Government has formed a draft telecommunications policy to ensure customer security, quality service and investment-friendly environment. To take opinions of the subscribers on this draft policy the Post and Telecom Department will be uploading the policy on its website today (Thursday). The opinions…

A proposed special economic zone (SEZ) in Habiganj’s Chunarughat upazila has run into opposition from environmentalists and local tea plantation workers. The SEZ will come up on 511 acres of government-owned land near Chandpur tea estate. While analysts said the project would play a crucial role…

The 11th session of the Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting is likely to take place in here on November 18-19 next, aiming to boost the existing bilateral relations between the two countries, including strengthening economic cooperation, reports UNB. “The 11th session…

AFP, SINGAPORE: Oil prices extended losses in Asia yesterday as dealers worried about China’s economy following its surprise currency devaluation, while oversupply concerns also added to downward pressure, analysts said. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for September delivery fell nine…

AFP, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s ringgit currency slid past 4 to the dollar on Wednesday for the first time in 17 years, pounded by concerns over economic growth and political uncertainty stemming from a government financial scandal. Analysts said China’s surprise devaluation of the yuan also…

The government has undertaken a project that will make all its offices paperless and truly digital by the end of next year, sources with the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division said. The project is part of the government’s ‘BanglaGovNet’ initiative, under which…

AFP, SYDNEY: Australia’s trade minister said yesterday the last negotiating stages of a massive Pacific trade pact were “very difficult”, with the deal more likely to fail when the US presidential election cycle kicks in. Australia and 11 other Asia-Pacific countries have for more…

Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) achieved significant growth in terms of employment generation in FY14-15 comparing with the previous fiscal year, says a press release. With 107.10 per cent increase in employment generation, eight EPZs under BEPZA have created employment opportunities…

AFP, NEW YORK: General Electric said Tuesday it has agreed to sell its Healthcare Financial Services and related loans to US bank Capital One for $9 billion. The HFS deal covers $8.5 billion of healthcare-linked loans, said GE, which is restructuring to focus on its core industrial business and selling…

AFP, NEW YORK: Chinese e-retail giant Alibaba said yesterday it more than doubled net profit to $4.97 billion in the first quarter thanks to exceptional gains, but sales growth was less than expected. In pre-session electronic trading Alibaba shares fell nearly five per cent. Revenue rose 28 per cent…

Mohammad Abu Jafar has recently joined Dhaka Bank Limited (DBL) as Deputy Managing Director, says a press release. Prior to joining DBL, he was the senior executive vice president and branch manager of principle branch of National Bank Limited, Dilkusha branch. Jafar obtained BSS and MSS in Economics…

AFP, SHANGHAI: China cut the yuan’s value against the dollar for the second consecutive day yesterday, roiling global financial markets and driving expectations the currency could be set for further falls. The daily reference rate that sets the value of the Chinese currency against the greenback…

AFP, MUMBAI: India’s high flyers have proudly welcomed the appointment as Google’s new chief executive of Sundar Pichai, the latest home-grown engineer to rise to the top of the US corporate world.    Pichai, named head of the Internet titan on Monday, was born to humble beginnings…

AFP, JAKARTA: Indonesian President Joko Widodo replaced major economic ministers in a cabinet reshuffle yesterday less than a year into his term, after facing criticism for failing to revive growth which is at a six-year low. Former central bank governor Darmin Nasution was named to the important post…

AFP, ATHENS: Athens and its creditors were set yesterday to put the finishing touches to a third international bailout agreement aimed at saving Greece’s stricken economy from collapse. The 400-page text has already been submitted to the Greek parliament for a crucial vote on ratifying the deal,…