Banks to release foreign exchange of travelers’ int’l cards

Economic Reporter

Bangladesh Bank (BB) has instructed all banks to release foreign exchange within the permissible limit of travel or medical entitlement in their international cards.“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,” according to a BB circular issued on Sunday night.
ADs can also 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, the circular added.
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.
Such relaxation will be applicable till April 30, 2020.