BB allows $0.5m advance payment to import medical goods

It has now been decided that Authorised Dealers may effect, advance payment of $500,000 for import of coronavirus related medical items

PRESS RELEASE

Bangladesh Bank (BB) has taken a decision to allow advance payment up to US$ 500,000 or equivalent other foreign currency in importing coronavirus-related lifesaving drugs, medical kits or equipment and other essential medical items.

“To facilitate urgent medical imports required for containment of COVID-19, it has now been decided that Authorized Dealers (Ads) may effect, without repayment guarantee, advance payment up to $500,000 or equivalent other foreign currency for import of coronavirus related lifesaving drugs, medical kits or equipment and other essential medical items,” a BB circular said on Monday.

All other relevant instructions in this context will remain unchanged, the circular added.

This circular will be valid till September 30, it also said.