesh hosted a Donor’s Dinner on Thursday, February 27, at 138 East, uniting philanthropists, artists, athletes, and changemakers in a night of generosity and purpose. The event was attended by cricketers Tamim Iqbal and Nurul Hasan Shohan, artist Morshed Mishu, comedians Amin Hannan and Akhlaq Siddiq, along with prominent figures from various fields. From inspiring discussions to an exciting auction and live entertainment, the evening successfully raised vital funds to support underprivileged communities, reinforcing Footsteps Bangladesh’s commitment to sustainable change.
The evening began with a compelling presentation by Footsteps’ Trustee and head of Partnerships Fasbeer Eskander, setting the tone for the cause at hand. This was followed by a lively comedy performance by the talented Akhlaq Siddiq, bringing smiles to the attendees before they engaged in more serious discussions.
A highlight of the event was an insightful panel discussion featuring Footsteps Bangladesh’s Founder and President, Shah Rafayat Chowdhury, renowned cricketer Tamim Iqbal, and acclaimed artist Morshed Mishu. The discussion, moderated by Amin Hannan, covered the intersection of sports, arts, and social impact, reinforcing the power of collective action in addressing pressing societal challenges.
The fundraising segment saw an overwhelming show of generosity, with Tamim Iqbal auctioning off his cricket bats, while esteemed artists Morshed Mishu and Azwad Ahmed contributed their masterpieces. The enthusiastic participation of guests made the auction a resounding success, raising significant funds for community development projects led by Footsteps Bangladesh.
The evening continued with a mesmerizing live music performance by Shanila and Sadi Shahnewaz, adding a soulful touch to the night’s celebrations. The event concluded on a heartfelt note as Footsteps Bangladesh honored some of its most dedicated donors, recognizing their unwavering support in driving impactful change.
“This event was not just about raising funds; it was about celebrating a shared vision for a better future. The incredible participation from so many inspiring individuals underscores the importance of collective effort in making a difference,” said Shah Rafayat Chowdhury.
The Donor’s Dinner at 138 East was a testament to Footsteps Bangladesh’s commitment to sustainable change, uniting diverse sectors of society in the fight against social inequality. With the success of this event, Footsteps Bangladesh looks forward to continuing its mission, driven by the generosity and passion of its supporters.
With gold prices on the rise, Gold Kinen app and bKash are making gold purchases more affordable by offering up to BDT 5000 cashback on purchases made via bKash payment. Throughout the month of October, customers can earn 5% cashback on every gold purchase.
All customers will receive instant cashback directly to their bKash account, enhancing both affordability and convenience. This collaboration between Gold Kinen and bKash aims to reduce the financial burden of rising gold prices, making it easier for all customers to save in gold.
In today’s dynamic environment, looking and feeling one’s best is paramount. The modern Bangladeshi man requires a grooming routine that complements his ambitious lifestyle and projects confidence and authority. Introducing Beardo, the premium men’s grooming brand that is set to transform the personal care landscape for Bangladeshi men. Beardo was founded with the discerning man in mind, offering a comprehensive range of products covering beard care, hair care, face care, and fragrances to help the Bangladeshi man look and feel his absolute best.
Representatives from the prestigious UK university, the University of London, are in Dhaka this week to meet with students studying in its programs.
The team will visit two recognized teaching centers (RTCs) that the University works with in Bangladesh. They will be interviewing students and gathering their firsthand experience of what it’s like to study the University of London’s highly regarded degree courses while living in Bangladesh. They will also be finding out how a University of London degree will help students achieve their career goals.
Thanks to the flexibility of the University of London’s courses, students from Bangladesh can choose to study at any of the country’s seven recognised teaching centres which are affiliated with the University of London, or to study independently online. Currently, more than 1,600 students across Bangladesh choose to study a wide range of courses including Bachelor of Laws LLB (Hons) and CertHE in Common Law. A University of London law degree (LLB) certifies that students who have completed the course have achieved globally recognized standards.
The team will meet students at the London College of Legal Studies (South) in Dhaka on 15 February. The college was established in August 2004 to provide high-quality education/tuition for students who are interested in qualifying as Barristers of the English and Welsh Bar.
On Friday 16 February, the team will move on to Bhuiyan Academy, Bangladesh’s oldest recognized teaching center. Bhuiyan Academy offers a range of high-quality courses from LLB to BSc Business Administration in modern facilities.
Many University of London law graduates have advanced to become advocates to the Supreme Court of Bangladesh or hold other prestigious legal roles. These include Advocates of the Dhaka Bar Association, Advocates of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, and Advocates of the District and Session Court, Chittagong.
Last week it was announced that one LCLS (South) alumni, Mohammad Taqi Yasir, who was previously recognized by Forbes 30 under 30 Asia, has won a British Council Study UK Alumni Award. Mohammad, a graduate of the University of London, received the award in the social action category. He is the co-founder of ‘Footsteps’, an organization working on sustainable community-centric initiatives.
“I’m so delighted to receive this award,” said Mohammad. “I do not doubt that studying for a degree with the University of London helped because the award recognizes those who have strengthened the links between Bangladesh and the UK. I chose to study in my own country to help my compatriots and the University of London made that easy for me. I would encourage anyone in Bangladesh thinking of studying to consider distance learning as a way forward.”
Speaking about the visit, University of London Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Mary Stiasny OBE said:
“The University of London has been working with partners in Bangladesh for nearly 40 years and has strong links with RTCs across the country. We know that students in Bangladesh are passionate about the benefits that education can bring and we are looking forward to meeting students who are studying on our courses and hearing their stories. Later this year we will be sharing those stories to inspire people across Bangladesh to consider higher education and consider studying with the University of London.”
LCLS (South) said: “We are thrilled to witness the remarkable achievements of our alumni, Mohammad Taqi Yasir, who has not only excelled in his academic journey but has also been recognized with prestigious awards like the British Council Alumni Award and Forbes 30 under 30 for his social impact. As we continue to foster a dynamic environment for our students, we look forward to inspiring more success stories and contributing to the growth and development of our global community.
“We wish Taqi Yasir all the best for his future endeavors.”
Bhuiyan Academy said: “Bhuiyan Academy is a forward-thinking quality education provider institution that has offered the University of London programmes since 1989.
“With a diverse faculty, many distinguished in their fields, the Academy ensures a supportive environment for students. Student progression is regularly monitored through classes and assessments while mock trials, debates, and seminars are arranged to gain legal experience. With our spectacular setting and network of alumni, we strive for excellence.”
Renowned luxury watch boutique Mohammad & Sons proudly announces a significant rebranding initiative by introducing a new logo and a captivating tagline – “The Time Has Come.”
This strategic move is a testament to the brand’s commitment to evolution, timeless elegance, and a celebration of the ever-changing essence of time, reads a press release.
The new logo is meticulously crafted to embody the essence of time.
Inspired by the classical hourglass, the logo symbolizes the seamless flow of moments, emphasizing the timeless beauty of their meticulously curated timepieces. It represents tradition and innovation, reflecting Mohammad & Sons’ rich heritage in luxury watches while embracing the future with an avant-garde spirit. The elegant and modern design of the hourglass within the logo captures the brand’s dedication to crafting watches that stand the test of time.
