BB issues directives to keep ATMs, online transactions operational during Eid
Bangladesh Bank has issued special instructions to scheduled banks, mobile financial services (MFS) providers, payment service providers (PSPs) and payment system operators to keep the country’s banking and digital transaction system operational during the Eid-ul-Azha holiday.
The instructions were given in a circular issued by Bangladesh Bank on Thursday.
The circular states that to ensure uninterrupted service to customers during the Eid holiday, transactions through Automated Teller Machine (ATM), Point of Sale (POS), QR Code, Internet Banking, Online e-Payment Gateway and Mobile Financial Services (MFS) should be continued.
Bangladesh Bank said that round-the-clock service should be continued at all ATM booths. If any technical error occurs, it should be resolved quickly.
In addition, it has been asked to ensure adequate cash supply and round-the-clock security in the booths. Instructions have also been given to the officials of the concerned banks to inspect the ATM booths if necessary.
POS and QR Code based transactions have also been asked to be kept active at all times. At the same time, the central bank has instructed to make merchants and customers aware of fraud prevention.
Two Factor Authentication (2FA) has been made mandatory for strengthening security in transactions carried out through Internet Banking and Online e-Payment Gateway.
It has been instructed to ensure this security system especially in card-based online transactions of the “Card Not Present” type.
In addition, after receiving the Settlement Report of the transaction with the ’85’ branch code, the receiving bank has been instructed to immediately deposit the money into the customer’s account.
Mobile Financial Services (MFS) providers have been asked to continue uninterrupted transactions during the Eid holidays and ensure adequate supply of cash at agent points. At the same time, Bangladesh Bank has instructed to take necessary preparations to deal with the increased transaction pressure.
The circular states that information on all types of electronic transactions should be immediately communicated to the customer through SMS alert.
In addition, it has been ordered to keep the helpline open round the clock to ensure that customers do not fall victim to any kind of harassment.
It has also been said to run awareness campaigns in the media to prevent security and fraud in digital transactions.
Bangladesh Bank said that all the instructions issued earlier by this department must be followed properly. The central bank said that the matter is “very important”.
