Unilever and BRAC Partner for School Hand Hygiene

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has reduced import taxes on onions and potatoes to address rising prices and boost supply. Effective until November 30, tariffs on onions have been cut to 5 percent and on potatoes to 15 percent. This move aims to make these essential items more affordable.

In the last two months, importers secured permits to bring 280,000 tons of onions, mainly from India, but due to rising prices in India, imports from China, Pakistan, Egypt, and Thailand have increased. Chittagong seaport cleared 5,588 tons of onions during this period. Despite the surge in imports, retail onion prices remain above Tk 120 per kg. The country uses around 3 million tons of onions annually, with local production at 2.3 million tons; the deficit of 700,000 tons is typically met through imports.

Recent floods in Bangladesh are expected to reduce rice acreage and production, particularly affecting Aus and Aman seasons. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) forecasts rice acreage will fall to 11.5 million hectares for the 2024-25 marketing year, down 3.4 percent from the previous estimate of 11.9 million hectares. This could lead to a 2.4 percent drop in production to 36.8 million tonnes.

United Commercial Bank PLC (UCB) has provided financial support to the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation (NITOR) to aid in the treatment of individuals injured during the recent student movement. From its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund, UCB donated Tk 25 lakh. The cheque was presented by UCB's Additional Managing Director to NITOR's Director.

The price of eggs in Bangladesh has surged recently due to a supply shortage, exacerbated by flooding in 64 upazilas across 11 districts. The floods have disrupted production, with chickens eating less due to high humidity and a significant reduction in egg production. Consumers are feeling the pinch as eggs, a staple protein source, now consume a larger portion of their budgets. 

Mutual Trust Bank PLC (MTB) has entered into an agreement with Starpath Holdings Ltd to provide Payroll Banking Services to the latter's employees. The agreement was formalized in a ceremony held at MTB's Head Office in Dhaka on September 3, 2024. This partnership aims to streamline payroll management and offer efficient banking services to Starpath Holdings employees.