KALEIDOSCOPE Newsletter Issue No. 11 April 2017 New Year Program 2017 The first working day of the New Year. . .
Training on Income tax, VAT and Customs. . .
SBLIF ASIHKA Mushroom Seed Social Business . . .
POSHRA Soft Opening of Grameen Poshra . . .
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IWD CELEBRATION AT GRAMEEN TELECOM TRUST
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n 8th March 2017, Grameen Telecom Trust (GTT) celebrated women’s achievements on International Women’s Day (IWD) with its employees and guests at the Social Business Learning Centre (SBLC) of GTT. UN’s slogan for gender equality and women empowerment in regard to Social Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 is “Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030” and this year’s IWD theme was “Be Bold for Change”.
IWD CELEBRATION AT GRAMEEN TELECOM TRUST
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Retreat 2017
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New Year Program 2017
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SBLIF Brief l
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The First Investment Payback from “ASIHKA Mushroom Seed Social Business” Project
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New The BASA Aadi Honey at the Dhaka International Trade Fair 2017 04
POSHRA Soft Opening of Grameen Poshra
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GTT Brief l l
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Ms. Parveen Mahmud, FCA (Managing Director, Grameen Telecom Trust) inaugurated the ceremony and in her opening speech she addressed the issue of gender equality in workforce and emphasized on a women friendly work environment in sync with the SDGs 2030 for gender equality and women empowerment. A video p r e s e n t a t i o n o n w o m e n ’s achievement in retrospect to
GTT ’s program was shown following MD’s speech. Md. Ashraful Hassan (CEO, Grameen Telecom Trust) was also preset at the event and shared his experiences and contribution for equal opportunities for female employee at his work place.
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There were guest speakers who shared their experiences and thoughts regarding gender
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Induction
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Training Program on Nobin Udyokta Program Operations
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Orientation for newly appointed Area Managers of GTT under NU program 06 Training on “Income tax, VAT and Customs”
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Training on “Office Etiquette and Communication”
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Foreign Delegates Visit to GTT
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Delegate from World Bank
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MoU signing with Ms. Farzana Alam
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Primary Meeting with PUM Netherlands Senior Experts
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02 GRAMEEN TELECOM TRUST equality in work force. Among the guests were Professor Salma Khan (Trustee, Grameen Telecom Trust & former chairman, CEDAW), Ms. Nurjahan Begum (Former Managing Director, Grameen Shakti, Grameen Shikkha, Grameen Bank), Jannat-E-Quanine (Former General Manager, Grameen Bank), Saleha Begum (Managing Director, Grameen Bebsha Bikash), Lamiya Morshed (Executive Director, Yunus Centre) and Ms. Tasrin Akter (AGM, Finance & Accounts, Grameen Distribution Limited). Ms. Sahmima (Fashion Designer, Grameen Poshra, GTT), also shared her story of how she faced her biggest challenge in life and pursued her passion. Head of Departments and representative of GTT also shared their promises and roles for equal opportunities for female employee at GTT. Mr. Sultan Ahmed Bhuiyan, FCA (CFO & Board Secretary, GTT), Mr. Manjur Ahmed (Head of HR & Admin, GTT), Mr. Jayanta Kumar Bosu (AGM, Social Business, GTT), Mr. Faiyaz Bin Hasan, (AGM, Legal & Asset Management, GTT), Mr. Fakhrul Islam (AGM, Finance & Accounts, GTT), Mr. Mohammed Shabab Habib Khan (Senior
Retreat 2017 Retreat 2017 was held on 3 March 2017 at Kaligonj Purbachal organized by Grameen Telecom Trust, Grameen Telecom, Grameen Distibution and Grameen Shamogree. The day long event was inaugurated by the Nobel Laureate Prof. Mohammad Yunus and Mr. Sultan Ahmed Bhuiyan (CFO & Board Secretary, Grameen Telecom Trust) was the convener. The board members of the participated companies were also present. It was a fun filled event with the organizations’ employees and their families. There were Seven Hundred and Nine (709) participants. The event was designed with lot of activities such as football and cricket match between the companies, cultural program and raffle draw. There was also a playing zone for children only. Along with breakfast and lunch other refreshments were also provided to make the event even more joy ful. The program ended with prize giving ceremony and gifts distribution.
