Bangladesh Bank (BB) has taken a decision to allow advance payment up to US$ 500,000 or equivalent other foreign currency in importing of 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,” said a BB circular issued on Monday.

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