The transaction through Mobile Financial Service (MFS) has been declared suspended for temporary period centering the eleventh general election. The direction came through a circular of Bangladesh Bank on Thursday. It is said in the circular, according to the direction of Election Commission order is being given to all the Mobile Financial Service provider agencies to stop all kinds of transaction through Mobile Financial Services from 5 pm of December 28, 2018 to 5 pm of December 30, 2018. That means in these three days or for 48 hours nobody can withdraw or deposit money through any kind of mobile banking like Bkash and Rocket services. But it is also said in the circular, Mobile Financial Service can be made operational keeping limited option for transaction up to 5 thousand taka per day from personal account from 5 pm of December 29, 2018 to 5 pm of December 30, 2018. Under this circumstance, Mobile Financial Service providing banks and subsidiaries are suggested to take necessary action in this regard and to inform all including the subscribers. AH     

Bangladesh Bank has directed for supplying sufficient money to the ATM booths of the banks during the election period. Besides direction was also given for uninterrupted transaction through Automated Teller Machines (ATM), Point of Sale (POS), e-payment gateway. In the direction sent to the Managing Directors and Chief Executives it was said that all time service has to be ensured for ATM services and technical problems should be repaired immediately. Besides all time guard should be ensured for security. For POS, the all time service has to be ensured and to prevent forgery merchants and subscribers have to be cautious. For e-payment card based and for ‘card not present’ transaction two factor authentication system should be made operational. AH  

The prices of gold are not going to be increased. Selling and buying of gold will take place in Bangladesh market according to the previous prices. The information came through a source of Bangladesh Jewelry Samity (BAJUS). The association decided to reinstate the prices on Saturday night. Earlier at 6 pm on Saturday BAJUS said in a press release, the prices of gold will be increased by one thousand 167 taka per bhori in the local market from Sunday. But the prices of old method gold and silver will remain unchanged. They said that the prices of gold are going to be increased in country’s market after four months as prices in the international market have increased. But on Sunday BAJUS sources said, the prices of gold are in downward trend in the international market. So they have moved back from price hike decision. Besides, the decision has been suspended keeping ahead X’mas, national parliament election and new year. That means buyers now can buy gold at the previous prices. Under the current rate, good quality 22 carat gold is selling at 47 thousand 472 taka per bhori. 21 and 18 carat gold are selling per bhori at 45 thousand 198 taka and 40 thousand 124 taka respectively. On the other hand, under old method price of gold per bhori is 27 thousand 585 taka and price of silver per bhori is 1 thousand 50 taka. AH        

Again prices of gold have increased by 1166 taka. The prices have increased by one thousand 166 taka per bhori for 22, 21 and 18 carat gold. But the prices of old method gold and silver remain unchanged. Earlier the prices of gold were fixed on August 6. Due to price hike per bhori 22 carat gold will be sold at 48 thousand 639 taka from tomorrow (Sunday). The information came in through a notice signed by Bangladesh Jewelers Samity (BAJUS) general secretary Dilip Kumar Agarwal. On Saturday BAJUS said in a press release, comparing the international market the prices of gold have been fixed for the local market. According to BAJUS price list, 22 carat gold per bhori (11.664 gms) will be sold at 48 thousand 639 taka. Till Saturday this quality of gold was selling per bhori at 47 thousand 472 taka. That means the price has increased by 1 thousand 166 taka per bhori. 21 carat gold per bhori will be sold at 46 thousand 364 taka. Till Saturday this quality of gold was selling at 45 thousand 198 taka. Price has increased per bhori by 1 thousand 166 taka. Price of 18 carat gold per bhori has increased by 1 thousand 166 taka and will be sold at 41 thousand 291 taka. Till Saturday this quality of gold was selling at 40 thousand 124 taka per bhori. On the other hand in old method gold is selling at 27 thousand 585 taka per bhori. Meanwhile price of silver remain unchanged. Per bhori 21 cadmium silver is selling at one thousand 50 taka. AH      

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the main aim of the Awami League government is to create a business-friendly environment in the country. She said this at a conference of businessmen at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center in the capital on Wednesday. In the business conference titled 'Bangladesh on the path of peace and prosperity', the country’s top business organization - Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) - gave a reception to the Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina. The Prime Minister said that the upcoming election will be held peacefully and people will choose their candidates through the voting. No nation can prosper without business activities, she said adding that the government is working to expand business platforms. The FBCCI leaders urged the countrymen to cast vote for boat for further development of the country. FBCCI president Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin, senior business leader Mahbubur Rahman, PM's private development affairs adviser Salman F Rahman, Rokeya Afzal Hossain, Mir Nasir Hossain, were present at the conference, among others. MHK