BB directs banks to tighten security at ATMs during Eid
Bangladesh Bank has asked all banks to maintain a high-level of security at all ATM booths ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr, a senior official said yesterday.
The BB will also release new banknotes worth around Tk 15,000 crore, starting June 19, to meet the demand for the new notes during the festival of Muslims. A new note of Tk 500 denomination signed by the new governor will also be launched.
The banking regulator has also asked the banks to ensure that the ATMs are never out of money and to deploy a security guard for 24 hours in front of every ATM booth, Subhankar Saha, executive director and spokesman of the BB, told The Daily Star.
Saha said it is vital to keep the ATMs open during the Eid festival as the banks will remain closed for few days. "If necessary, we are ready to release another Tk 15,000 crore worth of new notes."
Presently, there are around Tk 110,000 crore currency notes in circulation and the figure will surge to Tk 125,000 crore with the new notes, according to the central bank.
Different branches of the central bank and commercial banks will distribute the new notes.
"People also can take new notes from BB's Dhaka office by registering biometrically. Once a person uses the facility he/she won't be able to do it in the next six days," said Saha.
In Dhaka, three booths will remain open at Bangladesh Bank's Motijheel office for smooth disbursement of new banknotes. The central bank's Sadarghat branch will also remain open.
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