Manager, Project & Infrastructure Development, GTT) and Mr. Forhad Karim Khan (Senior Manager, Internal Audit, GTT) were among the speakers. The program also hosted a poetry recitation on the history of IWD written by Ms. Aditi Kabir (Assistant Manager, Social Business & Communication, GTT). At the end of the ceremony two songs were performed lead by Ms. Nazia Ferdows Shemme (Officer, Admin & Supply Chain, GTT) where the audience joined in the chorus of the song “We Shall Overcome”. The program ended with cake cutting and photo session followed by snacks.
ISSUE NO. 11: APRIL 2017
New Year Program 2017
The first working day of the New Year, 2017 of Grameen Telecom Trust (GTT) started with a small New Year Celebration Program organized at its Social Business Learning Centre (SBLC). The program was inaugurated with a welcome address by Ms. Parveen Mahmud FCA (Managing
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Director, Grameen Telecom Trust) where she expressed her joy for the successful completion of another year of the company and emphasized on team building spirit followed by a year end video of 2016 of GTT’s activities. The program was divided into several parts. First, the heads of the eight (8) departments of GTT shared their targets and aspirations for the year 2017. Second, the newly joined employees from July onwards were introduced and third, employee training certificates were given to the recipient employee presented by Ms. Parveen Mahmud FCA (Managing Director, Grameen Telecom Trust) and Mr. Ashraful Hassan (CEO, Grameen Telecom Trust). The formal session ended with a closing speech by Mr. Ashraful Hassan (CEO, Grameen Telecom Trust) where he mentioned about the potential growth of the company and where he wish to see GTT in the near future. A cultural show was also performed by the employees of GTT. The program ended with New Year Cake cutting, photo session and refreshment.
SBLIF Brief The First Investment Payback from “ASIHKA Mushroom Seed Social Business” Project
On 31 January 2017 Grameen Telecom Trust (GTT) received the first investment payback from its “ASHIKA Mushroom Seed Social Business” Project under GTT’s Social Business Learning and Innovation Fund (SBLIF). Ms. Parveen Mahmud FCA (Managing Director, Grameen Telecom Trust) received the investment receipt from Mr. Biplob Chakma (Executive Director, ASHIKA) in presence of
Mr. Sultan Ahmed Bhuiyan FCA (CFO & Board Secretary, Grameen Telecom Trust) and Mr. Jayanta Kumer Bosu (Team Leader, Social Business, Grameen Telecom Trust). Grameen Telecom Trust (GTT) and ASHIKA Manabik Unnayan Kendra signed the Joint Agreement Venture on Saturday 23rd August 2014 at the 25th Yunus Centre Social Business design lab for “ASHIKA
Mushroom Seed Social Business” Project under SBLIF. The project aims to locally produce and supply organic mushroom seeds/spawns throughout the Hill Tracts of Chittagong (CHT) and also other parts of Bangladesh. The organic mushroom seeds/spawns is sold to farmers and poor communities to help them get involved in this mushroom farming business and thereby uplifting their quality of life.
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New The BASA Aadi Honey at the Dhaka International Trade Fair 2017 Grameen Telecom Trust (GTT) in collaboration with BASA has agreed to introduce a social business initiative under GTT’s Social Business Learning and Innovation Fund (SBLIF), “Honey Processing Social Business” aiming to produce locally produced hygienic honey that would be sold all over Bangladesh and also globally.
The BASA Aadi Honey-Honey Processing Social Business Project, has participated at the 22th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF)2017, held at Sher-E-Bangla Nagar, west side of Bangabandhu International Conference Centre. The stall is located at the Pakistani Pavillion and will be there till the end of the month long trade fair.
