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BB launches new forex financing facility for exporters
Daily Sun Report, Dhaka
Published: 13 May 2026, 12:00 AM
The Bangladesh Bank has introduced a new financing facility allowing banks to purchase or discount accepted usance or deferred bills in foreign currency before maturity against imports and local deliveries under back-to-back Letters of Credit (LCs),
The move is aimed at improving liquidity support for export-oriented industries, particularly the ready-made garment sector.
The central bank issued the directive through a circular on Tuesday, amending existing foreign exchange transaction regulations.
Under the revised rules, Authorised Dealers (ADs) will now be permitted to purchase accepted usance or deferred bills.
They can make payments in foreign currency, or to non-resident taka accounts where applicable, before the bills reach maturity.
The facility will apply to both imported goods and local supplies made under back-to-back LC arrangements.
According to the circular, payment obligations from LC applicants will remain pending until the maturity date of the bills.
As a result, such transactions will effectively be treated as extensions of credit facilities to the respective parties in Bangladesh.
The central bank said banks may discount or purchase accepted usance or deferred bills based on banker-customer relationships, prevailing banking practices and proper due diligence.
Previously, this financing facility was available only for usance bills related to imports from abroad.
With the latest amendment, local suppliers involved in export-oriented industries will, for the first time, be able to access similar advance financing opportunities.
Industry insiders and bankers believe the move will help ease liquidity pressures across local supply chains.
Back-to-back LCs are widely used in the ready-made garment industry for sourcing raw materials, accessories, packaging materials and intermediate goods.
The new facility will allow local suppliers to receive payments against their bills before maturity, helping businesses improve cash flow management, reduce working capital pressure and continue production activities more smoothly.
Business leaders said the policy support would strengthen financing access for export-oriented industries and help Bangladeshi exporters remain competitive in the global market.
They also expect the initiative to accelerate production and supply operations while enhancing the financial capacity of local entrepreneurs and suppliers.
A usance bill is a commercial trade bill under which payment is made after a specified period instead of immediately after the delivery of goods.
Such bills are commonly issued with payment tenures of 30, 90 or 120 days and are widely used in international trade and back-to-back LC transactions to reduce immediate cash pressure on businesses.