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Budget Proposes Tax-Free Status for 19 ICT Sectors in 2024-25

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In the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, Finance Minister Abul Hasan Mahmood Ali announced tax exemptions for 19 sectors within the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry. This initiative aims to support the government’s vision of creating a Smart Bangladesh by encouraging digital transformation across various domains.

The budget proposal was presented on Thursday, June 6, in the National Parliament, chaired by Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and attended by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This is the first budget presented by Abul Hasan Mahmood Ali as Finance Minister and marks the 53rd budget of the country, driven by the slogan “Commitment to Building a Happy, Prosperous, Developed, and Smart Bangladesh.”

Key ICT Sectors to Benefit from Tax Exemptions
Tax-Free ICT Sectors: The proposed tax exemptions cover a wide range of ICT activities, including the development and provision of advanced digital solutions. The sectors slated for tax relief include:

  • AI-Based Solution Development: Encouraging innovation in artificial intelligence applications.
  • Blockchain-Based Solution Development: Promoting the use of blockchain technology in various industries.
  • Robotics Process Outsourcing: Facilitating the outsourcing of robotic and automated processes.
  • Software as a Service (SaaS): Supporting the growth of cloud-based software services.
  • Cybersecurity Services: Enhancing the development of security solutions to protect digital assets.
  • Digital Data Analytics and Data Science: Boosting capabilities in data analysis and interpretation.
  • Mobile Application Development Services: Promoting the creation of mobile apps.
  • Software Development and Customization: Supporting bespoke software solutions.
  • Software Test Lab Services: Facilitating testing environments for software quality assurance.
  • Web Listing, Website Development, and Services: Encouraging web-based services and site development.
  • IT Support and Software Maintenance Services: Providing ongoing support and maintenance for software products.
  • Geographic Information Services: Promoting the use of GIS technology.
  • Digital Animation Development: Supporting the creation of digital animations.
  • Digital Graphics Design: Facilitating digital design services.
  • Digital Data Entry and Processing: Streamlining data entry and processing services.
  • E-Learning Platforms and E-Publication: Supporting online learning and digital publishing.
  • IT Freelancing: Encouraging freelance work in the IT sector.
  • Call Center Services: Promoting the outsourcing of customer support services.
  • Document Conversion, Imaging, and Digital Archiving: Supporting the digital conversion and archiving of documents.

Conditions for Tax Exemption: These sectors will be tax-exempt provided that they ensure cashless transactions for business operations. The goal is to modernize financial transactions and integrate digital payment systems, making business activities more efficient and transparent.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to accelerate digital adoption and innovation in Bangladesh, ultimately aiming to transform the country into a leading digital economy.

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JCI Dhaka West Unveils New Leadership Team for 2025

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Junior Chamber International (JCI) Dhaka West has officially announced the formation of its new executive committee for the upcoming year, 2025. The organization unveiled this dynamic group of leaders during a recent general assembly held on Tuesday, December 17th in Dhaka.

At the helm of this new committee is Sujaur Rahman Emon, who has been appointed as Local President, poised to lead the chapter into a promising year ahead. Assisting him in steering the organization’s goals is Executive Vice President (EVP) Subah Afrin and Md Imam Hasan, while S M Belal Uddin takes on the role of Immediate Past Local President (IPLP).

Other board members include Vice President (VP) Md Saddam Hossain, Md Tanvir Hasan, and Audrika Eshna Purbasha, Secretary General (SG) Ibrahim Khalil Foysal, Treasurer Md Sameen Rahman, General Legal Counsel (GLC) Jiban Ahmad, Training Commissioner Masud, Directors Daud Mahmud Aovin, Jeba Maliha, Arianul Islam, Shurovy Yeasmin, Ahmed Wazedul Haque Khan, and Md Sabbir Hasan, Executive Assistant to Local President Reyel Ahmed Opu, and Committee Chair Md Robiul Islam, Abdur Rahman Khan Bappy.

Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman, 2024 National Director of JCI Bangladesh and 2023 Local President of JCI Dhaka West, served as the Election Commissioner. Before announcing the new Executive Committee of JCI Dhaka West, the organization’s fourth General Members’ Meeting (GMM) for 2024 was held.

“We will put our full effort into spreading positive impacts through sustainable development initiatives across the nation,” said newly elected Local President Sujaur Rahmaan Emon.

