Briefing 2024-04-17

Prime Bank, Uttara Bank secure

double-digit profit growth in 2023

Prime Bank and Uttara Bank have posted a double-digit profit growth for 2023, riding on higher interest income along with significant earnings from the government securities. The exchange gain was not as overwhelming during the year, but interest income, the core source of income for banks, and gains from government securities supported the lenders' impressive earnings growth in an adverse business climate engendered by inflationary pressure. Page 9

Tehran willing to exercise restraint

China's foreign minister held phone discussions with his Iranian counterpart, Beijing state media said Tuesday, reporting that Iran said it was "willing to exercise restraint" after its first-ever attack on Israel's territory. Israel has vowed to respond to the unprecedented Iranian missile and drone strikes over the weekend. Page 15

Najmul optimistic about Tamim's int’l future

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain said on Tuesday that experienced opener Tamim Iqbal requested some time to make up his mind regarding making a national comeback. Najmul sat with Tamim on April 15 (Monday) at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium to talk about his international future. Page 23