Dhaka, Feb. 8 -- The opening of letters of credit (LCs) for imports in Bangladesh increased by 4.18 per cent to $34.89 billion during July-December of the current financial year 2024-25 (H1FY25), up from $33.49 billion in the same period of the previous fiscal year (FY24), according to the latest statistics from the central bank.

Similarly, actual imports, measured by LC settlements, rose by 2.65 per cent to $34.32 billion in H1FY25, compared with $33.44 billion in the corresponding period of FY24. This indicates a gradual recovery in business activity following the stagnation observed in July and August, although some uncertainties persist.

In the first quarter (July-September) of FY25, LC opening declined by 6.74 per cent, amounting t...