From 30 November, Bangladesh Bank will stop offering five services to the general public, including the sale of prize bonds and the exchange of savings certificates. The services being discontinued also include the exchange of torn or damaged notes, government challan services, and payment of challan-related cash. Initially, the Motijheel headquarters will implement the changes, with other regional offices to follow gradually.
Customers will still be able to access these services at commercial banks, with the central bank overseeing operations to ensure continuity. According to officials, the move is aimed at reducing security risks, modernising bank facilities, and improving vault management.
Arif Hossain Khan, Executive Director and spokesperson for Bangladesh Bank, stated that the closure of these retail services will affect both the Motijheel headquarters and other branches from 30 November. The Ministry of Finance has been informed, and the public will soon receive an official notice.
Currently, Bangladesh Bank operates 28 counters, offering ten government-backed services. The five services being withdrawn are: savings certificate exchanges, prize bond sales, faulty note replacement, PAD exchanges, and challan-related payments. Twelve counters serving these functions will close, though an internal counter will remain open for official transactions.
The decision followed months of review and several meetings. On 22 June, the Governor inspected the cash division of the main building, highlighting security concerns. Committee reports noted that crowds of ordinary citizens increase security risks, citing past incidents such as fraudulent savings certificates, unauthorised photography inside the building, and confrontations with security personnel.
The report also confirmed that commercial banks across the country can provide these services efficiently, a practice aligned with international standards. Existing savings certificates will be honoured until maturity, but reinvestment after expiry will not be allowed. Routine account updates, nominee changes, early cash encashment, and legal matters will continue as normal. Bangladesh Bank emphasised that the decision is part of a wider security plan to protect sensitive operations and ensure public safety within its high-security premises.