Banks, MFS asked to provide smooth payment services

The Bangladesh Bank on Tuesday asked banks, mobile financial service providers, payment service providers, and payment system operators to provide uninterrupted services amid the ongoing Covid restrictions.

The banks and payment service providers will have to ensure uninterrupted services in any circumstances during the pandemic, according to a notice issued by the central bank.

The fresh directive comes just a day after the central bank on Monday asked the banks to operate with 50 per cent workforce as per the government’s instructions to contain the virus transmission.

The Bangladesh Bank, in its notice, said that banks and financial institutions will have to formulate and implement the effective business continuity plans.

Besides, banks and other payment service providers should discourage public gatherings at its branches and encourage card-based transactions, the notice said.

Adequate cash must be provided at ATM booths and agent points to ensure cash supply to the customers, it added.