বর্তমানে দেশের খেলনার বাজার প্রায় ১০ হাজার কোটি টাকার সমান। দিন দিন খেলনার বাজার বাংলাদেশে প্রসারিত হচ্ছে। আর তাই দেখে নতুন উদ্যোক্তাদের এই সেক্টরে কাজ করার আগ্রহ প্রকাশ করছেন। এদিকে শিশুদের সুস্থ মানসিক বিকাশের জন্য খেলনার গুরুত্ব অপরিসীম। এবং দিন দিন অভিভাবকদের এমন সব খেলনার প্রতি আগ্রহ বাড়ছে যাতে নেই কোন বিষাক্ত উপাদান। চলুন এই বিষয় নিয়ে আজ বিস্তারিত জানবো এবং জানবো কত টাকা থাকলে আপনি এই সেক্টরে কাজ শুরু করে বদলে ফেলতে পারেন আপনার জীবন। 

দেশের খেলনার বাজার কত বড়? 

এক দশক আগে দেশের বাজারে যা খালনা দেখতেন তার ৯০ শতাংশ ছিল আমদানি নির্ভর। কিন্তু দিন পালটেছে বর্তমানে দেশের খেলনার চাহিদার ৯০% আমাদের দেশেই উৎপাদন হয়। প্রতিবছর এই খাত থেকে বৈদেশিক মুদ্রা আসে ১০০ কোটি টাকা। তবে সরকারি সাহায্য সহযোগিতা পেলে আগামী ২০৩০ সালের মধ্যে এই খাত থেকে বৈদেশিক মুদ্রা আয় করা সম্ভব ১২০০ কোটি টাকা। এতে প্রয়োজন সরকারের কিছুটা সহযোগিতা। বর্তমানে খেলনা তৈরির কাঁচামালের উপরে ৩৬-৪০ শতাংশ শুল্ক গুনতে হয় খেলনা প্রস্তুতকারকদের। তবে খেলনা প্রস্তুতকারকদের দাবি তারাও শুল্ক মুক্ত আমদানি ব্যবস্থা চান। তবে এই খাতের অভিজ্ঞরা বলছেন শুধু শুল্ক মুক্ত করলেই চলবেনা, প্রয়োজন খেলনা তৈরির জন্য নির্দিষ্ট জায়গা এবং দক্ষ জনবল। তবেই এই খাতকে আরও বেশি শক্তিশালী করে তোলা সম্ভব। 

খেলনার ব্যবসা শুরু করতে চাইলে কি করতে হবে? 

এতক্ষণে আপনি হয়তো বুঝে গেছেন যে, খেলনার বাজার কত বড় এবং কত সম্ভাবনাময়। তাই আপনি চাইলে খেলনা উৎপাদন কিনবা খুচরা কিংবা পায়কারি বিক্রির দকান দিতে পারেন। এই খাতে আপনার লাভটা খুজে বের করতে যে যে বিষয় গুলো মাথায় রাখতে হবে। 

বাজার গবেষণা:  আপনি আপনার খেলনার দকানে কোন ধরনের খেলনা রাখবেন তা আগে নিশ্তিচ করুন। কারণ বাংলাদেশের তৈরি ১০০ ভাগের ৮০ ভাগ খেলনা তৈরি করা হয় বিষাক্ত কেমিকেল দিয়ে যা বাচ্চাদের জন্য বেশ ক্ষতিকর। তাই আপনি আপনার দকানে কোন ধরনের খেলনার রাখবেন এটা একদমই আপনার উপরে। 

পাইকারি উৎস খোঁজা: আমাদের দেশে খেলনার পাইকারি মার্কেট বলতেই সবাই চকবাজার যেতে বলে। কিন্তু শুধু কি চকবাজারেই খেলনা পাওয়া যায়? বিষয়টা কিন্তু একদমি এমন নয়। আপনি চাইলে ইসলামপুর, কিংবা কাওরান বাজার থেকেও খেলনা পাইকারি দামে কিনতে পারবেন। 

পুঁজি বিনিয়োগ ও বাজেট নির্ধারণ: এই খেলনার ব্যবসায় খুব আল্প পুজিতেই আপনি চাইলে এই ব্যবসায় নামতে পারবেন। আপনার কাছে যদি মাত্র ৫০-৬০ হাজার টাকা থাকে তাহলেই আপনি চাইলে এই ব্যবসায় নামতে পারবেন। 

খেলনা বিক্রি করবেন কোথায়? 

চকবাজার থেকেতো খেলনা কিনলেন কিন্তু এখন সেই খেলনা বিক্রি করবেন কোথায়? যেখানে মানুষ এর সমাগম বেশি যেমন, শিশু পার্ক এই বাইরে সামান্য একটি স্টল দিয়ে আপনি খেলনা বিক্রি শুরু করতে পারেন। খেলনা এমন একটা জিনিস যা বাচ্চারা সব সময় পছন্দ করে। তাই শীত কিংবা গরম সব সময় যে আপনার খেলনা বিক্রি হবে এই নিয়ে সন্দেহ নেই। তবে আপনি চাইলে বিভিন্ন মেলায় বা ফেস্টিভালে একটি স্টল ভাড়া করে আপনি আপনার খেলনাগুলো বিক্রি করতে পারেন। তবে বিষয়টিকে আরও সহজ করতে চাইলে শুধু অনলাইনে ঘরে বসেও শুরু করতে পারেন আপনার খেলনা বিক্রির ব্যবসা। 

খেলনা বিক্রি করতে কি লাইসেন্স লাগে? 

