IsDB to Provide €270m for Rural Housing

The Dhaka stock market experienced its largest single-day decline in nearly seven months due to panic-driven sell-offs triggered by rumors of a proposed capital gains tax on secondary market investments. Investors reacted anxiously to reports of a 15% tax on individual capital gains, prompting a rush to sell holdings.

Telecom operator Grameenphone has set an ambitious target to cut its carbon emissions by 50% before 2030, using 2019 emissions as a baseline. The company is actively implementing various initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint. These include enhancing energy efficiency, investing in renewable energy sources, fostering an energy-conscious culture, and collaborating with partners to minimize environmental impact, particularly in the supply chain.

Adani, an Indian power company, has encountered payment difficulties as the Power Development Board (PDB) in Bangladesh grapples with a shortage of dollars. Adani supplied 700-750 MW of electricity during the trial production period, totaling around 1.5 million units to PDB.

The Government of Bangladesh has signed a grant agreement worth $12.40 million with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to finance the ongoing Fourth Primary Education Development Program (PEDP-4).The grant proceeds, provided by the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, Qatar Fund, will be utilized through ADB to enhance the primary education system and ensure inclusive and equitable access to quality education for children from pre-primary through grade 5.

In the maiden post-budget session, the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) witnessed a significant surge in turnover, exceeding Tk 12 billion for the first time in seven months. The market's positive performance can be attributed to the absence of any new tax provisions or cuts to existing tax facilities in the proposed budget for FY24.

Bangladesh Steel Re-Rolling Mills (BSRM), the country's leading steel producer, has successfully transformed steel slag waste into eco-friendly construction material as an alternative to bricks. Steel slag, a solid waste generated during the steelmaking process, poses environmental threats and reduces land fertility when improperly disposed of.