Press-Releases
RSGT Bangladesh to invest $30 m in advanced STS cranes
RSGT Bangladesh, the country’s first privately owned container terminal, has announced an additional investment of approximately $30 million to upgrade its terminal infrastructure with four state-of-the-art Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes.
The new STS cranes, procured from SANY Marine Heavy Industry, are equipped with cutting-edge technology to efficiently handle larger vessels at the Port of Chittagong. This follows the company’s recent $26 million acquisition of 14 Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes, said a press release.
Scheduled for deployment in early 2026, the upgraded equipment is expected to increase RSGT Bangladesh’s annual container handling capacity from 250,000 TEUs to 600,000 TEUs. The expansion aims to improve operational efficiency and reduce logistics costs, bolstering the country’s trade infrastructure.
RSGT Bangladesh CEO Erwin Haaze said, “Following the recent acquisition of 14 RTGs, the investment in these new STS cranes marks another important step in our ongoing efforts to enhance terminal operations in Bangladesh.”
He added that the upgrades will streamline operations and contribute to a more cost-effective supply chain for the country's trade.
4 days ago
Vivasoft AI Hackathon 2025: Team Poridhi triumphs
The 36-hour-long innovation challenge has concluded, with Team Poridhi emerging victorious at the Vivasoft AI Hackathon 2025.
Hosted by Vivasoft Limited on January 25-26, the hackathon transformed their Banani headquarters into a buzzing hub of creativity and technological prowess.
A total of 32 talented individuals competed fiercely in a challenge to develop AI solutions that could address everyday problems.
While many view Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a threat to jobs, some of Bangladesh’s brightest young tech minds gathered in Dhaka to demonstrate that AI is not about replacing humans, but rather enhancing their lives, according to a press release.
“We aim to show the world the potential of Bangladesh's tech talent,” said Shafqat Asif, Co-founder of Vivasoft. “This hackathon is just the beginning.”
From 378 initial applications, only 10 teams advanced to the final round. These finalists went beyond coding to present innovative ideas, such as generative AI-based security intelligence tools and solutions to make remote work more efficient and secure.
Team Poridhi stole the spotlight, claiming the top prize of Tk 200,000 for their AI-powered network reliability system.
The team, composed of Tahnik Ahmed Raiyan, Abdullah Al Asif, Abdur Rahman, and Raihan Islam, impressed judges with their practical approach to a complex problem.
Team Define Coders took second place, winning Tk 100,000 with their AI market analysis tool, while Team CodeMentor received an Honorable Mention for developing an AI-powered coding companion and teacher.
The final round was judged by prominent industry leaders, including Imtiaz Ilahi, Managing Director of Hogarth Worldwide (Bangladesh), Nabil Ahmed Lipon, Vice President (Software Development) at bKash Limited, Shuvra Sarkar, Vice President (Research & Engineering) at bKash Limited, and Aminul Islam, Machine Learning Consultant at Vivasoft Limited.
19 days ago
SCB and Friendship empower char communities with agricultural initiative
Standard Chartered Bangladesh (SCB) and Friendship have successfully concluded the second phase of their agricultural development initiative, aimed at empowering char-based communities with essential farm-to-market support.
This collaboration has transformed the lives of around 10,000 climate-affected farmers across 36 chars, enabling them to increase agricultural output, rise above poverty, adopt sustainable practices, and build resilience in the face of climate challenges, according to a press release.
Through the initiative, farmers were equipped with sustainable agricultural technologies, training to enhance productivity, technical assistance, and market-linkage opportunities to foster financial inclusion.
These comprehensive interventions have boosted agricultural activity in some of Bangladesh’s most vulnerable char communities.
Stakeholder Consultation on Local Government Reform held
By addressing food security and bolstering individual prosperity, the partnership has demonstrated the vital role agriculture plays in fostering sustainable development.
Chief Executive Officer of the Standard Chartered Bangladesh Naser Ezaz Bijoy said that Bangladesh’s char communities are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Through this partnership with Friendship, Standard Chartered Bangladesh is not only helping farmers secure their livelihoods but also contributing to food security and inclusive growth for the nation.
