Bangladesh Bank allows import of capital goods without prior Bida approval 

The Bangladesh Bank has eased procedures for industrial importers, enabling them to bring in capital goods on a usance term of up to three years without requiring prior approval from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida).

Previously, the facility applied only to capital machinery. Under the new instruction, importers can now include both capital machinery and other long-term capital goods under the same three-year usance term, a senior central bank official told The Business Standard.

The central bank issued a circular today (10 December), citing the decision of the 186th meeting of Bida's Scrutiny Committee on Foreign Loan or Supplier's Credit, chaired by the governor of Bangladesh Bank. The move is intended to simplify access to import financing for industries requiring long-term assets.

A senior central bank official said Bida made the decision, and the central bank has already communicated the instructions to commercial banks. He noted that companies often need a wide range of long-term equipment — such as industrial machinery, air conditioners, and ships — when launching or expanding operations, and the new policy will facilitate these requirements.

Industry insiders welcomed the change, saying it removes procedural hurdles and will allow businesses to import capital goods more efficiently. They added that the policy shift is expected to support investment planning, enhance production capacity, and bolster growth across key industrial sectors.