ASUS Bangladesh launches 6 new laptops
TechLife ReportASUS Bangladesh has unveiled six new laptops combining artificial intelligence, dual screen and sixteen inches display.The lineup includes dual-screen laptop Zenbook DUO, Zenbook 14 OLED, ROG Zephyrus G14, ROG Zephyrus G16, ROG Strix G16 and ROG Strix SCAR, says a press release.ASUS Bangladesh Business Development Manager Md Al Fuad said that the company is dedicated to unleashing innovation without limits.“In our latest 2024 lineup, each ASUS and ROG laptop transcends the ordinary and offers experiences of boundless possibilities. We believe our new laptops will keep users on a journey of exploration and creativity, as always,” he added.Global Brand Managing Director Rafiqul Anowar and Director Jashim Uddin Khondaker were also present at the launching event at a city restaurant on Tuesday.
Russell’s panel swipes majority, Sohel secures highest vote
TechLife ReportTeam Creative CEO Russell T Ahmed-led panel has swiped eight positions in the BASIS election while Mostafizur Rahaman Sohel secured the highest 405 votes in bianniel polls.Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) held an election for 2024-26 at the Shooting Federation premises in Gulshan the capital on Wednesday.The eight winners in the general category of the election are -- Mostafizur Rahaman Sohel of Advanced ERP, M Rashidul Hasan of Systech Digital, Mir Shahrukh Islam of Bondstein Technologies, Dr. Muhammad Risalat Siddique of Analyzen Bangladesh, M Asif Rahman of AR Communications, Iqbal Ahmed Fakhrul Hasan of Divine IT and Didarul Alam of Shooting Star. Winners in associate and affiliate categories are Syed Abdullah Jayed of Finalytics and Biplob Ghosh Rahul of Carnival Assure. Syed Mohammad Kamal of MasterCard and Abu Muhammad Rashed Mujib Noman of Augmedix got equal 3 votes in the international category while Kamal won through lottery.In this election 33 candidates contested in three panels Team Smart, One Team and Team Success. Of the eleventh executive position, Russel’s One Team won 8 positions in general, associate and affiliate categories while Team Smart of Sohel won 3 positions.Out of 1,464 voters, 1157 voted in this year's BASIS election. Among them 781 out of 932 voters voted in a general category, 250 out of 389 voters voted in the associate category, 118 out of 134 voters voted in the affiliate category and 8 out of 9 voters voted in the international category.
Toyota posts record yearly revenue
TechLife ReportToyota has registered record net profit of 31.9 billion US dollar in the year to March on revenues of 45.1 trillion yen, which was also an all-time high.But the world's largest automaker by sales warned net income would fall 27.8 percent this financial year to 3.57 trillion yen because of investments, according to a statement.The results for 2023-24 were helped by foreign currency effects, in particular the weak yen, as well as brisk sales, notably of hybrid vehicles. They exceeded the firm's forecast given in February of net profit of 4.5 trillion yen on revenues of 43.5 trillion yen.Toyota's previous record annual net profit was 2.85 trillion yen in 2021-22. For revenues it was 37.15 trillion yen the following fiscal year. Last month Toyota said it sold 11.1 million vehicles across all brands in the 2023-24 fiscal year, up five percent and the first time they have exceeded 10 million.A big factor was a 31-percent jump to 3.7 million in sales of hybrid vehicles -- combining internal combustion engines and batteries -- like the Corolla compact car and the RAV4 sports utility vehicle.
Banglalink completes 3G phase-out
TechLife ReportBanglalink has successfully completed the phase-out of its third-generation (3G) network as of yesterday, making it the country’s first telecom operator to have completed the process.The third-largest telecom operator in Bangladesh initiated the process of phasing out its 3G network in 2021 to bolster its 4G services by reallocating resources, according to a press release.Regarding the move, Banglalink CEO Erik Aas said that the operator looks forward to enhancing customers’ 4G experiences and accelerating ‘Smart Bangladesh’ vision. “Maximising Banglalink’s investment by embracing advanced 4G services is now the mobile operator’s top priority,” he said.Banglalink has doubled its network capacity to ensure superior speed and coverage across the country, the press release reads.
Messaging app imo gets ‘security badge’
TechLife ReportInstant messaging app imo has been recognised as a trusted app on Google Play through a security badge complying with global security and privacy standards for mobile apps.This recognition showcases imo’s unwavering commitment to providing top-quality security and privacy protection to its users, says a press release. Regarding the badge, imo messenger’s Business Director Mehran Kabir said the recognition signifies imo’s commitment to users with reliable security features."The imo has been continuously striving to create a safe digital space for users, and we are pleased to receive recognition for it. We hope to continue working towards innovating new features for our users and fostering better communication experiences,” she added.Google is highlighting secure, privacy-driven apps in its Play Store with a security badge in the Data Safety section, and now, imo is officially recognised with this badge.
