HC Challenges Govt’s VAT Demands on S Alam Companies

Following the dissolution of its previous board on August 5, 2024, Social Islami Bank PLC, now led by an independent director and chairman, is undergoing significant reforms to address a liquidity crisis and restore stability. The Shariah-based lender has a total deposit of Tk 32,272.45 crore and investments of Tk 37,534.59 crore as of November 17, 2024

On 20 November 2023, over 300 people gathered at Mirpur-10 under the metro rail station for subsidized essentials from the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB). Despite waiting since early morning, the truck arrived late at 12:52 PM, forcing many, including the elderly and pregnant women, to endure long hours under harsh conditions.

Global rating agency Moody’s has downgraded the long-term local and foreign currency deposit ratings of BRAC Bank, Mercantile Bank, and Premier Bank due to Bangladesh's recent sovereign downgrade to B2 on November 18, 2023. This marks the first downgrade in 14 years, reflecting heightened economic risks.

Monno Ceramic Industries Ltd, a prominent tableware manufacturer in Bangladesh, reported a steep 89% drop in profits for the first quarter (July-September) of FY 2024-25. The company’s earnings fell to Tk 30.17 lakh during this period, significantly lower than Tk 2.66 crore recorded in the same quarter of the previous year.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) reduced the value-added tax (VAT) on soybean oil imports from 10% to 5% effective until December 15, as stated in a circular on November 20. This measure aims to stabilize edible oil prices in the local market. Previously, on October 17, the NBR had granted a 15% tax exemption on local production and a 5% exemption on the supply of refined and unrefined soybean and palm oil.

Doreen Power Generations and Systems faced a profit drop of over 17% in Q1 FY 2024-25 due to plant shutdowns and rising operational costs. The company's profit for July-September stood at Tk 26.95 crore, down from Tk 32.52 crore a year earlier. Earnings per share (EPS) fell to Tk 1.48 from Tk 1.80, according to unaudited financial statements released on November 20, 2024.