Release of foreign exchange on account of private travel and treatment abroad

Foreign Exchange Policy Department Bangladesh Bank Head Office Dhaka www.bb.org.bd FE Circular Letter No. 10 Date: March 29, 2020 Head offices/principal offices of all Authorized Dealers in Bangladesh Dear Sirs, Release of foreign exchange on account of private travel and treatment abroad Please refer to paragraphs 1 and 2, chapter 12 of the Guidelines for Foreign Exchange Transactions-2018, Vol-1 and its subsequent circulars in terms of which Authorized Dealers are allowed to release foreign exchange on account of travel and treatment abroad favoring Bangladesh nationals. 2. 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 Authorized Dealers (ADs) to release foreign exchange within the permissible limit of travel and/or medical entitlement in their international cards. Alternatively, ADs 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 maintained under drawing arrangements. 3. In case of excess fund required due to unavoidable situation, ADs may release reasonable amount for subsistence of the concerned travelers to cope up with the situation, subject to post-facto approval of Bangladesh Bank. ADs shall, before releasing foreign exchange, satisfy themselves regarding the genuineness of the request. Please bring the contents of this circular, applicable till April 30, 2020, to the notice of all your concerned clientele. Yours faithfully, (Mohammad Khurshid Wahab) General Manager Phone: 9530123