Cheque Book Rules in Bangladesh: Issuance, Charges, Validity & Mistakes (2026)

By Abdul Latif · Educational content · Updated 2026

Cheque books are still widely used in Bangladesh for rent, business payments, security deposits, and formal transactions. However, many people face problems because they do not understand cheque book rules.

Key idea: A cheque is a legal financial instrument. Incorrect use can lead to penalties, account issues, or legal trouble.

Who Can Get a Cheque Book?

Cheque books are usually issued only to:

Savings account holders (some banks restrict usage)
Current account holders (business accounts)
Joint account holders (with operating instructions)

Student and basic accounts may not be eligible for cheque books.

How to Get a Cheque Book in Bangladesh

Open an eligible bank account
Maintain required balance (if applicable)
Submit cheque book requisition slip or written request
Verify signature with the bank
Collect cheque book from branch or receive by courier

Cheque Book Charges

Charges vary by bank and account type.

Charge Type	Explanation
Cheque book issuance	Some banks provide first cheque book free; others charge per leaf
Additional cheque books	Usually charged after free quota
Stop payment	Fee for stopping a cheque before clearing
Cheque return (bounce)	Penalty when cheque is returned unpaid

Cheque Validity in Bangladesh

As per Bangladesh Bank rules:

Cheque validity is generally 6 months from the date written
Post-dated cheques are allowed
Expired cheques are rejected

Cheque Bounce Rules & Consequences

A cheque may bounce due to:

Insufficient balance
Signature mismatch
Expired cheque
Overwriting or unclear writing
Stop payment instruction

Repeated cheque bounces can lead to account restriction, CIB impact, or legal action.

Common Cheque Writing Mistakes

Overwriting without signature
Mismatch between amount in words and figures
Leaving blank spaces
Wrong date format
Signature mismatch

How to Stop a Cheque

If a cheque is lost or wrongly issued:

Immediately inform your bank
Submit stop payment request (branch/app)
Pay applicable stop payment fee
Keep acknowledgement for record

Best Practices for Safe Cheque Use

Write cheques clearly and carefully
Keep sufficient balance before issuing
Record issued cheque details
Use crossed cheques for safety
Avoid issuing blank cheques

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is cheque still safe in Bangladesh?

Yes, but digital transfers are safer for frequent transactions.

Can cheque bounce affect my CIB?

Yes. Repeated bounces or unpaid obligations can negatively affect credit records.

Can I issue a cheque without enough balance?

No. Issuing cheque without sufficient funds can cause penalties and legal issues.