POSHRA On Sunday, 12 March 2017, Ms. Parveen Mahmud, FCA (Managing Director, Grameen Telecom Trust) inaugurated the soft opening of Grameen Poshra outlet at Mirpur Pallabi. Grameen Poshra is an initiative by Grameen Telecom Trust (GTT) to facilitate market linkage and create value chain development to promote the products of Nobin Udyokta, producers under Social Business Learning and Innovation Fund and marginalized producers ensuring fair price. The outlet is at ground floor of GTT’s head office at house-132, road-2, block-A, sction12, Pallabi, Mirpur, Dhaka-1216. Mr. Sultan Ahmed Bhuiyan, FCA (CFO & Board Secretary, GTT), Mr. Manjur Ahmed (Head of HR & Admin, GTT), Mr. Jayanta Kumer Bosu (Team
GTT has also initiated Grameen Poshraan e-platform to facilitate market linkage and create value chain development for sustainable income for the Nobin Udyokta, SBLIF producerrs and marginalized rural producers. BASA Aadi Honey can be ordered from Grameen Poshra To order: Hotline: +880176664243 www. grameenposhra.com facebook.com/grameenposhra
Soft Opening of Grameen Poshra
Leader & Program Support, Social Business, GTT) & Mr. Fakhrul Islam (AGM, Finance & Accounts, GTT) along with other employees of GTT were also present during the inauguration. Before the inauguration a short prayer was observed by everyone present at the event, lead by Mr. Md. Kamrul Islam (Manager, Finance & Accounts, GTT).
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GTTBrief Induction With the growing size of the company regular Employee Inductions are being organized by Grameen Telecom Trust (GTT) for newly joined employees of GTT. The Induction is designed to acquaint the new employees with the Vision, Mission and Goal of the organization. Presentations are given and brainstorming sessions are held to give a better insight on the innovative concept of Social Business and the activities of GTT. Ms. Parveen Mahmud (Managing Director, Grameen Telecom Trust) inaugurates the program and gives guidelines on how to strengthen the team of GTT by being a valuable asset to the company. The department heads are also present during the event and share their views and experience of working in GTT in their respective departments. The induction program is organized by the HR department of GTT at the Social Business Learning Centre (SBLC) of GTT. The 12th Employee Induction of GTT was held on 1 February 2017, with Thirty-Eight (38) new employee of Grameen Telecom Trust (GTT), Thirty-Six (36) field officers under Nobin Udyokta-NU (New Entrepreneur) program, One (1) under Internal Audit Department and One (1) under Grameen Poshra. The 13th Induction took place on 13 March 2017 with Fourteen (14) new employees of GTT. On Sunday, 02 April 2017 the 14th Employee Induction took place with Fifty-Three (53) newly appointed field officers and One (1) newly appointed officer at the head office under the Nobin Udyokta-NU (New Entrepreneur) Program.
Training Program on Nobin Udyokta Program Operations A 3-day Training Program was held on the operations of Nobin Udyokta-NU (New Entrepreneur) Program under Social Business, at the Social Business Learning Centre (SBLC) of Grameen Telecom Trust (GTT). Twenty-Three (23) field officers, One (1) officer from Internal Audit Department and One (1) officer from Finance and Accounts Department participated in this program which took place from 29 January to 31 January, 2017. The program was based on the various aspects of NU program operation especially focusing on NU identification and reporting and monitoring.
06 GRAMEEN TELECOM TRUST The program was inaugurated by Ms. Parveen Mahmud FCA (Managing Director, Grameen Telecom Trust) and facilitated by Mr. Sultan Ahmed Bhuiyan FCA (CFO & Board Secretary, Grameen Telecom Trust), Mr. Jayanta Kumer Bosu (Team Leader, Social Business, Grameen Telecom Trust), Mr. K.M. Saleheen (Coordinator, Social Business, Grameen Telecom Trust) and Mr. Abu Nayeem (Manager, Social Business, Grameen Telcom Trust), Mr. Saidul Islam (IT-Manager, Grameen Telecom Trust) and Mr. Abu Al Muid (Senior Officer, Internal Audit Grameen Telecom Trust). Mr. Ataur Rahman
and Mr. Shafat Noor from Grameen Communication also conducted training on “Nobin Udyokta Program Management System (NUMS)”. The training ended with certificate giving ceremony presided by Ms. Jannet-E-Quanine (Former General Manager, Grameen Bank) along with Mr. Md. Ahsan Ullah (Managing Director, Grameen Capital Management). Other department heads of GTT were also present at the closing ceremony and Five (5) participants expressed their experience of the training program at the end of the closing ceremony.
Orientation for newly appointed Area Managers of GTT under NU program A two day orientation was held for the proposed Area Managers under the Nobin Udyokta-NU program of Grameen Telecom Trust (GTT). It was held at the Social Business Learning Centre (SBLC) of GTT from 14-15 January 2017. Thirteen (13) shortlisted candidates participated in the orientation along with the panel officers of GTT’s headquarters and the MIS team totaling to twenty-eight (28) participants. Ms. Parveen Mahmud FCA (Managing Director, Grameen Telecom Trust) announced the names of the nine (9) newly appointed Area Managers under NU program. In her speech she appreciated and congratulated the managers for their contribution in achieving the target of 2016. She also advised them on team building spirit, encouraged them on how to add value to the company and emphasized on the discipline, rules and regulations.
