Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)– The central bank of Bangladesh has asked the commercial banks to ensure operations of their ATM (Automated Teller Machine) and POS (Point of Sale) network round-the-clock during the Eid vacation.
“We’ve given the instruction to ensure digital financial transactions, particularly in the Eid-ul-Fitr vacation,” a senior official of the Bangladesh Bank (BB), the country’s central bank, told BBN in Dhaka.
The country’s scheduled banks will remain closed from July 17 to July 19 on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, the largest religious festival of the Muslims.
Such transactions normally increase significantly during the weekends and other holidays, the central banker noted. “We’ve also asked the banks to take adequate security measures at their ATM booths for avoiding any unwanted incidents.”
The central bank issued a directive in this connection on Tuesday and asked the chief executive officers and managing directors of all scheduled banks for taking necessary measures to ensure operations of their ATM and POS network.
The banks have been asked to make cash available at ATM booths all time, according to the circular.
Currently, around 6,500 ATM booths are in operation across the country, of which Dutch Bangla Bank Limited (DBBL) alone operates nearly 3,000.
Besides, DBBL operates around 500 ‘Fast Track’ centres, each having at least four ATM machines.
Talking to BBN, Shahazada Basunia, vice president (public relations) of the DBBL, said the private commercial bank has already taken necessary preparations to meet the growing demand for cash during the Eid vacation. “Cash is available in our booths.”
The commercial banks must display notice in front of their closed or inoperative ATM booths, the central bank said.
Besides, if the services of ATM and POS network of any bank remains closed for unavoidable circumstances, the bank has to inform the clients instantly, it added.
BBN/SSR/AD
