News Briefs-(20-2-2019)

US-Bangla Airlines to add B-737 Max 8

The US-Bangla Airlines, a local private carrier, is going to add latest Boeing 737 Max 8, termed as the largest regional jet, to its fleet for the first time in Bangladesh aviation history. This was revealed at a press conference at a city hotel on Tuesday, addressed by CEO of the carrier Imran Asif and CEO of AerCap Philip Scruggs. Asif said Boeing 737 Max 8 is one of the most widely accepted aircraft, currently seen in various established airlines throughout the world which is included in the 2018 Air Transport Service. "The decision of incorporating the latest Boeing 737 Max 8 to our fleet indicates that we are advancing as an airlines," he said.

— BSS

Govt plans to set up jute goods research, training centre

Textiles and Jute Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi on Tuesday said that a research and training centre will be established soon for the diversification of jute production to regain its lost glory. "The government has taken a plan to establish a centre for jute goods research and training to expedite the multifunctional use of jute … which will be administrated by the Department of Jute under the provisions of 'Jute Act-2017'," the minister said this while speaking at a discussion with the officials of the Jute Department. Referring to different initiatives of the present government in developing jute sector, including enactment of the Mandatory Jute Packaging Act-2010, the minister said more use of jute and jute products will make a significant contribution to boost the economic prosperity of the coun— BSS

Shippers' Council want withdrawal of corporate tax

Shippers' Council of Bangladesh on Tuesday demanded withdrawal of the existing 35 per cent corporate tax on shipbuilding industry in the upcoming national budget for 2019-20 for expediting the growth of the industry. The demand was made at a meeting with Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun at the Industries Ministry in the city, said a press release. The Shipper's Council informed that entrepreneurs are showing interest in this industry as the government has withdrawn 15 per cent VAT and 5 per cent advance income tax (AIT) in the current fiscal 2018-19.

— BSS