আপনি খেলনা তৈরি করতে চাইলে অবশ্যই আপনাকে সরকার থেকে অনুমতি নিতে হবে কিন্তু যদি চান বিভিন্ন মেলায় কিংবা অনলাইনে খেলনা বিক্রি করবেন। এতে করে আপনার কোন অনুমতি বা লাইসেন্স লাগেবে না। 

অনলাইন ও অফলাইন বিক্রির সুযোগ

বর্তমানে শুধুমাত্র দোকানের মাধ্যমে বিক্রি নয়, অনলাইনেও খেলনা বিক্রির বিশাল সুযোগ রয়েছে। ই-কমার্স প্ল্যাটফর্ম, ফেসবুক, এবং ইনস্টাগ্রামের মাধ্যমে ব্যবসায়ীরা খেলনার বিপণন করতে পারেন। বিশেষ করে ফেসবুক মার্কেটপ্লেস এবং নিজস্ব ওয়েবসাইটের মাধ্যমে অনলাইনে বিক্রি করলে বেশি সংখ্যক ক্রেতার কাছে পৌঁছানো সম্ভব। এই ক্ষেত্রে একটি সফল উদাহরণ, Guffi World এর খেলনা। এই গুফি ওয়ালডের প্রতিষ্ঠাতা ওয়ালিউল্লাহ ভুঁইয়া বলেন, “দেশের বাজারে ৮০ শতাংশ খেলনায় থাকে বিষাক্ত কেমিকেল আর তাই আমরা ভিন্ন ধর্মী কিছু খেলনা নিয়ে এসেছি যা আপনার বাচ্চার জন্য কোন ক্ষতি করবেনা।” তার মতে দেশের সচেতন নাগরিকরা বিদেশ থেকে বিষমুক্ত খেলনা কিনে আনে তাদের বাচ্চার জন্য। আর তাইতো তার প্রতিটা খেলনার দাম অনেক বেশি মনে হলেও বিক্রি বেশ ভালো হয়। 

খেলনার ব্যবসা বাংলাদেশে একটি লাভজনক খাত হিসেবে পরিচিত হচ্ছে। বিশেষ করে পাইকারি বাজার থেকে খেলনা সংগ্রহ করে সঠিক পরিকল্পনা ও বিপণন কৌশল ব্যবহার করলে সফল হওয়া সম্ভব। উদ্যোক্তাদের জন্য এটি একটি সম্ভাবনাময় ব্যবসা, যা কম বিনিয়োগে ভালো মুনাফা এনে দিতে পারে। তাই আর দেরি না করে আজই কাজে লাগে পরুন।

“তথ্যসূত্র”

Selecting the best funding plan for their startups is an entrepreneur’s most important decision. Usually, there are two primary choices:

1. Bootstrapping- This strategy involves the entrepreneur starting the business using personal funds and revenue.
2. Venture Capital (VC)- where investors contribute money in return for joining the company as partners.

Every strategy has unique benefits and difficulties. The best course of action depends on the market’s state, corporate objectives, and risk tolerance.

Bootstrapping: A route to growth that is self-funded

Running a business entirely on the entrepreneur’s personal resources and business revenue without any outside investment is known as bootstrapping. Numerous prosperous businesses, such as Basecamp and MailChimp, have expanded using this approach.

Advantages of Bootstrapping

• Full control and ownership

Entrepreneurs can avoid investor intervention because they maintain complete ownership and decision-making authority over the company.

• Financial discipline

Because of scarce resources, every company expense must be carefully considered, which boosts productivity and creativity.

• The possibility of increased revenue

Since they are not required to pay dividends to investors, entrepreneurs who run a profitable business keep all of the profits.

• Absence of outside pressure

Since they are not pressed to live up to investor expectations, entrepreneurs may concentrate on long-term planning.

Difficulties with Bootstrapping

• Insufficient funding

Businesses may expand slowly without investment, and it may be challenging to thrive in an intense marketplace.

• Personal financial risk

Personal savings may need to be used by entrepreneurs, which could result in significant losses in the event of failure.

• Having trouble expanding and employing

Lacking funds can make it challenging to penetrate new markets and hire qualified personnel.

Venture Capital: Rapid Growth Through External Funding

In the venture capital (VC) process, investors give money to a business in exchange for shares of the enterprise. Businesses like Facebook, Uber, and Airbnb have grown quickly via venture capital funding.

Benefits of Venture Capital

• Availability of substantial funds

Through venture capital funding, entrepreneurs can swiftly develop new goods, promote them, and grow.

• Consultation and strategic support

Venture capitalists contribute more than just funds; they also offer valuable networks, skills, and recommendations that aid in the expansion of the company.

• Increased credibility in the market

Receiving capital from respectable investors helps the firm gain market acceptance and attract additional partners, clients, and qualified staff.

Challenges of Venture Capital

• The possibility of losing power and ownership

Entrepreneurs who accept an investment cede a piece of their business to investors, which may restrict their decision-making authority.

• Pressure for rapid growth

Since investors want profits, businesses are compelled to grow quickly, which can occasionally be harmful in the long run.

• Conflicts of interest

Entrepreneurs and investors may not always have the same objectives, which can cause conflicts regarding the course of the company.

Is It Better to Use Venture Capital or Bootstrapping?

