Bangladesh Bank has allowed resident Bangladeshi nationals to use their international cards to purchase air tickets from airlines operating in the country for travel abroad.
The move marks a major step toward greater pricing transparency, stronger market competitiveness, and enhanced traveller convenience, the central bank said in a circular issued on Wednesday.
Earlier, travellers often struggled to get competitive fares due to limited international card payment options in Bangladesh, while cards could be used for overseas travel expenses.
As a result, many had to purchase tickets from abroad or via alternative channels, often at higher costs.
The approval, however, comes with several conditions.
To channel foreign exchange through formal systems, the central bank requires all ticket sales to be settled via Authorised Dealer (AD) banks in Bangladesh.”
Besides, international cards issued under regular travel entitlements can be refilled up to the exact amount spent on the ticket.
However, banks must verify full receipt of payment through local banking channels before approving any refill, and ADs are required to maintain separate records for each refill under this facility.
Under the revised rules, airlines operating in Bangladesh may credit their foreign currency (FC) accounts with AD banks using proceeds from ticket sales.
However, locally owned airlines are required to convert their foreign currency earnings into taka.
Experts say the change will narrow long-standing price gaps between tickets bought in Bangladesh and abroad, giving travellers access to competitive global fares and seamless digital payment options.
The reform is expected to strengthen Bangladesh’s aviation payment system by boosting market transparency, properly recording foreign exchange earnings, and modernising settlement practices to meet global standards, they said.
To this end, the central bank has directed all AD banks to maintain regular reporting and inform clients and stakeholders about the new facility, while all other rules on the issuance and use of international cards remain unchanged.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