The participants were oriented on the responsibilities and duties of an Area Manager, use of Information Technology (IT), HR and Admin customs, Accounts and Finance and MIS procedures. Mr. Sultan Ahmed Bhuiyan (CFO & Board Secretary, Grameen Telecom Trust), Mr. Jayanta Kumer Bosu (Team Leader, Social Business, Grameen Telecom Trust), Mr. Manjur Ahmed (Head of HR and Admin, Grameen Telecom Trust), Mr. K.M. Saleheen (Coordinator, Grameen Telecom Trust) and Mr. Saidul Islam Milon (Manager-IT, Grameen Telecom Trust) facilitated the whole program. The program was coordinated by Mr. Abu Nayeem (Manager, Social Business, Grameen Telecom Trust) and assisted by Ms. Rafi Akhter (Assistant Manager, HR and Admin, Grameen Telecom Trust).
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Training on “Income tax, VAT and Customs”
A 3 day In-house training on “Income tax, VAT and Customs” was given to the employee of Grameen Telecom Trust (GTT) at the Social Business Learning Centre (SBLC) of GTT. The training was held to enhance the knowledge of the employee working in their respective departments. Twenty-Two (22) nominated participants from Six (6) departments based on their field of work participated in this program which was held
from 20-23 November, 2016. The training was divided into three modules: “Income and Corporate Tax” conducted by Mr. Fakhrul Islam (AGM, Finance and Accounts, Grameen Telecom Trust) and Mr. Forhad Karim Khan (Senior Manager, Internal Audit, Grameen Telecom Trust), “VAT” conducted by Mr. Forhad Karim Khan (Senior Manager, Internal Audit, Grameen Telecom Trust) and “LC and Customs” conducted by Mr. Md. Maniruzzam (Manager, Admin and Supply Chain, Grameen Telecom Trust). Afterwards a written exam was also taken to test the understanding of the employee regarding the training.
Training on “Office Etiquette and Communication” On Tuesday, 06 December 2016, Grameen Telecom Trust (GTT) conducted an In-House training program on “Office Etiquette and Communication” for its employees. Forty (40) GTT employees from all the eight (8) departments participated in the training. The training focused on Business Etiquette, Business Phone Etiquette, Attending Official Gathering, Effective Business Communication, Oral P r e s e n t a t i o n , Wr i t i n g B u s i n e s s Documents and Email Etiquette. The program was inaugurated by Mr. Sultan Ahmed Bhuiyan (CFO & Board Secretary, Grameen Telecom Trust). Mr. Manjur Ahmed (Head of HR & Admin, Grameen Telecom Trust) and Mr. Faiyaz Bin Hasan (AGM, Legal & Asset Management, Grameen Telecom Trust) facilitated the program through presentation slides, role plays and by showing relevant videos to the participants. GTT thrives to bring the best out of its employees giving everyone equal chance for personal and career development.
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Foreign Delegates Visit at GTT On 2 February 2017, a foreign delegation team from Germany, Mr. Michael Pfeiffer (Dipl. Kfm., Chair of Business Ethics & Global Governance, Technical University Munich), Ms. Christina Hertel ( M . S c . , C h a i r o f C o r p o ra t e Sustainability, Technical University Munich) visited Grameen Telecom Trust (GTT) to learn about its program and activities. They were first greeted and briefed about GTT by Ms. Parveen Mahmud FCA (Managing Director, Grameen Telecom Trust). Her briefing was followed by year end video of 2016 of GTT’s activities and presentation of GTT by Jayanta Kumer Bosu (Team Leader, Social Business, Grameen Telecom Trust) to ensure a detailed summary of the operations of GTT. The delegates had several questions about the methods and
sustainability of the programs that were explained by the MD and others present at the event. The visitation concluded with the delegates expressing their satisfaction on the learning and comments made on the visitor’s book. Afterwards the delegates also visited the outlet Grameen POSHRA-an e-platform for creating market linkage for rural and marginalized producers, at the corporate office of GTT. There they were also interviewed about their experience in GTT. Mr. Abu Nayeem (Manager, Social Business and Program Support) and Ms. Tasnim Naz (Officer, Communication & Social Business) were also present on the occasion.
