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[🇧🇩] Grameen Bank

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Grameen Bank’s tax waiver reinstated
No income tax for donors of As-Sunnah Foundation

The interim government has reinstated a tax exemption for Grameen Bank and offered it for the next five years, meaning until December 2029.

The microfinance specialised community development bank was founded by Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus, who is now the chief adviser to the interim government of Bangladesh.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) issued a gazette in this regard on Thursday.

"This facility came into effect the day the order was issued," said the notification signed by NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan.

However, Grameen Bank will still be required to submit annual income tax returns, as per the gazette.

Grameen Bank has enjoyed tax exemption since its inception in 1983 as its activities are primarily focused on poverty alleviation. The benefit is typically renewed every five years and was last extended until December 2020.

The previous government did not extend the exemption after that period.

"Although Grameen Bank is a bank by name, it actually runs microcredit activities like a non-government organisation [NGO]," NBR Chairman Khan told The Daily Star yesterday.

So, the services of Grameen Bank are similar to those of microcredit institutions. It is fair for Grameen Bank to get an income tax exemption, which it used to get previously, he said.

Meanwhile, the NBR, in a separate notification, said no income tax would be applicable on donors of As-Sunnah Foundation, a charity organisation.

The facility will continue until June 2029. However, the donors will have to submit their tax returns too.

As-Sunnah Foundation is a non-political and non-profit government-registered organisation.

The foundation was established in 2017 by Shaikh Ahmadullah, who came into the limelight for relief efforts during the recent floods and post-flood rehabilitation activities, including in Feni and Cumilla.

During the floods, As-Sunnah Foundation raised over Tk 100 crore in relief funds, Ahmadullah stated in a video interview by newspaper Kalbela.

Besides, the organisation was praised for charitable activities during the pandemic and the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake.

The tax administration has taken the move to encourage these kinds of philanthropic activities, according to an official of the NBR.​
 

Grameenphone Academy launches 'Freelancing Factory'
Prothom Alo English Desk
Published: 15 Oct 2024, 21: 05

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Grameenphone, through it’s free learning management system, Grameenphone Academy, has launched an initiative named ‘Freelancing Factory’ designed to equip students with the necessary training, and mentorship required to build a freelancing career, stated a press release.

This programme aims to bridge job market gaps, unlock economic potential, and empower the next generation, ushering in a new era for Bangladesh’s youth.

During the inauguration event of the ‘Freelancing Factory’ initiative at GP House in Dhaka recently, the mentors conducted a workshop to introduce the programme’s structure to participants.

They outlined various components of the initiative and addressed students’ questions, providing valuable insights on how the programme will support their success in freelancing.

The programme includes 64 interactive online classes in two separate batches, focusing on UX/UI design and Web development through Word Press, enabling students to start earning USD 100 within theree months and reach USD 1,000 within eight months through a mentor-led programme.

Every year, a significant number of youth enter Bangladesh’s job market, creating an overwhelming demand for employment that far exceeds available opportunities. In contrast, the global freelancing platform boasts millions of jobs ready to be filled with freelancers.

Recognising this gap, Grameenphone Academy seeks to equip students with the required skills to thrive in the global freelancing market, paving the way for their financial independence.

Chief executive officer of Grameenphone, Yasir Azman shared his personal aspirations for freelancing. He listened intently to inspiring stories from the participants, including a participant who traveled from Borguna-Amtoli to join the programme, and a BSc engineer with hearing challenges, who articulated his hopes for a brighter future. He was moved by their stories, which showcased the resilience and determination of young individuals pursuing new opportunities.

Azman’s engagement highlighted the profound impact of initiatives like the ‘Freelancing Factory’, reinforcing the programme’s mission to empower youth and cultivate a thriving freelancing community in Bangladesh.

Chief corporate affairs officer of Grameenphone, Hans Martin Henrichsen emphasised on the abundant opportunities available to students in freelancing. He expressed pride in the diverse cohort, noting that it includes 40 per cent female participants and 19 per cent students from outside Dhaka.

This diversity not only enriches the learning environment but also reflects a commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, essential for fostering creativity and innovation in the freelancing landscape, he added.

Chief human resources officer of Grameenphone Sayeda Tahya Hossain energised the participants with her encouraging message, urging them to cultivate their skills and seek out opportunities in diverse fields. She highlighted the importance of expanding their perspectives, emphasising that every new skill can open doors to impactful contributions in both their personal and professional lives.

Approximately 12,000 students engaged with Grameenphone Academy through its Facebook group and LMS. From this outreach, over 600 students applied and after thorough assessments and interviews conducted by mentors 106 were selected ultimately.​
 

Grameen Digital Healthcare Solutions teams up with Bkash to enhance accessibility to healthcare services
FE Online Desk
Published :
Nov 17, 2024 20:22
Updated :
Nov 17, 2024 20:22

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Grameen Digital Healthcare Solutions (GDHS) has announced its partnership with bKash, Bangladesh’s leading mobile financial service provider, to enhance accessibility to healthcare services through seamless digital solutions.

This collaboration aims to bridge healthcare and financial services, allowing millions to access health services directly through their mobile devices, according to a press release.

By adding bKash’s reliable payment system to GDHS’s digital healthcare platform, users will experience faster and easier transactions.

This partnership aims to improve payment options in healthcare, allowing patients to pay for consultations, tests, and health products with ease.

This collaboration is an important step in making healthcare services more available across Bangladesh, especially for people in remote and underserved areas. With bKash’s large digital network, GDHS can reach more people, ensuring easy access to essential healthcare services, the release says.

Honoured guests at the agreement event included distinguished leaders such as Dr. Ahmed Armaan Siddiqui, CEO of Grameen Digital Healthcare Solutions, along with other notable figures from Grameen Group. Among them were Kazi Waqar Ahmed (Financial Advisor, Grameen Telecom Trust), Mohammad Solaimun Rasel (Chief Technology Officer, GDHS), Hasibul Hasan (Chief Marketing Officer, GDHS), Taufique Ahmed (Finance Lead, GDHS), and Barrister Ahmed Raquib Malik (Legal & Compliance Lead, GDHS). Representing bKash were Ali Ahmed (Chief Commercial Officer), Hossain Md. Shahidul Haq (EVP & Head of Department Business Finance), Md. Tayab Hossain Chowdhury (General Manager, Merchant Payment), and Faisal Shaheed (EVP & Head of Department, Merchant Payments).​
 

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