The new logo is accompanied by a powerful tagline encapsulating the essence of the brand’s philosophy – “The Time Has Come.” This tagline invites watch enthusiasts to experience more than just a watch; it beckons them to embrace each moment’s luxury and significance. Whether it’s a milestone celebration, a cherished memory, or a daily achievement, Mohammad & Sons will be part of the wearer’s journey. The tagline also signifies a pivotal moment in the brand’s history, emphasizing its continuous pursuit of excellence and innovation in luxury timepieces.
About Mohammad & Sons:
Founded in 2018, Mohammad & Sons has been synonymous with luxury watches, offering an exquisite collection that blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. It has consistently provided a curated selection of timepieces from renowned international brands, earning a reputation for excellence and sophistication.
Miniso Bangladesh has achieved its 2nd consecutive global recognition at the biggest stage of Miniso’s 10th Anniversary Global Conference. Miniso held its prestigious global conference at the InterContinental Exhibition Center in Guangzhou, China. With 100+ countries and 3000+ attendees Miniso celebrated its establishment of the past 10 years. Along with the big International markets such as Mexico, Indonesia, France and UAE, Miniso Bangladesh has also received an award for their outstanding performance for the year 2023.
Miniso has emphasised in this conference on how important social media and online marketing is for today’s generation and how much more prominent it will be for the coming years and have appreciated Miniso Bangladesh’s continuous exciting and effective use of it. Jack Ye, the Chairman of Miniso has said in the conference “The last 10 years have been amazing and for the next 10 years we have more exciting things to come and we are more hungrier than ever. The goal is to make Miniso a Super Brand”. His vision and speech has inspired and excited the Master Franchisees who were present at the event.
Miniso handed over the award to the Miniso Bangladesh team who were in attendance. Amongst the team were the 3 directors of Miniso Bangladesh Shah Adeeb Chowdhury, Shah Rayeed Chowdhury and Chowdhury Asifuzzaman. Upon receiving this prestigious award Mr. Adeeb said “It’s an honour for us to be able to represent our country so proudly. We feel like we are a very strong force at the Miniso global table”. Adding to this Mr. Asifuzzaman said “Miniso is strongest currently in terms of IP collaboration and after what we have seen today I am excited for the Miniso Bangladesh market for the coming years. Starting with Sanrio product launch in mid this year”. Mr. Rayeed also shared his view on the future of Miniso Bangladesh, “We are aligned with Miniso Headquarters vision and we are now planning to open bigger and better stores and give our customer the Miniso experience that is unique and exciting”.
In the world of programming languages, few have the charm and cultural resonance of ‘Mama Lang’, a unique creation born out of the lively streets and tea stands of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Its creator, a native of Dhaka, weaves together the colloquial energy of the city with the technical prowess of modern coding. ‘Mama Lang’ is not just a programming language; it’s a nostalgic journey back to the bustling neighborhoods of Dhaka, echoing the casual yet integral use of the word “Mama” in daily conversations.
At its core, ‘Mama Lang’ is a testament to the universality of programming, ingeniously intertwined with local lingo. It’s built on JavaScript, making it accessible and valuable for beginners, especially those who might later delve into more complex aspects of JavaScript. This strategic choice reflects a deep understanding of global tech trends and a commitment to making programming approachable and fun. The language’s syntax, inspired by everyday Bengali phrases, transforms coding from a daunting task into an engaging and enjoyable experience.
The language’s playful syntax and approachable design open up a new avenue for learning, especially for those who might have felt alienated by the often rigid and intimidating world of coding. It’s a step towards a more inclusive and diverse programming landscape, where language and culture become strengths rather than barriers.
While ‘Mama Lang’ may not be geared towards commercial success, its value lies in its potential as an educational tool and a cultural artifact. It’s a creative approach to demystify coding, especially for young learners in Bangladesh and Bengali-speaking communities worldwide. The language could serve as a stepping stone, inspiring a new generation of programmers who see their culture and language reflected in the world of technology.
In conclusion, ‘Mama Lang’ is more than just a programming language; it’s a celebration of culture, a bridge connecting the streets of Dhaka to the global digital landscape. It’s an invitation to laugh, learn, and embrace coding in a way that feels familiar and exciting. For anyone looking to explore the world of programming, ‘Mama Lang’ offers a welcoming and culturally rich starting point.
Executive Motors Limited, the exclusive and authorized dealer of BMW vehicles in Bangladesh, is thrilled to announce the launch of the highly anticipated first-ever brand-new BMW i7 eDrive50. This groundbreaking electric vehicle (EV) marks a new era of sustainable and luxurious mobility in Bangladesh. The first-ever BMW i7 eDrive50 is the latest addition to BMW’s innovative BMW “i” lineup, offering cutting-edge technology and world-class craftsmanship. With the car’s debut in Bangladesh, Executive Motors Limited continues to lead the way in delivering the future of automotive excellence to discerning customers.
The first-ever BMW i7 eDrive50 is notable for its calm ride and lightning-fast acceleration (5.5 seconds from zero to one hundred kilometers per hour). The amazing 611 km electric vehicle range is made possible by the latest generation of BMW eDrive technology. Innovations in chassis technology, including air suspension and Integral Active Steering, improve the car’s agility and strike a better balance between driving dynamics and comfort. Inside, you’ll find a plush and roomy cabin outfitted with high-end materials and the latest in-vehicle technology like the BMW Curved Display and the Operating System 8. BMW’s Iconic Sounds Electric provides an innovative form of audiovisual pleasure. The electric motors are environmentally benign because they don’t use any rare earth metals vital to their operation. Customers in Bangladesh have access to 16 different destination charging points, and installation of the wall box chargers is free.
Mr. Ashique Un Nabi, Director – Operations, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are proud to introduce the BMW i7 eDrive50 to Bangladesh, as it represents a bold step towards sustainable and luxurious mobility in the region. With the BMW i7, we are reaffirming our commitment to providing the people of Bangladesh with the very best in automotive innovation, performance, and sustainability.”
For more information about the first-ever brand new BMW i7 eDrive50 launch and the event, please contact:
Executive Motors Limited
Ground Floor, 222 Bir Uttam Mir Shawkat Sarak, Dhaka 1208
Bengali-American filmmaker and emerging actor, Sheikh Niloy, has captivated audiences with his sitcom, “Narcissists of New York City” (NNYC). The 12-episode series, originally on Amazon Prime, now streams on Vimeo, boasting a stellar 9.1 rating on IMDB.
Created, produced, and starring Sheikh Niloy, the show tackles generational narcissism through a comedic lens, following four self-absorbed roommates chasing fame to validate their self-worth.
In an exclusive interview, Sheikh expressed his aspiration to pave the way for Bengali talent in Hollywood while breaking stereotypes against careers in the Arts. He highlighted the show’s intention to shed light on generational insecurities, transitioning into a quest for self-realization in its upcoming second season.
Despite challenges and limited resources during filming, Sheikh credits the project’s success to the dedication and talent of the cast and crew, emphasizing the support received from friends and family.
With its recent shift to Vimeo in 2K quality for global audiences, the series promises a blend of entertainment, education, and a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes camaraderie. Sheikh remains committed to propelling both his career and the representation of South-Asian talent in the entertainment industry through this groundbreaking series.
Bazar365, the trusted online grocery store with a strong commitment to sustainability, has been recognized with the prestigious “Most Sustainable Brand” award at the Marvel of Tomorrow Season 3 awards. The event, organized by The Marvel – Be You, was a grand celebration of influencers and their exceptional work in 29 different categories. Bazar365’s focus on sustainability, along with its role as a sustainable partner for the event, underscores its commitment to fighting the global plastic pollution problem.
