PSD Circular No. 03/2023: Ensuring uninterrupted ATM, POS, QR Code, Internet Banking, Online e-Payment Gateway and MFS during the Eid-ul-Fitr vacation

Payment Systems Department
Bangladesh Bank
Head Office
Dhaka

30 Chaitra, 1429
Date: -------------------
13 April, 2023

PSD Circular No. 03/2023

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer
All Scheduled Banks Operating in Bangladesh
All Mobile Financial Service Providers / Payment Service Providers / Payment System Operators

Dear Sir,

Regarding ensuring uninterrupted transactions via Automated Teller Machine (ATM), Point of Sale (POS), QR Code, Internet Banking, Online e-Payment Gateway, and Mobile Financial Services (MFS) during the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday period.

In order to ensure uninterrupted transactions for customers via Automated Teller Machine (ATM), Point of Sale (POS), QR Code, Internet Banking, Online e-Payment Gateway, and Mobile Financial Services (MFS) during the holy Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, you are hereby directed to take the following measures:

1. In the case of Automated Teller Machine (ATM):
   a) Ensure 24/7 ATM services; b) Take measures to resolve any technical errors in ATMs at the earliest possible time; c) Ensure adequate cash supply at ATM booths; d) Keep the maximum amount for a single transaction for cash withdrawal equal in both On-Us and Off-Us cases; e) Ensure other security measures including the constant alert presence of guards at ATM booths; f) Arrange for inspection of ATM booths by officials of the concerned bank if necessary.

2. In the case of Point of Sale (POS), QR Code:
   a) Ensure 24/7 POS and QR Code-based transaction services; b) Create awareness among merchants and customers to prevent fraud.

3. In the case of Internet Banking and Online e-Payment Gateway:
   a) Ensure mandatory Two Factor Authentication (2FA) for transactions conducted via Account and "Card not Present" card-based transactions on Online e-Payment Gateway; b) The receiving bank shall immediately credit the funds to the beneficiary customer's account on its own initiative upon receiving the Settlement Report of transactions with response code '85'.

4. In the case of Mobile Financial Services (MFS):
   a) Ensure uninterrupted transactions and adequate supply of cash at agent points by all banks providing MFS or their subsidiary companies.

5. Miscellaneous:
   a) Payment service providers shall take appropriate measures to ensure the overall security of the systems under the aforementioned services during the Eid holidays and to manage risks; b) Inform customers instantly via SMS Alert Service about the details of any transaction amount under the aforementioned services; c) Arrange for various types of publicity in the media to take necessary precautions in all types of payment services through electronic means; d) Take measures to ensure that customers are not harassed in any circumstance in these transactions and provide continuous Help Line assistance; e) Comply properly with the instructions of all circulars previously issued by this department.

This matter is of utmost importance.

Yours faithfully,

(Signature)
(Muhammad Badujjaman Didar)
Director (PSD)
Phone: 9530611