Bangladesh Bank on Thursday has directed all scheduled banks and digital payment providers to ensure round-the-clock digital transactions during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha holidays, alongside a revised schedule for clearing and settlement systems on May 25 and 26.
The central bank issued a directive instructing banks, mobile financial service (MFS) providers, payment service operators and other digital platforms to keep ATM, POS, QR code, internet banking and online gateways fully operational throughout the holiday period.
ATMs have been ordered to run 24/7 with adequate cash supply, rapid technical support and enhanced security, including physical inspections where necessary.
Merchants and customers have also been directed to stay alert against fraud in POS and QR-based payments, which must remain continuously active.
For online and card-not-present transactions, the directive mandates two-factor authentication, while receiving banks must immediately credit customers once transaction confirmations are received.
MFS providers have been instructed to ensure smooth services at agent points, maintain sufficient liquidity, strengthen system security, send instant SMS alerts and operate continuous customer support to prevent service disruptions or customer harassment.
The central bank also revised processing hours for Bangladesh Automated Clearing House (BACH) and Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) systems during the Eid holidays.
On May 25 and 26, high-value BACH clearing presentment will close at 11:30 am and reopen at 12:30 pm, while regular clearing will close at 12:00 pm and resume at 1:00 pm.
BEFTN will continue in its standard three-session format.
RTGS transactions in both local and foreign currency will operate from 10:00 am to 12:45 pm, with interbank transfers and returns continuing until 1:00 pm.
The central bank said the measures are aimed at ensuring uninterrupted financial services and system stability during the Eid holiday period.
