Biman Expands Network with Codeshare Agreements

NRB Bank reported a profit of Tk 850 million in Q2 2021, up from a loss of Tk 28.5 million in the same quarter the previous year. The bank's foreign exchange gain and operational efficiency contributed to the turnaround. The bank's half-yearly results also showed positive results, with a profit of Tk 100 million in January-June 2021.

Business leaders and the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) have called for the government to waive demurrage charges for delays in shipping goods from ports. The call comes as business and economic activities resumed as broadband internet connections were restored and curfew relaxed. The Chattogram port handles 90% of Bangladesh's international trade.

Stock trading in Bangladesh resumed after a three-day break, resulting in a 1.5-year low turnover at the Dhaka Stock Exchange. The market indices saw a decline, with the benchmark DSEX dropping 95 points to 5,350. The shariah-based DSES fell 21 points, and the blue-chip DS-30 plummeted 37 points. Investor confidence was affected by the ongoing quota reform movement, leading to selling pressure. Trading was limited due to an internet blackout. The market analyst suggested that the market may improve once internet access is restored.

Import container delivery and transfer at Chattogram port gained momentum after the partial resumption of broadband internet. In 24 hours, 1,286 TEUs of import cargo were delivered, 583 TEUs transferred to export zones, and 1,007 TEUs to private ICDs. Total containers in port yards dropped to 41,459 TEUs from 41,620 TEUs.

The transportation of goods to and from Chattogram port decreased by 20% on July 16 due to nationwide roadblocks and protests for quota reform in government jobs. Traffic congestion on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway and within the port city caused delays for vehicles carrying goods. Normally, around 6,000 vehicles enter Chattogram Port daily, but this number has reduced to about 5,000.

Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) has been unable to collect Tk 316 crore in dues from various companies, including Tk 79.64 crore from Teletalk, Tk 50 crore from Bangladesh Cable Shilpa, Tk 12.81 crore from government entities, and Tk 174 crore from defunct companies, falsely reporting it as "current asset" in its financial statements.