Banks to stay closed, ATMs open
Bangladesh Bank yesterday said banks would have to keep all their branches closed from the morning of April 14 to midnight of April 21 when strict restrictions on movement would be in place as part of its efforts to contain the coronavirus pandemic.
However, the BB asked banks to keep open their branches, sub-branches and booths located in areas within land and sea ports and airports through discussions with the customs and port authorities.
In order to provide services at these outlets, banks can maintain the required number of authorised dealer branches, which provide foreign exchange related services, including those that facilitate export and import activities.
This means a limited number of authorised dealer branches can be kept open while the restrictions are in force, explained Md Serajul Islam, spokesperson and an executive director of the central bank.
Moreover, people can withdraw money from automated teller machines (ATM) and conduct internet banking during the period, according to a notice of the BB.
The banking watchdog instructed banks to keep adequate funds in the ATMs so that clients can withdraw funds to fulfil emergency needs while the restrictions are in place.
The ATM services will have to be provided round the clock by availing cooperation from the administration concerned, according to the notice.
The banking regulator said clients must be allowed to withdraw at least Tk 100,000 from the ATMs every day. Banks can also increase this amount as they see fit.
This ceiling will also be applicable for inter-bank ATM transactions.
This means a debit cardholder of one bank will be able to withdraw Tk 100,000 from ATMs owned by other banks on a single day.
The instruction will come into effect from tomorrow.
Banks will have to follow the order until the restrictions on movement are lifted by the government.
Banks have been also asked to provide internet banking facilities all the time so that clients can purchase goods and services using different digital platforms.
The central bank has issued the instructions following issuance of a notice of the cabinet division.
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