DHAKA, Sept 17, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh Bank (BB) has launched a guideline for banks to provide loan rescheduling facilities for borrowers whose businesses suffered due to uncontrollable circumstances during Sheikh Hasina's regime. 

To this end, the central bank issued a circular on Tuesday night saying borrowers may reschedule classified loans for up to 10 years by making just a 2 percent down payment.

The circular stated that eligible borrowers will be allowed a grace period of up to two years. However, the down payment must be made in cash and previously paid instalments cannot be counted towards it. Applications must be submitted by 31 December 2025.

The facility excludes loans created through fraud, forgery or irregularities. 

According to the central bank's 2022 master circular, rescheduling previously required a minimum down payment of 2.5-4.5 percent with a maximum tenure of eight years. 

Under the new circular, for borrowers rescheduling loans for the third time or more, an additional 1 percent down payment will be required. Repayments must be made either monthly or quarterly, depending on the bank-client agreement.

The circular also clarified that specially rescheduled loans must be categorised as Special Mention Accounts (SMA), with banks required to maintain proper provisioning against them.