When choosing, one should take into account the following factors:

1. Product Type 

• When some unique goods or services are less competitive, bootstrapping might be quite simple.
• If your items are technology-based and in development, significant financial outlays are necessary. However, venture capital is a superior choice in this situation.

2. State of the Market

• For the first-mover advantage to be realized, venture capital might be required.
• A steady market may allow for gradual growth through bootstrapping. 

3. Growth Goal

• For gradual, regulated expansion, bootstrapping is a smart strategy.
• For quick and extensive growth, venture capital is preferable.

4. Risk-Taking Mindset

• To reduce risk, bootstrapping is the most effective method.
• The greatest choice if you want to expand rapidly while taking on a lot of risk is venture capital.

Using a hybrid approach: Combining the two?

Certain companies employ a hybrid strategy in which they raise capital after first bootstrapping. This: 

• Investor pressure is avoided when testing the business plan.
• The founders can keep control of the business and retain their original ownership stake.
• Because profitable enterprises attract investors, there are favorable investment terms available.

Atlassian is one of the many prosperous businesses that have employed this tactic.

Growth can be sluggish, but bootstrapping offers stability and control. Although it necessitates a certain amount of ownership sacrifice, venture capital provides the chance for quick growth. A hybrid approach is employed by some businesses to benefit from both.

Growth objectives, market conditions, risk-taking attitude, and business kind all influence the choice between venture financing versus bootstrapping.

“তথ্যসূত্র”

Any startup, regardless of size, must have marketing. The creation of a firm brand is the result of numerous methods and anecdotes. A television ad or advertisement comes to mind whenever we hear the word “marketing.” Marketing has altered significantly in the modern period. These days, digital marketing is used by every startup. We will talk about the role that digital marketing plays in starting a business nowadays.

Why Digital Marketing is important in Startups

Digital marketing has grown in importance in today’s business environment. It is now crucial, particularly for new businesses. Startups may generally reach and interact with their target audience with the aid of digital marketing. And it’s also a different way to build brand recognition and boost growth. In addition to being more affordable than traditional marketing, digital marketing has a wider audience. As of right now, startups can swiftly grow into large corporations by implementing digital marketing. Digital marketing, to put it simply, is the hallmark of the modern day.

How Digital Marketing Helps Startups Scale?

As we are all aware, digital marketing is now the only viable option for building a brand. Let’s explore how startups might grow with the aid of digital marketing.

1. Utilizing automation and artificial intelligence

Startups now need automation or artificial intelligence (AI) to succeed with their marketing. AI can generally automate monotonous jobs and analyze vast amounts of data. AI provides firms with recommendations based on consumer behavior and interests. Additionally, AI assists new businesses in forecasting consumer patterns of usage and adjusting their marketing tactics accordingly. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) has enabled brands to offer superior customer experiences.

2. Implementing Email Marketing

One of the most economical and successful methods for interacting with consumers is email marketing. Email marketing has a great return on investment at a very low cost. These days, email marketing systems use AI to craft highly customized communications. Startups get information about their customers and send emails according to their past interactions, preferences, and behavior. Other digital marketing initiatives are easily integrated with email marketing. Audiences and startups can establish enduring relationships using email.

3. Build a strong social media presence

Social media will be a key tool for entrepreneurs looking to engage with their audience. We must never forget that creativity and authenticity are the keys to social media success. Your brand will become more well-known the more inventive you can be. You can concentrate on short-form video content for this. You will benefit greatly from platforms such as YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and TikTok. Influencer marketing is a quick way to promote your brand if you want to. Polls, quizzes, and live sessions are some engaging ways to interact with your audience from your brand page. Your brand may simply build a devoted following on social media.

4. Invest in SEO and content marketing

Search engine optimization (SEO) and content marketing are two becoming more prevalent startup tactics. You can use blog entries, videos, or infographics to build your startup’s reputation as an authority by solving problems for your audience. To engage emotionally with your audience, produce narrative material. People can learn about your brand more quickly via SEO. You may also adjust for mobile devices and voice search.

5. Use modern technology and put the customer first

Modern technologies like blockchain, virtual reality, and augmented reality (AR) are available for utilization. These technological advancements are transforming digital marketing. Making use of these technologies will help your startup stand out from the competition and improve the consumer experience. Gaining the trust of your customers through safe data sharing is possible with blockchain.

Every startup can gain traction more quickly with the support of digital marketing. At the same time, it offers a lot of chances to compete with bigger names. In order to efficiently reach their target audience, companies might use strategies like social media, email marketing, automation, and artificial intelligence.

“তথ্যসূত্র”

Right now, Netflix is the top provider of video streaming services globally. But the story of their voyage was more complicated. Upon its founding in 1997, Netflix used to mail videos to its subscribers. Later, Netflix changed itself gradually and now offers services in over 190 countries worldwide. Fascinatingly, over 15% of the world’s internet bandwidth is currently being used for streaming.

How was Netflix founded?

Marc Randolph and Reed Hastings founded Netflix in 1997. They have its first office in California’s Scotts Valley. A well-known anecdote claims that Reed Hastings rented the movie “Apollo 13” and was fined $40 for trying to return it six weeks later. He started to ponder about this experience. He began to imagine a system in which consumers could place online orders for their preferred films and have them shipped to them.

Still, a lot of people claim that this story is merely a marketing gimmick. Reed and Marc worked at a software company at the beginning of 1997. They created a new business plan because they were afraid of losing their jobs. They discussed everything from dog food to baseball bats to surfboards, among other e-commerce ideas. Reed, however, believed that this plan would fail. 

