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Khaled Saifulla 20 Nov 2025 , 2:13 PM Print Edition
Bangladesh Bank (BB) has made ticket buying easier for travelers. The central bank now allows Bangladeshi residents to use their international cards to buy outbound air tickets. Crucially, this applies to airlines that operate right here in the country.
This move follows many complaints. Previously, people often could not buy tickets at fair prices because local payment options for foreign cards were limited. Consequently, the BB decided to act.
Easy Payment: Bangladeshi citizens can now use their international cards (credit/debit) to buy tickets directly, provided they have the needed visa. For example, this covers popular routes like Dhaka–Singapore.
Fairer Prices: The BB expects this new rule to bring ticket prices in line with global market rates. Furthermore, this will increase competition and help customers get better deals.
Foreign Exchange Control: However, the BB has strict rules to keep control:
All money from ticket sales must go through Authorized Dealer (AD) banks in Bangladesh.
Moreover, if you used money from your travel quota card, the card can be refilled up to the exact ticket price. Nevertheless, the bank must first confirm that the ticket money has properly entered the local banking system.
Aviation experts believe this change helps Bangladesh’s ticketing system match international digital standards. Ultimately, this makes travel planning simpler and more open.
