ATM cash shortage causes Eid holiday hassles for customers in Dhaka

Customers across Dhaka are facing difficulties withdrawing cash from ATM booths during the Eid-ul-Adha holidays, as several banks have reportedly faced cash shortages and imposed withdrawal limits, despite Bangladesh Bank's directive to ensure uninterrupted ATM services during the festive period.

With all scheduled banks in the country set to remain closed for seven days on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, many customers are relying heavily on ATMs as the primary alternative for cash transactions.

However, complaints have emerged that several ATM booths are either out of cash or restricting withdrawal amounts.

A visit to different areas of the capital, including Motijheel, Malibagh, Moghbazar, and Karwan Bazar, on Sunday and Monday, revealed that many ATMs of weaker or financially stressed banks were completely out of service due to a lack of cash. Customers also alleged that even some well-performing banks have imposed limits on cash withdrawals.

In some cases, functioning ATM booths have restricted transactions for cards issued by other banks. Even where interbank ATM usage is allowed, withdrawal limits have been introduced, further adding to customer inconvenience during the holiday period.

Frustrated customers took to social media to express their grievances. One user, Saiful Islam Malek, wrote that the shortage of cash in ATMs ahead of Eid is not merely mismanagement but "a direct betrayal of customers," adding that people are being forced to repeatedly visit booths and face humiliation while trying to access their own money.

Another user, Rafiq Islam, said he failed to withdraw cash even after visiting three Dutch-Bangla Bank ATMs in Mirpur, as all were out of cash.

Responding to the issue, Bangladesh Bank Executive Director and spokesperson Arief Hossain Khan said the central bank has supplied sufficient cash based on banks' demand.

He added that no bank has returned without receiving cash from the central bank, and any failure in cash distribution lies with the respective banks' internal management.

He further said that instructions have been issued to ensure uninterrupted operation of ATMs, mobile financial services, and online payment gateways during the Eid holidays. Regulatory action will be taken against banks that fail to comply or disrupt customer services.

Earlier, Bangladesh Bank had issued special directives ahead of Eid, instructing scheduled banks to ensure adequate cash availability at ATMs throughout the holiday period.

Banks were also asked to quickly resolve technical issues, strengthen ATM security, and maintain uninterrupted digital payment services, including POS systems and mobile financial services (MFS), along with active customer helplines and SMS alert services.

Notably, all scheduled banks in Bangladesh will remain closed for seven consecutive days from 25 May to 31 May on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha.