‘The removal of my films was almost certainly a politico-ideological decision’: Tanvir Mokammel
Filmmaker Tanvir Mokammel says the removal of two of his films from Biman Bangladesh Airlines' in-flight catalogue was almost certainly a politico-ideological decision, and that he was given no notice before it happened.
When we become the people in Manna Dey’s ‘Coffee House’
There is a particular kind of recognition that arrives late. You hear a song for years without it meaning much, and then one afternoon you look up at the people around a table and realise the song has been describing you the whole time.
Turkish Airlines eyes three more Dhaka flights
Turkish Airlines wants to add three weekly flights on the Dhaka-Istanbul route, taking its schedule from seven services a week to ten, under a proposal put to the government at a meeting in the Secretariat.
Tax on microsavings interest worries MFIs
Field offices of the National Board of Revenue have begun collecting 10 percent tax on interest paid on microsavings, along with a 2 percent fine for non-compliance, citing the Income Tax Act 2023. Microfinance institutions say the measure falls on precisely the savers the government says it wants…
Quarterly monetary policy: Is caution enough?
Bangladesh Bank's move to quarterly monetary policy statements, replacing the half-yearly cycle, gives the central bank more frequent opportunities to adjust course. The first statement under the new schedule holds the repo rate at 9.5 percent, a choice that is defensible on the inflation numbers…
BB holds policy rate on inflation risks, weak economy
There will be no further easing this quarter. Bangladesh Bank is holding the repo rate where it has been, at 9.5 percent, through October to December, caught between inflation that is still above where it wants it and an economy that is plainly not strong.
Bangla QR payments to get cheaper, faster for merchants
Taking payments by Bangla QR code becomes cheaper and faster for merchants from Wednesday, under changes announced by Bangladesh Bank that remove several of the costs attached to the system.
After jute, India seeks anti-dumping duty on PET film
India's Directorate General of Trade Remedies has recommended anti-dumping duties on PET film imported from Bangladesh, China and Thailand, in a finding dated September 29. For Bangladesh it is the second such recommendation in a matter of days.
Crackdown on teen gangs to go nationwide
Police have been ordered to widen operations against teen gangs beyond Dhaka and into districts across the country, following a run of violent property seizures in the capital and two killings of teenagers in as many weeks.
Homes await staffers, seniors await care
Eight state-built residential homes for elderly citizens, one in each division, have stood finished and empty since construction wrapped up in June 2024. Each Shanti Nibash was designed to accommodate 200 residents. None has yet admitted anyone.
