Bangladesh High Commission
London
News Brief
London, 13 May 2018
President Md. Abdul Hamid has said, the Bangabandhu-1satellite launching would be able to achieve self-sufficiency in the field of broadcast and telecommunication ending dependency on foreign satellites. He said this in a message yesterday. In this context the President recalled contribution of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who established a satellite station at Betubuniya in Rangamati in 1975. He also expressed thanks to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for taking the bold step of launching a satellite and taking a far-reaching plan in this regard.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has greeted the countrymen on the launching of Bangabandhu Satellite-1. On the occasion of this launching, the PM has recalled deep gratitude to the greatest Bangalee of all time, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has said, the launching of satellite 'Bangabandhu-1' into space added another milestone of success to Bangladesh's continuous march forward. He said the satellite 'Bangabandhu-1' will play a significant role to become a 'Digital Bangladesh'. He congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, PM's Information and Communication Technology Affairs Advisor Sajeeb Wazed Joy and the Post and Telecommunication Ministry for the successful launching of satellite 'Bangabandhu-1'.
Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith has said, the government is planning for introducing double slab of VAT system from the fiscal year 2019-20 instead of 15 percent flat VAT rate. He said this while addressing a 'Pre Budget Discussion' as Chief Guest organized jointly by Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry, The Daily Samakal and Chanel 24 in Dhaka yesterday. He also said the government is considering slashing corporate tax rate as the country's young generation is now showing interests in paying income tax.
Foreign Minister Abul Hasan Mahmud Ali has said, the present government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has made its mark in women empowerment in the country. He said this as chief guest at the sixth convocation of the Asian University for Woman in Dhaka yesterday. He said, to ensure girls' education, government waived tuition fees for girl students and imparted massive training programs to them.
Railway Minister Mujibul Haque has said, the government would repair 90 passenger coaches to ensure passenger services before the Eid ul-Fitr. He said this while addressing a press conference at the workshop at Syedpur yesterday. He said, government would launch another intra-city train 'Nilsagar Express' on Chilahati-Dhaka route adding the government would modernize and set up Syedpur Railway Workshop. The Minister said, in this sector the budget has been increased to taka 16,132 crore from taka 500 crore.
State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Meher Afroz Chumky has asked all district and upazila level officials and others concerned to prevent violence and repression against women. She said this while addressing the best joyeeta reception function in Rajshahi yesterday as Chief Guest. Rajshahi divisional administration organized the function with the association of Ministry of Women and Children Affairs and Directorate of Women Affairs.
The Philippines Ambassador to Bangladesh Vicente Vivencio T. Bandillo has said, Chattogram is historically and geographically recognized for trade and commerce in global arena. He said, steps would be taken to woo the Philippines entrepreneurs to invest in prospective export sectors of Bangladesh particularly in readymade garments accessories and pharmaceuticals. He came up with the comments while exchanging views with President of Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industries at its World Trade Center in Chattogram yesterday.
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Mark Green will arrive in Dhaka today on an official visit. He will also go to Myanmar and Thailand during the visit. USAID Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator for Asia Gloria Steele and US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration Ambassador Mark Storella will accompany Administrator Green as part of the delegation. Green plans to visit several sites of displaced Rohingyas and affected host communities.
Press Wing
