80% export-oriented RMG factories to get loans to pay February wages, bonus
The loan amount will be equivalent to the average wages and allowances paid by the respective organisation over the previous three months.
Bangladesh Bank has instructed all scheduled banks to provide special loans on easy terms to operational industries that export at least 80% of their output, enabling them to pay workers' wages and allowances for February 2026.
According to a central bank circular issued today (3 March), the loan amount will be equivalent to the average wages and allowances paid by the respective organisation over the previous three months.
The directive said that global and domestic economic pressures, declining exports, delayed purchase orders, and liquidity shortages have disrupted production in many export-oriented industries, creating pressure on wage payments. To maintain continuity in production and exports, the loan facility has been introduced.
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Bangladesh Bank issued the directive under Section 45 of the Bank Company Act, 1991.
Loan conditions
Banks may provide term loans beyond existing working capital limits to cover wages and allowances for February 2026.
The loan amount must not exceed the average wages and allowances paid over the last three months.
The prevailing market-based interest rate will apply.
The loan funds must be disbursed directly to workers' bank accounts or mobile financial service (MFS) accounts.
The loan must be repaid in equal instalments — either monthly or quarterly — within a maximum of one year, including a three-month grace period.
No additional interest, profit, fees, or charges beyond the regular interest will be imposed.
However, the industrial entities must be certified by BGMEA or BKMEA to be eligible for the facility.
