Bangladesh Bank has issued a circular directing all scheduled banks to provide loan facilities to export oriented industrial establishments to ensure timely payment of wages and allowances of workers and employees.
The circular, signed by a General Manager of the Banking Regulation and Policy Department, stated that due to global and domestic economic challenges, many export-oriented industries are facing pressure in maintaining regular operations and paying wages on time.
To keep production activities running and protect employment, banks have been instructed to extend necessary financial support under specific conditions.
According to the directive, banks may provide working capital loans to export oriented industries for paying wages and allowances for February 2026. The loan amount must not exceed the equivalent of three months’ average wage and allowance payments of the respective company.
The circular also mentioned that the loan must be disbursed directly to workers’ bank accounts, including through Mobile Financial Services. The repayment period has been set at a maximum of one year, including a grace period of three months. No additional fees, charges or penalties beyond the prescribed interest rate will be applicable.
Industries that have maintained at least 80 percent of their export earnings and have regularly paid wages from January 2025 to January 2026 will be considered eligible under the facility. The eligibility must be verified by relevant trade bodies such as BGMEA and BKMEA.
Bangladesh Bank said the instruction has been issued under the authority of the Bank Company Act, 1991, aiming to safeguard workers’ interests and maintain stability in the export sector.