Mercedes-Benz launches widest EV lineup
TechLife ReportRancon Motors has launched six different models of Mercedes-Benz EQ Lineup in Bangladesh.There was held a day long motor show featuring both modern and classic cars from Mercedes-Benz at International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) on recently, says a press release.The EQ lineup was launched in a separate gala event in the presence of prominent opinion leaders and business tycoons of the country. The cars were unveiled with a dramatic laser show followed by a fashion show featuring live music by Nemesis and Xefer.Group Managing Director Romo Rouf Chowdhury, Divisional Director Imran Zaman Khan, CEO Redwanul Zia were present in the ceremony.The 4 SUV and 2 Sedan models launched during the event are: EQS 450 4matic SUV, EQS 450+ Sedan, EQE 350+ SUV, EQE 53 AMG SUV, EQE 350+ Sedan and EQB.Imran Zaman Khan said in his speech, Electric Vehicles are the future of the automotive industry. He also said Mercedes-Benz Bangladesh, in collaboration with Genex Infrastructure Ltd, is working to develop a nationwide charging station network.A total of 7 charging stations are currently live in Dhaka, Chittagong, Coxs Bazar and Sylhet with a projection of 21 station by end of Q2 2024.Mercedes-Benz is the latest addition to join the EV revolution in Bangladesh following other brands like Audi, BMW and BYD. With the total of 6 new EV models offered by Mercedes-Benz, it is currently offering consumers the widest EV model range to choose from.
Tech entrepreneurs want extension of tax exemption
TechLife ReportEntrepreneurs in the Bangladesh technology sector urged the government to extend tax exemption up to three more years to drive growth in the country’s economy.The call came amid fears of withdrawal of the facility in prescription of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).“After a three-year tax exemption period, an annual tax rate of 1-2% can be introduced. The contribution of technology to GDP (gross domestic product) is only 1.09% which can be increased through policy support,” Shameem Ahsan, president at Venture Capital and Private Equity Association of Bangladesh (VCPEAB), told a seminar on Sunday.The investors’ forum organised the policy dialogue on “investment climate for Smart Bangladesh” at Sheraton Dhaka in the capital city.In the keynote speech, Shameem Ahsan showed that technology contributes 7.4% to GDP in India while 3.40% in Philippines, 4.23% in Indonesia and 7% in Estonia.Prime Minister’s Private Industries and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman was present as the chief guest.State Minister for Post, Telecommunications and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak, lawmakers Kazi Nabil Ahmed, Ferdous Ahmed and Zara Jabeen Mahbub also attended the event as guests of honour.In his speech, Salman F Rahman expressed his surprise at the lack of courses on emerging technologies in public and private universities.“We have no idea about the progress of ChatGTP backed by machine learning and AI (artificial intelligence),” he said.
Banglalink, ZTE partner to upgrade network
TechLife ReportTelecom operator Banglalink has entered into a strategic agreement with China-based ZTE to modernise its network infrastructure and enhance the capacity of fourth-generation (4G) coverage.Banglalink’s Chief Executive Officer Erik Aas and ZTE’s VEON Account Managing Director Liao Hui signed the agreement on behalf of their respective sides at the head office of the telecom company in Dhaka recently, says a press release.Regarding the partnership, Erik Aas said that Banglalink is committed to continuously driving digital transformation across Bangladesh.“We will double network infrastructure for enhancing digital experience for customers with high-quality services. This advancement will significantly improve connectivity and user experiences, leading towards achieving the Smart Bangladesh vision,” he said.
Kaspersky Next launched in Bangladesh
TechLife ReportThe cyber security company introduced new flagship product line ‘Kaspersky Next’ in Bangladesh on Thursday combining robust endpoint protection with the transparency and speed of EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response).The new solutions featured powerful tools of XDR (Extended Detection and Response). Customers can now choose one of three product tiers tailored to their business requirements, the complexity of tech infrastructure, says a press release.Regarding the launching, Southeast Asia General Manager Yeo Siang Tiong said the company has brought cutting-edge XDR solution and the transformation of our corporate product offerings.“With the introduction of Kaspersky Next, we're simplifying the complexities of EDR and XDR for businesses and organizations in Bangladesh of all sizes. Our mission is to deliver top-notch protection driven by unparalleled expertise to every customer—whether they're novices in cybersecurity or equipped with their own SOC teams,” he said.Bangladesh's cybersecurity landscape in 2023 reveals a pressing need for enhanced digital defenses. Kaspersky's latest findings showed that the country witnessed 11.4 million internet-borne cyberthreats or web threats detected last year. On the other hand, local threats were prevalent, with 33.3 million incidents detected, while the share of incidents originating from servers hosted within Bangladesh was 78,000 in the period January-December 2023.Southeast Asia Systems Engineering head Victor Chu said Kaspersky Next addresses the challenges the technozlogical development may bring upon offering cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions.“By combining advanced endpoint protection with the transparency and speed of EDR and the powerful tools of XDR, Kaspersky Next empowers companies to fortify their cybersecurity posture amidst the evolving threat landscape, ensuring a secure transition towards a smart future," he said.Kaspersky Next is a new line of cybersecurity products that includes robust endpoint protection powered by AI capabilities, and goes beyond the classic EPP (Endpoint Protection Platform), bringing together EDR and XDR for corporate customers.
