Corporate
Bangladesh Competition Commission Fines foodpanda Tk10 Lakh for Market Abuse
The Bangladesh Competition Commission (BCC) has levied a Tk10 lakh fine on foodpanda, an online food delivery platform, for breaching the Competition Act 2012 by abusing its dominant position in the market. This decision comes in response to a complaint filed three years ago by MGH Restaurants Pvt Ltd, alleging unfair practices by foodpanda in the food delivery market.
The BCC’s investigation revealed that foodpanda limited the business of two popular brands owned by MGH Restaurants, Nando’s and Peyela, through its abuse of dominance in the local market. In addition to the fine, the BCC imposed restrictions on foodpanda, preventing it from obstructing restaurants from entering partnerships with other food delivery platforms.
This significant move by the BCC aims to foster fair competition in Bangladesh’s rapidly evolving food delivery sector. The regulatory authority’s decision is designed to create a more competitive marketplace while safeguarding the interests of both consumers and restaurants. In response to the BCC’s ruling, foodpanda has indicated its intention to appeal, stating that it believes its position in the industry has not been adequately reflected in the order. The company’s co-founder and managing director, Zubair BA Siddiky, mentioned that their lawyers are overseeing the matter and they plan to appeal against the verdict.
The dispute between MGH Restaurants and foodpanda dates back to December 2020 when MGH Restaurants accused foodpanda of abusing its dominant position and engaging in unfair practices. According to the complaint, foodpanda threatened to increase the commission rate during the Covid-19 pandemic, which severely impacted the restaurant business. As many restaurants struggled for survival, foodpanda allegedly violated the existing agreement by arbitrarily reducing MGH Restaurants’ delivery radius and suspending them from the online platform. In response, MGH Restaurants filed a complaint before the BCC in December 2020, leading to the recent
Junior Chamber International (JCI) Dhaka West has announced its new New Leadership Team for the year 2026, with Subah Afrin elected as Local President and Md Tanvir Hasan as Secretary General.
The executive committee was formed during the General Assembly of JCI Dhaka West, held on Tuesday (December 23) in Gulshan, Dhaka.
The newly announced board includes Sujaur Rahman Emon as Immediate Past Local President, Md Saddam Hossain and Audrika Eshna Purbasha as Executive Vice Presidents, Md Sameen Rahman as Vice President, Masud as Treasurer, and Ibrahim Khalil Foysal as General Legal Counsel.
Other office bearers include Ahmed Wazedul Haque Khan as Training Commissioner, Asia Binta Amanat Sumi as PR and Media Chairperson, Jobayer Ahmed Sakib as Digital Committee Chairperson, Md Tanvir Hossain as International Affairs Chairperson. The committee also includes Directors Abdur Rahman Khan Bappy, Tanvir Sohan, Yasir Shahriar and Ahnaf Ahmed. Committee Chairs appointed for 2026 are Sheikh Mahmuda Sultana Sara, Minhatul Jannat, Rayan Islam Sardar and S M Shafiul Alam Sakib.
The election process was conducted under the supervision of SM Belal Uddin, National Vice President of JCI Bangladesh and 2024 Local President of JCI Dhaka West, who served as the Election Commissioner.
The event was attended by Arefeen Raafi Ahmed, newly elected 2026 National President of JCI Bangladesh, Kazi Fahad 2025 National President, along with members of the National Board and several Local Presidents from different chapters.
JCI is a global organization of young active citizens aged 18 to 40, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Operating in more than 120 countries with over 200,000 members worldwide, JCI focuses on developing leadership, skills and civic responsibility among young people. In Bangladesh, JCI has over 40 Local Organizations, among which JCI Dhaka West is one of the oldest and largest chapters.
Mohammad Saiyedul Islam, China: A diverse delegation of international experts, journalists, and social media influencers concluded a captivating week-long exploration of China’s Yunnan province. The immersive tour, jointly organized by the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism and China Daily, showcased the region’s rich tapestry of ethnic culture, historical heritage, volcanic wonders, and serene landscapes.
The journey provided participants from various countries, including Bangladesh, with a first-hand experience of Yunnan’s multifaceted appeal, blending rural revitalization stories with natural splendors.
The expedition began in the captivating Shimao Village, where the group delved into the narrative of the village’s remarkable transformation. Attendees immersed themselves in the unique cultural heritage and daily life of the Wa people, gaining insights into the community’s traditions and their harmonious development within modern China.
