Briefing 2023-07-06

Block trade boost to reap benefit of unfairness in market

Trading on the block board has got a boost since mid-November after bourses allowed share transactions at prices up to 10 per cent lower than the main market floor price. Consequently, turnover in the block market was up 22 per cent in FY23, compared to previous year, while total volume of transactions in main market fell 40 per cent YOY. Page 9

Jahanara, Fargana dropped for T20Is

Bangladesh left out two big names in Jahanara Alam and Fargana Hoque from the women’s T20I side ahead of their three-match series against India this month. The experienced Salma Khatun returned to the side alongside batters Dilara Akter, Shathi Rani and 16-year-old Shorna Akter, apart from pace bowler Marufa Akter. Page 17

China slams US over Taiwan issue

China’s Defense Ministry accused the United States of turning Taiwan into a powder keg on Wednesday with its latest sales of $440 million in military equipment to the self-governing island democracy. Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Col. Tan Kefei said that the US ignores China’s core concerns, crudely interferes in China’s internal affairs and deliberately escalates tensions across the Taiwan Strait. Page 18

Govt plans EPZ in Patuakhali

With the Padma Bridge ensuring unimpeded road access to the country’s southwest, the government is planning an industrial zone in the region. BEPZA has already submitted a draft proposal for the ‘Patuakhali Export Processing Zone’ to the Planning Commission. Page 20