BEELIA demands reclassification of elevators as capital machinery, duty rationalization

Staff CorrespondentThe Bangladesh Elevator, Escalator and Lift Importers Association (BEELIA) has called upon the government to reclassify elevators and escalators as Capital Machinery and rationalize the existing duty structure to ensure sustainable growth of the country’s housing, industrial, and infrastructure sectors.Speaking at a press conference held in the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Wednesday, BEELIA President Md. Shafiul Alam Uzzwal stated that elevators are no longer luxury items in the context of modern urbanization, high-rise construction, industrialization, and inclusive infrastructure development.Rather, they are essential capital equipment that support economic growth and public accessibility.He noted that elevators were removed from the Capital Machinery category in 2023 and subsequently classified as commercial products. Since then, import duties have increased consecutively in the fiscal years 2024 and 2025.As a result, the total duty burden on elevator impor...

Daraz Reaffirms Its Commitment to Bangladesh

Highlighting continued business momentum, a growing seller base and ongoing investment as it optimizes operationsDaraz Bangladesh has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the country, stating that it continues to operate normally and remains focused on sustainable growth in the Bangladesh market, following recent media reports regarding its investment and operational outlook.The company said such characterizations do not reflect its actual strategic priorities or day-to-day operations and soug...

The Celeste brings world-class skincare products at affordable prices

The Celeste, a homegrown Bangladeshi brand, has entered the country's beauty market with science-backed skincare products at affordable prices. Launched in 2024, the brand aims to make premium skincare accessible to ...

CCC plans waste-to-energy project with Japanese support

Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) is moving forward with plans to convert municipal waste into electricity, as a Japanese engineering company has expressed interest in implementing a waste-to-energy project in the port city.The matter was discussed during a courtesy meeting between representatives of JFE Engineering and Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain at the Nagar Bhaban on Tuesday.Speaking at the meeting, Mayor Dr Shahadat said modern waste management is essential for building a clean, healthy and environmentally sustainable city."Waste should not be viewed as a burden but as a valuable resource," he said, expressing his commitment to initiatives that can generate electricity from municipal waste.He noted that Japanese technology and expertise could play a ...

PM Adviser Dr Zahed returns after Delhi airport stop

Tarique hints at backing England in FIFA World Cup

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has hinted that he will be supporting England in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, citing his long stay in the country without explicitly naming the team.Speaking to journalists after an event at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka on Tuesday afternoon, Tarique was asked which nation he would be cheering for during the global football tournament.Responding with a smile, he said, “I had been in a country for a long time; so you understand,” before asking the reporter, “Have you got the answer?”His remarks were widely interpreted as a reference to England, where he lived for nearly 17 years before returning to Bangladesh late last year.England, the 1966 FIFA World Cup champions, are set to begin their campaign against Croatia in a match scheduled for 2:00am Bangladesh time on Thursday.Tarique left for London in September 2008 after obtaining bail from the Supreme Court and stayed there with his wife, Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Zaima Rahman, while undergoing medical treatment and remaining active in politics from abroad.He returned to Bangladesh on Dec. 25, 2025, after years in self-imposed exile, having previously served as the acting chairman of the party before assuming the office of prime minister....

Ensure strict safety oversight of LPG sector

There has been a rapid expansion of Bangladesh’s liquefied petroleum gas sector without adequate safety compliance, technical oversight and trained manpower. This situation is increasing the ris...

Take effective measures to stop deadly gas explosions

The tragic death of Sayma Akter at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery has completed one of the most heartbreaking family tragedies in recent memory. With her passing, all five members of a family in Narayanganj’s Fatullah &mdash...

KFC's 'Eidi for Angels' Spreads Eid Joy to Underprivileged Kids

To stem the scourge of smoking, follow the science, not the dogma

Benefits of Having an Oven in Your Kitchen