Timeframe: 25th September – 1st October 2021
Contributors: Sayed Mohammed Tawsif Zaman, Zaima Nuzhat, Sad Ebne Walid, and Tahmid Rahman.
1. Economy
Inflation rises to 5.54% in August
The point-to-point inflation rate jumped by 0.18 percentage point in August to 5.54%, according to a report released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) on Tuesday.
The inflation was 5.36% in July, 0.28 percentage points lower than in June.
Source: https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/inflation-rises-554-august-308809
2. Trade & Business
Bangla QR – cashless payment made easy for small traders
Vendors can easily avail a Bangla QR unique code if they have a bank account or a mobile financial service (MFS) personal retail account. They do not even have to have a smartphone to accept payments through this mode of transactions but customers need to have a compatible MFS application or bank app installed on their smartphone with an Internet connection to make a payment.
Source: https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/banking/bangla-qr-cashless-payment-made-easy-small-traders-309298
3. Sports
Bangladesh to leave for Oman on October 3, will play two practice matches before the tournament begins
The ICC T20 World Cup will begin on October 17 in Oman. Bangladesh will begin their WC hunt on the opening day against Scotland. But Mahmudullah Riyad’s side will travel to Oman two weeks before the tournament begins. The Bangladesh cricket team will leave for Oman on the morning of October 3 to take part in the World Cup
4. Healthcare
IsDB approves $56m for hygiene project in Bangladesh
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) is providing $56 million for developing inclusive and integrated sanitation and hygiene system in Bangladesh. Presided by IsDB President and Chairman of the IsDB Group HE Dr Muhammad Al Jasser, the board of executive directors of the Islamic Development Bank in its 342nd meeting approved the five-year project titled: Inclusive and Integrated Sanitation and Hygiene Project in 10 Priority Towns in Bangladesh.
Source: https://www.dhakatribune.com/health/2021/09/29/isdb-approves-56m-for-hygiene-project-in-bangladesh
5. Education
Dhaka University admission tests to begin October 1
Dhaka University will hold its admission tests for the 2020-21 academic year from October 1. Apart from the capital, the tests will also be held at all divisional cities of the country. Honours first year admission tests for 2020-21 could not be held in 2020 due to the pandemic situation.
6. National News
Hike in non-food inflation
Higher demand and transport costs led to a 33 basis points rise in non-food inflation with the percentage being 6.13% in August. This has hit the poor income earners hard. As a solution, Ahsan H Mansur, Executive Director of Policy Research Institute suggested the central bank consider a contractionary monetary policy to lower bank liquidity. However, BB will continue the accommodative monetary policy to support economic development and employment to control the negative impact of Covid 19. At the same time, it will ensure sufficient fundings in growth-oriented sectors.
Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/business/economy/news/non-food-inflation-jumps-2186386?amp
7. Achievements of Bangladeshis
Best animation award at the Cannes World Film Festival given to Bangladeshi animation film “Tomorrow”
The film has been selected to take part in the Final Event of the festival. It was produced by Cycore Studios and directed by Mohammad Shihab Uddin. Tomorrow is based on climate change and its consequences. It took two years 2017-2019 to complete the production of the film.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is obtained solely from the third parties mentioned above. Youth Policy Forum (YPF) is not responsible for any misinformation or misrepresentation