The facility applies to payments made through internationally issued cards and other admissible payment instruments.
TBS Report
25 October, 2026, 08:40 pm
Last modified: 25 October, 2026, 08:48 pm
Highlights:
- Businesses can retain up to 15% of receipts
- Facility covers international card payments
- Remaining 85% must be converted into Taka
- Retained forex can meet legitimate obligations
Bangladesh Bank has introduced a new facility allowing hotels, resorts, restaurants, shopping malls, retail outlets and other business establishments to retain a portion of their foreign currency receipts from sales to foreign visitors.
The facility applies to payments made through internationally issued cards and other admissible payment instruments.
Under a circular issued today (25 October), Authorised Dealer (AD) banks may allow eligible merchants to retain up to 15% of foreign currency receipts realised through acquiring services in foreign currency (FC) accounts maintained in their names.
The remaining 85% must be converted into Taka. The initiative aims to encourage sales of goods and services to foreign visitors by facilitating international payments while giving businesses access to foreign currency to meet legitimate foreign exchange requirements.
According to the circular, the retained foreign currency may be used to settle legitimate foreign exchange obligations arising from current account transactions, including payments through international cards, in line with applicable foreign exchange regulations.
Authorised Dealer banks must also ensure that the concerned merchants have appropriate arrangements to accept payments through internationally issued cards and other admissible payment instruments.
Industry insiders expect the facility to support businesses serving foreign visitors by facilitating the settlement of eligible foreign currency expenses through the banking channel.
It is also expected to help tourism-related businesses and other merchants benefit from international payment systems while ensuring that most of their foreign currency earnings are converted into Taka.