Not long afterward, they discovered that Japan had developed a new technology. which is known as DVD. They immediately thought, “Why not try buying and selling CDs experimentally?” Initially, they mailed customers CDs of different movies, and once they got to the right person, they were confident that their strategy would work. 

Officially, Netflix was registered on August 29, 1997. But after two years of work, Reed Hastings became the chairman and 70% owner of Netflix. Additionally, Marc Randolph became Netflix’s first CEO.

What happened after Netflix was founded?

At first, Netflix tried out a variety of business strategies. Ultimately, Netflix switched to a subscription-based business model, allowing users to rent as many DVDs as they desired for a set monthly cost. Americans started to enjoy Netflix by the end of 1999, and by 2000, it had established itself as a reputable company.

Netflix’s history from the start

1997: The founding of Netflix.

1998: On the first day of its launch, the website receives 137 orders.

1999: Over 3,100 new videos are added to the video library, with 239,000 subscribers.

2001: There are more than one million subscribers.

2002: Netflix makes its debut on the public exchange and grows to a $82.1 million business.

2007: Netflix introduces its streaming service, which eventually turns into its main line of business.

2010: Netflix declares that its primary business will remain streaming.

2013: Netflix starts creating original programming, with “House of Cards” serving as the debut series.

2016: Netflix simultaneously enters 130 countries with its streaming service.

2017: There are 100 million subscribers globally.

2021: 209 million people are Netflix subscribers.

2022: As a result of its first declining subscriber base, Netflix has taken new actions, including banning password sharing and launching more affordable ad-supported subscriptions.

When will Netflix’s dominance end?

At the moment, Netflix is not the only streaming over-the-top (OTT) option available. HBO Max, Hulu, Apple TV+, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Paramount+ are some of Netflix’s main opponents. Every platform produces original material to draw users. This battle is expected to get more fierce in the future, according to many. At the moment, a few domestic streaming over-the-top platforms are profitable. Charki, Bangla, etc., for instance. Therefore, Netflix will need to be superior in every way if it wants to keep its hegemony. Despite this, they are doing a good job. through providing viewers with a variety of quality programs according to the area.

Netflix has produced well-known shows like Sacred Games, Delhi Crime, and Kota Factory, for instance, to draw in Indian audiences. However, they have also shown South Korean fans some of the best shows, such as Kingdom and Squid Game, which have won international acclaim. German audiences also showed a strong interest in Dark, Barbarians, and How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast). Elite, Sky Rojo, and Money Heist were all hot topics in the film industry for Spanish viewers.

What is Netflix’s future?

Netflix is currently up against strong competitors like HBO Max, Disney+, Hulu, and Prime Video. In the future, Netflix will employ new technology and produce more engaging content. In this context, Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan stated, “You don’t have to go to Hollywood anymore, because it is possible to present yourself to the world through Netflix.” Netflix’s ability to attract more viewers and implement new initiatives will determine its destiny.

“তথ্যসূত্র”

After waking up or while drinking tea at the breakfast table, many of us make it a habit to read the newspapers every morning. While taking a vacation from work, many of us also use online newspapers to acquire the day’s major news. There is still a need for newspapers, even in this day and age. Instead, newspapers continue to provide us with a variety of domestic and international news. The only thing that has changed is that we used to rely entirely on newspapers. Information is now available to us from a variety of sources, such as broadcast channels, social media, and online newspapers.

Have we ever pondered which one is the world’s most popular newspaper? However, we can speculate. The most well-known newspaper’s name cannot be listed in a single place. This may be the subject of numerous discussions and disagreements. The New York Times, however, is listed among the most widely read newspapers. Let’s find out why the New York Times is a popular newspaper now. We’ll talk about its history today as well.

Earlier Times

With the intention of delivering objective news, the New York Times was established in 1851 in New York City, USA. Journalists George Jones and Henry Jarvis Raymond of the New York Tribune founded the publication. The reason for its early popularity was that its editors chose to target a sophisticated, erudite readership over a general one. Because of its rigorous coverage of corrupt politician William M. Tweed, the Times made its appearance in the 1870s. The newspaper then became well-known across the country.

Adolph Ochs, the Chattanooga Times’ publisher, acquired the New York Times in August 1896. He purchased it at a time when Times was losing $1,000 every week. He made several major structural changes to Times as soon as he purchased it. By removing the hyphen from the publication’s name, Ochs made the Times a merchant newspaper. The New York Times debuted at Times Tower in 1905. When it reported on the Titanic’s sinking in April 1912, the New York Times created a sensation.

Ochs made an incalculable contribution to the New York Times’ transformation into a respectable daily newspaper on a global scale. Ochs gave careful consideration to covering the news of the day. In addition, he made sure that the daily continued to cover international news well and banned fiction. On the newsstand, he lowered the price of the paper to one penny. With its coverage of two world wars, the Times further cemented its standing as an international news leader.

Times’ Journey

To stay afloat, the Times kept using technology. It debuted an online version in 1995. It engaged a color photographer in 1997 for the newspaper’s print edition. Times Select, a membership program that the publication introduced in 2005, allows users to access parts of its online edition for a fee. Times Reader, the Times’ electronic edition, was introduced in 2006. Subscribers were able to download the most recent print edition. The next year, the magazine relocated to Manhattan’s brand-new New York Times Building. For its digital version, the Times introduced a membership model in 2011 that restricted free access.