The award ceremony took place on November 3, 2023, at the beautiful Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden. It was a significant moment in acknowledging leaders in various industries. Bazar365’s dedication to sustainability stood out as it was crowned the “Most Sustainable Brand.”
What’s even more inspiring is that Bazar365 collected about 10 kilograms of waste from the event, showing a practical approach to dealing with the plastic pollution challenge. The company, with its focus on making a real impact, is setting a powerful example for sustainable practices in the world of e-commerce.
Alec Mithun, the CEO of Bazar365, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the recognition. He said, “We are incredibly honored to receive the ‘Most Sustainable Brand’ award. This is a clear validation of our mission to confront plastic pollution. We’re not just another online store; we are here to bring positive changes. Our goal is to raise awareness and inspire sustainable habits, one step at a time.”
Bazar365’s commitment to sustainability goes far beyond just receiving awards. The company aims to partner with more events, spreading the word about plastic pollution and fostering sustainable habits. It’s a mission that not only inspires but also serves as a beacon of hope for a cleaner, greener future.
Tiger New Energy has successfully closed a ground breaking US$2.5 million USD seed funding round, a notable achievement for green mobility in Bangladesh. This round is led by Wavemaker Partners, a leading Southeast Asian venture capital firm with a strong track record of backing sustainable and innovative startups, and is followed by several reputable international and local investors.
At a time when luxury brands worldwide are just starting to embrace the electric vehicle revolution, Bangladesh has been leading with an innovative approach. Every day, 2.5 million electric vehicles traverse the nation’s streets. But these aren’t the typical sedans. They are three-wheeled electric vehicles, becoming a symbol of urban transportation in Bangladesh. This remarkable transformation has taken place without extensive government subsidies, demonstrating the power of innovation and commitment.
However, there are still challenges to overcome. Issues like range anxiety and the transition to more efficient lithium batteries have been a barrier for many. Recognizing this, two Harvard alumni, Nicole Mao and Yiwei Zhu, set forth a vision with Tiger New Energy. Their ground breaking battery-swapping technology is not just a solution to these challenges but a revolution for Bangladesh’s mobility landscape.
By enabling drivers to quickly swap out depleted batteries for fully charged ones, they eliminate the prevalent range anxiety, allowing drivers to save both time and money. Moreover, with a commitment to sustainability, Tiger New Energy uses renewable energy sources for its battery swaps, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7.
This recent seed funding round, led by Wavemaker Partners SG, is a testament to the belief in Tiger New Energy’s mission and will fuel their expansion across Bangladesh. The fresh infusion of capital will drive their battery swapping station network, propelling the nation further into sustainable transportation.
Nicole Mao, CEO of Tiger New Energy, emphasized the company’s mission, “Our dedication goes beyond technology. It’s about shaping a sustainable future for Bangladesh and showcasing the potential of emerging markets.”
The Wider Collective, in partnership with The Marvel – Be You, has accomplished a monumental feat by introducing Bangladesh’s first-ever AI-generated influencer, Marvella. This reveal occurred during the prestigious Influencer Awards ‘Marvel of Tomorrow: Season 3,’ hosted by The Marvel – Be You.
The AI-Influencer named Marvella is a 22-year-old graphic designer who embodies the Gen Z spirit. She has a deep passion for traveling and art. Marvella possesses the ability to curate content that resonates seamlessly with the diverse interests and preferences of the mass population.
Marvella was developed by The Wider Collective, a creative software agency specializing in experimental technology. They harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to create a digital persona that embodies the essence of contemporary influencer culture.
The event marks a significant turning point in the creative industry and technology landscape of Bangladesh, shining a spotlight on the potential of AI in the influencer marketing sector. Marvella’s introduction was met with excited applause from the audience, signaling a new era in digital influencing.
Ehfaz Rezwan, and Mehraab Anwar, the founders of The Wider Collective, shared their excitement about the project.
Ehfaz said “We’re very excited to be at the forefront of technological innovation in Bangladesh, with the unveiling of Marvella being just the tip of the iceberg. Here at The Wider Collective, our mission revolves around using the most cutting-edge technology to create products and services that push the limits of human imagination. We cannot wait to see how creative industries around the world make use of the innovations we bring forth.”
Mehraab shared his thoughts “Artificial Intelligence is poised to spearhead a global transformation across all industries, catalyzing innovation, enhancing efficiency, and personalizing experience. We aim to propel Bangladesh to the forefront by advocating for the widespread adoption of these cutting-edge technologies, enabling the nation to compete on a global stage.”
In addition to the founders Ehfaz Rezwan and Mehraab Anwar, a dedicated team of talented individuals at The Wider Collective worked tirelessly to bring Marvella to life. This collaborative effort included the expertise of Nirvana Islam, Ali Hasib, Akhlaq Siddiqi, and Pew Hossain, who played integral roles in the development of Bangladesh’s first AI influencer. Their combined skills, creativity, and commitment were essential in achieving this groundbreaking innovation.
The Marvel – Be You, distinguished for its expertise in influencer management, played a pivotal role in bringing Marvella to life.
Marvella redefines the influencer role across branding, social engagement, and content creation. The global virtual influencer market is rapidly expanding, transcending time and location constraints. It spans various categories, from fashion and advertising to music and brand launches. Notable influencers include Lil Miquela, with 2.7 million Instagram followers and a #47 Billboard ranking. Figures like Shudu, the first virtual supermodel, and Imma, Japan’s inaugural virtual model, have substantial impacts in this field.
The iPhone 15 series, the latest flagship product from Apple Inc, has been introduced in Bangladesh by Executive Machines Limited (EML).
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 26th, 2023, Abdul Matin, the Director of EML (Executive Machines Limited), confirmed the launch of their latest products. EML is recognized as an Apple Authorised Reseller and Apple Authorised Service Provider in Bangladesh and has been releasing new Apple gadgets to the market since 2008.
The iPhone 15 series may be purchased at an initial cost of BDT 4,444 on an Equated Monthly Installment (EMI) basis, facilitated by many banks’ credit card options. Apple’s policy guarantees that every consumer is provided with a one-year warranty for official component replacement.
The iPhone 15 series has seen remarkable advancements in its features compared to previous iterations. The iPhone 15 Pro is noteworthy for its pioneering features, particularly its aerospace-grade titanium design. This design is made using the same material that is utilized in spacecraft missions to Mars. This development is considered to be pioneering. The A17 Pro chip signifies a significant advancement, introducing a novel classification of CPUs for iPhones. The introduction of this chip represents a significant advancement in graphics capabilities, particularly in the domain of gaming, since it incorporates a Pro-class GPU that establishes new benchmarks for performance.
In addition, the newly introduced Action button provides a convenient shortcut to access preferred functions. After customizing the settings according to your preferences, press and hold the designated button to initiate the desired action promptly.
In a statement released on Thursday, October 26th, 2023, Abdul Matin, the Director of EML (Executive Machines Limited), confirmed the launch of their latest products. EML is recognized as an Apple Authorised Reseller and Apple Authorised Service Provider in Bangladesh and has presented new Apple gadgets to the market since 2008.
From October 26, 2023, the iPhone 15 series will be available in the Executive Machines Limited showroom. Executive Machines Limited have their showroom in Gulshan-2, Bashundhara City, and IDB Bhaban. For more detailed information, please call: +8801977727753, +8801979727753, +8801973827753, +8801978827753, and +8801729227753.
