Bangladesh Bank on Tuesday instructed commercial banks to offer special term loans to export-oriented industries to ensure timely payment of workers’ wages for February 2026.

The central bank issued a circular citing both global and domestic economic pressures that have strained liquidity and production capacity in the country’s export sector.

According to Banking Regulation and Policy Department (BRPD) of Bangladesh Bank, the initiative aims to maintain production momentum and support export growth despite falling orders and delayed shipments.

Under the directive, banks can provide term loans to “active” export-oriented units beyond their existing working capital limits.

The loan amount cannot exceed the average of the last three months’ wages and allowances paid by the respective factory.

Loans will carry prevailing market-based interest rates, with no additional fees, profit charges, or commissions.

Repayment must be made in equal monthly or quarterly installments within a maximum of one year including a three-month grace period.

Bangladesh Bank defined “export-oriented” industries as those exporting at least 80 percent of their total production.

To be considered “active,” an industry must have regularly paid workers’ salaries from November 2025 to January 2026.

Eligibility must be certified by trade bodies such as the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) or the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA).

To ensure transparency and prevent fund diversion, the circular mandates that the loan amount be credited directly to the bank or Mobile Financial Service (MFS) accounts of the workers, with no cash disbursement through factory management.