Controversy and The Times

The “Pentagon Papers,” a classified government study of American involvement in the Vietnam War that was secretly provided to the Times by government personnel, became the subject of many publications published by the Times in 1971, which sparked controversy. The Pulitzer Prize was awarded to the Times in 1972, though, for publishing the “Pentagon Papers.” The Times has occasionally faced criticism for its coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

What makes the Times so popular?

Times’ success can be attributed to their consistent self-updating. Every time a new technology has emerged, they have utilized it to set themselves apart from the competition. Times has made an effort to uphold the standard of journalism despite numerous scandals. They have won almost 130 Pulitzer Prizes as a result. which has caused this newspaper to become one of the most widely read ones in the globe. The New York Times is renowned for its thorough reporting and high caliber of journalism. The newspaper is read by 15.2 million people per day on average. There are over 10.5 million digital subscribers and 620,000 print copies distributed daily.

Final Remarks

We frequently believe that newspapers have lost their heyday and will not thrive in the current digital era. However, The New York Times appears to demonstrate that you will never get lost in the womb of time if you can write objectively and use technology properly. Despite its nearly two-century existence, this publication continues to shine.

“তথ্যসূত্র”

Radio was widely used in Bangladesh prior to the Internet’s broad adoption. We all have a lot of radio-related memories. We still remember the good old days of listening to music on the radio at night, watching the news with the whole family, watching cricket matches all day, and listening to the commentators. Just a few days ago, we used to listen to the radio while doing arithmetic, and the tea shop on the neighborhood corner used to have the radio playing. presently, however, things are different. Radio is no longer as important to us as it once was.

But we have a history of being radio-dependent. Radio played a key role in these movements, including the language movement, the liberation war, the mass uprising, and the opposition to the Ershad regime. In particular, the faith and confidence of the nation’s citizens was also known as BBC Bangla Radio broadcasting. The 81-year history of BBC Bangla ended in 2023. Today, we will discover the reasons behind BBC Bangla Radio’s announcement of broadcasting cessation, enshrouded in precious memories.

BBC Bangla History

BBC Bangla Radio has a long history. In undivided India, the BBC Bangla radio program started on October 11, 1941, with a weekly 15-minute broadcast in Bengali. In 1965, news broadcasting got its start. In 2005, the website for BBC Bangla was launched. According to agreements with Bangladesh Betar between 1994 and 2008, BBC Bangla used to broadcast Bangla and English shows every day for 12 hours on the FM band in Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet, Rangpur, and Comilla, respectively.

Reasons for BBC Bangla’s closure

The BBC, or British Broadcasting Corporation, is one of the most well-known media organizations in the world. A section of the BBC that broadcasts in Bengali as a foreign language under the BBC World Service is called BBC Bangla. Radio broadcasts in 10 languages, including BBC Bangla, have been stopped by the British Broadcasting Corporation. Nonetheless, no language division has been shut down entirely; instead, it continues to function online.

BBC management has made this choice because of the high rate of inflation and the rising cost of commodities. As a result of BBC World Service’s decision, 382 vacant positions will be filled, resulting in a savings of almost 320 crore taka, or 28.5 million pounds. Additionally, BBC Four and CBBC are going online as part of the 500 million pounds in annual savings. The BBC’s primary goal in taking this action is to cut expenses.

People in this digital age rely heavily on the internet. Radio is no longer as popular. For this reason, the BBC has discontinued its ten-language radio broadcasts and moved them online. They will save money by doing this, and more people will watch. According to a 2007 BBC listener survey, the radio station had around 20 million weekly listeners in Bangladesh alone. In 2018, however, the BBC performed another listening survey, which revealed that the weekly radio audience had dropped to 2.6 million. A BBC poll on Bengali television shows was carried out in 2018. 8.5 million people watched BBC Bengali at the time, according to the poll results. In other words, radio has become less popular.

Political influences accounted for the majority of the 2006–07 increase in radio listenership. Bangladesh was going through a political crisis at that time. As usual, the nation’s citizens trusted the BBC to provide them with objective news during emergencies. Local institutions were unable to cover the wide range of topics that the BBC did at the time. For that reason, the 2007 study estimated that the BBC had a large audience.

Last words

“Whatever has a beginning must have an end,” goes a proverb. When the saying “You are listening to BBC Bangla” was heard for the final time on the evening of December 31, 2022, on BBC Bangla Radio’s “Parikrama” program, it proved that the old proverb was accurate. Thus, an arduous 81-year history has concluded. Recently, BBC Bangla has gone entirely online to satisfy the demands of its viewers and stay up with the times.

“তথ্যসূত্র”

Under Gautam Adani’s leadership, the Adani Group has expanded India’s cement market. For a meager $10.5 billion, the Adani Group acquired Ambuja Cement, one of the biggest cement manufacturers in India. However, it’s interesting that this organization has been run for such a long time without any Indians in charge. Ambuja Cement was formerly a division of “Holcim,” a Swiss cement manufacturer. Thus, Adani Group has solidified its position as India’s second-largest cement producer.

The main objective of Adani’s plan

To supply the enormous amount of cement needed for its massive infrastructure projects, Adani Group acquired Ambuja Cement. “Backward integration” is a crucial business technique. By doing this, the Adani Group gains control over its cement supply chain, lowering construction costs and giving it a competitive edge in this market.

He stated, “We will become one of the major buyers of cement for our own construction projects.” This implies that Adani Group will be entirely reliant on itself to guarantee cement supply going forward.

