Bangladesh Bank has introduced a new policy allowing defaulted loan borrowers to pay their required down payment in two installments instead of a single payment. The central bank announced the decision in a circular sent to banks on Sunday, February 22, 2026, stating that the measure applies to loan rescheduling or restructuring cases. Borrowers can now pay 50 percent of the required down payment at the time of application and the remaining 50 percent within six months after the rescheduling takes effect. Institutions that have already received approval from the policy support committee but could not implement it on time will get an additional three months to do so.

The circular also mentioned that bank boards may decide on interest waivers under existing policies based on their relationship with clients. A Bangladesh Bank official said many struggling businesses were facing difficulties paying the full down payment at once, prompting this relaxation. The new measure aims to support financially distressed enterprises in reorganizing their operations and restoring stability.

The policy is expected to ease liquidity pressure on affected borrowers and help banks expedite the restructuring of non-performing loans.