BB asks banks to ensure ATM, POS operations during festival

The central bank has asked the commercial banks for ensuring operations of their ATM (Automated Teller Machine) and POS (Point of Sale) network round-the-clock during the Eid vacation, officials said.
"The central bank has given the directive to ensure digital financial transactions, particularly in the Eid-ul-Fitr vacation," a senior official of the Bangladesh Bank (BB) told the FE.
He also said such transactions normally increase significantly during the weekends and other holidays.
The 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."We've already asked the banks to take adequate security measures at their ATM booths for avoiding any unwanted incidents," the central banker noted.
The BB issued a circular 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.
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.
"Cash is available in our booths. We've already taken preparations to meet the growing demand for cash during the Eid vacation," Shahazada Basunia, vice president (public relations) of DBBL, told the FE.  
The commercial banks must display notice in front of their closed or inoperative ATM booths, according to the BB circular.
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.
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