MFS, internet banking fully restored after polls restrictions lifted

Mobile Financial Services (MFS), including bKash, Nagad and Dutch-Bangla Bank Rocket, along with internet banking platforms, have returned to normal operations nationwide following the withdrawal of temporary election-related restrictions.

The services resumed fully on Friday morning after 96 hours of limited operations imposed during the 13th National Parliamentary Election period. 

According to sources at Bangladesh Bank, the restrictions were officially lifted after midnight on Thursday.

The central bank had introduced the temporary measures from 12:00 AM on February 9 to 11:59 PM on February 12 to prevent the potential misuse of funds and undue financial influence during the polls. 

During this period, peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers were capped at Tk1,000 per transaction, with users restricted to a maximum of 10 transactions per day. 

Internet banking-based P2P transfers through banking apps and online portals were also largely suspended.

With the conclusion of the election period, transaction limits have returned to their standard levels. 

However, financial institutions have been instructed to remain vigilant and monitor for any unusual or abnormal transaction patterns as regular, high-volume operations resume.

SH