Forex swap deals shrink as BB pushes spot market
Foreign-exchange swap transactions on the interbank market dropped in August compared with the previous month, even as the Bangladesh Bank pressed ahead with its strategy to promote spot-market trading over swaps.The move is intended to make the market more transparent and reflective of real demand-and-supply conditions.Bankers, however, say the fall...
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Puja holiday fuels boom in domestic tourism
This year's Durga Puja holiday has turned into a windfall for domestic tourism industry.With an unusually long break on offer, families, friends, and office groups packed their bags and headed for beaches, forests, and hill tracts rather than looking abroad.Travel agents say the rush has been helped by visa troubles...
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Israel ramps up Gaza City offensive as Hamas weighs Trump plan
CAIRO, Oct 1 (Reuters): Hamas' review of U.S. President Donald Trump's Gaza plan stretched into a third day on Wednesday, a source close to the militant group said, as other Palestinian factions rejected the proposal and as Israel again bombed Gaza City. Trump on Tuesday gave Hamas "three or four...
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Move underway to import refined soybean oil in bulk
A move is underway to import refined soybean oil in the bulk form to be sold in bottles at subsidised prices under the TCB's sale drives.The state-run Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) in a recent letter sought consent from the Ministry of Commerce to this effect.The corporation has initiated such...
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Khagrachhari reopens, 144 still enforced
The Khagrachhari hill district has seen a return to normal at large after the ongoing road blockade was suspended by the Jumma Chhatra Janata front, following assurances of fulfilling eight demands, and in respect of the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations, reports bdnews24.com.However, Section 144 continues to be enforced in the...
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US govt shutdown begins after Congress fails to reach deal
WASHINGTON, Oct 1 (AFP): The US government began shutting down Wednesday after lawmakers and President Donald Trump failed to break a budget impasse during acrimonious talks that hinged on Democratic demands for health care funding.Wall Street stocks mostly fell early Wednesday. About 15 minutes into trading, the Dow Jones Industrial...
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Philippines earthquake kills 69
BOGO, Philippines, Oct 1 (AFP): The death toll from a powerful earthquake in the central Philippines rose to at least 69 on Wednesday, a disaster official said, with scores of injured patients overwhelming hospitals on the island of Cebu.Injured children cried and adults screamed while being treated on beds beneath...
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No plan to lift ban on AL activities, says Law Adviser
BARISHAL, Oct 1 (UNB): Law Adviser Asif Nazrul on Wednesday said there is no immediate plan to lift the ban on the activities of the Awami League."When a political party's activities are banned, questions naturally arise regarding the temporary or permanent nature of the ban. However, I do not see...
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US pledges support for Myanmar, Rohingya
New York (USA), Oct 1 (UNB): US Special Envoy for Best Future Generations Charles Harder has said the United States will continue to support the people of Myanmar, including Rohingya and other minorities, and urged other donors to join them in this effort."Increased contributions are vital to ensure dignity, safety,...
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