A recent social experiment on Instagram by the user “Experiment King” looked at how stores would respond if a man dressed as a hobo tried to buy an iPhone 15 with a bag full of coins. At first, many shops in Jodhpur wouldn’t let him in because of how he looked, and others wouldn’t take cash as payment. But in the end, one shop agreed to the unusual way of paying.
In a video that went viral, the “beggar” threw all of his coins on the ground and gave them to the seller and staff. The store workers counted the coins, and the man left with an iPhone 15 Pro Max. He even took a picture with the owner, who looked surprised. The video received over 34 million views and received varied reviews from viewers.
Last year, I wanted open a bank account at a well-established and popular bank in Bangladesh due their app services. Particularly their ability to seamlessly transfer funds between various Mobile Financial Services (MFS) providers and the option to open a DPS/Fixed Deposits straight from their app.
However, being in full time employment at a leading multinational company in Dhaka meant I went to work at well before 9 AM and got out well after 6 PM even on a good day. So, I tried to download their dedicated account opening app from the Google Playstore to open an account from home as it was impossible to go to any of the bank’s branches to submit my account opening form and other supporting documents. Unfortunately, despite trying for over 2 weeks, the app kept crashing and I could not open their conventional current account without visiting their branch 2 months later after I left my full-time employment and while I was waiting for my visa to pursue higher education abroad.
This is not a one-off problem as many around me has complained of the same issue I had particularly faced. This is where Bangladesh’s MFS providers have excelled giving us the ability to open accounts with our NID from the comforts of our home.
A digital bank is essentially a bank which usually exists as the name suggests: in the digital sphere only. They do not have any branches or the tangible features and structures a traditional bank usually has. Everything from account opening to transferring funds, opening deposit schemes are done digitally with the quick tap on your smartphone or PC.
Given how the demand for consumer banking has been growing rapidly in the past decade, this has resulted in long waiting lines when a customer goes to take banking services from most bank’s branches. This not only wastes the customer’s time, but also puts a huge amount of extra workload on bankers in general who are paid a fixed income.
The potential for digital banks to flourish in a rapidly growing economy like that of Bangladesh is automatically high. New applicants for digital banks can only look at how MFS has changed the consumer financial landscape in Bangladesh in the last decade alone to seek inspiration and replicate it.
What can digital banks give to the public in general? Well, for starters, digital banks will save time by allowing customers to open bank accounts from anywhere as generally all necessary details and supporting documents are uploaded to the digital bank’s servers straight from a consumer’s smartphone or PC. Upon receipt of an application, a digital bank’s compliance team can work remotely to verify the identities of the applicants and approve the account opening. Additionally, many renowned digital banks in the Western world usually delegate the verification process to third parties or automate them through the usage of AI and other software tools. It is bad enough the amount of time we waste in traffic each day, it is equally frustrating to finally reach a bank’s branch then wait in the queue for almost an hour for a service which usually takes minutes at many renowned banks in Dhaka.
Secondly, as per a recent report by The Business Standard earlier this year, only 53% of adults in Bangladesh had accounts in financial institutions or MFS platforms in 2021. This leaves nearly half of a country whose population is nearing 170 million “unbanked”. Digital Banks can help solve this problem by making financial services more accessible. Imagine an individual who has access to the internet but lives in a remote area which is quite far from major towns and cities, for them to open a traditional bank account, they would have to travel for hours to get to a location within banking hours just to open a bank account.
Digital Banks can solve this problem as this individual can now just open a fully functioning bank account without travelling for hours with multiple printed copies of documents. Making banking services and financial services more accessible will not only help individuals, but also boost a nation’s economic growth.
Thirdly, the success of MFS providers like Bkash has been recognized globally and there has been extensive case studies of the social impacts it brought on for the people and the economy in general. This paved the way for extensive research and development in the MFS sector in Bangladesh as well as other MFS providers trying to compete with Bkash.
In a recent Bangladesh Bank circular, the paid-up capital required to start a bank in Bangladesh was raised from BDT 4.0 billion to BDT 5.0 Billion. However, to open a digital bank, the paid-up capital required is 1.25 billion- one fourth of that of a traditional bank.
This lower entry fees to the market can be beneficial to traditional banks eyeing a slice at the pie of the digital bank market. However, a word of caution here, just because there is a lower financial entry barrier for starting a digital bank does not mean it will be cheap to set up.
This is in part due to the fact digital banks will require extensive capital to be invested into the research and development of the digital banking services. It is no good to open a digital bank company if their app does not even work as intended (speaking from personal experiences).
As per news outlets, existing banks and MFS providers have expressed interest and applied to start their own digital banks. This is good news to instil trust and confidence in consumers to be encouraged to avail their services. Although, just like most online offerings in the Bangladesh market, it would be a good idea to give time for these services to develop and for these new digital banks and their consumers to reap the benefits of digital banks in the long term.
A good example of successful digital banking services to take inspiration from are UK registered banks such as Monzo, Starling Bank, Ally bank and the popular e-money platform Revolut.
Shafqat Aziz is a LLM candidate at Nottingham Trent University and his current research areas of interest include Fintech regulation, Financial Crime compliance of Blockchain and Cryptoasset Compliance. He can be reached at aziz.shafqat.95@gmail.com
The third season of Influencers Fest & Award, Let’s Vibe with Marvel of Tomorrow – the flagship event of The Marvel – Be You, will premiere this 3rd November 2023 at Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden. The theme of this year’s event will be “Go Global, Go AI” where impactful social media celebrities, influencers, and content creators will be recognized for their artistic and impactful achievements.
The selection in terms of finding the nominees of each category has gone through intensive research in quantitative data as well as qualitative analysis. Kantar Bangladesh, a consultation based on data and evidence, provides insights and actionable recommendations, and collaborated with The Marvel – Be You to conduct quantitative research to find out the shortlisted candidates. The honorable jury panel consisting of industry experts, provided their valuable analysis in order to get the top 3 nominees in each category from the shortlisted candidates.
The Marvel – Be You is introducing 28 categories of awards strictly based on data and jury analysis this year. The categories for awards include entertainment content creators, food vloggers, fashion vloggers, fashion designers, makeup artists, cooks, travel vlogs, tech reviewers, video game streamers, writers, photographers, artist, community engagement, social welfare, and many more.
The 29th category will be Popular Choice where all the nominees and winners of 28 categories will get votes from the general audience and the one who will get the highest votes will be titled as Popular Influencer of the year.
Breity Sabrin Khan, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer of The Marvel – Be You said, “This time we are looking forward to presenting a season with loads of exciting surprises lined up which has never been seen before in Bangladesh. With the ‘Go Global, Go AI’ theme we are proudly introducing multiple global engagements as well as innovations in futuristic artificial intelligence.”
ANM Ziaul Islam Mithu, Managing Director of Kantar Bangladesh said, “From the very first season of Marvel of Tomorrow, Kantar Bangladesh has developed a unique formula through which content creators of Bangladesh in different categories are being ranked justly for shortlisting and then in forward the juries ensure that the top three nominees for each category are being selected amongst the shortlisted candidates based on the quality of their contents.”
