Regulatory Alerts2021-07-29
Added
PSD Circular Letter No. 10: Continuation of Uninterrupted Banking and Payment Services in Response to COVID-19
The document establishes operating hours for payment platforms to ensure uninterrupted banking services during the COVID-19 pandemic. It sets specific transaction windows for Interbank Fund Transfer (IFT) via NPSB, including extended evening hours on weekdays and Saturdays, while maintaining two sessions for NPSB as per previous schedules. Additionally, it defines the Bangladesh Clearing House Automated Clearing House (BCHACH) operating window from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM, with an extension until 3:30 PM specifically for customs duties, fees, charges, and interbank transactions.
Payment Systems Department Bangladesh Bank Head Office, Dhaka. PSD Circular Letter No. 10/2021 dated: 14 Srabon 1428 29 July 2021 Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer All Scheduled Banks Head Office Dear Sir, Regarding the continuation of uninterrupted banking and payment service operations in the context of the situation arising from COVID-19. In this regard, in accordance with the DOS Circular Letter No. 30 dated 28-07-2021 issued by the Department of Offsite Supervision (DOS), and following up on PSD Circular Letter No. 09/2021 dated 14-07-2021 issued by this department regarding the continuation of banking services, the schedule for the operation of payment platforms for providing daily special banking services is determined as follows:- (1) Transactions through National Payment Switch Bangladesh (NPSB): a) Operating hours for NPSB transactions: Weekdays - Morning session - 12:00 PM Evening session - 01:30 PM Saturdays - Morning session - 12:30 PM Evening session - 3:00 PM b) The two sessions of NPSB will remain operational according to the previously scheduled timetable. (2) The schedule for transactions through Bangladesh Clearing House Automated Clearing House (BCHACH) has been set from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM. However, only customs duties, taxes, fees, charges, etc., and interbank transactions can be conducted until 3:30 PM. This time limit will remain in force until further instructions are issued. Yours faithfully, (Muhammad Badujjaman Dider) Deputy General Manager Phone: 9530611