Bangladesh Bank (BB) takes a stand against potential exploitation by setting a firm limit on passport endorsement fees! In a recent circular, BB announced that money changers can charge a maximum of Tk300 for passport endorsements, a move aimed at protecting travellers from potential overcharging. But here's where it gets interesting: this fee remains the same regardless of the foreign currency amount exchanged.
On January 7, 2026, the central bank introduced new regulations to ensure transparency in the foreign exchange process for Bangladeshi residents travelling abroad. Licensed money changers are authorized to sell foreign currency to these travellers, but each transaction must be meticulously documented in the passport and air ticket, and verified with the money changer's official seal and signature.
And this is the part most people might overlook: money changers must now display the endorsement fee prominently in their premises and provide a receipt for every fee collected. This is a significant step towards ensuring customers are aware of the charges and have a record of their transactions.
The circular, signed by Monoar Uddin Ahmed, emphasized that these new rules are in addition to the existing GFET-2018 guidelines, which already govern foreign exchange transactions. The aim is to create a fair and transparent system for travellers, where they can easily understand and verify the charges they incur during their currency exchange process.
So, what do you think? Is this a fair move by the central bank to protect consumers, or does it potentially limit the flexibility of money changers? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
