In fiscal year 2024-25, depositors using offshore banking units (OBUs) may be exempt from excise duty on their foreign currency deposits, per finance ministry officials. This exemption aims to attract more foreign currency deposits, particularly from non-resident Bangladeshis. The initiative follows Bangladesh Bank’s relaxed rules allowing banks to use up to 40% of their regulatory capital from OBUs for payment obligations.
Bangladesh Bank’s measures permit both Bangladeshis and foreigners to deposit in OBUs, offering competitive interest rates. This strategy is expected to mitigate the ongoing foreign currency shortage. Depositors can earn up to 8.40% tax-free profits on fixed deposits in USD or euros, with unrestricted international fund transfers.