Delegate from World Bank to know about its Nobin Udyokta-NU (New Entrepreneur) Program. Mr. Sultan Ahmed Bhuiyan, FCA (CFO & Board Secretary, GTT), Mr. Manjur Ahmed (Head of HR & Admin, GTT) and Mr. Jayanta Kumer Bosu (Team Leader & Program Support, GTT) facilitated the meeting. A presentation on the NU program was given by Mr. Jayanta Kumer Bosu to give a better understanding on the NU program. On Sunday, February 26, 2017 Ms. Maya Brahmam (Senior Communication Officer, Global Engagement Team, External and Corporate Relations, World Bank) visited Grameen Telecom Trust (GTT). She is keen in entrepreneurial development and she visited GTT
Afterward Ms. Brahmam also visited the outlet of Grameen POSHRA-an eplatform for creating market linkage for rural and marginalized producers, at the corporate office of GTT.
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MoU signing with Ms. Farzana Alam On 7th March 2017, a MoU was signed between Ms. Parveen Mahmud, FCA (Managing Director, Grameen Telecom Trust) on behalf of Grameen Telecom Trust (GTT) and Ms. Farzana Alam (Senior Assistant Professor & Director, Faculty Development and Evaluation, European University of Bangladesh) for her Ph. D research study on “Entrepreneurship Development and Social Business in Bangladesh: A Case Study on Grameen Telecom Trust�. The MoU was signed in the presence of Mr. Sultan Ahmed Bhuiyan, FCA (CFO & Board Secretary, Grameen Telecom Trust), Mr. Jayanta Kumer Bosu (Team Leader, Social Business & Program Support, Grameen Telecom Trust) and Dr. Md. Mohuiddin (Registrar, European University of Bangladesh).
Primary Meeting with PUM Netherlands Senior Experts On Monday, 03 April 2017, a meeting was held between Grameen Telecom Trust (GTT) led Ms. Parveen Mahmud, FCA (Managing Director, Grameen Telecom Trust) and PUM Netherland senior experts led by Johan van den Berg (Country Coordinator, Nepal & Bangladesh, PUM Netherlands senior experts) and Ms. Murielle Klier van der Po l ( P ro j e c t O f f i c e r, N e p a l & Bangladesh, Program Coordinator, Educational Projects, PUM Netherlands senior experts) at GTT. PUM Netherlands senior experts is a volunteer organization advising businesses in developing countries and emerging markets. The meeting was facilitated through MIDAS (Micro Industries Development Assistance and Services). The managing director of MIDAS Dr. A.S.M. Mashi-ur-Rahman was present. The meeting focused on enhancing digital marketing (e-commerce) of
Grameen Poshra- an initiative of GTT to facilitate market linkage for the products of Nobin Udyokta (NU-New Entrepreneur), producers under Social Business and Learning Fund (SBLIF) and marginalized producers. It also focused on enhancing and promoting rural handicrafts and artisans and enhancing the performance of few projects under SBLIF. The meeting started with warm greetings from Ms. Parveen Mahmud and a short presentation on GTT's program by Mr. Jayanta Kumer Bosu (Team Leader, Social Business, GTT). Mr. Sultan Ahmed Bhuiyan (CFO & Board Secretary, GTT), Mr. Manjur Ahmed (Head of HR & Admin, GTT), Ms. Moreom Sultana (In-Charge, Grameen Poshra, GTT), Ms. Angela Malakar (Coordinator, Value Chain Development, GTT) and Ms. Tasnim Naz (Officer, Social Business and Communication, GTT) were also present during the meeting.
Published By Grameen Telecom Trust Corporate Office House- 132, Road-2, Block-A, Section-12 Pallabi, Mirpur, Dhaka-1216, Bangladesh 880-2-9034733, 880-2- 9034744 880-2-9023916 info@gtctrust.com www.gtctrust.com www.socialbusinesspedia.com
Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus Executive Editor Parveen Mahmud, FCA
Editorial Team Jayanta Kumer Bosu Abu Nayeem Ms. Aditi Kabir Ms. Tasnim Naz
Design Uzzal Miah