Dhaka, April 29 -- Banks will no longer be allowed to open letters of credit (LCs) for importing "dietary supplements" without prior approval from the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA).

The instruction was issued on Wednesday through a circular sent by Bangladesh Bank to all commercial banks, based on a letter from the drug administration.

In the letter signed by Director (FEPD-1) Harun-Ar-Rashid, the DGDA said under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 2023, the production, import, export, sale and distribution of dietary supplements, herbal supplements, nutritional supplements, medical nutrition, therapeutic nutrition and related products require mandatory registration or prior approval from the authority.

It warned that viola...