BB orders banks to implement alternate duty roster for staff

The central bank yesterday ordered banks to immediately introduce alternate duty roster for its workforce as it moved to prevent the financial system from becoming an agent of community transmission of the deadly coronavirus.  

Banks have been asked to divide the workforce at least into two groups on the basis of their responsibilities. The groups will run the operations of the banks on a rostering basis every week, said the Bangladesh Bank in a notice. 

The rostering would be designed in a way that the arrangement does not stop customers from availing banking services.

"Tackling community transmission of the virus is the major challenge for a populous and densely populated country like Bangladesh," the BB said.

The banking sector is very sensitive when it comes to community transmission of the virus given the nature of services and activities of banks.

The orders came into effect immediately and will be in place until further notice, the BB said.

As per instructions, banks will prepare a list of emergency banking services and will ensure that these services are not disrupted in case of any special situation.

The central bank asked banks to accelerate online services so that customers need not visit branches in person to carry out banking.

"Steps should be taken to encourage clients to use mobile and internet banking," the BB said, adding that banks should carry out sales or marketing activities through digital platform.

Evening banking as well as weekend banking on Friday and Saturday would remain suspended until further notice, the notice said. 

In another move, the central bank asked banks to keep adequate cash at branches so that clients can avail funds during the crisis.

The government has recently given a number of instructions and locked down some areas to tackle community transmission.

Lenders will have to supply required cash to lockdown areas in cooperation with local administration and law-enforcement agencies, said the central bank in another notice.

"Banks will have to ensure that cash supply is not disrupted at any circumstances."