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Business & Economy

Businesses may retain fifteen per cent of eligible foreign receipts

Bangladesh Bank will allow eligible hotels, restaurants, retailers and other merchants to retain up to 15% of foreign-currency receipts from overseas visitors. Payments must arrive through international cards or other permitted instruments. The remaining 85% must be converted into taka, and retained funds may meet legitimate foreign obligations.

From 26 October 2026 — Daily Brief

26 OCT 2026 · 14/25

Bangladesh Bank has allowed eligible businesses to retain up to 15 per cent of foreign-currency earnings from sales to foreign visitors, giving them access to part of those receipts for permitted overseas expenses.

The circular issued on 25 October covers hotels, resorts, restaurants, shopping malls, retailers and other qualifying establishments. Receipts must come through internationally issued cards or other admissible payment instruments.

Authorised dealer banks may permit the retained amount to be held in foreign-currency accounts in the merchants’ names. The remaining 85 per cent must be converted into taka.

The retained money can be used for legitimate current-account foreign-exchange obligations, including eligible international-card payments, subject to the applicable rules.

Banks must also ensure participating merchants have suitable arrangements for accepting the permitted payment methods. The facility is limited to eligible receipts; it is not unrestricted permission to retain all foreign earnings.

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