BB asks banks to support Bangladeshis stuck abroad

The central bank has asked commercial banks to extend foreign exchange support to Bangladeshi nationals travelling abroad, including for treatment.

Bangladesh Bank issued a circular in this regard yesterday.

The circular said it is observed that Bangladesh nationals visiting abroad are facing problems for returning home due to travel disruptions arising out of Covid-19 pandemic.

"To facilitate their expenses required abroad, it has been decided to allow Authorised Dealers (banks) to release foreign exchange within the permissible limit of travel and/or medical treatment in their international cards," it said.

Banks can remit to the designated accounts abroad by way of bank transfer or make fund available to them through exchange houses by credit in the concerned Taka accounts maintaining under drawing arrangements.

The BB also advised banks to give excess fund, if necessary, to meet their urgent needs. But, before releasing excess funds, banks have to check genuineness of the necessity, it said.