This year’s Marvel of Tomorrow is presented by Let’s Vibe and driven by Chery. The Experience Partners are Polar Ice Cream, Pickaboo and Service Partners are Axpert Productions, Bazar365, CThreeSixty Bangladesh, Cablgram, Dream Weaver, GoodyBro, Kantar Bangladesh, Lavish Boutique Salon, Nagorik TV, Safiya Sathi, The Front Page- confirmed till date.
For more information contact- Sheikh Nafi, +8801740260388
Executive Motors Limited, the esteemed representative of the BMW brand in Bangladesh for over two decades, is thrilled to announce a momentous milestone in the automotive industry with the introduction of the BMW iX3 M Sport, the first-ever Electric Vehicle (EV) from BMW in Bangladesh.
The BMW iX3 M Sport represents a paradigm shift in the realm of sustainable mobility, combining BMW’s iconic design language and innovative technologies to deliver an exhilarating, emission-free driving experience. With this revolutionary model, Executive Motors Limited reinforces its commitment to environmental stewardship and brings cutting-edge electric mobility to discerning customers in Bangladesh.
Key Features of the BMW iX3 M Sport:
Electrifying Performance: The BMW iX3 M Sport boasts BMW’s advanced electric powertrain, delivering breathtaking performance with instant torque and seamless acceleration. The electric motor is complemented by the M Sport package, adding a touch of sportiness to this environmentally-conscious vehicle.
Elegant Design: As expected from BMW, the iX3 M Sport exhibits an elegant and dynamic design, emphasizing aerodynamic efficiency and distinct M Sport styling cues. Its athletic stance and premium detailing set new standards in the luxury EV segment.
Long-Range Capability: Equipped with a high-capacity battery, the iX3 M Sport offers an impressive electric range, enabling drivers to embark on extended journeys without compromise.
Intuitive Technology: The BMW iX3 M Sport is equipped with the latest innovations in automotive technology, including a user-friendly infotainment system, advanced driver-assistance features, and seamless connectivity options.
Sustainable Materials: Sustainability remains at the core of BMW’s vision, and the iX3 M Sport reflects this commitment with its use of eco-friendly materials throughout the vehicle’s interior and production process.
Mr. Ashique Un Nabi, Director – Operation of Executive Motors Limited, expressed his excitement, stating, “We are immensely proud to introduce the BMW iX3 M Sport, the first-ever BMW Electric Vehicle in Bangladesh. This marks a pivotal moment for both the BMW brand and our valued customers here. With our longstanding history of representing BMW in Bangladesh, Executive Motors Limited is dedicated to pioneering sustainable automotive solutions, and the iX3 M Sport perfectly embodies this dedication.”
He further added, “The entire world is experiencing an electric vehicle revolution, which will eventually supplant automobiles that run on fossil fuels. In keeping with that, Executive Motors Limited began the iX3’s journey within the entire country. The vehicle maintains BMW’s performance, technology, and tradition while promoting for a cleaner and better environment in our nation. Additionally, Executive Motors Limited will install BMW standard charging stations at 16 locations across the nation for the convenience of customers, which will mark an important milestone for the nation’s journey of electric vehicles.”
Executive Motors Limited unveiled the BMW iX3 M Sport at their prestigious showroom in Tejgaon, where customers can explore the exceptional features and reserve their own electric masterpiece.
About Executive Motors Limited: Established in 2003, Executive Motors Limited has been the exclusive authorized importer and distributor of BMW vehicles in Bangladesh. Over the years, they have earned a distinguished reputation for delivering exceptional customer experiences and providing top-notch sales and after-sales services. The introduction of the BMW iX3 M Sport further solidifies its dedication to innovation and sustainability in the automotive sector.
The underground scene is a place of emotion for most of the bands hailing from this country. Making music here was never an easy trip for any of the bands that are currently doing well.
Powered by Bangladesh Metal Alliance, Trident Of Chaos, Coup de Grâce, and Cloven Hoof BD, Back To The Underground brings back these fantastic bands that formerly ruled the underground music scene.
This will be a celebration of Bangladesh’s underground heavy metal and rock music scene and the bands that sprang from it and are today driving the nation’s music industry.
Listeners will be able to observe the raw vitality they used to exude when they were younger.
This is the debut installment of this concert series, which will only focus on producing an immersive, participatory audience experience for concertgoers. Alongside, there are bands who are currently doing great in the underground scene as well.
Cryptic Fate, Mechanix, Thrash, Naive, Conclusion, and Torture Goregrinder are among the acts on the bill. Not only that, The Joint Family, after a long hiatus, are back to rock the stage and reconnect with their devoted fanbase.
And in addition to a daylong music performance, the festival will have a variety of small companies that correspond to the festival concept, notably product and lifestyle stalls. Back To The Underground will be held on August 26th (Saturday) at the National Library Auditorium. The tickets are live and available to purchase from Get Set Rock.
In the bustling culinary landscape of Dhaka, a distinctive aroma has been captivating the taste buds of pizza enthusiasts since February 2020. This aromatic journey began with the inception of Oven, a trailblazing pizza brand that introduced the concept of square pizzas, to the city’s food scene. What started as a humble cloud kitchen venture soon transformed into a gastronomic sensation, overcoming unprecedented challenges along the way.
The nascent days of Oven were marked by promise and innovation. Embracing the unique concept of square pizzas, the brand sought to redefine traditional pizza consumption. However, fate had an unexpected twist in store. Just as Oven was beginning to establish its foothold, the global Covid-19 pandemic swept across the world, casting a shadow of uncertainty over countless businesses, including the food industry.
Amidst the uncertainty, Oven demonstrated remarkable resilience. When circumstances dictated the temporary closure of its operations, the brand swiftly adapted its strategy. Rising to the occasion, Oven resumed serving its loyal customers in the Mohammadpur and Dhanmondi areas from 4 pm to 4 am, a testament to its commitment to satisfying cravings even in the most challenging times.
The crisis inadvertently gave birth to an unforeseen demand. Oven’s square pizzas had gained a loyal following, transcending geographical boundaries. Customers from diverse areas clamored for a taste of the innovative culinary delight that had earned Oven its reputation. The irresistible aroma of Oven’s square pizzas had become synonymous with comfort and indulgence, fostering a community that transcended physical limitations.
In November 2020, Oven embarked on a new chapter. Establishing a pick-up point and kitchen in the affluent neighborhood of Banani, the brand expanded its reach and solidified its presence. This strategic move not only catered to the growing demand but also laid the foundation for future growth.
Fast forward to January 2023, and Oven stands as a testament to perseverance and evolution. With unwavering determination, the brand has ventured into uncharted territory by introducing a small dine-in section at its Banani location. The carefully curated menu now extends beyond its signature square pizzas to include a tantalizing array of culinary delights. From mouthwatering hotdogs and delectable pasta dishes to exquisite seafood creations, Oven has successfully broadened its culinary horizons.
A true showstopper on the menu is the signature dessert, the chocolate lava, a fitting finale to a culinary journey that began with innovative square pizzas. This dessert encapsulates the essence of Oven’s evolution – a fusion of creativity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to providing a sensory experience that transcends the ordinary.
The story of Oven is one of triumph over adversity, a tale that resonates with food enthusiasts and entrepreneurs alike. From its modest beginnings in a cloud kitchen in Mohammadpur to the bustling outlet on Banani Road 6, Oven has carved a niche for itself as a pioneer of square pizzas and a symbol of culinary ingenuity. As we savor each slice of Oven’s delectable offerings, we are reminded that innovation knows no bounds, and the pursuit of passion can transform challenges into opportunities that enrich our lives and palates.
