Digital banking services—comprising card operations, ATM transactions, and National Payment Switch Bangladesh (NPSB)-linked services across several banks— faced severe disruptions this week, due to a routine system-wide migration and maintenance exercise, Bangladesh Bank (BB) said on Tuesday.

The central bank has summoned the management of IT Consultants PLC, the operator of the Q-Cash network, and directed them to restore all card-related services, including switching, at the earliest possible time, according to a press release signed by Sayeda Khanam, Director (Ex-Cadre – Publication) and Assistant Spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank.

The press release stated that the service disruption began around 9:00 PM on October 4, 2026, due to urgent technical upgrades, system migration, and maintenance work executed by IT Consultants PLC, causing significant inconvenience to bank clients.

Bangladesh Bank assured that it is taking all necessary measures to safeguard customer interests and ensure the continuity of financial transactions nationwide.

The central bank clarified that transactions for banks, Mobile Financial Services (MFS) providers, and other Payment Service Providers (PSPs) directly connected to the NPSB platform remain entirely unaffected and are functioning normally.

Additionally, all other primary payment systems operated by Bangladesh Bank—including the Bangladesh Automated Cheque Processing System (BACPS), Bangladesh Electronic Funds Transfer Network (BEFTN), and Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS)—continue to operate without interruption.

Bangladesh Bank has advised affected customers to follow instructions issued by their respective banks and utilize alternative payment platforms where necessary during this transition period.