“By equipping farmers with the knowledge, tools, and connections they need, we are enabling them to overcome barriers and achieve sustainable progress. This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering a better, more resilient future for all,” he said.
Founder and Executive Director of Friendship Runa Khan said that this partnership exemplifies the power of collective action in addressing critical challenges faced by marginalized communities.
“By providing farmers with access to innovative technologies, training, and market opportunities, we are not only improving food production but also empowering communities to thrive amidst climate uncertainties. Together, we are saving lives, building resilience, and fostering a future where no one is left behind,” she said.
Spanning multiple phases, the collaboration has supported the entire agricultural cycle. Farmers received critical inputs such as climate- and salt-tolerant seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, alongside training to maximize the use of available resources. Market connectivity efforts helped beneficiaries expand their operations, enabling them to sell produce on a larger scale.
Technological innovations, including solar-powered pumps and crop dryers, facilitated a shift from subsistence farming to self-sufficiency.
Additionally, infrastructure development, such as plinth construction, provided protection against extreme weather events, ensuring the continuity of agricultural efforts.
Qatar Charity provides medical equipment across Bangladesh
Livestock management was also prioritized, with initiatives offering vaccination, deworming, artificial insemination, and improved breeds of cattle and poultry. This holistic approach has supported farmers in diversifying their income streams and enhancing community resilience.
Friendship, an international Social Purpose Organization, has been dedicated to serving marginalized communities for over 22 years. Guided by its four commitments—saving lives, alleviating poverty, climate adaptation, and empowerment—Friendship continues to transform lives and communities across Bangladesh.
19 days ago
Stakeholder Consultation on Local Government Reform held
The “Stakeholder Consultation on Local Government Reform” was held on Thursday at the National Institute of Local Government (NILG).
The event was jointly organised by WaterAid Bangladesh and NILG, with support from partner organisations and networks, according to a press release.
It provided a platform for over 60 organisations, including policymakers, academics, development partners, and civil society representatives, to share insights and propose actionable solutions for strengthening local governance in Bangladesh.
Professor Tofail Ahmed, chairman of the Local Government Reform Commission (LGRC) was the chief guest at the event. The Director of NILG chaired the event.
Members of the Local Government Reform Commission were apresent at the time, among others.
During the consultation, Prof Tofail said, “Reform is a continuous process. The suggestions and recommendations from today’s discussion will lay a strong foundation for future reforms under the next elected government. Involving young generations in this process is crucial, as they are the future leaders and policymakers.”
He assured that the recommendations would be considered in the finalisation of the reform commission’s report.
Member of the Local Government Reform Commission and human rights activist Ilira Dewan highlighted the challenges faced by local government institutions in the Chittagong Hill Tracts due to the absence of elections, calling for reforms to uphold the democratic integrity of LGIs.
Another member, Dr Ferdous Arfina Osman bstressed the need to reduce interference from lawmakers to allow LGIs to function independently.
Commission member and Nari Uddug Kendra Executive Director Mashuda Khatun Shefali advocated for replacing the female quota system with provisions for women’s direct election to leadership roles, enabling them to represent communities more effectively.
Representatives from the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, SIDA, JICA, and NILG joined the event as special guests. Irene Hofstetter,
Nexus Programme Manager at the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, highlighted Swiss-Bangladesh collaboration in empowering local governance, stating, “Achieving national development goals is impossible without strengthening local government institutions.”
The event concluded with a strong call for collective action to reform local governance, ensuring autonomy, inclusivity, and enhanced service delivery.
WaterAid Bangladesh Programme and Policy Advocacy Director Partha Hefaz Shaikh expressed gratitude to all participants, emphasising the importance of the discussions in shaping the policy agenda for the Local Government Reform Commission.
24 days ago
Qatar Charity provides medical equipment across Bangladesh
Qatar Charity, in collaboration with the Center for the Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed (CRP), has distributed 140 manual and electric wheelchairs, along with 100 blood pressure monitoring devices as part of its development and humanitarian initiative in Bangladesh.
The distribution was formally handed over during a programme at the CRP-Mirpur branch on Thursday, according to a press release.
