Bankers to get commute fares
Bangladesh Bank yesterday asked banks to ensure that bankers get fares for their commutes during the strict lockdown period this year starting April 14.
Public transport is unavailable as a part of lockdown restrictions, making commuting troublesome for many bankers.
Whatever transportation is available, the charge is higher compared to that on a regular day, raising bankers' expenses.
Some 1.83 lakh people work in the banking sector and a good number of bankers shared the transportation issue with The Daily Star after the government announced the latest restrictions.
Similar troubles were faced when the government enforced last year's shutdown at the end of March. Apart from a shortage of transportation, there were instances of many facing harassment from law enforcement agencies on the road.
Bangladesh Bank (BB) said banks would ensure transport facilities for employees under their own arrangements.
If transport cannot be arranged, banks will require providing fares rationally taking into consideration the reality of the situation on-ground during the lockdown, said the BB.
Banks will take approvals from their respective boards in this regard, said Bangladesh Bank through a notification.
"It is a very good initiative. We will feel more motivated to serve because of the decision to compensate our extra transport cost," said a banker.
This official says to be counting more than Tk 400 in transport fares every day to commute between his bank branch near Gulshan 2 and residence at Pallabi, Mirpur of Dhaka city.
On a normal day, it is a maximum Tk 100.
At present, branches of banks, depending on their location and type of service, are open from 10:00am to 1:00pm to provide services to clients.
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