In anticipation of the significant surge in financial activity during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr festivities, the Bangladesh Bank has issued a comprehensive directive to all scheduled banks. The central authority has mandated that financial institutions ensure their Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) remain adequately stocked with cash and that digital payment infrastructures operate without interruption throughout the holiday period.
The directive, dispatched to managing directors and chief executives of all commercial banks, acknowledges a recurring seasonal challenge: the dramatic spike in cash withdrawals and electronic transactions that often leads to depleted ATM reserves and technical bottlenecks.
Comprehensive Service Requirements
The central bank’s guidelines extend far beyond physical cash points, encompassing the entire spectrum of modern financial services, including Point of Sale (POS) terminals, QR code payments, internet banking, and Mobile Financial Services (MFS).
Key Directives for Financial Institutions:
| Service Channel | Required Action by Banks |
| ATM Network | 24/7 availability; rapid resolution of technical faults; guaranteed cash levels. |
| POS & QR Codes | Uninterrupted merchant services; enhanced fraud awareness for consumers. |
| Online Banking | Mandatory Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for “Card Not Present” transactions. |
| MFS & Agents | Ensuring liquidity at agent points; seamless mobile wallet transfers. |
| Customer Support | Operational 24/7 helplines; instant SMS alerts for all transaction types. |
Security and Risk Management
To combat the heightened risk of cyber-crime during the festive rush, the central bank has placed a heavy emphasis on security protocols. Banks are required to implement robust risk-mitigation strategies for electronic payment gateways. Specifically, for internet banking, the “Two-Factor Authentication” system must be strictly enforced to protect against unauthorised access.
Furthermore, receiving banks have been instructed to act proactively upon receiving “85 response code” settlement reports, ensuring that beneficiary accounts are credited immediately to prevent customer harassment or liquidity delays.
Public Awareness and Safety
The central bank has also tasked institutions with launching media campaigns to educate the public on safe electronic transaction practices. Physical security at ATM booths is to be heightened, with bank officials expected to conduct on-site inspections where necessary to ensure that security personnel are alert and that machines are functional.
Ultimately, the goal of these measures is to ensure that the public can celebrate Eid without the stress of financial disruption. By enforcing strict oversight on both cash and digital flows, the Bangladesh Bank aims to maintain the integrity of the national payment system during the country’s busiest annual period.