Banks asked to support rawhide traders ahead of Eid-ul-Azha

Bangladesh Bank (BB) has instructed all scheduled banks to set and disburse specific credit targets for raw hide traders to ensure smooth collection, preservation, and marketing of hides during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha.

The directive was issued on Tuesday through BRPD Circular, highlighting the leather sector as a vital labour-intensive and export-oriented industry.

The central bank noted that the sector plays a significant role in generating national income and foreign exchange, largely depending on domestically sourced raw materials.

According to the circular, nearly 50 percent of the industry’s annual raw material supply comes from animals sacrificed during Eid-ul-Azha, making timely and adequate financing crucial for maintaining economic stability in the sector.

To ensure sufficient liquidity, the central bank directed that the credit target for raw hide purchases in 2026 must not be lower than the target set for 2025.

It also stressed that financing facilities must reach the grassroots level, enabling seasonal traders and small-scale merchants to actively participate in the procurement process. Loans are to be disbursed based on established bank-client relationships.

In a move to facilitate fresh financing, the central bank has allowed the rescheduling and relaxation of existing loans, including those of defaulted borrowers in the leather sector.

Banks have been instructed to complete the rescheduling process along with compromised amount arrangements by June 30, 2026. This measure is intended to help borrowers clear outstanding obligations and access new funds for the current season.

For monitoring and compliance, all scheduled banks are required to submit detailed reports on their credit targets and actual disbursements, following the prescribed format, to the Director of the Banking Regulation and Policy Department-1 by July 31, 2026. The directive was issued under Section 45 of the Bank Company Act, 1991.