DHAKA, June 26, 2023: As the nation prepares for the festive celebrations of Eid-ul-Azha, Bangladesh Bank (BB) has issued stringent directives to all scheduled commercial banks, Mobile Financial Services (MFS) providers, and payment system operators. The central bank has mandated that all digital and physical banking channels—including Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), Point of Sale (POS) terminals, internet banking portals, online e-payment gateways, and MFS platforms—remain fully operational and seamless throughout the extended holiday.

Key Security And Operational Mandates

To safeguard consumer interests and prevent technical disruptions during peak transaction volumes, the central bank circular outlines several critical compliance measures for financial institutions:

• Round-the-Clock ATM Operations:Banks are instructed to ensure that all ATM booths remain active 24/7 with sufficient cash reserves.Any technical glitches or hardware failures must be resolved swiftly, backed by robust physical security at every booth location.
• POS And Merchant Vigilance:Financial institutions must maintain active POS network operations while proactively raising awareness among merchants and cardholders to mitigate the risk of fraudulent activities and skimming.
• Mandatory Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):To fortify cybersecurity across online e-payment gateways, 2FA protocols have been rendered compulsory, specifically targeting “card-not-present” internet transactions.
• Instant SMS Notifications:Banks and digital wallet operators must ensure that customers receive immediate text alerts for every transaction executed, ensuring real-time financial tracking.
• Customer Support Helplines: Dedicated help desks and support helplines must remain active throughout the vacation period to promptly address consumer complaints or service grievances.

By enforcing these preventive guidelines, Bangladesh Bank aims to maintain public confidence in digital financial infrastructure and ensure hassle-free commercial liquidity for citizens celebrating the second-largest religious festival of the year.

Summary Table: Central Bank Eid Directives (June 2023)