BB issues consolidated circular on outward remittances

The Bangladesh Bank on Wednesday issued a consolidated circular bringing together regulations governing outward remittances related to current account transactions, excluding imports and transportation services.
The new circular updates the one issued on 30 September 2025 by incorporating subsequent instructions and circulars issued over the past year, aiming to consolidate applicable foreign exchange regulations in one place.
With the new circular, all previous instructions covered by the consolidated framework will stand repealed, except reporting instructions.
The circular provides guidelines on a wide range of outward remittance transactions, including foreign travel, medical treatment, official and semi-official visits, education, visa and immigration fees, overseas employment, and professional training and seminars.
It also covers remittances related to profits and dividends, consultancy and training services, overseas agents, foreign branches, aircraft and ship lease rentals, software and IT services, e-commerce and SMEs.

Separate provisions cover digital payments, including international cards, card platforms and the Bank-Intermediated Cross-Border Digital Payment Framework.
Travel-related provisions cover the release of foreign exchange for overseas travel, medical treatment, business travel, Hajj and Umrah, among other purposes.
Bangladesh Bank said the instructions will remain valid for one year from 30 September 2026. Any new instructions issued during this period will be read in conjunction with the consolidated circular. In case of any ambiguity or inconsistency, the instructions in the original circular will apply.
Business insiders welcomed the move, saying the consolidated circular would allow banks and other stakeholders to find relevant regulations more easily without having to refer to circulars issued at different times.