Dhaka: Bangladesh Bank (BB) Governor Dr. Ahsan H Mansur announced a significant policy change today, stating that the bank will issue a circular instructing all banks to refrain from imposing a Letter of Credit (LC) margin on the import of essential goods until at least Ramadan. This directive aims to ensure the uninterrupted supply of necessary commodities during the holy month.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the decision was revealed during a meeting focused on inflation at the finance ministry, attended by Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. The meeting concluded with several resolutions, including the temporary relaxation of the single borrower limit over the next two to three months. This measure is designed to facilitate the steady supply of essential food items during Ramadan.
Governor Mansur addressed concerns about the availability of foreign currency, stating that there is currently no shortage of dollars. He assured the public that any individual can approach banks to open an LC of a
ny amount and encouraged reporting any instances of payment difficulties directly to him.
In response to the inflationary pressures impacting low-income households, Governor Mansur mentioned that the government has decided to increase the distribution of rice through the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB). Under this initiative, each family will receive 10 kilograms of rice per month, doubling the current provision of 5 kilograms at a subsidized rate for TCB cardholders.