Bangladesh Bank restricts foreign travel for officials until national election

The central bank has sent a notice to the effect to the heads of all banks and financial institutions

Bangladesh Bank has imposed strict restrictions on foreign travel for officials of all levels at banks and financial institutions, including chief executives, until the parliamentary election is held.

The central bank outlined the directive in a circular issued on Wednesday.

The notice, however, says foreign travel will be allowed for unavoidable reasons.

"Instructions have been given to managing directors and chief executive officers and other officials and employees of bank companies to avoid all overseas travel, except for extremely unavoidable reasons, until the 13th national election," the central bank said.

The banking sector regulator sent the circular to the heads of all banks and financial institutions.

According to existing foreign travel policies, the chairman of any bank or financial institution must inform Bangladesh Bank about trips abroad. Managing directors are required to seek permission as well, both for personal and official needs.

For officials at the staff level, decisions over leave for foreign travel are made by the respective bank's management.