2024-07-24 09:22:34
Banks and financial institutions opened today after being closed for 5 consecutive days due to curfew and general holidays. Soon after the opening of the bank, a rush of customers was noticed in almost every branch.
On Wednesday (July 24), this information was known after visiting various bank branches in Motijheel, Dilkusha, Paltan, Fakirapool of the capital. Bank officials and customers said that due to the bank being closed for several days, many people faced cash shortages. So customers are flocking to withdraw cash right after the opening of the bank.
The customers said that in addition to the bank being closed for a few days, the ATM booths of the banks did not get the desired service due to the disruption of the internet connection. Besides, customers could not transact through Mobile Financial Services or MFS. This puts a strain on cash.
Bank officials said that most of the customers present at each counter of the bank branch have come to withdraw money. Less customers came to deposit in the bank.
Ataur Rahman was waiting at Sonali Bank to withdraw money. He said that the internet connection was interrupted for the last few days. I could not withdraw money from the ATM booth of the bank. I was in a lot of trouble because I didn’t have cash. I came to withdraw money after hearing about the opening of the bank today.
Sonali Bank’s local branch manager Shafiqul Islam said the bank was closed for 5 days including weekends. At this point many customers may have finished their cash purchases. Due to this, most of the customers today are withdrawing money. Deposits are relatively low.
A customer named Al Amin from Islami Bank Dilkusha branch said, due to the sudden closure of the bank, I am in a cash crisis. There was no money to shop at home. Today the bank opened, I am relieved to be able to withdraw cash.
Bangladesh Bank Executive Director and Spokesperson Majbaul Haque said that the curfew has been relaxed today on Wednesday and tomorrow on Thursday. On these two days, the bank will be open from 11 am to 3 pm. Customers can transact during this period.