Customers hunt for cash as Dhaka ATMs run dry despite BB directive

Customers have been facing difficulties withdrawing cash during the Eid holidays as many ATM booths across Dhaka have either run out of money or failed to support transactions through cards issued by other banks.

As a result, many customers have been moving from one ATM booth to another to withdraw cash for Eid shopping, with some expressing frustration and saying they had not experienced similar difficulties during previous Eid holidays.

Visits to several ATM booths in different parts of the capital on Tuesday found customers encountering cash shortages and service disruptions.

Like previous years, Bangladesh Bank had instructed all banks to ensure uninterrupted ATM services and maintain adequate cash supplies during the Eid holidays.

The directive was issued to chief executives of banks on May 21.

Attempts to contact Mashrur Arefin, chairman of the Association of Bankers Bangladesh and managing director of City Bank, for comments on the cash shortages were unsuccessful.

Demand for physical cash typically rises ahead of Eid-ul-Azha due to cattle purchases and other festive spending.

Banks also increase withdrawals against their accounts held with the central bank during this period, leading to greater cash circulation in the market.

ATM booths have increasingly become a preferred option for customers seeking to avoid long queues and inconvenience at bank branches.

Bangladesh Bank spokesperson and Executive Director Arif Hossain Khan told bdnews24.com that banks had been provided with cash according to demand ahead of Eid.

"Before Eid, a circular was issued instructing banks to ensure security and maintain sufficient cash at ATM booths at all times," he said.

"It is unfortunate that customers are still finding some booths without cash. This should not happen."

He said banks had received approval for ATM services on the condition that uninterrupted service would be maintained.

"We will discuss the matter with banks after Eid to understand why this happened."

In a directive issued on May 21, Bangladesh Bank also instructed financial institutions to ensure uninterrupted services through ATM booths, mobile financial services, internet banking, point-of-sale (POS) systems, QR code payments and online payment gateways.

Banks were asked to quickly address any technical issues.

Although similar directives are issued every year, customers frequently report disruptions during long holidays.

This year, complaints about cash shortages at ATM booths had already emerged even before the Eid holidays began.