Dhaka:Bangladesh Bank has instructed all scheduled banks to maintain cash margins at the minimum possible level for opening letters of credit (LCs) to import essential consumer goods ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Banking Regulation and Policy Department-1 of Bangladesh Bank issued a circular letter aimed at facilitating the import of essential commodities and ensuring their adequate supply at affordable prices during Ramadan.
The circular advises banks to maintain cash margins at the minimum possible level, considering the banker-customer relationship, while opening LCs for importing essential commodities such as rice, wheat, onions, pulses, edible oil (soybean and palm oil), sugar, chickpeas, peas, lentils, and dates. The central bank also emphasized prioritizing the opening of import LCs for other essential commodities to ensure an uninterrupted supply in the domestic market.
The circular references previous instructions issued on September 5, 2024, and November 11, 2025, regarding LC facilities and cash margin requirements for importing essential consumer goods. The latest directive aims to facilitate imports, stabilize the market, and ensure the availability of essential commodities at reasonable prices ahead of Ramadan.
This directive, issued under the authority provided by Section 45 of the Bank Company Act, 1991, will come into effect immediately and remain valid until March 15, 2027. The instructions have been sent to the managing directors (MDs) and chief executive officers (CEOs) of all scheduled banks operating in Bangladesh.