Banks witnessed overcrowding and long queues of customers today as they reopened on Wednesday for only four hours. All banks were closed for three consecutive workdays due to curfew across the country.

Bangladesh did not have internet for five consecutive days due to widespread violence over quota protests. After overcoming the situation, government, private offices, and banks were open today from 11 am till 3 pm.

Customers thronged branches of the banks since 11 am; most had gone to withdraw money.

Visiting different areas of Dhaka including Motijheel, Dilkusha, Paltan, and Kakrail, this correspondent observed overcrowding and long queues at banks.

Bank officials said there were more withdrawals than deposits during the day.

Customers said that due to no internet over the last five days, mobile financial services (MFS) and most ATM booths were out of service. This led to long lines at banks today to withdraw money via cash checks.

“I was very anxious over the last few days due to a shortage of cash. I couldn’t withdraw money from ATM booths either. After visiting several ATM booths in vain, I saw many facing difficulties like me,” said Kawser Ahmed, who was waiting in line at Sonali Bank’s Motijheel branch around 11:30 am.

“Hearing the banks were open today, I came here right away,” he added.

Joynal Uddin, a retired individual who visited Pubali Bank’s Dilkusha branch, said, “Due to cash shortage, I have been facing various problems. I couldn’t go shopping and buy medicine.”

“I’m really relieved that banks are open today for transactions. Having cash at hand brings peace of mind,” he added.