bKash promotes ‘Gold Kinen’ to defraud people of money
TechLife ReportControversial e-commerce platform ‘Gold Kinen’ is allegedly conning people out of money in the name of selling gold online to fetch investment digitally. Mobile financial service bKash is supporting the illegal gold trading through apps.Industry insiders claim that ‘Gold Kinen’ has no stock of gold and it only runs a campaign to bag public money through lucrative offers. According to a press release issued by bKash on Tuesday, ‘Gold Kinen’ customers can now buy, store, sell, gift and collect international standard hallmarked and certified 22-karat gold bars and coins from its app through bKash payment. However, the ‘Gold Kinen’ platform has now stock of the precious yellow metal. It is allegedly defrauding people of money with lucrative offers, claimed some customers.The founders of ‘Gold Kinen’ are Kamran Sunjoy Rahman, Rafatul Bari Labib and Atef Hasan.Customers can collect their purchased gold from designated pick-up points nationwide or via home delivery within Dhaka city, according to a recent agreement between bKash and ‘Gold Kinen’.Regarding the partnership with ‘Gold Kinen’, bKash head of corporate communications Shamsuddin Haider Dalim said the MFS operator always maintains compliance to deal with a merchant or company.“We always go through papers and business models of merchant companies before making a partnership. If any company like ‘Gold Kinen’ is indulged in fraudulence, this will be investigated,” he said.The media people also contacted ‘Gold Kinen’ founder Atef Hasan for his comments. However, he neither received the call nor replied to the text message. As part of the cashback campaign till 31 May 2024, customers can get a 5 percent instant cashback up to Tk100 while purchasing gold from ‘Gold Kinen’ app through bKash payment.Industry insiders claim that the platform is defrauding people of money to fetch investment. ‘Gold Kinen’ claims it as Bangladesh’s first gold app though it has no involvement with the business of the precious yellow metal.
BCC opens training on certified ethical hacking
TechLife ReportA national-level training programme on cybersecurity of state security and financial institutions has began at Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC).BCC Executive Director Ranjit Kumar inaugurated the course as chief guest while BB Director Mohammed Abdur Razzaq was special guest on the occasion, says a press release on Thursday.Some 15 officials of the rank of additional director, joint director, deputy director and assistant director of Bangladesh Banks took part in the seven-day course,Addressing the programme, BCC chief Ranjit Kumar said that the training courses of BKIICT are of very high quality and practical in terms of application. “They make a significant contribution to their institutional and real life,” he said.Mohammed Abdur Razzaq said that just as the advancement of technology is bringing about radical changes in people's way of life, so too are syndicates trying to take advantage of irregularities in various ways.He believes that this type of training will be very useful in keeping his institutions officials abreast of changing technologies to protect government money. He thanked BCC for their overall cooperation in organizing the training.BKIICT Director Ashok Kumar Roy presided over the session while BCC regional director Madhusudan Chandra coordinated the training course.
Robi approves 10pc cash dividend
TechLife ReportRobi Axiata held twenty eighth annual general meeting on Wednesday.The second-largest mobile network operator approved a 10 per cent cash dividend declared earlier, says a press release.The telecom operator registered nearly a 16 per cent growth in revenue to Tk 99.42 billion in 2023, while profit jumped 75 per cent to Tk 3.21 billion during the year. The AGM was held at Dhakas International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB), conducted in a hybrid format, supporting both in-person and online participation.Robi Axiata Chairman Vivek Sood, Managing Director Rajeev Sethi, chief financial officer M Riyaaz Rasheed and senior officials were present.Addressing the programme, Chairman Vivek Sood said that Robi had performed exceptionally well in 2023 calendar year. “The tremendous work that has gone into improving the quality of services is clearly evident in its performance in the first quarter of this year,” he said.
