Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) - The central bank of Bangladesh has permitted commercial imports of essential commodities on deferred payment terms in a bid to stabilise the market and ensure an adequate supply of key food items ahead of Ramadan.
According to a notification issued by the Bangladesh Bank (BB) on Wednesday, importers are now allowed to bring in rice, wheat, onion, pulse, edible oil, sugar, chickpea, pea, spices, and dates under supplier’s or buyer’s credit arrangements with a usance period of up to 90 days.
Central bank officials said the facility will remain valid until March 31, 2026, providing importers greater flexibility in managing their payment obligations.
“The central bank has relaxed our policy aiming to keep the domestic market stable through ensuring adequate supply of key food items during the month of Ramadan,” a senior central banker said while explaining the latest move.
Normally, a large volume of essential commodities is imported ahead of Ramadan to meet the surge in consumer demand during the fasting month.
Earlier, the central bank had also allowed flexibility in determining letter of credit (LC) margins for these same essential commodities based on banker–customer relationships, the central banker added.
BBN/SSR/AD