FBCCI hails Bangladesh Bank’s measures to contain Covid-19 impact

Sunbd Desk , Published: 2020-03-21 05:06:57, Updated: 2020-03-21 05:06:57

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) welcomed the measures taken by Bangladesh Bank to contain the impact of coronavirus on businesses.

In a statement, FBCCI president Sheikh Fazle Fahim, Friday, said the relaxed measures would help create breathing space for entrepreneurs as the economy – across the world – has already started feeling the pinch of coronavirus.

Bangladesh Bank, on Thursday, asked the scheduled banks not to adversely classify loans till June 30 from the states of January 1, 2020 – to facilitate business activities that have been adversely affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

“We, from the FBCCI, have been advocating for such measures from the very beginning of the outbreak in China and now we have the results,” Fahim said, read a press release.

He thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the finance and commerce ministers plus Bangladesh Bank for the relaxed measures to help entrepreneurs during this special time.

Amid concern that the outbreak could adversely impact businesses and thwart job creation, the central bank has also asked banks to prepare plans so that businesses can continue their operations without trouble.

Banks will also have to run automated teller machines (ATM), point of sale (POS), internet and app-based banking, uninterrupted, Bangladesh Bank said.

The central bank directed points of cash transactions – including ATM booths and POS terminals – be disinfected and sanitiser be provided for clients.