News Briefs-(31-07-2019)

Drug admin requests NBR to waive import duties, VAT on dengue test kit
Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) on Tuesday requested the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to waive import duties and VAT on dengue test kit, raw materials for kit production and reagents. Considering the abnormal rise of dengue patients, the DGDA has also requested the NBR to take measures for direct purchase of NS1 and IgG/IgM kit, reagent and raw materials for production of kit for ensuring adequate supply in the local market within a short time. DGDA wrote a letter to the NBR after a meeting with the Diagnostics Reagents & Equipment Traders Association of Bangladesh. The association sought waiver of the import duty and VAT on the dengue test kit and reagents due to growing demand amid outbreak of the viral disease. The association said that dengue NS1 and IgG/IgM kit is inadequate as the number of dengue affected patients has risen abnormally in the recent times. Besides, import of kits and reagents takes six weeks time if LC is opened through any bank. The traders requested the DGDA to facilitate them with direct purchase during the emergency situation. DGDA has requested the commissioner and all customs houses under NBR for fast release of the imported NS1and IgG/IgM and reagents.
— FE Report

BGMEA assures President of paying workers' salary before Eid
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on Tuesday promised to pay garment workers' festival allowance and salary ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha as they called on President Md Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban. "Workers got their salary and festival bonus properly ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. . . I hope all garment workers will get their salary and festival bonus before the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha," BGMEA president Dr Rubana Huq told the meeting with President Hamid. After the meeting, President's Press Secretary Joynal Abedin briefed the reporters. Congratulating the newly-elected leaders of the BGMEA, President Hamid urged the BGMEA leaders to take necessary initiatives for creating entrepreneurs from young generation. BGMEA president Dr Rubana Huq, the first female president of the BGMEA, led the 37-member delegation. — BSS