Bangladesh Bank (BB) has instructed all commercial banks to ensure adequate cash availability in automated teller machines (ATMs) across the country ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha holiday, aiming to ensure uninterrupted customer service during the festive period.
The central bank issued a circular on Thursday, directing banks to keep ATM services operational round the clock and to resolve any technical disruptions quickly so that customers do not face inconvenience during peak withdrawal periods.
According to the directive, banks must maintain sufficient cash reserves in ATM booths to prevent shortages, especially during the Eid rush when cash demand typically rises sharply. The regulator also emphasised the need for strengthened security measures at ATM locations to reduce risks of fraud and other financial crimes.
In addition to ATM services, the BB instructed banks to ensure uninterrupted operation of point-of-sale (POS) terminals, electronic payment gateways and mobile financial services during the holiday period.
The circular also highlighted security requirements for digital transactions. It said card-based online payments must be protected under “card-not-present” security protocols, while account-based transactions should be secured through two-factor authentication to enhance customer protection.
Mobile financial service providers such as bKash, Rocket and Nagad were also asked to ensure smooth transaction processing during the Eid period.
Banks have further been instructed to ensure that customers receive instant SMS alerts for all transactions, allowing users to track withdrawals, payments, and transfers in real time and detect any unauthorised activity quickly.
Officials said these measures are intended to maintain stability in the banking and digital payment system during one of the busiest financial periods of the year, when millions of people travel and spend ahead of Eid celebrations.