Bangladesh Startup Summit 2023 was truly a remarkable event in terms of the value it delivered by shedding light on the present-day industries in Bangladesh. Considering the fact that Bangladesh wants to produce 5 unicorns by 2025, e-commerce is set to play a critical role in causing the fruition of such an ambition.
Furthermore, as we transition from a Digital Economy to a Smart Economy by 2041, e-commerce would allow us to tackle one of the key challenges of Bangladesh, which is infrastructure. If utilized effectively, e-commerce holds the potential to transform our existing infrastructure into a more sophisticated and efficient system in our drive to meet SDGs 8, 9, 11, 12 and 13. As per our plan of being a Smart Economy it is imperative to ensure that e-commerce is facilitated to become a significant contributor of GDP and economic growth.
The current market size of the e-commerce industry in Bangladesh is $1.3bn, processes approximately 300,000 orders a day and has investment worth only a mere $2bn per capita which is very insignificant when compared to similar and neighboring nations. It is crucial to realize that our penetration has not increased as well with the most phenomenal burst happening during the time of covid-19.
However, if we focus on the brighter side, e-commerce in Bangladesh exists as being very diverse and inclusive of categories. E-commerce would be a crucial fragment for the Smart Economy. There are multiple dimensions of offerings ranging from travel, food, consumer products and much more. The diversity which exists ensures the sustenance of customers from multiple walks of life as we strive to build a sustainable future to craft value for communities and the nation in general.
In addition, the 4 major components of e-commerce operations in Bangladesh are constantly working in full swing. These 4 components are independent brand platforms, f-commerce, ride sharing and other social media platforms. All of these mediums are responsible for generating vast order quantities, necessitating swift deliveries and are accountable for the satisfaction of large numbers of customers on a day-to-day basis.
While we are transitioning towards being a Smart Economy, there are certain trends in e-commerce which are already in favor. One of these trends is the rise of using MFS in the processing of payments, away from the usage of cards. An impactful objective within Vision 2041 is ensuring total financial inclusion and the creation of a cashless society. The rising number of payments through e-commerce is an example of how we are propelling towards our vision.
Yet, if we truly wish to initiate the next wave of e-commerce in Bangladesh, we need to ensure certain measures and reforms are taken when it comes to devising policies- to transform the ideal pillars to leverage the next wave of e-commerce.
Digital Literacy: In order to ensure the transition towards a Smart Economy and ensure widespread inclusion in e-commerce, there needs to the instillation of digital literacy amongst everyone. After all, a Smart Economy would call for everyone to have a holistic knowledge of how the digital realm functions.
Include digital education in schools: The next generation of smart citizens needs to be built from now. However, the focus here is to ensure that digital literacy is not a luxury anymore and instead is transformed into a basic lesson. The incorporation of using AI effectively would also act as a booster. That would ensure that diverse communities – be it rural or urban – are able to navigate through digital platforms, tools and mediums. Essentially, this knowledge would allow them to become native users of e-commerce irrespective of their backgrounds.
Prevent frauds and scams: Policies and measures need to be formed in ways which allow the monitoring of risk and fraud to protect the interest of consumers at all times. This would mean protection from illogical offers and pyramid schemes. On the other hand, customer-side risks and fraud need to be mitigated as well.
Devise progressive data policies: Data in Bangladesh tends to be expensive. To ensure the successful operation of e-commerce and inclusion, data needs to become more affordable and accessible. Because only that is when we would be able to propel towards a smart future and ensure that the dream of a trillion-dollar economy is ensured from all ends.
If we are truly able to ensure the instrumental development of e-commerce in Bangladesh, we would be able to ensure that we truly boost our growth in GDP with further products and services through e-commerce; consequently, cause the creation of jobs and deurbanize to gradually decrease economic externalities from our density clutter since goods and services would be widely available, deliverable and sustainable.
Executive Motors Limited, the authorized dealer of BMW vehicles in Bangladesh and a concern of Meghna Executive Holdings, is thrilled to announce the launch of the highly anticipated all-new BMW X1 at the prestigious BMW showroom on July 8, 2023, in Tejgaon, Bangladesh, attracting numerous stakeholders and automotive enthusiasts.
“We are delighted to introduce the all-new BMW X1 to the Bangladeshi market,” said Mr. Ashique Un Nabi, Director Operations of Executive Motors Limited. “This SAV embodies the perfect blend of bigger dimensions and interior space, style, performance, and cutting-edge technology, offering our customers an unrivaled driving experience. We are confident that the all-new BMW X1 will exceed expectations and set new standards in the luxury SAV segment.”
The third-generation BMW X1 boasts larger dimensions, offering a spacious and luxurious driving experience. With its striking design elements, the vehicle captures attention from every angle. The front fascia features a commanding presence, highlighted by the signature BMW kidney grille and slim Adaptive LED Headlights with High Beam Assistant that ensure optimal visibility in all driving conditions. The 18-inch light-alloy wheels, long roofline, flat roof rails, 3D LED taillights, and square wheel arch contours add to the SAV’s sporty and sophisticated appeal.
The Ambient Lighting, Digital Key Plus with Comfort Access, Luxury Instrument Panel, Parking and Reversing Assistant, Automatic 2-Zone Climate Control, Active Sports Seats, Wireless Charging, Panorama Glass Roof, and a 12-speaker audio system deliver a truly luxurious and comfortable journey.
Setting new standards in technology and innovation, the all-new BMW X1 is equipped with an array of high-end features. The BMW Live Cockpit Plus with Intelligent Voice Command provides an intuitive and connected driving experience, while the latest BMW Curved Display with Operating System 8 has variable, configurable widgets that display information in real time.
The all-new BMW X1 is powered by a compact 1.5-litre engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology in front-wheel drive. The engine is paired to a 7-speed Steptronic double-clutch transmission, delivering 136 hp and 230 Nm of torque. The SAV accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 208 km/h.
According to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) latest Global Gender Gap Report 2023, Bangladesh ranks first among South Asian countries in terms of gender parity.
Bangladesh ranks 59th in the world with a score of 72.2%, demonstrating strong progress toward gender parity. Women across the country witnessed an increase in overall gender parity this year, as evidenced by a higher score and index ranking compared to 2022. Bangladesh will be ranked 71st in the world in 2022, with a gender parity score of 71.4%.
The Global Gender Gap Index assesses the current condition and evolution of gender parity in four major areas: economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment.
The parity score (the level of advancement toward gender parity) for each indicator is computed as the ratio of the value of each indicator for women to the value for men. A parity score of one shows complete parity.
Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged on Saturday to quell what he called an armed rebellion after rogue mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin announced he had taken control of a southern city in an attempt to destabilize the military leadership.
The rapid change, with many specifics unclear, appeared to be the most serious internal issue Putin has faced since ordering a full-scale invasion of Ukraine – dubbed a “special military operation” – in February last year.
Putin claimed in a televised address that “excessive ambitions and vested interests have led to treason,” adding that the mutiny was a “stab in the back.” “It is a setback for Russia and our people.” And our responses to such a threat to the Fatherland will be stern.”
“All those who deliberately chose the path of betrayal, who planned an armed insurgency, who used blackmail and terrorist methods will face unavoidable punishment, and will answer both to the law and to our people,” Putin stated.
