Banglalink issues more bonds on high demand
March 11, 2010
Banglalink has sealed deals with subscribers to borrow Tk 707 crore through bonds to expand its network in the near-untapped rural telecom market.
The figure is an increase from its initial bid for Tk 425 crore.
Banglalink, the subsidiary of Egypt-based Orascom Telecom Holdings (OTH) in Bangladesh, revised the figure up, inspired by over-subscription of its bond offer by private placement.
Ultra poor in char areas left out of OMS of rice
March 11, 2010
Several thousand ultra poor people living at different char (newly emerged landmass) areas on Teesta and Dharla river basin are yet to get the benefit of OMS of rice as five dealers are yet to get permission for running OMS centres at the union level in Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila.
OMS of rice started in Lalmonirhat town on February 25, but poor people in the char villages have to purchase one kg of low quality rice for Tk 25 to 26 in the local market, whereas rice sells at Tk 22 a kg at OMS centres.
Thakurgaon hospital cannot cope with child patients
March 9, 2010
Thakurgaon Sadar Hospital is crowded with child patients with complaints of pneumonia and diarrhoea as the children are most vulnerable to two diseases during change of season.
At least 133 patients have been admitted to children’s ward of the hospital against only 18 seats in the last three days. As the hospital cannot accommodate growing number of child patients, most of them are staying on veranda.
In tech, life eases
March 6, 2010
Holidaymaking on Saint Martin’s island or in Kuakata may be with ease in a cyclone-prone season if backpackers have an early warning system in their mobile phones.
Far away from television or radio, the travellers will be warned of a possible cyclone or water surge through mobile connection of either Grameenphone or Teletalk.
Banks open up to women
March 4, 2010
Women entrepreneurs’ access to bank loans has increased manifold, thanks to the government’s decision to set aside 10 percent of SME funds for them.
Bangladesh Bank statistics show the number of women beneficiaries under a refinance scheme was fewer than 100 in January 2009, but the figure reached 211 in May, 326 in August and 498 in December of the same year. Two years ago, it was only one.
BSF kills two Bangladeshis
February 20, 2010
Indian Border Security Force (BSF) killed two Bangladeshis along Panchagarh border yesterday and the day before.
An elderly man was beaten to death at Amarkhana point early yesterday while a farmer was shot dead in Madhupara area of the border on Wednesday.
Dhaka, Delhi agree on 1,320MW joint venture power plant
February 20, 2010
Bangladesh and India yesterday agreed to form a joint-venture company to set up a two-unit coal-fired power plant of total 1,320 megawatt capacity in Khulna.
The two countries also agreed to establish a cross-border power grid, for which tenders will be invited this month, and the work order will be issued in June this year.
Coca-Cola scouts for partner to set up plant
February 18, 2010
Soft drinks brand Coca-Cola looks for a joint venture with the government to set up a manufacturing and bottling plant in Bangladesh.
Board of Investment officials said Coca-Cola had proposed an investment of around $50 million to set up the plant.
Sit-in, rally demanding better railway service
February 18, 2010
A large number of people yesterday held sit-in and rally at the railway station in the town demanding better railway service.
Their seven-point demand included modernisation of railway infrastructure and introduction of inter-city train.
Leaders and workers of different political parties, professional bodies and students took part in the programme.
Power projects need quick implementation
February 16, 2010
Development partners have pushed the government for quick project implementation, energy audit, and public-private partnership initiative for power projects.
In the energy and power session of Bangladesh Development Forum (BDF) meeting yesterday, the government presented an investment requirement of $9.5 billion for the sector and the donors made the suggestions.