A ten$-$year bond issue of $$400,000,$ interest rate of $9\%$ paid semiannually, is sold for $$440,000$ when the market rate is $8\%.$ The bonds were not sold between interest dates and the straight$-$line amortization method is used. The bond interest expense for the first interest payment would be

a$.$ $$16,000$

b$.$ $$32,000$

c$.$ $$18,000$

d$.$ $$2,000$