Bank-Insurance
FBCCI President Urges Loan Rehabilitation over Wholesale Default Label
Mahbubul Alam, the recently appointed President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), has already communicated with the Bangladesh Bank, urging for measures to support struggling businesses that are finding it difficult to meet loan repayment obligations. He asserts that the issue of heightened inflation is not exclusive to Bangladesh but is a global concern, evidenced by surges in prices of essential goods and energy worldwide, including in the USA and Europe. While Bangladesh is striving to manage inflation, disruptions in the global supply chain are contributing to supply-side crises and subsequent price hikes in some instances.
In an interview with UNB, Mahbubul Alam shared his insights on various matters, including inflation, the dollar crisis, export diversification, and the challenges tied to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Elected as the FBCCI President from the Sammilito Oikko Parishad for the 2023-25 term, Alam also holds the position of President at the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCCI). Beyond his business acumen, he has received accolades such as the CIP (Trade) and CIP (Industry) Awards from the Ministry of Commerce, Bangladesh. Additionally, he has been recognized internationally with a “Certificate of Merit” from the World Customs Organization.
Alam emphasizes the importance of not hastily declaring businesses as loan defaulters, particularly in scenarios where some units of a business group face issues while others are operating smoothly. He advocates for granting opportunities to rectify financial challenges rather than resorting to blanket declarations. He acknowledges the concern of loan defaults over the past two years due to non-payment by several entrepreneurs and suggests allowing struggling factories to continue operations as a solution.
Addressing the dollar crisis, Alam emphasizes augmenting remittance earnings by sending skilled workers abroad, and he calls for an improved system for channeling remittances from various parts of the world to Bangladesh. Alam, who owns M/S Alam Trading based in Chattogram, stresses enhancing the capabilities of foreign missions to organize trade fairs showcasing diverse traditions and non-traditional products, contributing to export diversification.
In the context of achieving SDGs, Alam underscores the need for local businesses to bolster their capacity to compete globally amidst the era of free trade. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, he commends Bangladeshi entrepreneurs for their resilience in maintaining business operations. Alam also highlights the significance of research and innovation, particularly involving youth, to navigate the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Contrary to concerns about AI and machine learning displacing jobs, Alam asserts that numerous tasks still require human involvement. He advocates for increased domestic livestock rearing to meet the consumption demand for eggs, milk, and meat, emphasizing the importance of self-dependency in agricultural produce
In light of the current situation, Bangladesh Bank has mandated that all banks and financial institutions refrain from charging additional fees for late payments of credit card bills and loan installments.
The central bank issued this directive through two separate notifications on Wednesday, providing a significant relief measure to the financially burdened.
Borrowers and credit card holders who were required to make payments during the curfew and public holidays now have until July 31 to settle their dues. Bangladesh Bank has explicitly stated that banks and financial institutions are prohibited from imposing any extra interest, penalties, or late fees for installments or credit card bills due between July 18 and 25. Furthermore, no savings schemes shall be canceled for non-payment of installments during this period.
The central bank’s notification acknowledges that many borrowers and credit card users have struggled to meet their payment deadlines due to the prevailing circumstances.
Additionally, numerous depositors have been unable to make timely deposits into various savings schemes, including the Deposit Pension Scheme (DPS). To address these challenges, the new guidelines will be in effect from July 18 to 25, covering dues on loans, credit card bills, and savings scheme installments.
According to the directive, if the outstanding loan and credit card payments are settled by July 31, any accrued interest, penalty interest, additional interest, excess profit, or late fees will be waived. Similarly, if savings scheme installments are paid by July 31, no late fees or penalties will be imposed.
Moreover, any interest, penalty, or late fee already collected on loans, credit cards, or savings schemes must be refunded or adjusted, as per the Bangladesh Bank directive.
The Bangladesh Bank (BB) has announced an extension for the payment period against imports of industrial raw materials from 180 to 360 days, a measure now set to remain in place until December 2024. This policy, initially scheduled to end in June of this year, has been prolonged to facilitate trade transactions, according to a BB circular issued today.
“To support trade transactions, it has been decided to extend the policy support until December 31, 2024. The extended usance period will not apply to imports under EDF loans, as previously stipulated. All other relevant instructions remain unchanged,” the circular stated.
To ensure timely payment of salaries and bonuses to garment industry workers before Eid-ul-Azha, the branches of banks in key industrial areas will remain open on a limited basis on June 14, 15, and 16.
The Bangladesh Bank (BB) issued a notification stating that bank branches in Dhaka metropolitan, Ashulia, Tongi, Gazipur, Savar, Bhaluka, and Narayanganj will operate on these days to facilitate financial transactions for garment sector employees.
Typically, Friday and Saturday (June 14 and 15) are weekly holidays, and Sunday (June 16) will be closed for Eid. Despite these closures, the BB has mandated that banks in industrial regions stay open to manage the disbursement of wages and bonuses and facilitate the sale of export bills.
Additionally, bank branches in Chattogram metropolitan and industrial areas will also be open to support garment workers’ payments and the processing of export bills.
The BB has instructed banks to coordinate with local authorities to ensure adequate security at the branches during this period.
Eid-ul-Azha, one of the most significant religious festivals for Muslims, will be celebrated in Bangladesh on June 17.