Ambuja Cement’s Strong Marketing Strategy

Ambuja Cement is a potent cement producer that also employs sustainability and innovation in its marketing approach. Ambuja Cement is now regarded as one of the leading companies in the cement sector in India because of these factors. Innovative eco-friendly products and humorous advertising strategies have elevated Ambuja Cement to the forefront of this sector.

Furthermore, Ambuja Cement has a sensible approach to investing. A US corporation recently purchased 17.1 million shares of Ambuja Cement, resulting in a 22% increase in the company’s share price. Adani Group owns 70.33 percent of Ambuja Cement as of June 2024. The market value of Ambuja Cement has increased as a result of this investment, and its share price has now hit Rs 635.

Why did Swiss company Holcim leave India?

Despite being a Swedish corporation, Holcim had a lengthy history of conducting business in India. Due to certain Indian policies, the Swiss company had to leave the country. In essence, Swiss businesses are under pressure to meet carbon emission targets of zero by 2050. Furthermore, Holcim is investing in sustainable building materials and selling its high-emission factories because the cement business is the world’s third-largest emission source of carbon.

Future of the Indian Cement Industry

With a 65.9 million ton production capacity, Adani Group is presently the country’s second-largest cement manufacturer. They want to become the best quickly. According to experts, they will soon become the dominant force in the Indian cement market attributable to their internal strategy and growing shareholding, particularly with the help of investors like “GQG” Partners.

Ambuja Cement will become a new-generation cement maker due to its effective marketing plan and emphasis on environmentally friendly technology. This will be a significant turning point for the infrastructure and construction sector in India.

The Adani Group’s purchase of Ambuja Cement marks the start of a paradigm shift for the Indian cement sector in addition to being a financial success. In the future, their approach and stake expansion will bolster their impact on the Indian building and infrastructure industry.

“তথ্যসূত্র”

Nike shoes are a recognizable brand to all of us. We have seen them in ads or on the feet of our favorite players. Our minds still picture the Nike shoe ad featuring Michael Jordan. Were we aware that an academic course led to the company’s concept? Surprised? The company’s idea was indeed inspired by Phil Knight’s academic work. Furthermore, the business is now worth a billion dollars. Let’s take a closer look at Nike’s history and how it become so prevalent worldwide.

Beginning Story

Nike’s origin story is a fascinating one. After completing his studies at the University of Oregon, Phil Knight, the founder of Nike, enrolled in Stanford Graduate of Business. In a project paper he produced while he was a student there, he claimed that it would be profitable to import shoes from Japan and resell them in America. The success of Japanese cameras in the American market at the time was one of his points of contention. Later on, he began working on the idea, which he had devised for a class assignment.

Knight went to Japan as part of his planned globe tour after graduating. He contracted with the Japanese shoe company Onitsuka Tiger to import shoes, but it took him over a year to receive the samples he ordered! He promptly forwarded the twelve pairs of shoe prototypes he had initially received to his coach, Bill Bowerman. In addition to purchasing the shoes, the person who was astonished by their excellence also promptly acquired a 49% stake in his company.

At last, Knight and Bowerman founded Blue Ribbon Sports on January 25, 1964. Blue Ribbon Sports was first sold out of Knight’s vehicle’s trunk. He sold his wares while driving around the Pacific Northwest. Conversely, Bowerman was always trying out new concepts. He conducted extensive research to determine the types of designs that would affect athletes’ performance. Blue Ribbon Sports was first established for business in Santa Monica, California, in 1966.

How the name “Nike” came about

Blue Ribbon Sports started its journey to become Nike at the beginning of 1971. It had a lengthy past. Due to several issues, including delayed deliveries, agreements with other businesses, and failure to provide shoes per Bowerman’s designs, they stopped doing business with the Japanese Onitsuka Tiger brand. Knight desired to begin anew. Because Blue Ribbon Sports was merely a Japanese shoe importer. As a result, it was given the name “Nike” based on the concept of Jess Johnson, the company’s first employee.

Greek mythology describes “Nike” as the goddess of victory. Her triumphs in athletics, industry, and combat have made her famous. Nike chose this goddess as the moniker for their brand since it aligned with their mission. Carolyn Davidson, a Portland State University undergraduate studying graphic design, created the company’s well-known logo. The company’s new name and vision align with this slightly wavy logo. With the creation of the Waffle Trainer, Nike’s quest got underway.

Nike’s First Shoe

A Bowerman waffle iron  created Nike’s first shoe, known as the “Moon Shoe.” This shoe has an interesting backstory. When Bill Bowerman was eating breakfast, he had an idea for the waffle sole design. He pondered if the grooves would provide additional grip when playing sports. The shoe’s performance-driven and gripping design made it an almost immediate success when it finally hit the market. Sotheby’s sold the shoe for almost $450,000.

The ‘Aztec’ design was the prime driver of their success. However, because Adidas had a sneaker with a similar name, they had to modify the name. As the Nike Cortez, the shoe later gained popularity. The Cortez’s debut at the Mexico Games led to its enormous success. Nike’s success as a sneaker giant can be attributed to Cortez’s cutting-edge design and technology. However, the Cortez shoe has quite a backstory. Knight and Bowerman chose to launch their own version under the Nike name after Onitsuka Co. designed the original. When Onitsuka learned that Nike was selling the Cortez model, the issue became more serious and ultimately ended up in court. After a court settlement, the judge decided that both companies could market their own versions of the Cortez under their own names.