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NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB) Director General (in-charge) Md Anwar Hossain; Qatar CharityCountry Director Dr Mohammad Amin Hafiz Ahmed Omar; Founder of CRP Dr Valerie A. Taylor and CRP Chairman Mohammad Saidur Rahman, were present at the time, among others.
Speaking at the event, Anwar emphasized the critical role of collaboration between governmental organisations, healthcare centres, and NGOs in supporting vulnerable communities.
“The government of Bangladesh deeply values the contributions of organizations like Qatar Charity, which work tirelessly to promote an inclusive society. This generous distribution will significantly enhance rehabilitation efforts and positively impact countless lives,” he said.
Dr Omar expressed Qatar Charity's commitment to fostering social inclusion and improving the quality of life for underserved populations. “Qatar Charity is dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities,” he stated.
“This distribution, carried out in collaboration with CRP, will greatly improve mobility and healthcare support for many beneficiaries,” he said.
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“At CRP, our mission is to provide holistic care to individuals with disabilities. This distribution not only supports physical rehabilitation for the beneficiaries but also equips us to better monitor and manage the health of them. The collaboration with Qatar Charity is making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve,” said Dr Taylor.
In addition to that, Qatar Charity has extended similar distributions in collaboration with various hospitals and healthcare centres across the country, ensuring that their contributions benefit a broader segment of the population and strengthen healthcare access for individuals with disabilities nationwide.
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Representatives from Qatar Charity, CRP, and the broader NGO community were present at the time.
24 days ago
Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 launched in Bangladesh
Xiaomi has launched Redmi Note 14 in Bangladesh, bringing a flagship-level smartphone with next-gen features designed to elevate the user experience.
The standout feature of the Redmi Note 14 is its 108MP AI camera system, which promises professional-quality photos with incredible clarity, according to a press release on Thursday.
With AI tools like AI Sky and AI Erase, users can easily enhance their photos, whether perfecting landscapes or removing unwanted elements, redefining smartphone photography.
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In terms of durability, the Redmi Note 14 is equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and holds an IP54 rating, making it resistant to scratches, dust, and water splashes. Powered by the MediaTek Helio G99-Ultra chipset and built on a 6nm processor, the device ensures smooth performance for multitasking, gaming, and streaming. Coupled with Xiaomi’s HyperOS, it promises a long-lasting experience for up to 4 years.
The device features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant visuals, even under direct sunlight. Its 5500mAh battery ensures all-day usage, and with 33W turbo charging, the phone can be fully charged in just 77 minutes.
Security and convenience are enhanced with an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and Dolby Atmos dual speakers deliver an immersive audio experience. An IR blaster adds extra value, making the Redmi Note 14 a versatile device.
Weighing just 196.5g and 8.16mm thick, the phone is lightweight, elegant, and available in four colours: Midnight Black, Mist Purple, Lime Green, and Ocean Blue.
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Ziauddin Chowdhury, Country Manager of Xiaomi Bangladesh, expressed excitement over the launch, highlighting the Redmi Note 14’s powerful features, including its camera, display, and durability, as a significant advancement for Xiaomi fans in Bangladesh.
The Redmi Note 14 comes in two variants: 6GB RAM + 128GB storage priced at BDT 23,999 and 8GB RAM + 256GB storage at BDT 26,999, offering exceptional value for premium features.
1 month ago
Morshed Ullah appointed SCB’s Legal Affairs head
Standard Chartered Bangladesh has appointed Morshed Ullah as the head of its Legal Affairs.
Morshed will also join the Country Management Team of SCB, according to a press release on Wednesday.
“We are pleased to announce Morshed as our new Head of Legal at Standard Chartered Bangladesh. He has been a key part of our team, demonstrating extensive industry knowledge and strong leadership abilities, said SCB CEO Naser Ezaz Bijoy.
“I am confident that he will continue to play an important role in navigating the evolving economic and regulatory landscape and supporting our journey towards driving sustainable growth in Bangladesh,” he added.
Morshed joined the SCB as Legal Counsel in 2014 and most recently held the role of Head of Legal for Corporate & Investment Banking. Prior to this, he worked with Airtel Bangladesh Limited, Warid Telecom Int’l LLC, practised law in the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, and also served as a civil judge in the subordinate judiciary of Bangladesh. He has a total of 21 years of professional experience.