It will go down as one of the deadliest migrant disasters in recent Mediterranean history, second only to the April 2015 collision of a smuggling vessel and a cargo off the Libyan coast, which killed over 1,000 people.
On June 14, two hours after midnight, an overloaded fishing boat capsized in international waters near Greece. More than 500 people are thought to have died with the ship, including women and up to 100 children who had been imprisoned in its hold. Only 104 people were rescued from the sea that morning, with no women or children among them, and 81 bodies have been retrieved thus far.
The cause of the boat’s capsize is unknown; some survivors claim the smuggling boat was being pulled by the Greek coast guard when it capsized.
However, Greek officials claim that the ship was never towed by a Greek vessel, and that the migrants, who were aiming to land in Italy, had turned down repeated offers of aid.
After slashing her husband to death over being beaten by him for dowry, a lady surrendered to police.
The incident occurred early Thursday on Rayerbagh Sadiq Khan Road in the Mohammadpur police station region of the capital.
According to National Emergency Service 999 Police Inspector (Public Relations) Anwar Sattar, Banu Begum, 31, dialed 999 and reported the incidence of hacking her husband Md Shahin Mia, 40. He stated that the woman contacted and said she had killed her husband with a sharp object and wanted to turn herself in to police.
The police inspector further stated that Banu Begum, who was arrested during the initial interrogation, stated that she is the dead Shamim Mia’s second wife. They were having marital problems. Her husband frequently abused her for dowry. She eventually killed herself because she was fed up with her husband.
Neymar has apologized publicly for cheating on his partner, Bruna Biancardi. He has previously spoken to her and declared that he cannot picture his life without her.
Neymar and Bruna are expecting their first child this year, as they announced earlier this summer. According to the Brazilian footballer, the couple has been together for a few months and had a ‘wavering’ start to their relationship.
Neymar has now publicly apologized on Instagram after the texts were released there.
Fernanda Campos has accused Neymar of cheating on his partner. She claims that the two have been communicating since the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, but she had no idea he was dating.
After Elon Musk recently stated that he would be “up for a cage fight” with Zuckerberg, the Meta CEO responded by screenshotting Musk’s tweet and captioning it “send me location.”
I’ve established that Zuckerberg’s Instagram post was not a prank, which means the ball is now in Musk’s court. “The story speaks for itself,” Iska Saric, a Meta representative, told me. Musk replied with two words: Vegas Octagon.
Musk versus Zuckerberg would be the epitome of tech billionaire CEOs literally battling. Musk, 51, has the physical advantage over Zuckerberg, and he has spoken about becoming involved in “real hard-core street fights” while growing up in South Africa. Meanwhile, Zuckerberg, 39, is an aspiring MMA fighter who has already won Jiu-Jitsu competitions. He also claims to have just finished the rigorous “Murph Challenge” workout in under 40 minutes.
Regardless of who wins, I believe we can all agree that a Musk-versus-Zuckerberg fight would be one of the most exciting ever. It has to happen. Musk, don’t back down now.
Wednesday has surpassed Stranger Things season four as Netflix’s most-watched English-language series. Netflix has published its Top 10 list of TV series and movies by total number of hours viewed since 2021.
However, whereas the more hours viewed meant that longer television episodes and films had an advantage, the streaming behemoth has changed how it picks its most popular material.
The length of the show or movie will now be considered, with popular titles being judged based on their views rather than the amount of hours viewed.
As a result, Tim Burton’s Wednesday has surpassed Stranger Things’ fourth season, which clearly profited from its 13-hour run period, raking in 1.838 billion hour views. Wednesday saw 1.718 billion hours of viewing.
The BTS Army has attacked rapper Badshah for reportedly mocking BTS with his controversial lyrics in the song “Issa Vibe” from Shahid Kapoor’s film “Bloody Daddy.”
The song includes lyrics such as “Tujhe Handle Nahi Kar Sakta, Koyi Mere Siva.” Playlist BTS Biba, Bad Bunny.” According to Indian BTS fans, the phrase ‘Biba’ means ‘beautiful woman,’ which enraged the BTS Army, prompting them to publicly criticize him.
“Badshah has nothing against BTS,” one fan said. Another fan commented, “Badshah added BTS in his lyrics to create clout and hype for his illogical songs.”
BTS’s “Take Two” on the other hand, topped the Billboard Global 200 with 60.2 million streams and 64,000 sales worldwide.
In a heartwarming act of bravery, a man named Sebastian Arias became a true hero in La Victoria, Peru, as he fearlessly rescued numerous stray dogs from a devastating fire that engulfed an animal refuge. This incredible rescue mission, caught on dramatic video, has captured the admiration and applause of people worldwide.
As flames roared through the animal refuge, Sebastian Arias, displaying remarkable courage and determination, scaled the building with unwavering focus. With every step, he symbolized hope and compassion, embodying the belief that every life, no matter how small or forgotten, deserves saving.
It is estimated that Sebastian’s swift actions saved the lives of 25 dogs that would have otherwise perished in the devastating inferno.
Executive Motors Limited, the luxury automotive arm of Meghna Executive Holdings has introduced the seventh-generation flagship model of The BMW 7 Series which is synonymous for sheer driving pleasure, lounge-like comfort and digitalization to the next level.
The launch event of the BMW 735i took place at Radisson Blu in Dhaka on Saturday.
The front-end design of the all-new BMW 7 Series is dominated by features that are typical of the brand, but a clear distinction is maintained between the new luxury model and its stalemates in the BMW range. Unique equipment features, such as the multi- sensory vehicle experience BMW iDrive with BMW Curved Display, highlight its status as a symbol of the BMW Group’s innovative strength.
Regarding the latest edition from the BMW 7 series, Executive Motors Limited & Meghna Executive Holdings’ director operations Mr. Ashique Un Nabi said that the luxurious sedan embodies the epitome of automotive excellence and combines state-of-the-art technology with, unmatched comfort, and exhilarating performance.
“We are confident that the all-new BMW 7 Series will redefine the standards of luxury and driving pleasure in the Bangladeshi automotive market,” he added. The upright front end and new interpretation of the twin headlights and BMW kidney grille – both are signature BMW design elements. The standard BMW crystal headlights and the iconic glow of the kidney grille enhance the impressive presence of the front end by creating an aura of premiumness.
The BMW 735i comes as standard with adaptive LED headlights including matrix high beam and the selective Beam non-dazzling high beam assistant. The light functions are divided into two separate areas.
This fully digital screen grouping consists of a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches. The steering wheel and the gear selector on the centre console also have a new design. The BMW Interaction Bar makes its debut here as a new breed of control/operation and design element. This functional unit, which boasts highly effective backlighting, extends across the full width of the instrument panel and well into the door panel trim.
Customers in Bangladesh now have the option power of a petrol engine combined with 48 Volt mild hybrid technologies. The all-new BMW 735i comes with a super smooth in-line six-cylinder engine reputed for the inherent butter smooth operation & developing a power output of 286 hp. The new multi-sensory vehicle experience BMW iDrive included as standard in the all-new BMW 7 series allows drivers to enjoy intuitive, multimodal control of vehicle, navigation, infotainment and communication functions.
Shakib Khan, the king of Dhallywood, has once again wowed fans with a stunning look from his highly anticipated film, “Priyotoma.”
Shakib Khan’s stunning transition into an elderly persona, replete with a wrinkled face and a long, white beard, is showcased in the recently released look. He sits with expectation, his eyes eagerly waiting for his loves, dressed in a white punjabi and trouser.