Jordan Era

Every day, Nike’s popularity grew. Michael Jordan, then a 21-year-old basketball player, inked a contract with the company in 1984. Jordan began his career as a member of the Chicago Bulls. Fans worldwide were immediately captivated by his abilities, charm, and style of play. After noticing his popularity, Nike offered to work with him. In collaboration with Nike, Michael Jordan introduced his own brand, Air Jordan. In essence, this shoe line revolutionized the sports footwear market.

The Air Jordan, created by Peter Moore, won over fans’ hearts with its striking hues, tall silhouette, the basketball logo, and Nike’s recognizable wings. Basketball fans throughout the world responded to Michael Jordan’s performance in the Air Jordan, which was created using state-of-the-art technology. Globally, Air Jordan has evolved from a shoe to a fashion statement. There are now 35 different Air Jordan shoe variants available from Nike.

How Nike achieved its peak of success

Knight and Bowerman’s unwavering efforts and commitment are the driving force behind the nation’s and the world’s popularity. Let’s find out how they achieved their greatest level of achievement.

Just Do It

“Just Do It” is a popular tagline for Nike. Because of this outstanding tagline, Nike’s brand worth has grown. The slogan’s origin tale is fascinating, just like all of Nike’s trip stories. In marketing, slogans have gained a lot of traction since 1987. FedEx and other fast food chains were among the corporations that adopted slogans. At the time, the challenge of coming up with a catchy tagline for Nike fell to Dan Wieden, co-founder of Wieden Kennedy Advertising Agency. It was someone entirely else who gave Danny the idea for this tagline. He heard the final words of a murderer who was about to be put to death. Before he died, the murderer said, “Let’s do it.” Nike’s tagline was Just Do It, with a little modification of Let’s Do It. The straightforward but effective slogan “Just Do It” had a significant impact when it was first used in a 1988 television ad. The audience found resonance in this brief three-word tagline. People also developed an interest in self-improvement and fitness. Beyond only shoes, this tagline served as a lifestyle statement, a fashion statement, and an encouragement to never give up on your aspirations.

Nike doesn’t just sell products, it tells stories

Nike makes sure that each of its products tells a story. Stories of the athletes who wear the company’s products are told through branding and promotions. Nike considers consumer demands when designing their products. Professional athletes and regular people are frequently included in Nike’s ads, which helps the public relate to the stories they tell. LeBron James or an unidentified high school runner are just two examples of how Nike communicates their story. Nike connects deeply with their audience through emotion. Themes like overcoming adversity, personal development, and the human spirit are consistently the emphasis of their advertisements. This explains why consumers are so devoted to and trust the brand.

Marketing

Nike has been successful in large part because of its marketing. By promoting Nike with athletes, Knight and Bowerman established credibility for the brand right away. Nike was able to lead and be a part of pop culture through partnerships with well-known athletes like Serena Williams, Robertinho, Tiger Woods, LeBron James, and Michael Jordan. This trend is still going strong today.

Lastly, 

Phil Knight, the founder of Nike, had aspirations of becoming an athlete. But because his dream did not materialize, he desired to do something that would allow him to experience the satisfaction of realizing his unrealized dream. The world’s largest provider of athletic footwear was founded by a recent graduate. Over 46 billion US dollars were made by the corporation in its most recent fiscal year, 2022.

“তথ্যসূত্র”

Regarding quality and comfort, Rupa Group, one of India’s leading manufacturers of undergarments, is an unmatched brand in the clothing sector. Due to its decades of experience and unwavering commitment to innovation, the brand has become well-known nationwide.

Let’s explore this company’s inspirational path, effective business plan, and place in the very competitive underwear industry: 

Rupa Group’s History

The Agarwals, three visionary brothers, founded the Rupa Group in the late 1960s as a simple venture in Kolkata. Although it began as a trading business, it soon changed its focus to manufacturing. The business has established a strong foothold in the innerwear industry, which is attributable to its dedication to producing high-quality items and its keen awareness of consumer demands. Over the years, Rupa has been at the forefront of changing the innerwear market in India.

“Rupa” leads the innerwear market

Rupa Group provides a large selection of products for women, men, and kids. The brand is well-known for its many sub-brands, such as John, Macroman, Softline, and Frontline. Every brand is customized to satisfy the unique requirements of its clientele. From high-end designer underwear to reasonably priced necessities, Rupa has it all.

A major factor in the company’s success has been its capacity to adjust to changing customer preferences and fashion trends. Rupa has kept a competitive edge over its competitors by upholding excellent production standards and guaranteeing product availability even in remote places.

Strategic Brand Positioning

Rupa’s effective marketing approach has greatly aided the growth of its brand identity. Its celebrity-starring ads have successfully drawn customers from a variety of demographics. This strategy has improved consumer loyalty and enhanced the brand’s appeal.

Furthermore, the emphasis on growing the distribution network has made sure that its goods are available everywhere in the nation. Its wide supply network’s capabilities are demonstrated by the company’s presence in more than 1200 cities and towns.

Embracing Innovation and Sustainability

As customer tastes have evolved, Rupa Group has been constantly investing in new ideas. The company has incorporated advanced manufacturing technologies to improve the comfort and quality of its products. Eco-friendly production techniques and moisture-wicking textiles are just two examples of how Rupa has shown its dedication to sustainability and innovation.

Using environmentally friendly production techniques is one way the corporation is attempting to lessen its carbon footprint. This progressive strategy has established Rupa as a conscientious player in the textile sector.

