BB eases import of 11 essentials for Ramadan

Bangladesh Bank (BB) has allowed delayed payment of bills for importing 11 essential food items ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.

The products are – rice, wheat, onion, pulses, edible oil, sugar, eggs, chickpeas, peas, spices and dates.

On Monday, the foreign exchange policy department of BB issued a circular in this regard and sent it to the top executives of the bank for immediate execution.

The notification stated, “To maintain the price at a reasonable level and smooth supply of necessary food items during the holy month of Ramadan, it has been decided to allow the import of rice, wheat, onion, pulse, edible oil, sugar, egg, chickpea, pea, spices and dates up to 90 days under supplier’s/buyer’s credit.”

The central bank says this decision has been taken to facilitate transactions in the case of imports and the facility will be applicable till 31 March 2025.

This decision will help the importers import these products as the demand for these products increases during and before Ramadan.

Earlier on 6 November, the central bank issued a notification relaxing the previous 100 percent margin or security value for importing goods.

Now that margin will be determined based on the customer-bank relationship.

According to industry insiders, importers will need less cash due to the relaxation of the LC margin. It will also reduce import costs.