Morshed holds a Master of Laws from the University of Dhaka and an Islamic Finance Level-3 Qualification from the Chartered Institute of Securities & Investment (CISI).
1 month ago
9th Social Business Youth Summit in Dhaka Feb 1-2
The 9th Social Business Youth Summit (SBYS) 2025 will be held on February 1-2 at the InterContinental Dhaka.
YY Ventures, an incubation and investment social business that supports early-stage entrepreneurs who are fighting carbon emissions, poverty, and unemployment, is organising the summit, according to a press release on Thursday.
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Chief Adviser and Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus will deliver the keynote speech at the summit.
Curated by YY Ventures and powered by The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, SBYS 2025 is co-hosted by Impact Hub Dhaka and supported by key partners, Orange Corners Bangladesh, 3ZERO Club, Yunus Centre, and the Intercontinental Dhaka, it said.
SBYS is a global movement to empower youth as changemakers. Focused on tackling the most pressing challenges of today through meaningful conversations and collective action, SBYS 2025 is the 9th summit to unite entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers from across the world to create sustainable impact through the power of social business.
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Under the theme “Change the Country, Change the World,” SBYS 2025 aims to unlock the potential of youth as catalysts for positive transformation.
The summit, which will be held during the Festival of Youth 2025: Creating a New Bangladesh, an initiative by the Chief Adviser’s Office, will convene over 400 participants, including youth leaders, social entrepreneurs, ecosystem builders, and policymakers, the release said.
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The summit would provide a platform for partnerships across sectors to support youth-led initiatives, addressing critical areas like food security, health, education, climate change, gender equality, zero waste, sports and arts for social change, sustainable fashion, and much more, added the release.
For more information about SBYS 2025, visit: https://summit.yy.ventures/
1 month ago
NOVOAIR celebrates 12-yr of its journey
NOVOAIR, a private airline in Bangladesh, celebrated its 12 years of operation through various events on its anniversary on Thursday.
Managing Director of NOVOAIR Mofizur Rahman extended his gratitude to business partners, passengers, and stakeholders.
Emphasising the airline's unwavering commitment on two core principles- safety and service, he said their business philosophy prioritizes the on-time flight operation and safe travel above all else.
The airline remains committed in providing safe, timely, and superior services to its passengers and looking forward to many more years of continued success, he said.
Mostafizur also said that over the years, NOVOAIR has successfully navigated numerous challenges, establishing itself as a reliable and trusted airline.
“Looking ahead, we are committed to expanding our domestic and international routes and delivering even higher standards of service,” he said.
Currently, the airline operates daily domestic flights connecting Dhaka to Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Sylhet, Jashore, Saidpur, and Rajshahi.
Although international flights to Kolkata temporarily remain suspended, it will soon be resuming it.
The airline started its operations on January 9 in 2013 on the Dhaka to Chittagong route, which marked the beginning of its flight operation.
Since its inception, NOVOAIR has operated over 100,000 flights and served more than 7.5 million passengers.
1 month ago
Australia Education Roadshow in Dhaka on Jan 8
Studynet is organising the “Australian Education Roadshow 2025‟ for students who are planning to pursue higher education in Australia on January 8.
The roadshow will be held at the Level 25, Crown Plaza Dhaka Gulshan Hotel.
Students interested in participating in the roadshow can register for Free at https://www.studynet.com.au/expo-bd.
Participants are required to bring their academic transcripts, passport, CV, and IELTS score for the event, according to a press release.
According to the organizers, representatives from about 30 top Australian universities will be present at the event.
Students will have the opportunity to interact directly with the representatives and gather detailed information on programs, courses, tuition fees, scholarships, and credit transfers.
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Additionally, students can avail on-the-spot assessments and receive offer letters.
Studynet is a technology-driven international student placement service provider that collaborates with Australian universities and colleges.
With over 12 years of experience, the organisation operates in six countries, helping students realise their dreams of pursuing higher education abroad.
The organisers believe that this roadshow offers an excellent opportunity for students aiming to pursue their higher education dreams in Australia.
1 month ago