The Association of Bankers, Bangladesh (ABB) has submitted a proposal to Bangladesh Bank seeking approval to impose new fees on 14 banking services that are currently free of charge. The proposal also includes increases in existing charges for various services such as account maintenance, loan processing, letters of credit, bank guarantees, demand drafts, pay orders, and solvency certificates. If approved, the changes would significantly raise banking costs for depositors, businesses, importers, exporters, and borrowers.

According to the proposal, dormant account reactivation would cost 500 taka, and cash withdrawals beyond certain limits would incur new fees. Loan management, restructuring, and early settlement charges would rise, while fees for letters of credit and bank guarantees would also increase. ABB has argued that rising operational and technology costs, along with inflation, justify a revision of the current fee structure. It has requested that the proposed schedule of charges be approved as the maximum limit for all banks.

ABB also suggested allowing banks to adjust charges annually by up to 10 percent in line with operational and inflationary changes, subject to Bangladesh Bank’s approval.