Overcoming Obstacles and Maintaining Progress

The Rupa Group has encountered several difficulties, much like any other successful business. Because of fierce competition from both domestic and foreign companies, the corporation has had to adjust properly. The market situation is now even more complicated due to the growth of internet merchants and shifting customer purchasing patterns.

But by embracing digital change, Rupa has surmounted these obstacles. The business’s online presence has expanded dramatically. The business has been able to capitalize on the quickly expanding internet industry because to its e-commerce presence. Rupa has been able to adjust its products to suit the evolving demands of its customers by utilizing data analytics and considering their evolving needs.

A Vision for the Future

Rupa Group is growing its product line in the future. By expanding into new areas, the corporation hopes to further solidify its position in the industry. Rupa’s future growth has been mostly driven by the brand’s emphasis on high-end underwear and its investment in R&D.

Furthermore, customers who care about the environment will continue to be drawn to the company’s dedication to ethical and sustainable business practices. Rupa is in a strong position to thrive in a setting that is becoming more and more competitive by finding a balance between innovation, quality, and accountability.

A major factor in Rupa Group’s transformation from a tiny trading company to a major player in the manufacturing sector has been its innovative vision, diligent effort, and deft use of flexibility. Because of its dedication to quality, innovation, and customer happiness, the brand is well-known in Indian households. Rupa Group is a remarkable example of entrepreneurial success in the Indian textile business, having embraced new prospects and developed a devoted client base to become a unique manufacturing industry in the market.

“তথ্যসূত্র”

The American biweekly business journal Forbes is well-known throughout the world. It disseminates in-depth research, reports, and guidance on a variety of topics, including business, economics, technology, and entertainment. Meanwhile, it has a popular website that covers basic topics. 

Forbes has six million print subscriptions worldwide and 40 editions. Each month, 142 million people visit Forbes’ website. Forbes is well-known for releasing rankings of the top businesses, wealthiest individuals, and most significant figures in the world. But historically, it has been a right-wing magazine.

The publication of Forbes Magazine dates back to 1917. Because of its extensive history and experience, Forbes Magazine is considered credible. For many years, Forbes has been giving its readers reliable and validated information, and as a result, businessmen trust the information it provides. In contrast, the reader finds it challenging to determine the author’s prejudice or intention when it comes to fresh publications.

The only way for a publication to gain credibility is to offer the same topic from multiple perspectives. This is where Forbes Magazine excels, incorporating the views of various writers. The readers can obtain accurate information and comprehend the subjects from several angles as a result. Let’s discover what gives Forbes its amazing credibility.

Why is Forbes such a trustworthy company?

The present time is one of deep distrust. The media is at its center. A recent YouGov survey, however, polled 56 media sites, including Forbes, and 1,500 American adults from a range of backgrounds. It was a positive outcome. Out of all news sources, Forbes came in fifth place.

Among Black Americans and those under 30, Forbes is particularly trusted. Hence, individuals of various ages, political persuasions, and ethnic backgrounds hold Forbes magazine in high regard. Forbes even took the top position, surpassing numerous other well-known media outlets.

Articles in Forbes are worthy of citation

The credibility of an article can be assessed based on the citation of its sources. Because Forbes magazine articles are backed up by data, statistics, and facts, many of them are worthy of citation. These articles are also reliable and suitable for both personal and professional use.

Other reputable media also use Forbes’s information

Forbes’ reliability is demonstrated by the citations of its stories by other reputable and reliable publications. Numerous news organizations and reputable institutions use Forbes’s information in their investigations, demonstrating the platform’s legitimacy.

Forbes Presents The Primary Perspective

Primary viewpoints from their personal experiences are offered by the majority of Forbes authors. The viewpoint of a subject-matter specialist is present in this fundamental perspective. It is more reliable than a secondary viewpoint since the author presents data based on their own experience.

Forbes Identifies Its Informal Journalists

Only its internal journalists are given a unique tag on Forbes’ website. Readers are alerted to those whose articles have not been edited or evaluated by the “Contributor” or “Guest Contributor” tags. With this approach, Forbes highlights trustworthy sources and objective authors.

They launched the Forbes Council

Only chosen professionals are allowed to write on Forbes Council, a membership-based website. Only exceptional and talented writers are permitted to publish there, and membership costs $2,000 per year. By ensuring that only reputable and experienced writers are featured, this strategy raises Forbes’ credibility.

Only Experts Use Expert Panels

The collective experience and viewpoints of professionals are reflected in Forbes’ expert panels. The information provided by these panels is competent and genuine because it is based on their experience in a variety of sectors. You can be certain that an item on Forbes that has the “Expert Panel” badge includes the knowledge and expertise of actual experts.

Journalists Contribute to Forbes Magazine

Forbes’s journalists write its articles. These journalists are masters at obtaining information, and their only goal is to give readers reliable information. They do not write in a sensitive or politically biased manner; instead, they base their writings on the material they are given.

A Journalist Entrepreneur Prioritizes Expert Information and High-Quality Writing

Forbes recently launched “Journalist Entrepreneur,” a new subscription-based newsletter that exclusively includes high-caliber authors. These authors are in total charge of their work, and editorial review is used to determine the quality of their papers. Because it guarantees the veracity and authenticity of the material, this further strengthens Forbes’ trustworthiness.

Only content that has been expertly written, edited and confirmed is presented by Forbes. Furthermore, it is a well-liked source of reliable information because of its extensive history, wide range of viewpoints, and excellent writing.

“তথ্যসূত্র”