Bangladesh Bank (BB) has directed all scheduled banks, Mobile Financial Services (MFS) providers and payment system operators to ensure uninterrupted and secure digital transactions during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays.

In a circular issued on Monday, the central bank instructed financial institutions to maintain round-the-clock operations across electronic payment platforms to facilitate the public during the festive period.

Banks have been asked to keep Automated Teller Machines (ATM) fully functional, with sufficient cash supply, prompt resolution of technical issues, 24/7 security, and regular monitoring by officials. Point of Sale (POS) and QR code-based payment services must also remain operational, alongside increased awareness among merchants and customers to prevent fraud.

The central bank emphasised secure Internet banking and online e-payment gateways including mandatory Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for “Card not Present” transactions.

Banks were also instructed to immediately credit beneficiary accounts upon receiving settlement reports with '85' response codes.

For MFS providers such as bKash, Nagad, and Rocket, the BB directed uninterrupted service across all platforms and adequate cash availability at agent points for withdrawals.

To protect consumers, the central bank mandated immediate SMS alerts for transactions of any amount, strengthened technical safeguards against cyber threats, and functional help lines to assist customers. Institutions were also urged to run public awareness campaigns through mass media to encourage safe electronic payments.