Junior Chamber International (JCI) is a vibrant organization, comprising individuals aged between 18 and 40, known for their unwavering dedication to community service and development. The global headquarters of JCI is situated in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, and its impact extends to over 35 local chapters throughout Bangladesh. JCI Dhaka West proudly stands as the largest and most prominent among these local organizations.

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Arefeen Raafi Ahmed Elected as Deputy National President of JCI Bangladesh

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Arefeen Raafi Ahmed JCI Bangladesh

The National General Assembly of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Bangladesh, an international organization for young leaders, has formed its new National Executive Committee for 2025. Arefeen Raafi Ahmed has been elected as the Deputy National President of JCI Bangladesh.

The General Assembly took place on Friday, December 6, at Hotel Le Méridien in Dhaka. After the assembly, elections were held to select the president and other executive committee members. The election process was overseen by former JCI Bangladesh President Md. Ziaul Haque Bhuiyan.

Upon being elected as Deputy National President, Arefeen Raafi Ahmed said, “My focus will be on empowering our members. Everyone possesses unique skills, talents, and perspectives that can contribute to JCI’s growth. I am committed to providing opportunities for skill development, mentorship, and networking, enabling each member to reach their full potential within our organization. Together, we can create a positive impact on our community, empower our members, and build a stronger, more connected JCI Bangladesh.”

Arefeen Raafi Ahmed holds a Bachelor’s degree in ICT (Information and Communication Technology) from Western Sydney University, Australia. He is the Executive Director of Techno Drugs Limited and the Managing Director of Pulse Tech Limited, a leading healthcare technology company in Bangladesh. He also serves as the Managing Director of GreenTech Holidays Limited, a travel and tourism-based company. Previously, he served as the Local President of JCI Dhaka Entrepreneurs in 2021, Vice President of JCI Bangladesh in 2023, and Executive Vice President of JCI Bangladesh in 2024. He has also been honored as a JCI Senator.

Junior Chamber International (JCI) is a global organization for young people aged 18 to 40. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, JCI operates in more than 120 countries with over 200,000 members worldwide. In Bangladesh, JCI currently has around 40 local chapters, working to foster personal development among young individuals by enhancing their skills, knowledge, and intellect.

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Cixing Hosts ‘Bangladesh Night’ to Boost Knitwear Innovation and Collaboration

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Ningbo Cixing Co., Ltd. (“Cixing”), a global leader in knitting machinery and technology, successfully hosted the ‘Cixing Bangladesh Night Products Promotion Meeting’ at the Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden on Tuesday.

The event brought together key industry stakeholders, including the owners and executives of over 300 influential sweater production companies in Bangladesh. BGMEA Fashion Technology University (BUFT), a well-known fashion school in Bangladesh, also participated in jointly exploring cooperation with high-end talent in the knitting industry.

In a significant move towards developing future talent, Cixing also signed a series of cooperation agreements with famous local companies, including BSKL and Cixing, Knit Asia and Cixing, Bettex and Cixing, NEXUS and Cixing, TWELVETEX and Cixing, and SWEATERTECH and Cixing, which marks a new chapter in the cooperative relationship.

A captivating grand fashion show to release the latest work of the Cixing sweater design team, showcasing Cixing’s products, technology, and unique industrial advantages, underlining its potential to revolutionize the local industry and establish more profound and long-term partnerships with new and old customers.

Frank Sun, Chairman of Ningbo Cixing Group, delivered a speech, saying that as the world’s leading provider of intelligent knitting equipment and digital knitting factory solutions, Cixing Group has been committed to promoting innovation and development in the knitting industry.

“We attach great importance to research and development work, with an average annual R&D investment of over 12 million US dollars in recent years to ensure the company’s sustainable development. Our technology, products, and services have spread all over the world. In 2023, nearly 30,000 units have been sold. Sales in 2024 are expected to be 40,000 units. Up to now, the global market share of Cixing products has risen to almost 30% with about 300,000 units in operation worldwide,” Sun said.

“The chairman stressed that Bangladesh, as a major manufacturing hub for the global clothing industry, has always been our focus of attention,” said Sun, adding that “We believe that through our joint efforts, we can bring revolutionary changes to Bangladesh’s textile industry, enhance industrial competitiveness, create more job opportunities, and contribute to Bangladesh’s economic development.”

Cixing’s efforts underscore a shared vision for innovation and excellence in knitwear production, marking a new chapter of cooperation and development for Bangladesh’s textile industry.

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