Shakib Khan posted the intriguing photo on his Facebook account with the remark, “Waiting for you.” The message drew a lot of attention and produced a lot of discussion among his millions of followers.
Shakib Khan has already set social media ablaze with a hot video from “Priyotoma” revealing his youthful look. The overwhelmingly positive reaction to his involvement in the film hints that audiences will be in for a pleasant surprise this Eid.
“Priyotoma,” directed by Himel Ashraf, promises to be an enthralling romantic-action drama. Faruk Hossain, the film’s skilled writer, has created an entertaining and innovative scenario.
A Pakistani man trekked 5400 kilometers from Okara to Makkah to fulfill Hajj.
According to reports, Usman Arshad of Pakistan traveled 5400 kilometers in six months and thirteen days. He arrived in Saudi Arabia after passing through Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain.
Usman Arshad was granted his Hajj visa thanks to the efforts of the Pakistan Hajj delegation. Usman Arshad, according to DG Pakistan Hajj mission Abdul Wahab Soomro, is a role model for the younger generation.
He was entertained in the official housing of hajj pilgrims and was supplied with all of the same amenities as other pilgrims.
Previously, the Ministry of Religious Affairs said that 40,781 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia on 158 aircraft.
Andrew Tate, a controversial influencer, has been accused with rape, human trafficking, and organizing an organized crime ring to sexually exploit women in Romania.
Tristan, his brother, and two associates have all been charged. The charges have been refuted by everybody.
In 2022, the Tate brothers were detained at their Bucharest house for the first time. Following a judgement by a Romanian judge, they were transferred from detention to house arrest on March 31.
According to the accusation filed with the Bucharest court, the four defendants formed an organized criminal cell in 2021 to commit human trafficking not only in Romania, but also in other countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
It cites seven claimed victims, alleging that the Tate brothers lured them in with false promises of love and marriage.
The driver of a battery-powered rickshaw jumped off the bridge into the Padma river after “chasing security personnel” after climbing the Padma bridge in the opposite way at the Mawa end of Munshiganj.
The event happened around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 18. So far, the cops have not been able to help the person.
Alamgir Hossain, who is in charge of the Padma North Police Station, said that the rickshaw came in from the wrong way. When the security staff noticed after a while, they went up to the car driver. When the driver saw them, he sped up and drove the autorickshaw faster. At one point, the rickshaw ran into a broken Corvadvan and crashed to the ground. After that, the driver ran away from the security staff and jumped into Padma from pole number 21.
On the other hand, sources from Padma Bridge South Police Station said that when the auto-rickshaw got on the bridge going the other way, some people rushed to stop it with the bridge’s police car. But the autorickshaw was going fast, and it came close to the 21st bridge post. The driver of the autorickshaw quickly stopped it and climbed the fence to jump into the river.
Sub-Inspector Feroz Al Mamun of the Padma Bridge South Police Station told the reporters, “It was an accident. The naval cops are trying to save the driver of the autorickshaw. No one can figure out why he did such a bad thing late at night.
Sub-Inspector Ruhul Amin of the Shivchar Charjanajat naval police station said in the afternoon, “The Padma river is being searched to find the missing autorickshaw driver. But they haven’t found the driver yet.”
The Tk 2000 minimum tax for eligible citizens to receive government services is set to be discarded in the final cobbling of new fiscal measures, according to sources. Instead, the amount would be adjusted against tax at source during return filing, as citizens already pay taxes at source. The government has decided not to impose Tk 2000 as minimum tax on people not having taxable income by “honoring opinion of cross-sections of people.” Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal proposed the new measure while placing the national budget for fiscal year 2023-24 in parliament on June 1, 2023.
The provision has been incorporated into the Income Tax Bill 2023, placed in parliament on June 8. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Finance submitted amendments to the draft Income Tax Bill 2023 on Thursday to the parliament with recommendation for the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to scrap the provision.
Currently, people with annual incomes up to Tk 0.3 million are exempt from payment of income tax. In the proposed budget, the threshold has been increased to Tk 350,000. A report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Finance has placed a set of recommendations, including exempting bank depositors having up to Tk 1.0 million deposits from mandatory submission of tax returns. Instead, the committee has proposed making return submission mandatory for bank depositors having term or fixed deposits in the bank of the said amount.
The Mahila Anjuman Darbar Sharif Razarbagh has demanded that veiled women be handed National Identity Cards (NIDs) based on fingerprints rather than facial photographs.
This demand was expressed by Mahila Anjuman spokeswoman Sharmin Yasmin during a press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity on Monday (June 19) morning.
In a press conference, it was proposed in the “Identity Registration Act 2023” to make face masks optional for NID, to introduce fingerprint identification and appearance to prevent crime, corruption, and proxy in all places throughout the state, such as offices, courts, factories, educational institutes, or exam halls, and to use a woman’s face if necessary. If any collaboration is necessary, including seeing, six items are required, including arranging for women’s cooperation in different locations.
According to the press conference, now that the Ministry of Home Affairs is in charge of NID, Mahila Anjuman is hopeful that the Ministry of Home Affairs will prioritize the issue of veiled women and provide NID facilities while respecting their religious rights.
Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder announced today that the central bank will create the country’s own debit card by August, allowing holders to make payments both at home and in India.
Currently, travelers must purchase US dollars prior to their trip to India and convert them into rupees once they arrive in the neighboring nation.
As a result, they face a double exchange rate loss, which may be as high as 6%, according to the governor.
Holders of the unique debit cards will be able to make payments in both India and Bangladesh, he said, adding that the cards will be issued by banks and other institutions.
According to a report by the non-governmental organization National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads, and Railways, approximately 3 million people from Dhaka and its neighboring districts will travel home by waterways ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
In a news release released to the media on Sunday, NCPSRR President Haji Mohammad Shahid Mia and General Secretary Ashish Kumar Dey detailed the report.
Around 300,000 Eid visitors would travel through Narayanganj river port. The remaining 2.7 million passengers will be routed through other ports, notably the Sadarghat terminal. So Sadarghat will be under a lot of strain this time as well.
During Eid, over 15 million people depart the greater Dhaka region, which includes Dhaka, Gazipur, and Narayanganj, according to the research. 20% (3 million) of them depart Dhaka via waterways. The coastal districts of Barisal, Pirojpur, Jhalkathi, Barguna, Bhola, Patuakhali, Chandpur, Shariatpur, and Madaripur receive nearly all of them.
The proposed budget for the next fiscal year 2023-24 allocates 1.76 percent of GDP to the education ministry, which is the lowest allocation in the last 15 years. UNESCO advises investing 4 to 6% of GDP to education, which is significantly more than the planned budget.
Economists and educationists feel that Bangladesh will have difficulties in shifting from a less developed country due to inadequate educational funding.
According to data provided at the Center for Policy Dialogue’s post-budget debate, Bangladesh’s average spending on education as a proportion of GDP from 2016 to 2022 was the fifth lowest among 41 least developed countries.
According to economists, this declining trend will make it impossible to meet the Eighth Five Year Plan aim of boosting education allocation to 3% of GDP by 2024-2025.
Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director of CPD said, “among underdeveloped countries, Bangladesh has the lowest budget in the education sector.”
For the coming fiscal year, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, the Department of Secondary and Higher Education, and the Department of Technical and Madrasah Education have each been granted 88 thousand crores.
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