Dhaka, Feb. 5 -- Opening of letters of credit (LCs) for importing essential commodities meant for Ramzan increased in January, a development that is expected to increase supply of the items during the fasting month, said Bangladesh Bank on Friday.

LC opening for four out of five essential commodities -- sugar, edible oil, peas, onion and dates -- rose last month in terms of quantity of products, states data revealed by the central bank at a press conference at its headquarters in the capital.

The rise in the commodity LC opening will clear confusions over whether the products will be available during upcoming Ramadan starting in March, said Md Mezbaul Haque, the central bank's spokesperson, at the briefing.

January's LCs are to import ...