In the run-up to the 13th National Parliamentary Election, Bangladesh Bank has imposed temporary restrictions on mobile financial services (MFS) transactions to ensure transparency and reduce the risk of irregular financial activity during the electoral period. The directive came into effect at 12:00 a.m. on Monday, 9 February, and will remain active until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, 12 February, a total duration of 96 hours.
During this period, customers will be able to access certain services, but cash-in and cash-out transactions will be entirely suspended. This means that no funds can be deposited or withdrawn at agent points. As a result, cash-related icons on popular MFS applications, including bKash and Nagad, are currently inactive or displayed in a muted colour to indicate the temporary suspension.
Limits on ‘Send Money’ Transactions
To facilitate essential transfers, the ‘Send Money’ service will remain partially operational, but with strictly enforced limits:
| Service | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum per transaction | BDT 1,000 | Each customer can send up to 1,000 Taka per transaction |
| Maximum daily transactions | 10 | Maximum daily transfer per customer: BDT 10,000 |
This means no individual will be able to transfer more than 10,000 Taka per day through MFS during the restriction period.
Other Services Remain Active
To minimise inconvenience for the general public, essential services such as mobile recharge, utility bill payments (electricity, gas, water), and online shopping payments will continue to function normally. No additional limits have been imposed on these services.
Payments for educational institution fees and government emergency services will also remain unaffected, allowing customers to continue using their accounts for essential transactions without interruption.
Purpose of the Restrictions
According to multiple sources at Bangladesh Bank, the restrictions are designed to curb the flow of money that could be used for vote-buying or disruptive activities during the election. All MFS services are expected to resume full functionality immediately after midnight on 12 February.
Several MFS providers have expressed regret for any temporary inconvenience to their customers and have urged compliance with the government directive. These measures are intended primarily to uphold economic transparency and ensure the integrity of the election process.