The itinerary then led to the volcanic region of Tengchong. At the Tengchong Hot Sea, participants experienced renowned geothermal wellness at the Beauty Pool Hot Spring Hotel, where they relaxed in the mineral-rich waters. The geological wonders continued at the Tengchong Volcano and Geothermal National Geological Park. Here, the delegation witnessed majestic volcanic landscapes, with some taking to the skies in hot-air balloons for panoramic views and others hiking up the iconic Little Sky Mountain for a closer look at the ancient craters.
Seeking autumnal tranquility, the group visited the picturesque Ginkgo Village, where they enjoyed the stunning golden scenery of ancient ginkgo trees, a spectacle that highlights Yunnan’s seasonal beauty and idyllic rural charm.
The cultural and historical depth of the region was further unveiled in Heshun Ancient Town. The delegation visited the century-old Heshun Library and the revered Wenchang Palace, symbols of the town’s deep-rooted scholarly tradition. A tour of the former residence of Ai Siqi, a prominent Marxist philosopher, added a layer of modern historical significance to the visit.
The international delegates, armed with cameras, notebooks, and social media platforms, documented their experiences extensively. They expressed particular admiration for the seamless integration of cultural preservation, ecological conservation, and community development they witnessed.
“This tour was an eye-opener,” remarked Nuruzzaman Kafi, a social media influencer from Bangladesh. “From the vibrant culture of the Wa people to the breathtaking power of the volcanoes and the profound historical atmosphere of Heshun, Yunnan offers a truly layered and unforgettable experience. It’s a powerful story of natural and cultural heritage being cherished and shared.”
Officials from the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism stated that such exchanges are vital for fostering international understanding and showcasing Yunnan’s role as a key destination for sustainable and cultural tourism. They believe the delegates’ firsthand accounts and wide-reaching influence will help a global audience discover the unique charms of “Colorful Yunnan.”
The successful tour is expected to generate positive international media coverage and digital content, further elevating Yunnan’s profile as a premier travel destination that celebrates diversity, history, and natural beauty.
China Correspondent: A new chapter in Guangxi’s tourism development unfolded on Dec 2, as a themed flight from Beijing touched down at Nanning Wuxu International Airport.
The flight’s arrival marked the official launch of a joint tourism initiative, “The Next Station, Guangxi,” by the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Air China, and China Daily, aiming to showcase Guangxi’s spectacular karst landscapes, ethnic traditions, and local charm to global travelers.
Air China’s Flight CA1311 functioned as a “flying cultural experience of Guangxi”, giving passengers an immersive sneak peek into the region’s unique appeal.
From check-in to landing, travelers were surrounded by Guangxi’s cultural elements: dedicated service counters with Guangxi-themed backdrops for photo opportunities, custom-made bilingual boarding passes that doubled as collectibles, and cabin interiors adorned with stickers featuring the region’s iconic landscapes and ethnic patterns.
In-flight entertainment systems looped promotional videos, allowing passengers to glimpse the “unmatched natural and cultural beauty” awaiting them in Guangxi.
Over the next seven days, a delegation of international and domestic travel influencers, vloggers, and media journalists will embark on an exploratory tour of Guangxi’s key attractions.
Their itinerary includes experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of Nanning’s night markets, where the city’s “night economy” thrives; visiting Hechi’s Bama — a world-renowned “longevity town” — to uncover the secrets of healthy living.
Then they’ll travel to Yizhou in Hechi, the hometown of legendary folk singer Liu Sanjie, to listen to melodious local mountain songs; and explore Guilin’s iconic karst mountains and rivers, which have inspired poets and artists for centuries.
Beyond the Beijing-Nanning route, tailored themed flights connecting Shanghai and Guangzhou to Guangxi are also in the pipeline. These routes will create seamless transfer options for international travelers via China’s major aviation hubs, further facilitating access to the region.
To enhance the appeal of traveling to Guangxi, a series of practical incentives has been rolled out.
Individual travelers who book Air China transfer tickets to Guangxi by December 31, 2025, can enjoy an exclusive 4 to 8 percent discount for travel before March 26, 2026. Specific terms and conditions are available through Air China’s official channels.
Travel agencies can access subsidies until January 5, 2026. Eligible firms organizing inbound groups via charters or block bookings qualify for up to 70,000 yuan ($9,660) per charter, or 700 yuan per person for groups of five or more from overseas and China’s Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan regions.
