BB orders banks for quick release of import documents

The Bangladesh Bank yesterday asked banks to speedily release import-related documents such that the goods can be released from the port without further delay as the government scrambles to prevent any supply disruption during Ramadan.

Banks were also asked to settle the import liabilities swiftly such that essential goods can be supplied to the market smoothly amid the ongoing lockdown.

The goods that must get priority include rice, lentil, onion, salt, sugar, ginger, garlic, water, baby food, food items and all types of medical and electronic equipment.

The instructions were given following a commerce ministry letter.

As per the ministry instruction, the imported goods will be transported to the required zones of the country by maintaining the health code.

The country's supply chain has been disrupted on a massive scale due to the ongoing shutdown to snuff out the coronavirus pandemic.

Many authorised dealer branches that settle foreign exchange transactions have remained shut for the shutdown. This slowed the release of products from the Chattogram port.