Photo: Collected

DHAKA, May 24, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Bank (BB) has introduced a 
new policy allowing Bangladeshi shipping companies and airlines 
engaged in international operations to maintain their foreign currency (FC)
account balances in interest or profit-bearing renewable term deposits.

To this end, the central bank today issued a circular.

According to the circular, the measure aims to encourage the
repatriation of foreign earnings and boost inward remittance inflows
by enabling globally operating transport companies to better manage 
their growing foreign currency income through interest-generating instruments.

Under the new policy, Authorized Dealer (AD) banks are now permitted
to convert balances held in eligible FC accounts into renewable
foreign currency term deposits.

These deposits must be maintained in approved foreign currencies in
line with Bangladesh Bank regulations, while the tenure of the
deposits will be determined by AD banks following standard banking
practices.

The facility has been specifically extended to Bangladeshi shipping
companies and airlines conducting international business operations.

Bangladesh Bank noted that the new instructions represent an expansion
of the regulatory framework previously established under 
SPA Circular No-2 dated April 10, 2023.

According to the circular, interest or profit rates on the deposits
will be determined based on the banker-customer relationship and the
relevant foreign currency involved.

However, all accrued interest or profit must be paid exclusively in
Bangladeshi Taka (BDT), with conversion carried out using the
prevailing spot exchange rate at the time of payment.

The circular emphasized that while the earlier circular issued by the
Foreign Exchange Operation Department governed the opening and operational 
management of such FC accounts, the current amendment
specifically addresses investment of balances and interest
disbursement mechanisms.

Bangladesh Bank also instructed all Authorized Dealer banks to
immediately inform eligible clients within the shipping and aviation
sectors about the new facility.

The central bank further clarified that all previous instructions and
operational guidelines relating to these FC accounts, except those
modified under the latest circular, will remain unchanged and fully
effective.