Briefing 2023-06-07

Prime bourse sees biggest fall in 7 months

Dhaka stocks plummeted on Tuesday, marking the largest single-day decline in seven months, amid panic-selling triggered by rumours of a proposed 15 per cent capital gains tax on individual investors in the secondary market. However, the National Board of Revenue has not yet issued any official order regarding the tax. Page 9

US, Japan, Philippines’ maritime exercise

Coast guard ships from the United States, Japan, and the Philippines conducted law enforcement drills near the disputed South China Sea. The exercises, witnessed by journalists on a Philippine patrol boat, focused on intercepting and boarding a suspected vessel carrying weapons of mass destruction. The drills aim to strengthen alliances amid escalating tensions with China. Page 14

Shakib visits pre-test practice camp

Bangladesh cricket fans expressed disappointment over star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan's absence from the upcoming Test against Afghanistan. However, Shakib made an unexpected visit to the practice camp, boosting morale. Litton Das will fill the captaincy role for the Test, stepping in for Shakib. Page 15

BARVIDA demands SD waiver on micro, EVs

The Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers and Dealers Association (BARVIDA) has urged the government to remove supplementary duty on microbuses and electric vehicles used for public transport in the proposed fiscal budget. They also called for revised duty and tax rates on fuel-saving hybrid vehicles. BARVIDA expressed disappointment that the budget did not reduce import duties on hybrid cars and jeeps as per their proposal. Page 17